Forms and Sets > Form 4 > Improving Execution

General errors are issues that may occur with a specific maneuver / area of the form or may be more widespread throughout the entire form's execution. The usual source for such broad issues typically springs from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of a maneuver, the maneuver sequence, or from mistakes that creep into one's execution through a lack of, or imprecise practice of the form.

One of the best methods of finding and correcting general errors, such as the ones presented below, is to first take the time to ensure a proper mental reading of the maneuvers of the form. In other words, make sure there are no meaningless motions being executed; that every maneuver has a purpose that is understood, at least in a cursory way.

Next, ensure that each maneuver is properly executed in timing, angle, method of execution, path, etc., as both an individual maneuver and as an integral piece of the form as a whole. It is very easy to let physical problems such as improper angle or timing find their way into one's execution, and then become an unintentional and often unnoticed alteration to the form.

Finally, take the time to confirm that the form is being executed as you intend it to be - both from a mental reference and a physical one. This can often be accomplished either by the use of the scrutiny of a training partner or by reviewing the form through video. Of the two options, the use of a training partner is the preferred method. This is due to the fact that another person may interpret and bring up issues that the individual may miss, overlook, and/or interpret differently. Communication with others can be a not only helpful, but also open new avenues of perception and point of view. Ones that might otherwise not have been exposed.

What follows is a summary compilation of many of the most common general errors. A further consideration into these errors can be found in both the follow-up critiques and in the walk-thru section of this chapter.

Improper Coordination:
	i)	upper body maneuvers not timed properly with lower body maneuvers
	ii)	settle / rotation into stance incorrectly timed with offensive / defensive maneuvers
	iii)	sophisticated motions (multi-faceted) not executed with correct timing (simultaneous / offset)

Improper Gaze:
	i)	eyes and/or reference point not focused toward line of attack / offense
	ii)	head not positioned to emphasis gaze focus point
	iii)	facial expression not focused with intent
	iv)	gaze impacting proper maneuver execution

Improper Breathing:
	i)	breath held during execution
	ii)	breath not used properly in conjunction with major strikes
	iii)	breath not timed properly during execution (breathing at wrong times)

Improper Execution:
	i)	pace results in mumbled (too fast) or ineffective (too slow) maneuvers
	ii)	Economy of Motion principle not obeyed (inefficient motion)
	iii)	improper alignments (upper body maneuvers and/or stances - alone and/or combined)
	iv)	execution to improper angles (upper body maneuvers and/or foot maneuvers)
	v)	incorrect maneuver execution (formation, method of execution, definition, path)

General Errors

General Errors