many people on here use the mantra 'imagine you are fighting real opponents' when they talk about practising forms/katas but does anyone know of anyone ever bothering to have someone else do the attacks which the the kata/form defends and blocks?

Isn't that bunkai?

Bunkai used as a learning tool, impressive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunkai read that.

so its the 'proper' term for imagining enemys then.

I guess you could say that. But it's got a lot to do with interpreting other applications of techniques. For example a block can often be used as a grappling move. In certain cases, I have been sure that a technique in a TKD pattern was a throw or armlock and have been told by my instructor that it is most certainly a block. Everyone has their own interpretation as to what a technique means, the process of discovering these is the thing which I am talking about.

In my school, we sometimes do kata with "attackers," especially with the beginners. It seems to be a good reality check for them, showing them that kata are not just dance routines. It also helps them with realistic positioning.

In class I try to always explain possible applications of movements within a form. We have also done forms with attackers. Everyone says it really helps them visualize when practicing in the air. Another good way to improve forms is once you have the movements down practice them at variable speeds. I do forms slow for technique, foot work, stances etc.....once that is complete practice the same thing at slightly faster speeds. This method works well for me.

Another way to improve forms is practice movements speratly, outside of doing the form. For instance in my kicking series I kept having a problem with the double side kick (low then high) when doing it with my left leg (after coming around from doing it with my right leg). So I isolated the part I was having problems with and practiced it over and over again for at least 20mins (which isn't really that long). I can do it now, better then I could before, I don't lose my balance.