There is a bit of a gross misunderstanding about what traditionalists mean about “form”. Like leaping between convenient definitions to suit the purpose of the time or situation. Sadly sometimes the connection between both is sorely missed or misunderstood. But when used together it becomes more effective, deeper and complex. But in general I think we can agree that in general it means a set of movements, memorized, unrehearsed or inspired, long, short or just little snippets.
In one way, some use it to mean “kata” like in budo or the Japanese arts or like the fixed choreographed forms in Wushu. The way we use it in Filipino Martial Arts is sort of a loose definition and without specific parameters. The way I like to use it is to mean a rehearsal of movement to develop good structure, mechanics, timing and movement.
The funny thing about it though is that i hate memorizing “forms”. It drives me crazy. Sequences can be really confusing and challenging to remember. Inasmuch as i like the carefree flow of “carenza” as any other free spirit, the exploration and experimentation, though it invites a tendency to play only our favorites and “greatest” hits.
Porma pormahan lang 😛I find that there’s something meditative and methodical to the classical structures. There’s an order to it and a discipline that demands respect and introspection. Yup, its an old way and its a hard way, but its appeal has gotten more interesting in the sense that it is unforgiving. A mistake is a mistake and its a good way to keep the movement honest.
It could be an “age” thing. When you are young, aggressive, strong and full of energy. Who wants to be chained by restrictions? I’m my experience though, in the long run, it prepares the framework of the mind and body for task at hand and the body for future progress. Older, its like a good way to process, focus and internalize and especially remember what we could have easily forgotten, foregone or just outright disregarded.
In the end its about balance. A time and age for everything. Some do it early, some do it late. Some do it less, some do it more. Some don’t. In the end it’s all good because practice makes progress.
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There are no secrets to someone who has diligence, resourcefulness and persistence to uncover it. There’s too much talk about “secret” techniques and hidden knowledge. Too much hype about some “magic bullet” of a technique that defeats all. Or that a technique is so special that it is kept a secret.
Instead I would rather the focus be on a better understanding of the mechanics of the movements and the types of strategies it allows you to perform.
Lightning Combatives 