Questions tagged [forms]

A form is a sequence of movements traditionally used in the practice and performance of a martial art.

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What are the purposes of martial arts forms?

A lot of martial arts use forms as a part of the training. They are taught and drilled. One benefit, of course, are the applications that you get from them. Small books of self-defense and movements ...
Anon's user avatar
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18 votes
4 answers
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Why is more time dedicated to exercises and very less for sparring? Is it for the fee?

In some forms of Karate, sparring with a partner is done just once in three months. The rest of the time is spent in strength exercises, katas, flexibility exercises and ab crunches. I've noticed this ...
Nav's user avatar
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12 votes
7 answers
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Is there a written, authoritative source I can reference for interpretations (Bunkai) of Karate (Shotokan) katas?

I'd like to learn more about the various applications and interpretations of Karate katas. Is there a written source I can use?
blueberryfields's user avatar
12 votes
4 answers
3k views

What is the "sine wave" substyle of ITF taekwondo and how did it originate?

Many ITF-based taekwondo practitioners come to notice a difference between different ITF-based organizations with some groups teaching a direct, forceful style and others teaching a more timed, ...
rjstreet's user avatar
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11 votes
6 answers
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What is the application for tai chi's single whip?

What the bleep is going on in tai chi's single whip posture? It seems to be emblematic of tai chi, being a pose frequently struck by practitioners in the presence of cameras. The actual sequence is ...
Dave Liepmann's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
1k views

Why is it easier to punch with palm facing out then down [duplicate]

I recently joined a Muay Thai gym and am doing hundreds of punches. I had one martial arts teacher who taught us to make fists with our palms perpendicular to the earth (thumbs on top) like they do ...
jmbmage's user avatar
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8 votes
4 answers
8k views

Bokken and Jo Kata book

When I did Aikido, several years ago, my teacher knew a lot of bokken and jo katas and other three or four combinations moves (small kata) for bokken and jo that I don't know how to call. The number ...
Aristos's user avatar
  • 475
8 votes
2 answers
603 views

Is there any IWUF-compliant material of Wushu techniques and forms for reference?

I'm looking for a reliable book, website or document that I can use for reference to study each technique specification, and memorize each compulsory Wushu form defined by IWUF. For Changquan and/or ...
ViniciusPires's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
256 views

Tanto Forms Reference

A long time ago I used to study fighting with a tanto, derived loosely from aikijujutsu. Recently I have found myself glancing through a lot of forms practice and analyzing the movements, and was ...
David H. Clements's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

Why do we teach unrealistic bunkai?

When we teach basic bunkai we often show impractical techniques and unrealistic situations for example blocking a mae geri by turning into the kick and using gedan barai. This is obviously not ...
nettux's user avatar
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7 votes
4 answers
3k views

Origin of the "pinyon" in Villari's Shaolin-Kempo-Karate system?

When I was young, I took a few years of Shaolin-Kempo-Karate at a couple Villari's dojos. As part of our training, we had the expected set of katas that we were required to learn. However, there was ...
Ben Richards's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is the purpose of slow movements in poomsae / kata / taolu for?

I'm curious what you are taught about martial application for slow movements? Is there a general concept that a slow movement has a particular meaning? Or does it really depend on the specific ...
Andrew Jay's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is the name of this Taekwondo black belt bo form?

I asked at the school and no one knows the name. We call it the Advanced Bo Form. This form was brought over from the previous school before our current Grand Master took over. Only a hand full of us ...
Termato's user avatar
  • 247
7 votes
2 answers
679 views

Explanation of the goshin-ho kata…

The goshin-ho is a set of 50 self defence techniques that are part of the curriculum for 四段 (4th dan), 五段 (5th dan), and 六段 (6th dan). The start can be seen here and the middle here… I am looking for ...
Sardathrion - against SE abuse's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
6k views

What are the primary differences between poomsae and hyungs?

At my Taekwondo school, we practice the traditional hyungs as created by General Choi. After reviewing several materials for WTF practitioners and reading books on the history of Taekwondo, I'm left ...
rjstreet's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
387 views

What drill or form can I practice with a push broom while sweeping the sidewalk?

I just spent about 45 minutes sweeping up accumulated leaves and debris from the sidewalks and gutters around my house. This gives me plenty of time to think, and so I often wonder: Is there a martial ...
Air's user avatar
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6 votes
6 answers
2k views

How to train for improved balance?

