<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Forms and Sets > Long Form 1 > Frequently Asked Questions > If American Kenpo is a strong sided system, why is the first punch a left?

This is due to the limitation of Long Form One expanding upon Short Form One. Since Short Form One's first maneuver is a right inward block, this limits the possibilities of the follow up maneuver. Since Long Form One is still a beginning form, path of travel for an offensive weapon needs to be emphasized. This leaves the rear (left) hand available to accomplish this goal.