Form into Function

Well I have to apologize. As mentioned in my last post, I was going to show you how to create a home gym.  Unfortunately, I've been having troubles with my camera's software and was unable to get the video clip the way I like it.  So I'll have it up and running hopefully by Monday, if not sooner. Ok, now to business.

On the weekend, we had a seminar for senior students/instructors. We covered the different technician chi-sao sections, as well as a crash course/introduction to the wooden dummy form.

With all the drills and techniques aside, this seminar (and past seminars and lessons) repeatedly demonstrate that the progression of the empty hand forms (also weapons forms) is not a progression in technique or weapons but a progression in functionality.  The Biu Tze form is not an "advanced" form because you get to thrust fingers at your opponent nor is it more deadly than the Siu Nim Tao form because you get to use your elbows to strike your attacker.  Similarly, it is no more "dangerous" than the Chum Kiu form simply because it is taught later or considered the "secret form." 

Any teacher that passes this message onto his/her students is a fake.

The progression of the forms, SNT -> CK -> BT, is a progression in function. Each form provides further insight into how to use ANY technique.  This is the lesson to take home - it is not a new strike or kill shot that is exposed in the form - but HOW a regular strike can be delivered as a kill shot that is exposed. Get it? 

A tan sao performed by a student who has only been exposed to the Siu Nim Tao form will be drastically different from a tan sao performed by student who has been exposed to both the Siu Nim Tao and Chum Kiu form. 

It's starting to make sense now, when you see it from the "progression of function" perspective. Ask yourself this, why is the Biu Tze form the third form? Why not the second or the first?

Because the BT form teaches a function in how to strike/defend/move that requires the proper foundation to perform that intended function. That foundation is developed by the SNT and CK form.  

You can't run before you can walk. Walking builds function in your legs, back, brain and nervous system for the purpose of, well, walking from point A to B. Running will get you to point B faster, but the function in running can only be performed once walking is figured out.

Really, there's no real special usable "technique" in running that can be replicated by someone who can't walk first even though that person may know what the techniques are (knee position, head position, stride length, etc). 

The same with the forms contained in the Wing Tsun system. 

There is no deadly/secret strike in such and such form. Instead, it is the lesson hidden in the form that makes your strikes more dangerous.  

Until then.