My senseis have told me that I lack balance while demonstrating kicking techniques and Katas. I'm looking for advice on how to train to improve my balance, for example are there any good drills I can ...
kjgregory's user avatar
  • 163
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

Name and meaning of stance where you stand with fists on hips?

After the first Kiai in Heian Sandan (source): Bring left foot to the right, pivot left 180 degrees on the right foot, informal-attention stance (slowly), bring fists to hips, elbows to the ...
zr.'s user avatar
  • 199
6 votes
4 answers
419 views

Utility of pre planned moves [duplicate]

Most martial arts seem to have staged pre defined series of moves as part of their practice routines. Karate with its Katas, Taekwondo with the Poomsaes etc. When push comes to shove and the fight ...
Noufal Ibrahim's user avatar
6 votes
6 answers
360 views

Can Forms (Kata/Poomsae/etc.) or Techniques (Waza) be practiced on the ground?

A lot of non-sport-related martial arts, in my experience, seem to limit ground technique to getting back to the feet in an effective and quick manner. While I don't disagree that being on your feet ...
stslavik's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
738 views

Are there "right" and "wrong" kata bunkais?

This guy says some karate kata movements are to meant to represent defense against takedowns: frames, even sprawls. In other videos (example), his interpretations of kata, or kata bunkais, usually ...
Sergey Zolotarev's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
5k views

How long should the Tai Chi basic 24 form take?

I have started the study of Tai Chi and have really enjoyed it so far. I believe that it has enhanced my overall and previous martial arts experience because it requires me to slow down and breathe. (...
iowatiger08's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
535 views

How to avoid being encircled by a body triangle?

The following sequence shows a fighter crossing his legs around the waist of his opponent. What could be some possible ways to avoid this situation? Once caught in it, how does one get out? To make ...
Marcello Miorelli's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
2k views

Problem holding Taekwondo front kick

My problem is that: My thigh lifts up high when I am nearly executing the kick but as I execute my kick, my thigh stays about my waist. What was that cause from? Also I can do middle split and side ...
Reach's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
628 views

Where can I find Seido resources?

I am an advanced blue belt in the Seido Karate system, and it has been very difficult to find any resources pertaining to katas and kumite. I would love to have a video or written instructions for ...
Romaine Carter's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is there a publicly available syllabus of the Chuck Norris System (formerly Chun Kuk Do)?

I'm particularly interested in which forms (hyung?) are taught, and for which ranks they are required. I've clicked through most (but not all) of the schools listed on the UFAF page. Half of the links ...
John O's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
651 views

Taegeuk Il Jang does not naturally end on the place you started

When performing a poomsae, you should finish on the same spot where you started. Poomsaes are designed to be symmetric, and this should happen naturally if all the steps are done correctly and with ...
Daniel Reis's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why do the 2020 Summer Olympics have Kata but not Poomsae?

According to Wikipedia, the 2020 Summer Olympics will feature karate, and it will include Kata. However, tae kwon do has been an Olympic sport since the 1980s and it obviously does not include Poomse, ...
EJoshuaS - Stand with Ukraine's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

What is the Apocalypse Now kata?

In the movie Apocalypse Now towards the beginning where the protagonist is in his Vietnamese hotel/dorm there is a mental breakdown sequence. During this montage he is seen to be ingesting alcohol, ...
Arash Howaida's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
432 views

If Karate is supposed to be way of the empty-handed, then why does Gosoku-ryū use weapon katas?

I searched up different styles, and I say this style called Gosoku-ryū that has 46 katas including weapon katas. Why would there be katas involving weapons for a style of karate which is an art of the ...
user3525476's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
779 views

In Wushu competitions, why is taolu (forms) technique so different to sanda (combat) technique?

I have been watching quite a bit of footage of the 15th World Wushu Championships and I was quite surprised with how much there appeared to be a difference between the techniques demonstrated in taolu ...
FrontEnd's user avatar
  • 793
5 votes
2 answers
3k views

Why kata competitors wear red and blue belts?

These two colors are also used in Taekwondo Olympic sparring, where the two opponents use red and blue colored protective gear. In the case of Taekwondo, the choice of colors is the same used in the ...
Daniel Reis's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
161 views

Why is judo's Katame-no-Kata so free-form relative to Nage-no-Kata?

The first two kata taught in judo are Nage no Kata (throwing forms) and Katame no Kata (grappling forms). Here is also a second Katame no Kata video with different escapes for the first pin kuzure ...
mattm's user avatar
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5 votes
3 answers
3k views

Diagram of Tensho kata?

