Definition(s):

A concept for relating different Self-Defense Techniques together by recognizing physical patterns contained within the motions of the Base Technique.

Comments:

Humans are excellent at spotting patterns. It is therefore logical to use this ability to spot relationships in our motions. This is the general idea behind this concept.

For example: if given the sequence: 1, 3, 5, 7 - an average person would see the pattern and conclude that the next number would be 9 (i.e. the next odd number). They would be correct. The point of this idea is to use this ability with motion, so that one can not only recognize relationships within the Self-Defense Techniques of the system, but also expand upon this ability for defensive purposes.

The first thing that one must understand about this concept is that an individual sequence (i.e. the spreading of the hands of Parting Wings) is not the pattern. That is just one element of the pattern. For example: think of the motions as a single fighting sequence that can be combined together with other fighting sequences. The Base Pattern is the combining of all the the variations to that fighting sequence. In this context, one should think of the concept of Category Completion - the individual elements are not the category; they help complete the category.

Another way to think about this concept is that the Self-Defense Techniques of the system are used as guides for not only exploring Base Patterns (i.e. a fighting sequence or combination sequences) - but for guiding one in developing and recognizing the many options quickly available to them when in a conflict situation. This is with the overall goal of helping develop one's spontaneity (i.e. Stages of Internalization) and quick response times to a given combat scenario (i.e. Position Recognition).

Within this same theme, one can quickly understand that the Base Patterns can be combined, broken apart, rearranged, and adjusted as needed for a given situation. In fact, the Self-Defense Techniques can be perceived as just an example for combining Base Patterns in different scenarios.

Another important thing one must understand about this concept is that a starting point to a Base Pattern (i.e. Parting Wings or Thrusting Salute) is arbitrary. That is just a randomly chosen entry point into the Base Pattern. Using the examples below, those same patterns could have just as easily started with Snapping Twig or Spreading Branches (as one option). And therefore any name given to a Base Pattern is just for mental reference. In other words, it doesn't matter what the name or starting point is - it is only important that one recognizes the pattern exists.

Another important characteristic of this concept is that it doesn't matter how many Base Patterns one perceives within the Self-Defense Techniques. Nor does it matter whether one individual places a specific sequence into one specific Base Pattern, a different Base Pattern, or both. That is left up to the individual. It is recognized that different minds think and consider options differently.

For example (using the examples below): one may argue that the Parting Wings and Thrusting Salute Base Patterns are the same thing; and therefore be within the same Base Pattern (i.e. not in different Base Patterns). Their argument may be that it is just a simple one-two combination sequence, and therefore a foot replacing a hand is a valid option within the same Base Pattern. Another individual could disagree; and their argument would be that once you use a completely different weapon (i.e. hand vs foot) then the Base Pattern should be split into a new Base Pattern. Who is to say that one is incorrect? This concept does not care about that type of minutia. Both would be correct. The concept is flexible enough such that it is totally left up to the individual to make the decision as to dividing lines between Base Patterns, how many Base Patterns they recognize, Base Pattern names, etc.

Example(s):

For example: one could start with the defensive motions of Parting Wings - this is where the defender is spreading their arms apart (the parting of your wings - i.e. First Point of View) to deflect (the parting of their wings - i.e. Second Point of View) their arms - thus diverting the attempted push. This defensive motion can be recognized as a single element of a larger pattern where the defender moves both arms, but in other (i.e. opposite / reverse) directions, with other timings, or with the opposite intent. A list (non-complete) of of other Self-Defense Techniques that would help create this Base Pattern could be:

•Snapping Twig - both arms coming together (i.e. the reverse motion of Parting Wings.

•Heavenly Ascent - both arms moving upward (i.e. an opposite motion of Parting Wings.

•Hooking Wings - both arms moving backward (i.e. an opposite motion of Parting Wings.

•Destructive Twigs - both arm moving forward (i.e. an opposite motion of Parting Wings) and offensively, rather than defensively (i.e. an opposite motion and an opposite intent of Parting Wings).

•Unfurling Crane - both arms moving outward, but not at the same time (i.e. the same motions as Parting Wings - but with a different timing).

Another example: one could start with the offensive motions of Thrusting Salute - this is where the defender first kicks (i.e. uses an offensive low weapon - in a forward direction), then follows-up with a heel-palm (i.e. uses an offensive high weapon - in a forward direction). This offensive series (i.e. kick and strike) can be recognized as a single element of a larger pattern where the defender utilizes both the high and low weapons - but in other  (i.e. opposite / reverse) directions, with other timings, or with the opposite intent. A list (non-complete) of of other Self-Defense Techniques that would help create this Base Pattern could be:

•Spreading Branches - the upward knee kick is a low short range weapon (i.e. opposite of long range weapon) that travelings upward (i.e. an opposite direction to forward) - followed by the inward-overhead elbow, which is a short range weapon  (i.e. opposite of a long range weapon) that travels downward (i.e. an opposite direction to forward), but the sequence has the same general timing

•Defying the Storm - same relationships as Spreading Branches - but delivered from the front of the body (i.e. the opposite of Spreading Branches which is from behind)

•Intellectual Departure - the back kick is a low long range weapon that travelings backward (i.e. the reverse direction to forward) - followed by the outward back-knuckle, which is a long range weapon that travels outward (i.e. an opposite to a forward direction) and on a circular path  (i.e. an opposite of a linear path)

•Menacing Twirl - the heel-palm / knee sequence (at the beginning of the technique) reverses the height (i.e. high/low) order of Thrusting Salute, but also the heel-palm is delivered as the rear weapon (i.e. an opposite to a front weapon), the knee kick is a low short range weapon (i.e. an opposite to a long range weapon), but with the sequence has the same general timing

Related Definition(s):

Intent, Opposite, Reverse, Timing

Related Term(s):

Base Move, Base Technique, Formulation Phase, Point of View, Self-Defense Technique, What If Phase