M
Mantis Leg
Guest
I've been involved in the MA for a number of years and I've studied and seen many different styles in this time. My understanding of forms is that they teach the techniques of the style in a systemized format. In other words they teach you to fight. Obviously you need a partner to really learn fighting, but I feel forms give you the tools.
When I go to tournaments I see lots of craziness in the forms department. Last year I saw a high ranking kung fu practicioner do a monkey form that included lots of acrobatics but no fight. Another stylist did a beautiful tiger form with a wonderful flow. Monkey man took first. Frankly I was shocked and disappointed.
This year I saw white belts doing forms that are traditionally taught at a much higher rank. From what I saw these newbies didn't hit the rythm and timing that make an advanced form what it is. Sure they got trophies, but is that what we study for? It's my feeling that MA should feed the soul and not the ego.
How do you all out there feel about forms? Am I just being cranky?
:soapbox:
mantis
When I go to tournaments I see lots of craziness in the forms department. Last year I saw a high ranking kung fu practicioner do a monkey form that included lots of acrobatics but no fight. Another stylist did a beautiful tiger form with a wonderful flow. Monkey man took first. Frankly I was shocked and disappointed.
This year I saw white belts doing forms that are traditionally taught at a much higher rank. From what I saw these newbies didn't hit the rythm and timing that make an advanced form what it is. Sure they got trophies, but is that what we study for? It's my feeling that MA should feed the soul and not the ego.
How do you all out there feel about forms? Am I just being cranky?
:soapbox:
mantis