Forms and Sets > Long Form 1 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why is there no forward bow when executing the triple blocks?

Not shifting to the forward bow while executing the blocks from the rear arm serves a number of purposes:

First, not shifting completely to the forward isolates the upper body from the lower body, which simulates a sitting position. By doing this, the practitioner is exposed to the situation where defense while sitting may be necessary. This explanation is what is typically taught to the beginning practitioner who asks this question. But, as the readers of this book are aware, American Kenpo forms are not prearranged fighting situations - they define and show motion (see the "Understanding American Kenpo Forms" section of this book a for more detailed explanation).

Second, not shifting completely to the forward bow introduces the concept of "degrees of." This concept can be thought of as a spectrum containing all of the possible "degrees of" what is being represented. In this case rotation to the forward bow. Full rotation to the forward bow is achieved by execution of the punches in the first part of the form. Therefore, it is imperative that somewhere in the forms partial rotation into the forward bow must be demonstrated - i.e. a "degree of" rotation into the forward bow. This is demonstrated with the triple blocks, by not rotating the lower half of the body with the upper half of the body. Thus helping to obey the definition of an American Kenpo form.