Does charging actually do anything?

[Berf]

It's right, the Charge action doesn't give you any benefits.
Still, it is the only way to come in contact with an opponent fighter (special abilities notwithstanding*).
But the Charge action being performed during your activation, some game effects can be triggered this way (like the Brutal charge ability). Also, you can trick some fighter with a 'double' Charge (coming in contact with two opponent's fighters) and therefore be in contact with hard-to-catch fighters (like Yuri or the Yellow Komuso), assuming you target the other fighter first with your Charge action. Movement is a key element to the game mechanics, so stay alert and watch out for unexpected moves !
*I hope I used this word correctly