In many ways, improving the execution of Form Five is the same as improving the other forms of the system. Elements such as pace, coordination, breathing, gaze, alignment, and others are shared between all of the forms. Exploring, practicing, and improving many of those elements are very similar and transferable throughout the entire system.
But there are indeed some explicit differences for improving Form Five's execution. The most important of which comes from how the themes of Form Five differ from the themes of the previous forms. As mentioned in the "Execution" section of this guide, Form Five has a higher concentration of lower body maneuvers than its previous counterparts. And as also stated in that previous section, this also means that Form Five expands upon vertically oriented maneuvers more in-depth than the previous forms.
It is at this point that three (3) observations should be noted about this characteristic: First, that vertical (height) is the opposite of horizontal (depth). Second, that Back-up Mass and Gravitational Marriage are both linear paths of travel, just in opposite directions (dimensions). And third, Torque is circular and thus can be considered "the odd man out" from this purposely myopic perspective. Because of this, this discussion will primarily concentrate more on the first two (2) observations and far less on the third (3rd).
From this perspective, Back-up Mass and Gravitational Marriage appear to be very similar in nature. This logically means that they both should also have many things in common - and they do. But for the purposes of this discussion of Form Five, one major similarity stands out. That similarity can be described using the following common American Kenpo adage: "alignment makes Back-up Mass possible."
And, because alignment is so important for horizontal (Back-up Mass) power generation, it makes sense that this would also be true for vertical (Gravitational Marriage) maneuvers. And, this deduction is indeed correct.
It cannot be understated as to how important it is to understand these similarities; because many of the rules and principles of motion exposed within Form Five rely upon this fact. From one perspective, proper execution of Form Five would not be possible without the adherence to this fact. Using a play on the original adage, it could be safe to say that: "alignment makes proper execution of Form Five possible."
It is at this point that another related observation about Form Five's execution should also be noted. Since Form Five expands upon the use of Gravitational Marriage (i.e. vertical maneuvers), it becomes apparent that these vertical maneuvers expose not necessarily a new set of skills that must be mastered, but rather a modification of how these skills are applied. And, just as the practitioner hones skills for horizontally oriented linear and circular maneuvers; vertical maneuvers require the same development of the use of the body, only in slightly different ways.
One of the most important differences lay in the proper use of mass in tandem with alignment. One might say that this previous statement is the same statement that would be used for horizontal maneuvers. And this would be true. Although, the main difference between the horizontal and vertical uses of mass is not the basic understanding that vertical maneuvers do indeed require alignment, but rather how to determine whether this alignment is correctly applied.
As one important example, let's consider the stomping maneuver. This maneuver is executed many times within Form Five, in a number of different ways. But, how does one determine whether this maneuver is executed effectively in contrast with ineffectively? The easy answer is through alignment and body mass usage. But, with most issues in any subject, the devil is in the details.
For instance, just because one stomps their foot on the ground, does not mean that they have executed the maneuver as effectively as they could have. So, what tools does American Kenpo provide to help the practitioner determine effective from ineffective? This is where the rules and principles of motion come into play and are expressed within the form. And, even though "rules and principles of motion" are part of the definition of an American Kenpo form, these elements of the definition are rarely detailed, chronicled, or directly stated. In reality, they are mostly implied and assumed through repeated correction and partially through mimicry.
Continuing with the stomp from above, what principles and rules are employed in the exercise of determining whether the stomp is effective? What follows is a list of principles and rules directly related to this maneuver, but also others that are more generally applied to any maneuver.
Principle #1: Economy of Motion
This is probably one of the most important and most well-known principles of American Kenpo. The basic idea of the principle is to be as efficient as possible with motion. But there is an opposite to this principle that may arise: not giving enough travel to make the maneuver effective. So, there is a delicate balance between too much and too little; with the governing factor being effectiveness.
A short list of concepts and ideas that can be directly associated with this principle are:
•Path of Travel - The idea that a maneuver requires a subjective minimum amount of travel in order to be effective. This typically is in reference to an offensive maneuver. The minimum amount of travel needed varies greatly between practitioners, and is directly attributable to the skill level of the individual; where this generally means, less skill means more travel, and more skill requires less travel.
•Outer Rim - This concept places recommended limits on where maneuvers should be confined to in relationship to the body. For the upper body, this limit is generally bounded by - the top of the head, the shoulders, and the groin. But for the lower body, these limits are not completely transferable.
•timing gaps - Probably the easiest way to describe this idea is to visualize striking an opponent with the same offensive maneuver twice. In order to do so, one would typically need to cock the weapon in order to re-deliver the strike effectively. This creates a time lag between the first and second striking maneuver in which the opponent could mount a defensive. This is called a timing gap. In order to fill that timing gap, one could insert another maneuver to keep the opponent occupied, simultaneously with the cocking of the original weapon. The implementation of this strategy is commonly referred to as "not making a cock a separate motion".
