I agree that you should continue to workout, and not to stop. Because When you get older it is harder to loose that little fat spot. Just look for help if you want to know about nutrition or exersize from people with knowlege in that area.
Now that I think of it I have...he learned first from his father, then, when in Japan he learned a form a karate. Also in canada he learned from a monk a varied style of his fathers. Then he moved to erie PA.
I think kata helps you in many differnt ways. One is that it puts together your basics. When sparring you can reffer back to moves in you kata that would work in the situation that you are in. Even though kata takes a long time to master, it is a great thing to know.
I have heard it is harder on your body. In my organization your don't need force, if you do the moves correctly then it doesn't take much force. All Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo is a very good type because it acually helps you live longer.
I my self don't like the sportier types of karate, so go ahead, punch them in the face. Of course the sportier types a nice to watch, but I like to practice the ancient types.