Most forms start out quite simple and progressively get harder as the student gets better and moves up in belt rank.
Forms teach you how to move from one technique to another smoothly in a series of choreographed fighting movements performed against an imaginary opponent or opponents with a fixed starting and ending point.
Forms are the beauty, the art , of the martial arts, without forms there can be no martial arts there is only fighting and self defense techniques.
Form training creates inner peace and helps keep you healthy.
Each of the following 9 method will add a new level of understanding to the form and each method offers different benefits to the student.
There are 3 parts of each movement in a form, you have direction, your stance and the techniques.
After learning the pattern of the form, practice will enable you to move smoothly from one movement to the next.
The regular-style forms training develops balance, coordination and power, both physically and mentally.
Concentration Style In concentration-style form practice each movement is executed with intense power, concentration and proper breathing is emphasized.
There are actually 3 types of concentration styles you can use to practice your forms.
Directional Styles You begin your form facing a different direction from the normal position you use.
Most forms start with you facing the front of the dojo.
Another way to do this style is to perform the form against a wall.
The object is to end up at the end of the form where you would end up with your eyes open.
Practical Application Style Here you want to perform each movement of a form with a partner.
Your partner assumes the role of the assailant, attacking from the left front and back in the order the form requires.
Choose a few points in the form so that you can perform a certain technique that you would like to emphasize in the form.
Musical Styles Musical forms training take’s a kata and choreographed music to the movements of the form.
Is practicing forms 9 different ways contrary to tradition you may ask? The answer is not necessarily if the principal involved in each training method are consistent with martial arts philosophy.
Try practicing your forms using each of the methods explained here in this article and watch as you move towards form perfection.
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