Some rules that are created in order to adhere to this goal are:
•Always eliminate wasted motion - This rule specifies that one should work towards efficiency by removing any motions that do not directly work towards the effectiveness of the maneuver. In other words, employing the "don't make a cock a separate motion" idea. One important thing to consider is that this rule (like most rules) can be applied both offensively and defensively.
•Always provide the proper Path of Travel for any maneuver - This rule is the opposite of the first rule. It basically ensures that one isn't too economical with their motion. A way to tie this rule directly to our stomp example is that there is a specific rule which is associated with stomping maneuvers. It is:
•Stomps should generally be 3x the height of whatever is being stomped - This rule is different from the first two general rules, because it is specific to the stomp itself. The purpose of this rule is to give the practitioner a starting place to determine if they are providing a proper Path of Travel for the stomp, in order to be effective. But one must keep in mind that, as stated earlier with the idea of Path of Travel; this gap is subjective and based upon the skill of the practitioner. This rule is a prime example of how rules are guidelines, and are therefore subject to exceptions.
Principle #2: Power
This principle can generally be attributed to effectiveness and how we achieve our goal. This principle is most commonly known by the dimensions in which we generate power. Depth - or Back-up Mass. Height - or Gravitational Marriage. Width - or Torque. Combined together these are called the Power Principles of American Kenpo.
A short list of concepts and ideas that can be directly associated with this principle are:
•Directional Harmony - This concept refers to attempting to have all energies involved in a maneuver working in concert to improve or enhance the effectiveness of the maneuver. There are a number of other concepts that are very similar to this one, but they can all generally be covered by this concept.
•Body English - This concept refers to using subtle body maneuvers in conjunction with the major body maneuvers to help enhance a maneuver even further. Things such as: slightly adjusting weight distributions, settling, adjusting angles, and using minor rotations to enhance major rotations.
Some rules that are created in order to adhere to this goal are:
•Always avoid wasting energy - This rule is an adjunct to the Economy of Motion principle, but for power. It basically means; only use the proper amount of energy to make something effective. For example: this can be attributed physically to tense muscles vs relaxed muscles and when each should be used. In the case of our stomp, the typical way to execute this maneuver is: one should remain relaxed until the point of contact, tense with impact, and then quickly become relaxed again after the point of contact. Doing this allows on the muscles needed to enhance the strike to do their work without being resisted by muscles that prevent power generation.
•Always attempt to generate the proper power required to make the maneuver effective - This rule can generally be thought of as the opposite of the previous rule. It basically says that one should quickly determine the proper power required to make the maneuver effective, and try to generate it as efficiently as possible.
•Always commit the proper mass to a strike to produce the intended effect - To relate this rule to our stomp example; one should think about executing the stomping maneuver without committing one's weight to the strike. Doing this would severely limit the effectiveness of the stomp. That is why it is so important to make sure that one's weight is fully committed to the maneuver. This then brings in a corollary to this rule: Avoid relying upon only isolated mass. This is basically the exact same thing, but described from a different point of view. And, using this rule, from the point of view of power, we get:
•Always attempt to maximize power by using as many dimensions as possible - This rule is directly tied to the concept of Body English. A way to think about this is that one should try to enhance power by engaging more than just the primary dimension of a maneuver. As stated in the concept of Body English; this can be done by settling, extra rotations, and/or altering the angles of strikes to help employ extra dimensions.
Principle #3: Alignment
This principle basically brings in the idea of using the body properly to not only generate power, but also provide the proper structural backing for maneuvers. One of the most common adages used to highlight this principle is: "Alignment makes Back-up Mass possible". Although this adage is effective in getting the point across, it is only the tip of the iceberg to this principle. But a quick summary of this principle is that all this economy and power are useless unless there is a proper foundation. This principle also brings in another principle that is so important it will be discussed in its own section: Leverage (and Levers).
A short list of concepts and ideas that can be directly associated with this principle are:
•Stance - The orientation of our feet and body in relation to the maneuver. This is so important that it is directly attributed with rule #1 (described below).
•Check / Cover - The positioning of body parts to not only help protect specific regions of the body, but potentially prevent or hinder the opponent's ability to maneuver.
•Brace Angle - The concept of creating an angle with the structure of the body to divert power in intended directions; such as to the ground, for the purpose of providing structural backing to the maneuver.
•Fitting - The concept of using the proper weapon formation and orientation best suited to take advantage of the contour of intended target with our weapon. Another way to think about this is to fill holes and flatten bumps with our weapons.
