Welcome to the KenpoPedia > Forms > Form 5 > Frequently Asked Questions > Can Form Five be practiced with real attackers?

Since Form Five is designed primarily around self-defense techniques, it is erroneously reasonable to conclude that the answer to this question would be an unconditional, yes. But practically speaking, that is essentially not true. And, although many of the maneuvers within the form can be easily transitioned from visualization to being done against a live opponent, this is not always entirely doable, without some adjustments. Also, there are other factors one must consider.

As mentioned elsewhere within this guide (and within this section), there are three (3) major divisions within the American Kenpo system (basics, self-defense, freestyle). And, when one wishes to transition maneuvers between divisions, one must sometimes alter and/or adjust some of the maneuvers in order to successfully adapt said maneuvers to their new division. This is primarily due to the differing purposes of the divisions. And, including live opponents into a form is such a transition between divisions.

It is important that one fully comprehend what is being said here. A transition of maneuvers can occur between divisions, but sometimes not without some form of modification, due to the differing objectives of the divisions. And, adding a live opponent is transitioning from the division of Basics to the division of Self-Defense. Or another potential way to look at it is, transitioning from theoretical (or idealized) to more real.

Consider, the isolation sequences contained within the forms. At first glance, they don't appear to pose a problem to the goal of executing against live attackers. But, upon closer inspection there are some shortcuts that these isolation sequences employ that make it difficult to correctly perform them upon a live individual; at least if they are to be performed exactly as executed within the form. So, the solution is simple: Alter the maneuvers to allow them to work correctly on a live individual. In other words, don't try to force the maneuvers to be performed exactly the same way without and with an opponent - this will not work effectively.

As an example, this objective divergence is apparent in the self-defense technique Destructive Fans. As executed within the form, the technique is difficult to perform correctly upon a live partner, without foot maneuver angle modifications. To be exact, the first sweep in the sequence within the form is performed to the incorrect angle for self-defense. This is due to the foot pattern goals of the form maintaining a rigid design in order to achieve goals specific to the forms. In contrast, the self-defense goal is to be practical and effective against an opponent. Conflicting divisional goals.

As a potential alternative, one could make the necessary angular adjustments within the form. This would make the technique sequence both successful and effective against an attacker; where without the adjustment, the maneuver sequence is both less effective and non-practical.

But carrying this adjustment back into the form results its own set of problems. Simply put, this foot maneuver adjustment is just not compatible with the foot pattern of the form. This conundrum leads the practitioner into a quandary as to which should take precedence, form or self-defense divisional goals. If self-defense takes precedence, then the form suffers. If the form takes precedence, then the self-defense technique suffers. A lose-lose situation.

Furthermore, in some other self-defense sequence examples, simple modifications to specific maneuvers to make the overall sequence effective for self-defense are just not practical; or in extreme cases, not possible. Therefore, more extensive changes need to be made in order to satisfy the goals of the self-defense division at the expense of the basics division.

Therefore, while it is possible to answer this question, yes; this must be done within an understanding as to how this can successfully be achieved - with an eye towards the intended goal of the exercise. Otherwise, the outcome will be less than optimal and/or result in an emphatic failure.