<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Forms and Sets > Form 4 > Variations > Specific Variations > Defensive Cross - Initial Strikes - Path Angle

This variation is generally considered destructive.

 

The initial strikes of the technique Defensive Cross are changed. This variation is accomplished by altering the path of the initial strike sequence (back-knuckle / heel-palm + claw) from directly vertical to diagonally-downward. This variation basically comes down to an argument of an emphasis on realism (stylized) over theme (idealized).

 

Rationale For

The rationale for this variation is to be more realistic in execution. Execution with a diagonally-downward path is how the technique is executed when not in the context of this form and therefore should be executed the same way within the context of the form. This adds to the general appearance of being more realistic and practical from the observer's perspective.

 

Rationale Against

The rationale against this variation is that it eliminates both inter-form and intra-form relationships. In this specific case, a directly vertical path provides not only relationships within this form, but also between previous and future forms. Using the less realistic path allows for better visualization of this relationship (from both an observer's and the practitioner's perspective), and for the practitioner to more easily understand / be constantly reminded of this relationship between forms.