•Angle of Incidence - The concept of using the proper contact angle to transfer the intended power to the intended target. One problem with understanding this concept is that one automatically assumes that Angle of Incidence means a 90 degree angle. And, although this is often true, it is not always true. Another way to think about this idea is not to create a glancing angle with a strike - unless this is specifically intended.
Some rules that are created in order to adhere to this goal are:
•Always create and maintain a stable base - AKA: Rule #1. This rule basically says that if there isn't a stable base, there isn't the ability to generate power. And, although one might argue that this is not always true (and they'd be right), keep in mind that this is a general rule. And as stated earlier, general rules (like all rules) do have exceptions. The easiest way to think about a rule is through this adage: "rules are right and should be applied 99% of the time". Not necessarily true, but it gets the point across.
•Always provide proper structural (skeletal) backing to body parts and musculature for generating the intended energy transfer to target - This rule is directly tied to the concept of Brace Angle and can be thought of as an adjunct to Rule #1; only for the rest of the body. As this relates to our stomp, this rule provides us with a way to determine if the stomp is backed up properly. In the case of a vertical (not diagonal stomp), this could be done by the following body alignments: knee directly over the stomping heel, direction of the stomp is directly downward, weight dropping directly downward and directly on top of the foot. And, in the case of a diagonal stomp, the alignments would be very similar, and provide the same general structure, but only shifted to a diagonal offset (from vertical).
•Always use proper weapon formation and orientation when creating and executing the intended strike - This rule can be looked at from both first person and second person perspective. From first person perspective it can be thought of as making sure one does not injure their natural weapon through both proper shaping and proper rotational angles. And, from a second person perspective through the concept of Fitting.
•Always attempt to create the most effective angle of contact with the target - This rule is basically the manifestation of the concept of Angle of Incidence. It can be thought of as using the proper contact angle of a strike in relation to both you and your opponent's positioning to maximize the effectiveness of the maneuver.
Principle #4: Leverage
This principle basically refers to getting and keeping an advantage over the opponent(s). This can be accomplished through not only physical means (usually using some sort of lever), but also through psychological means (e.g. intimidation, distraction, deception, etc.). It can generally be summed up with the common American Kenpo adage: "Always get the upper hand".
A short list of concepts and ideas that can be directly associated with this principle are:
•Lever - The use of structural elements of the body for the purpose of enhancing power and positioning of the opponent(s) at a strategic disadvantage to yourself. In other words, to position and keep your opponent(s) in awkward and/or uncomfortable positions - while simultaneously doing the opposite for yourself.
•Anchored Elbow - The positioning of your elbows below the upper weapons (hands) for both the purpose of defense (covering / checking / blocking) (e.g. proper Alignment), but also for structural reinforcement (e.g. Bracing Angles).
•Upper Hand - Another way to refer to leverage. "Getting the upper hand" generally means to create some sort of leverage. This concept can be fulfilled in a large number of ways. Most commonly, either physically, by positioning your hands higher than the opponent's; or psychologically, through intimidation, fear, respect, etc.
Some rules that are created in order to adhere to this goal are:
•Always get the upper hand - Another quick way to think about this rule is: create favorable positioning whenever possible.
•Always try to maintain leverage - This rule is basically the continuation of the previous rule. It basically says that once you have leverage, try to keep it. Physically, this can be done on yourself by not leaning, overreaching, maintain anchored elbows, positional covers, etc. And, there are other, more precise, rules and concepts that can be extracted from these elements; which are left up to the reader to determine.
•Always use the longest lever possible - This rule basically says that, given an option of a shorter or longer lever, choose the longest lever. This is because, generally speaking, longer levers provide more power on the output end of the lever. This can basically be summed up this quote attributed to Archimedes: "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world."
Principle #5: Margin for Error
This principle basically takes into account that reality is not as precise as theory. And because of this, one should allow for as much error as possible, yet still result in success. One way to think about this concept is that tense situations have a dramatic effect on one's small motor skills. In other words, the more tense one gets, the less precise they are physically (and mentally). And, life and death situations are typically very tense. Therefore, one should take advantage of every opportunity to be successful with less accuracy, in these situations.
A short list of concepts and ideas that can be directly associated with this principle are:
Open Ended Triangle - The taking advantage of surface shape to guide strikes to intended targets. Another way to think about this is that the body has parts that fit together at differing angles. Take advantage of the areas where these parts join by either hitting the joining point directly, using the parts that join together as a guide to the joining point, or striking alternate targets on either of the joining points directly.
+ (plus) / x - The concept of using opposite orientation to allow for more error; typically for blocking. The quickest way to think about this concept is to visualize the + or x as the physical symbol created by your limb in contact with the opponent's limb. In other words, if they are coming in on a horizontal, block with a vertical (create a +) and vice-versa.
