Forms and Sets > Form 4 > Improving Execution > Form Coordination

Maneuver coordination is limited in scope to an individual maneuver. This includes just prior to, during, and just after execution of the maneuver. In contrast, maneuver coordination is not limited to a specific type of maneuver. It includes body maneuvers, foot maneuvers, defensive maneuvers, offensive maneuvers, etc. Maneuver coordination also covers all types of bodily maneuvers. This includes upper body maneuvers, lower body maneuvers, breath, muscle, structural, organ, etc. Finally, maneuver coordination encompasses not only the maneuver itself, but all of its diverse contributing elements and other ancillary constituents. This includes weight, balance, mind, focus, attention, intent, purpose, speed, time, etc.

From another contextual perspective, the definition of maneuver coordination refers to the precise syncing of and focusing of movement, mind, and breath to manipulate and/or maximize results. Also, maneuver coordination is typically considered the default coordination a practitioner would be referencing when using the term "coordination" in a general context.

From a form specific perspective, maneuver coordination generally references the execution of a specific maneuver and how it affects the performance of the form as a whole. And overall, this typically refers to how it contributes or detracts from an observer's (or one's own personal) critique of the form. Put into the form of a question, how well was each maneuver executed (a.k.a. coordinated)? Generally, the answer to this subjective question lays in how the coordination of each maneuver was manipulated to produce a final result.

Maneuver Coordination Manipulation

As a general rule when executing forms, maneuver coordination can be said to be correct if:

•the upper body and lower body are in sync

•the extremities and head are in sync with the rest of the body

•the body and breath are in sync

•the body and mind are in sync

To provide an example baseline understanding of the above proposition: hand and foot coordination should generally be synchronized such that upper body maneuvers complete execution precisely with the lower body maneuvers. This coordination allows for the upper body maneuvers to have a solid base upon execution. As a rationale for this specific coordination: If one were to block too soon, the block would complete without having a solid base. In contrast, if one were to step, pause, and then block, the block would be considered delayed. In either case, and from an external vantage point, the block would be considered not maximized for the overall execution of the maneuver, and one's coordination would need to be corrected in order to maximize the intended result.

Without doubt, there are circumstances within the forms were the above coordination example would prove not appropriate; where a specific maneuver does not follow this general coordination policy. But in those examples, the manipulation of maneuver coordination is purposely altered to demonstrate divergent principles and concepts. Alternatively, one must also consider the totality of a form's purpose within American Kenpo. In short, it is to exhibit and expose opposites and reverses. And, this opposing maneuver coordination fits securely within this stated mandate.

And as stated above, maneuver coordination manipulation encompasses all of the other minutia of the maneuver and is not limited to only the major constituents. Any (re)positioning / (re)focusing of the arms / hands - legs / feet - head / mind / intent should be applied in-sync with the maneuver as a whole. Bad coordination of any of these many elements of the maneuver will negatively disrupt the coordination of the entire maneuver.

Also, maneuver coordination is dependent upon the individual maneuver combined with the intended outcome. Regardless of the context, proper maneuver coordination is an objective goal that is perceptible and reproducible. And, with experience and practice, one should be able to discern a precisely and correctly coordinated maneuver from one that is imprecise or incorrect. Furthermore, the ability to discern optimized coordination from inadequate coordination should be developed and honed. With the acquisition of this skill, one will not only be able to distinguish meticulously executed maneuvers from lazily executed ones in others; they will also be able to fold this skill back into their own performance, refining their ability to execute the form - precisely as they intend.