Forms and Sets > Form 4 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why does Form Four start with the left side?

The reason for this is that Form Four continues to expand upon a physical and conceptual thread that flows throughout the forms, that started with Short Form One. The thread follows the initial maneuver of the forms.

This progression is as follows:

oShort Form One - right front hand defense - stepping backward

oLong Form One - right front hand defense - stepping backward - followed by a left rear hand offense

oShort Form Two - right front hand offense - stepping forward - followed by a right front hand offense

oLong Form Two - right front hand offense - stepping forward - followed by a right front hand offense - followed by its reverse sequence

oShort and Long Form Three - right front hand with left rear hand offense - stepping forward

oForm Four - left front hand defense - stepping forward - followed by a right rear hand defense

Putting this progression another way:

oShort Form One - right front defense

oLong Form One - right front defense / left rear offense

oShort and Long Form Two - right front offense / right front offense

oShort and Long Form Three - right front offense with left rear offense

oForm Four - left front defense / right rear defense