I have found that the forms of the different arts that I have trained in, have a great amount of purpose.
In the beginning most students either find the form they are taught to be " realy cool" or " a Grand Waste of time" .
I'm speaking here to the group of people that believe forms work is : "A Grand Waste of time".
In the very least the form shows how to apply a specific technique. It then shows how to tie one technique together with a second and then a third.
This is not to say that if you ever have to use your art " on the street" ; that you will use those exact techniques. However , If you have trained in your form work with the goal of Excellence. Then the needed technique or techniques will come out.
Now, when doing this training one must also train "as if". This means you must keep the oponent in mind at all times. For example: Why is this person attacking you? What is he doing? How big is he? Where and what are you doing to him. You must have spirit in you technique. This means whether you are moving slowly or quickly. With power or with no power. It must look and feel as if you are attacking a real opponent. You must also see the affect that a given technique is has on the invisible opponent.
Through doing the Form with this level of intesity and attention to detail, you will develop the skill level necessary. Should you ever be forced into a situation that requires your skills. Remember to train in the way of the old masters.
Through this training you will also develop the conditioning to be able to use these skills.
I am not saying that the only training one should do is forms work. Far from that. However, I am saying that Forms drills or Katas need to be a major part of ones daily workout. It is the techniques from the form, that you will be using on the street, in the field , or in the ring. I dont care how far you can run, or how well you swing a kettle bell or Indian club; or how much you can bench. These things do not stop an aggressor. It is your well developed techniques that prevent you from becoming another client of your local hospital or morgue.
Train to live, Live to Train...
In the beginning most students either find the form they are taught to be " realy cool" or " a Grand Waste of time" .
I'm speaking here to the group of people that believe forms work is : "A Grand Waste of time".
In the very least the form shows how to apply a specific technique. It then shows how to tie one technique together with a second and then a third.
This is not to say that if you ever have to use your art " on the street" ; that you will use those exact techniques. However , If you have trained in your form work with the goal of Excellence. Then the needed technique or techniques will come out.
Now, when doing this training one must also train "as if". This means you must keep the oponent in mind at all times. For example: Why is this person attacking you? What is he doing? How big is he? Where and what are you doing to him. You must have spirit in you technique. This means whether you are moving slowly or quickly. With power or with no power. It must look and feel as if you are attacking a real opponent. You must also see the affect that a given technique is has on the invisible opponent.
Through doing the Form with this level of intesity and attention to detail, you will develop the skill level necessary. Should you ever be forced into a situation that requires your skills. Remember to train in the way of the old masters.
Through this training you will also develop the conditioning to be able to use these skills.
I am not saying that the only training one should do is forms work. Far from that. However, I am saying that Forms drills or Katas need to be a major part of ones daily workout. It is the techniques from the form, that you will be using on the street, in the field , or in the ring. I dont care how far you can run, or how well you swing a kettle bell or Indian club; or how much you can bench. These things do not stop an aggressor. It is your well developed techniques that prevent you from becoming another client of your local hospital or morgue.
Train to live, Live to Train...
