Form Timing

An important aspect of form execution, which is often overlooked or under-appreciated is timing. Timing is just as important an element as proper physical dimensions, formation, alignments, etc. to the proper execution of a form. Changes in timing can dramatically change your, your opponent's, and/or an observer's understanding of, opinion of, reaction to, interaction with, and/or characterization of the maneuver(s) in question.

Even though timing is extremely important to the execution of (a) maneuver(s), timing is typically considered non-destructive. This means that even though timing changes can change the emphasis point on maneuver(s) or alter whether an individual maneuver's execution is maximized or not, the general information contained within the movement(s) is typically not altered.

Timing should not be confused with method. Where timing concerns coordination of a maneuver(s), method refers to the manner in which (i.e. how) (a) maneuver(s) is/are executed. For example, changing a maneuver's Method of Execution from Thrusting to Snapping, would, by definition, change the effect, intent, and information pertaining to the maneuver; but a change of method does not necessarily necessitate a change to the timing of the maneuver. Also, as stated earlier, where as a change in timing is typically non-destructive to the information presented in a form, a change to method is typically destructive.

In the context of forms, timing can be viewed from two different perspectives:

1.timing within the execution of an individual maneuver

2.timing between the execution of a predefined set of maneuvers

For the purpose of this analysis, individual maneuver timing will be referred to as Maneuver Timing, while timing between multiple maneuvers will be referred to as Base Set Timing. The term "base set" is chosen because SGM Parker frequently referred a base set of moves as - a predetermined set of moves which formed a single unit for the purpose of analysis.