Analysis of a form. First of all, what is it? Analysis in the context of forms, is the study, exposure, and critical thinking about information designed into a form. It is literally the understanding of the form. Without some form of analysis, there would be no understanding. It is the only true way that the intended information contained within a form is maintained through generations of practitioners. Whether this analysis is done formally with an instructor, through one's own exploration, or through reading of a guide such as this is only a minor detail. What is important is that analysis take place. Without it, information degrades.
From a contrary perspective, it is an arguable point that one could say that the analysis of the forms and even the forms themselves are not necessary in a fighting art. And, from a very myopic perspective, they may have a point. But American Kenpo is not just a fighting art, it is a martial art; and there is a distinct difference.
So, what is that difference? A fighting art would be one that simply concentrates on fighting and combat, it does not concern itself with the study of motion, understanding that motion, and/or optimizing that motion. A martial art, in contrast, is basically what the name implies; a systematic approach toward understanding and developing the art of combat. In other words, a true system. A system of study as it relates to self-defense and combative situations. In the case of American Kenpo, the comprehensive study of human motion as it relates to combat to form a martial art system.
The key words here being system and study. Study is just another term for analysis. And system is another way of saying a comprehensive and detailed compiling of that analysis, which expresses itself in some formulated way. From the perspective of American Kenpo, this expression is through the principles, rules, theories, concepts, strategies, and actions via the basics, forms, self-defense techniques, freestyle, and other studies that it encompasses.
With study comes information. Details that are passed down to subsequent generations of practitioners. Important information. Information that if lost would negatively affect the system. And, there are many paths to passing down this information. One of which being through forms. Forms have the distinct advantage of being like a book of motion. All the information presented in a specific format that can easily be given to a student. And also like a book, the words (motions) need to be properly copied and interpreted. And, if not correctly copied and/or interpreted, can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, or a downright incorrect understanding.
This is where individual analysis is important. Through proper analysis, the practitioners of the system can ensure that more of the information is correctly preserved. Or even hopefully, all of it. And going even further, aid in explorations into new areas of analysis. This is why the analysis section of this guide comprises such a large percentage of the guide's total volume. This section is intended to help the practitioner answer questions, explore existing avenues of thought, uncover details of which they were previously unaware, and potentially start them down new avenues of analysis - one's that these guides may only hint at.
So, although this section of the guide may seem daunting, dense, or hard to read; understand that its purpose is for reference, exploration, and exposing details that would otherwise not be expressed. It is a necessary part of the both the guides and the system as a whole. Without it these guides would not be complete, and neither would the system.
But before diving into the analysis, it is important to lay out what to expect from this analysis. In other words, how this analysis is designed and how best to use it. The sections following will accomplish this goal.