Cross Body Kicks - The implementation of the concept that you can be both offensive and defensive simultaneously by choosing weapons more strategically. The basic scenario can be described as follows: if you want to kick the opponent's leg, choose the opposite leg in relation to your kicking leg, if possible. This creates both an offensive maneuver (the kick), but also creates a positional cover across the opponent's body; effectively preventing them from countering you with their opposite leg.
Some rules that are created in order to adhere to this goal are:
Always select targets and weapons that provide for a larger degree of error - This rule is basically a restatement of the principle of Margin for Error. One of the more common ways to restate this rule is: the + / x Rule.
Don't get in your own way - This rule really doesn't need any in-depth explanation, other than to say that people generally don't think about this rule. Also, it can be directly related to Alignment; but is also an opposite concept to Margin for Error and Leverage. Furthermore, it could have been listed under any of those principles, as well as this one.
Principle #6: Environmental Awareness
This principle basically refers to making sure you take advantage of your environment at all times. In other words, don't get stuck in your own head about just you. Always stay aware of external elements. And, keep in mind that the environment is defined as: anything in, on, or around you. And, if you don't use your environment properly, it can be used against you.
A short list of concepts and ideas that can be directly associated with this principle are:
Black dot / white dot - The easiest way to think about this concept is to imagine a dark room with a target in it. Then use a beam of light to highlight the target within the room. This is the white dot scenario. In the white dot scenario, only the target is lit and the rest of the environment is dark. In the black dot scenario, the opposite situation is true. In the black dot scenario, only the target is dark and the rest of the room is lit. If one wishes to consider the happenings in the room, they should choose the black dot scenario. This is the optimal scenario in a fighting situation: awareness of the target, but also everything else.
Open / closed environment - One quick way to understand this concept is to consider why we do things. First, because we want to (purposeful) . Second, because we have to (compelled). An open environment provides for the first case: we have choices. The second case limits our choices and forces us into specific responses. In other words, we have to. This idea is most commonly referenced when discussing which way we step in a self-defense technique; more forward, backward, or sideways. In the case of an open environment, we have the luxury of stepping in any direction we wish. In the case of a closed environment, this is not the case. We would typically be forced to step forward or sideways, whether we want to or not. In other words, a closed environment means less choices.
Some rules that are created in order to adhere to this goal are:
Always maintain an awareness of your environment - This rule is basically a restatement of the principle.
Always create and maintain defensive and/or preventative postures and positions - This rule can also be directly attributed to the Alignment and Leverage principles. It basically refers to constantly being aware that there are more than one (1) perspectives in any given scenario. Therefore, one should always try to keep up proper defenses as well as maneuver for advantageous positioning against the opponent(s).
Always match the hardness of target to the hardness of weapon - This rule highlights the fact that we are not indestructible. We should always be aware of the fact that we may get injured simply by striking the opponent(s) incorrectly. This rule works hand-in-hand with the orientation, formation, and Angle of Incidence concepts.
Always take advantage of external forces to enhance effectiveness of a strike - This rule basically highlights the fact that we should use our environment to our advantage whenever possible. Things such as: gravity, opposing motions, backstops, angles, etc. can all be used to make us more effective. In this case, offensively. But this idea can also be applied equally well defensively.
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind about the above overview of principles, rules, and concepts is that this is not nearly a complete list. It is just a good starting place.
The next thing to consider, is that the reader should be able to extract the directly pertinent elements and apply them correctly to our stated example (e.g. the stomp). In other words, if we understand and apply these elements, we should be able to determine if the stomp is correctly executed, just by looking at it. How? By mentally applying the appropriate principles, rules, and concepts correctly to our example stomp. Over time, this is done naturally and intuitively. You just know that the move was executed correctly; through the continued experience of applying the underlying principles.
Another way to look at this is: over time, we learn right from wrong - effective from ineffective. We start out not being able to reliably determine proper movement; but through repetition and experience we should be able to instinctively apply these corrective elements without thought - both in ourselves and while observing others. In summary, a thorough understanding of the elements like the one provided above, gives us a checklist to make sure we haven't missed anything. It is a foundational structure and guide to bettering both ourselves and others.
And finally, this is why Form Five is both an extremely important and intricate form within the American Kenpo system. It brings in situations that are not typical. In other words, it stretches our abilities - both internally and externally. Looking at some of the major themes, such as: hanging hands, out of position, vertical maneuvers, etc. one can see that this form brings in newer and more unique ways to apply the principles, rules, and concepts. Therefore, forcing us to improve ourselves in ways that the prior forms did not. And, giving us another large step on the ladder of self-improvement in our art.