Practical Application of Forms

When most students start forms training, their main focus is on learning the proper sequence of the techniques to perform the pattern in the prescribed manner. It is unusual for a beginning or even intermediate student to think too much about what they are doing with the techniques and what they are defending against. Is the technique straight forward or could it be something else?

As a student approaches the advanced ranks, most students do start to think about what they are doing in a form in a rudimentary sense. The practical application, or bunkai, of the form is not always readily evident to students. It is only through deep study of the forms that some of these applications begin to reveal themselves. I’ve assembled the following guidelines, not rules, to help students in studying the practical application of their forms.

1. All moves are not readily apparent. Think about all the possible things you could be doing or defending.
2. There is no single application. You could have several valid techniques in the same sequence. Think about what it could be.
3. Every block is a potential strike.
4. Grappling techniques could be hidden in striking form.
5. When in doubt, try it with a partner.

Forms training has been seen as impractical ever since Bruce Lee wrote an article about how forms traning kept traditional martial artists from developing good self-defense techniques. An old practice only good for competition While he has a point about forms training alone being a poor preparation for self-defense, the repetive nature of forms training does build skill in technique. Bruce Lee developed a lot of his ability performing traditional training in his youth.

Self-Defense is also an important part of martial arts but not the only aspect of martial arts training. Most people will be confonted with a self-defense situation only a few times in their lives. Some people avoid these situations altogether. Everyone can benefit from the physical and mental development provided through forms training. It also makes the repetition necessary to build skill in technique much less tedious than other drills.

When my son and I taught a self-defense focused curriculum between 2011 i 2015, we still taught and required forms. I strongly believe they are an integral aspect of the martial arts.

 

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