Are Forms Important for Martial Arts?

The legendary Bruce Lee wrote an article for Black Belt magazine many years ago which challenged the efficiency and efficacy of kata, forms or pattern training.  Ever since the publication of this article, many other martial artists have begun to challenge or question the need for forms training.  Since I am dedicated to teaching self defense, you would think I might share their opinion but I do not.  I still believe Taekwondo forms training is necessary to make a complete martial artist.

My son and I actually disagree on this point but I remind him that a lot of his abilities came from the forms training we did when he was little.  He learned to move and strike at the same time because of forms training.  Forms training teaches the fundamental moves of a martial art in a progressive manner.  As you progress through the forms, they increase in difficulty and include more diverse movements.

I also noticed over the years that the martial artists with the most refined techniques practiced forms regularly.  You should not only be perfecting the techniques.  You should be analyzing how you and why you would use the techniques.  What attack would you be fending off?  Are you blocking or is it a hidden strike or other technique?  Why would I move like that against such an attack?

Finally, forms are the art of the martial arts.   A martial artists performing a form is demonstrating the skill, grace and beauty of the art.  I believe in practical self defense.  We should have room for artistry as well.

I do see some of the limitations of the forms for self defense.  Most forms were created to teach defenses against attacks by samurai armed with swords.  These attacks aren’t common today. However, you can still use some of the attacks for defense.  If you don’t believe me, watch a Lyoto Machida fight.  Several fights are available for free on YouTube.

Remember, boxers used to hold their hands low just over a hundred years ago.  Some boxer or trainer realized one day, “You know.  Four of my five sensory organs are in my head.  If I keep my hands up to guard my head, it is harder to knock me out.”  Today, you won’t find a boxer who doesn’t fight with his hands up.

I am all for innovation and bring in new techniques to defend against new attacks.  Lets not throw out the baby with the bath water.

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