In order to properly analyze Long Form Two, one must first become aware of all the basics that are employed in its execution. Since the first four forms (the one’s and the two’s) are considered the “dictionary” forms (i.e. they define motion), the emphasis on highlighting the basics is of greater significance than in the higher forms. In contrast, the higher forms (Short Form Three and above) tend to have more emphasis on theories and concepts over basics.
Also, by clarifying the utilized basics in Long Form Two, one can begin to see how it expands upon the basics of Short Form One and Short Form Two. Glancing at the “Quick Reference of Basics” section, one can also see a fairly high degree of uniformity and consistency throughout this form. This symmetry is not quite to the same degree as Short Form One nor Short Form Two. But, nearly every maneuver, or maneuver series, in this form has a matching counterpart, with only a few exceptions. This is similar to Long Form One, which also has a few maneuvers that have no complement (within the form).
The “Basics Utilized in Long Form Two” section gives a more detailed analysis to each employed basic. This detail is provided to help in understanding the implementation and emphasis of each basic (by providing intent and method) and for remembering each step of the form (by providing direction, position, focus, and side). With this analysis, it is fairly straightforward to re-assemble the correct execution of Long Form Two.