|
THE ROLE OF FORMS FOR CONTEMPORARY FIGHTING
MARTIAL ARTISTS
By Alvin Kan-Senior Instructor
Geoff Bennett Martial Arts International
When
many people see the name of the system
I study, Progressive Protection Systems, they instantly think of
a modernist system, which abhors the use of kata
or forms. In my youth, I found forms
work tedious and useless, of no importance
to my quest of truth in combat and
merely something I had to do to further my progression
in kung fu.
I realise now it was because I viewed
the practice of forms in a totally incorrect
context. My Master Geoff Bennett explained
that every move of a form teaches us
important lessons about combat and its
components as well as our wellbeing.
I was viewing the forms incorrectly as
a blueprint for fighting, and merely
as a series of techniques.
I was later informed that forms teach
us principles not necessarily techniques,
for that is what practice is for. Forms
sometimes teach us how to move, how to
combine techniques, how to protect the
centre line. Forms can also teach us
balance and non-balance and their relationship
in a fighting context.
Forms also force us to function outside
our comfort zone. Forms ask us to repetitively
drill to perfection, skills that would
otherwise be considered too hard or time
consuming. If it were not for forms people
would simply find a method they were
comfortable with and use it continuously
for sparring and not work at skills that
did not come as naturally. What may ultimately
become a tool that bears great fruit
may not have developed had it not been
contained within a particular set.
Construction of new forms is not an
undertaking done regularly in modern
times with the continuing debate about
their use. It is a major pity though
as the construction of new forms forces
upon the composer deep reflection and
contemplation of the principles of the
system and the skills and attributes
that are to heighten resulting from its
practice. This may often uncover hidden
ideals, unlocking keys to the systems
being practiced.
When practicing forms a real master
will direct the student behind the
true purpose of the technique they
are performing which always lies beyond
the obvious. The Master will sometimes
observe the student temporarily taking
the incorrect path in the interpretation
of a form’s principles leading
them back to the truth if they stray
too far away from its true meaning.
This will allow the student to learn
experientially the lessons inherent
in the form, such that they will be
much more appreciative of those lessons
learned than if it was hand fed to
them, also learning in the process
why the wrong way of doing things is
the wrong way.
Even forms without obvious fighting
intent or practicality can prove beneficial.
Some may facilitate correct breathing
for health such that we may function
correctly (Pic1). Others may promote
flexibility in areas (Pic2), which are
not often exercised, which may improve
our martial performance in a fight. Mental
stimulus is often an attribute not associated
with the practice of form. An instructor
may not always “tell” the
student the meaning of forms movements
immediately as the journey to the truth
may be as meaningful as the truth.
Many modernists decry the practice of
forms. Most notably practitioners of
Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do for many
years cried the futility of fixed positions
and forms. What is little known however
is that Bruce Lee himself practiced the
Sil Lum Tao religiously everyday, for
this was the only form that he was taught
formally. Repetition of the Sil Lum Tao
develops flexibility in the shoulders
and chest so necessary for correct elbow
position to control the centreline (Pic3).
Even many of today’s Jeet Kune
Do practitioners practice forms, including
its head Dan Inosanto, as dhuras (forms)
are a compulsory component of the Serak
(pronounced Ser-ah) System of Penjak
Silat, which is widely endorsed by JKD.
When forms are spoken of in a martial
arts context many think instantly of
solo, empty hand sets. This is not necessarily
a true image of forms. Particularly within
Chinese systems, where weapons sets are
numerous together with multiple person
sets, using both empty hand and weapons
(Pic4&5).
Fighting with a weapon is an undertaking
far more unnatural to the beginner than
the practice of empty hand fighting.
Here the practice of forms to initiate
fundamental manipulation and principles
of the weapon are invaluable. Continuos
repetition of the set will ensure that
the weapon and the person body move harmoniously
and unison (Pic6).
Two man sets, armed and empty hand,
develop timing, spatial awareness as
well as confidence in movement and posture.
What is sometimes overlooked, eclectic
martial artists and JKD practitioners,
is that the Filipino practice of Sambrada
(Pic7,8) is nothing but a short two man
set repeated over and over again to develop
timing, spatial awareness and confidence
in movement.
The length depth and awkwardness of
stances is often a reason for the dismissal
of the relevance of forms as an aid in
the development of combat understanding.
Low stances help build discipline, develop
flexibility and strength in the legs
(Pic 2). Moving from through deep, long
stances in forms only aids in the speed
and explosiveness in movement when fighting
in more combat orientated postures. It
also helps develop range of motion and
strength through the hip joints so rarely
used in today’s society even by
most modern martial artists. Other stances,
which seem awkward, teach us to play
with balance (pic9) and how to use the
energy from stumble to recover and still
deliver accurate strikes. What people
also fail to identify these traditional
stances can act as effective transitional
stances in both empty hand (pic10, 11)
and armed combat (pic12, 13).
Conclusion
Forms have both physical and mental
purpose in the curriculum for contemporary
fighting martial artist. Many of those
arguing the futility of forms simply
do not understand their purpose. Others
argue that forms or kata are the soul
and main core of martial arts. It is
our belief that the truth lies somewhere
in between and whilst kata should be
an integral part of a curriculum it is
only part of the map that guide us on
our path to the truth in combat.
Whilst the common ritual violence the
form’s techniques were based to
defend against have changed, the lessons
and principles they teach hold true today
as they did back then. The actual practice
of a form will alter as the practitioner
becomes more advanced. With greater understanding
of his system, principles that are contained
within those forms will be uncovered,
leading to practice of the functions
at a higher level. Those wishing to fully
benefit from the lessons that martial
arts have to offer must take a serious
and detailed, rather than shallow study
and exploration of forms practice.
About the author: Alvin Kan has been
studying Martial Arts for 18 years starting
with Judo, 6 Years with Master Michael
Spinks Studying Jin Wu Koon Double Dragon
Shaolin Gung Fu and the Past 11 Years
with Master Geoff Bennett studying Progressive
Protections Systems, which is based on
the Five Ancestors Gung Fu System. Alvin
also has investigated the arts of Brazillian
Ju Jutsu, Kickboxing and Kali and teaches
The Progressive Protection Systems in
the Hills District, North Western Sydney
.
To Contact Alvin Kan : gbmai_hills@hotmail.com
Master Geoff: geoffreybennett@optusnet.com.au
Visit us at : www.martialarts-int.com.au
Or view our details in the classifieds
at the rear pages of Fight Times
|
