Convocation of Combat Arts

Nathan over at TDA Training started a Google Group: “THE CONVOCATION OF COMBAT ARTS FORUM“

Who knows? This may lead to a secret society, complete with real meetings and cool uniforms!

Regardless, please consider joining and checking us out!

While you’re at it ALSO consider adding your blog to the TopList group that I manage.

~BCP

[tags] Convocation of Combat Arts, TopList, Top List, martial arts, combat arts[/tags]

The Value of Forms

Prior to 1970 Taekwondoists likely practiced forms that were variations of Shotokan Karate katas. Today, while there are many styles of forms with at least one that is still very similar to Shotokan, the two common and distinct styles are the P’algwae and T’aeguk sets. Both sets consist of eight forms which are learned before the black belt forms.

The P’algwae series typically use much deeper stances and longer movements, while the T’aeguk series relies on shorter stances and movements that are supposed to reflect modern fighting. Interestingly, partially due to the strife between the WTF and ITF, the T’aeguk series were supposed to replace the P’algwaes. However, both are still widely taught.

Forms are a series of pre-determined movements where the Taekwondoist practices techniques against imaginary opponents. Forms are one way for the Taekwondoist to practice fundamental techniques. Forms help with the following:

1. Combat skills

• Repetition of basic movements which become ingrained
• Speed, power, timing, balance, and movement
• Concentration under a stress (to varying degrees, trying to do a form while being watched and doing it perfectly does create stress and requires much focus)

2. Exercise

• Done properly with dynamic tension forms are one way to exercise
• Forms help to develop strength and endurance

3. Moving meditation

• Using a form that is ingrained, one can execute it at half speed and try not to think of anything. As such, forms become a way to meditate and relieve stress

The debate within taekwondo: Are forms of any use?

Generally two views: One camp says yes and will cite such things as combat value, artistic expression, or preservation of Korean culture. The other camp says no and advocates updating them (again!) or doing away with them altogether.

My view on the matter has changed. If you would have talked to me 15 years ago after my “McDojang” experience I’d have told you that forms were a waste of time. However, that view was based on one bad school and my own ignorance of the art–not to mention fighting in general.

So as not to criticize only Taekwondo but I disliked Wing Chun’s empty hand forms even more and still do! In fact, I’ve forgotten them. However, WC’s wooden dummy form does have use in my opinion and I still practice the first third which was taught to me.

Even after having gotten back into Taekwondo I secretly had my doubts about forms. I figured that I’d go through the motions and emphasize other aspects of training, all in an effort to get my black belt. Funny thing happened on the way to the bread store: I started to enjoy the forms and I’m starting to appreciate their value.

Owing to some experience in hand striking arts it’s no secret that I am still biased to that form of fighting. So, the first thing that got me to re-thinking forms was a comment that John over at Martial Views made. He pointed out that boxers do shadow box and for them it could be described as a type of form. After thinking about it for a few months I realized that John is correct.

Any combat system is going to make you repetitively repeat basic and advanced fundamentals until you can do them without thought. You see this in martial sports, traditional martial arts, and even in “reality” systems. The whole idea behind this is to eventually be able to react with out thinking and also to improvise in combat. Well this does not happen from years of playing Nintendo and sitting on the sofa eating nachos! It only happens after hundreds of hours of practice! Once you start to ingrain techniques you then can start to work on combinations and fluidity–usually in a sparring setting and against different types of opponents.

For me, forms are a safe way to practice some essential fundamentals of combat and ingrain certain techniques. Granted, you need to do more than just shadow box or practice forms to be effective. However, they do have their place and value in my opinion. They are also a fun way to exercise and I occasional use them as moving meditation too.

~BCP

[tags]taekwondo, forms, kata, poomse, martial arts[/tags]