From: The Eternal Lost Lurker <EternalLostLurker@worldnet.att.net>

A lot of people have posted the more technically correct reason

already,

but you know I can't let a thread like this pass without commenting.

For which I thank you.  Always an interesting read, Lurker.  And
interesting points brought up.

1. Technically speaking, the use of a pose and a shout is a method of
focusing the energies one is summoning. It's possible to harness and
control these energies simply by DOING so, but when one is still

learning,

still training, still fairly inexperienced in the use of these powers,

it

helps to have a focus, something to concentrate on to channel the

power.

I think this is what everyone was pretty much saying and the question I
was trying to get answered.  "Do real martial artists/fighters/etc.
announce their moves or attacks beforehand?" should have been my
original question.

2. Realistically speaking, it's a quirk of manga/anime. In manga, you
wouldn't neccessarily KNOW what's going on unless it's spelled out for

you,

because it's difficult to illustrate the effects of a special technique

in

still frames. It carries over into the anime mainly because it's what
people have come to expect, although most likely there is another, more
simple reason (ie: it's cool.)

And the point only one person brought up, but the best reason why we see
it done in the manga/anime.

To everyone that responded to my question, thank you.

-Tom