<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Forms and Sets > Form 4 > Frequently Asked Questions > How does learning all this information about the form help my American Kenpo?

It is a common refrain of American Kenpo practitioners that it is the thinking man's art. Why? Because American Kenpo does not just cover the whats of the science of martial arts, but also the whys. SGM Parker himself is quoted as saying that the practitioner that knows what will always be the student, but the practitioner that knows the why will be the instructor.

 

What each of these phrases have in common is that they highlight the fact that information is a primary key to becoming a well-rounded practitioner. And, the forms are simply extensions of this train of thought.

 

But this does not really answer the question. To fully answer, one must understand that truly comprehending the whys give answers to questions of how.

 

For example, to understand that one should generally keep an anchored elbow during execution of specific maneuvers is a good thing. But, knowing this does not provide the practitioner as to why this is a good practice. When one understands that anchoring the elbow provides both more cover for the body and better alignment for specific maneuvers, which enhances their overall effectiveness of execution. This knowledge allows the practitioner a better answer to questions and scenarios not asked nor experienced, yet. And, when faced with these new experiences have an answer at hand.

 

And, understanding this knowledge to the point where it becomes simply intuitive and automatic, provides an overall enhancement to one's capabilities and abilities. Even though this benefit is not immediately apparent upon initial learning of the information.

 

This is true for the information present within the forms. It is the purpose of this information to change and direct how the practitioner thinks. And, this alteration in thinking transforms the practitioner not only mentally, but physically. How? In the same way that understanding that an anchored elbow helps both defensively and offensively; resulting in both better execution and better physical protection, accompanied with a deep understanding as to why this is so, to the point where it becomes the default in both motion and thought.

 

And, although this sentiment may initially seem hyperbolic or extreme; understanding the whys is an imperative proficiency for the adept American Kenpoist.