Welcome to the KenpoPedia > Forms > Form 5 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why are so many techniques in Form Five done to the back side of the potential opponent?

This observation arises from a few related factors:

First, one major theme of the form, take-downs (aka destabilization), exposes a number of elements. Chiefly, that in order to fill the category of take-downs one must be able to demonstrate this procedure from both the front and rear of the potential opponent This then further exposes the fact that an optimal position a potential opponent could be in, when on the ground, is face down. The face down position exposes the rear center-line. Exposing the rear center-line is more preferable than exposing the front center-line. This position helps diminish the effectiveness of the potential opponent's weapons, along with also severely hampering their line of sight. Simply put, from a strategic perspective, it is far more beneficial to the practitioner to be behind an opponent, on the ground, when compared to being in front of the opponent.

Furthermore, this fact is not only true for a potential opponent on the ground; it is equally true for a standing potential opponent. For basically the same reasons. Again, this contrast is an opposite and can also be used in fulfilling the first factor discussed - category completion.

These factors then further expose another related issue. How does one get to the rear of a potential opponent? This answer is expressed by the form in a number of ways. One could start out behind the opponent. One could move behind the opponent. One could move the opponent to expose their rear center-line. Or, one could use a combination of these options in conjunction with one another. Looking through Form Five, one can clearly see that each of these variations is covered within the form.

One final observation to make about this answer is that being behind the opponent is the opposite of being in front of the opponent. Thus, it is a logical deduction of form progression that one of the American Kenpo forms should concentrate more towards the rear center-line of the potential opponent rather than the front center-line, as a general overall theme. Form Five fulfills that supposition.