Why Forms?

The legendary Bruce Lee wrote an article for Black Belt magazine many years ago that challenged the efficiency and efficacy of kata, forms or pattern training. Ever since that article, 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 share their opinion but I do not. I still believe that Taekwondo forms training is necessary for my students.

My son and I disagree on this point. I remind him his smooth, technical abilities came from the forms training he did when younger. 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 noticed that the martial artists with the most refined techniques practiced forms training regularly. You are not only perfecting the techniques. You are analyzing how you are using them.

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. The forms were created to teach defenses against attacks, samurai armed with swords, that are obsolete. However, with a few modifications like protecting your head, you can still the attacks for defense. If you don’t believe me, watch a Lyoto Machida UFC fight.

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.” Give that man a prize. Today, you will not find a boxer who doesn’t fight with his hands up.

Lets not throw out the baby with the bath water.