I'd like to locate a diagram or other documentation of the Tensho kata. There are some videos available (many of which are very helpful) but I'd like to obtain a printed description of the form if ...
Rich C's user avatar
  • 181
5 votes
1 answer
262 views

Final punches in Shotokan's Jion kata: Straight punch or hammer fist?

The final two punches in Jion are described as straight punches out to the side. With very little exception, however, videos show people doing a cross between a straight punch and a hammer. Some ...
user2153235's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
67 views

Name of two stances and their weight distribution

Beomseogi An official video mentions the name of Beomseogi when the right foot is in front as Oreun Beomseogi. Also, in other times of the video, the naming is consistent: Right foot is front: Oreun ...
Megidd's user avatar
  • 777
4 votes
2 answers
134 views

Under what circumstances would a mule kick be useful?

I am learning martial arts (specifically, Kajenkenbo, someone correct me if I misspelled that) and in class, we went over a move called a mule kick, which is where you look backwards, and then strike ...
Deko Revinio's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
1k views

Need help with sanchin kata

I'm confused as to how this kata is to be preformed. I understand it is a slow and muscle building kata, paired with the hard breathing. Which foot slides into sanchin dachi first? I was confused ...
mgrace's user avatar
  • 101
4 votes
2 answers
451 views

Purpose of the supported palm block in the Taegeuk Chill Jang

The Taegeuk Chill jang move #7 is a supported palm block: the left hand fist faced down, supporting the elbow of the right arm performing a palm block. From an applied poomsae point of view, what is ...
Daniel Reis's user avatar
  • 2,029
4 votes
1 answer
146 views

Is there any textual description available for the Cordao de Ouro Miudinho Sequences?

In response to my question, How can I improve my Capoeira low game other than "just doing it"?, the suggestion was made to try the Miudinho sequences as used by the Cordao de Ouro group. I'...
Macaco Branco's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
160 views

What is the meaning of the pseudonym Eui-Am in TaeKwon-Do?

I have been searching for the meaning of the pseudonym Eui-Am. I know the definition, but what does it mean. This is the most I can find "The Taekwondo pattern Eui-Am was named in honor of Son ...
martzjc's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
688 views

Why was the Original Koryo form replaced?

Most people know of Koryo, the first Black Belt form in Kukkiwon/WTF Taekwondo. However, few people today know that there once was a different version of Koryo practiced before by the KTA. This ...
Biggs's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
2 answers
136 views

What are some good sources to remind me of the order of Bassai kata?

When I was studying my underbelt katas I could always refer to Master Jhoon Rhee's books covering the kata. Those books are no substitute for learning how to perform the kata with my sensei, but ...
Berin Loritsch's user avatar
3 votes
5 answers
858 views

Taekwondo technique similar to "Kamehameha"?

I was told that one of the Dan-level Kukkiwon poomsaes include a movement similar to the Kamehameha we see in the Dragonball cartoons. Is this true? If so, what would be the application for this ...
Daniel Reis's user avatar
  • 2,029
3 votes
2 answers
524 views

The terms "form" and "sequence" in Martial arts

Is there a difference between the two terms form and sequence in martial arts?
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3 votes
2 answers
226 views

Is there an actual standards document for poomsae?

There are numerous seminars, YouTube videos, books, etc. breaking down the "correct" way to perform different tae kwon do poomsae in great detail. I've been curious as to where all this material ...
EJoshuaS - Stand with Ukraine's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
484 views

Martial Arts without jump kicks

I have been doing Taekwondo for years. Now I'm looking for a martial art that doesn't do jump kicks. Regular kicks are fine. I have problems with my knees so anything with jump kicks, low knee bends, ...
Audrey's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
1 answer
315 views

Japanese Short Sword Kata

I want to practice a sword kata indoors. I have a bokken, but my ceiling is too low for me to use it indoors. Because of this, I am considering acquiring a wakizashi bo. From this point, I see two ...
noumenal's user avatar
  • 131
3 votes
1 answer
783 views

Reasons for a Karate Kata disqualification?

In the world of Karate competitions, what are some technical rules that can disqualify a kata? For example, if the stance is too deep and Zenkutsu dachi has its front knee, well before the toe, will ...
Cheral Irumborai's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
6k views

Can I start martial arts after a minor disc herniation?

I used to practice karate earlier. 5 years ago I was diagnosed with minor disc herniation at L4 and L5. I haven't undergone any surgery and pretty much cured just by physiotherapy and can do all my ...
Yash's user avatar
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