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Competent and successful execution of a form does not end at proper execution of each of the physical maneuvers of the form. There are a number of other factors that determine whether a form is executed well. One such factor is pace.

 

The strict definition of pace is: a measure, quantity or frequency compared to another measure, quantity or frequency.

 

This definition, although precise, can be very vague and confusing and requires further explanation in order to understand how it relates to forms. For our purposes pace can either be looked at from the perspective of the time it takes to execute the entire form compared against other times it takes to complete the form; or from the perspective of the time it takes to complete any subset of the form compared against the time completing the entire form, other subsets of the form, and/or other executions of the same subset. But, from either perspective; if a predefined set of maneuvers are executed, that execution requires a specific amount of time to complete. That specific time can then be used to compare against other specific times. That comparison gives pace.

 

In non-technical and real world terms, we humans can repeatedly observe maneuvers being executed, innately determine an average speed of the executions observed, and then use that estimated speed to compare it against future executions of the same or similar maneuvers. We, as individuals, can almost definitively say that the execution currently being observed is faster than, slower than, or relatively the same as the one we internally use as our reference. We can do this for a small subset of the form or for the form as a whole. We can do this because humans, by our very nature, are wired to recognize patterns. There are many studies on how and why humans see patterns instinctively. But, that is beyond the scope of this guide. Suffice it to say that pattern recognition is one thing that humans do very well. And, pace is a pattern.

 

In fact, we recognize patterns so well that we base entire martial arts styles upon these patterns. Specific styles have specific paces at which they execute their forms. For instance, Tai-Chi is know for its slow pace, where Wushu (and many other kung-fu styles) is know for its quicker pace. In comparison, American Kenpo forms tend to have a very practical pace. The pace of the execution of a form should be within a range where each of the maneuvers are effective and distinctive. Also, where other styles may have dramatically varying paces throughout the execution of a form, American Kenpo forms have a relatively consistent pace of execution. As a general rule, once a pace is set, that relative pace is maintained throughout the entire execution of the form.

 

The correct pace of an American Kenpo form is a relative and subjective thing. It depends upon a number of factors, such as: experience, taste, and/or style. In a general sense, less experience with a form means a slower pace. More experience means a faster pace, up to the point that the pace is determined to be optimal. It is at this point - i.e. the optimal pace, that things become subjective. What some might consider to be the optimal pace, others might consider the pace to be too slow, too fast, or just right. Unfortunately, there really is no universal optimal pace. It is left up to the general consensus of a group, or the lead instructor of the group, to determine optimal. But, fortunately, there are general rules which limit the maximum and minimum pace with which one should execute any form.

 

From the maximum pace perspective, the general rule is:

 

One should only execute a form as fast as it can be executed correctly.

 

In other words, if the pace of the form is so fast that the execution of each of the individual maneuvers in the form are not correct and distinctive, then the pace is too fast. This race condition is often referred to as mumble motion.

 

From the minimum pace perspective, the general rule is:

 

One should always execute a form fast enough such that each maneuver is effective.

 

In other words, if the pace of the form is slow enough to detract from the effectiveness of any maneuver, then the pace is too slow.

 

To get more on the subject of pace and correctness of form execution, see  "Improving Your Execution of Long Form Two / General Errors - Pace".

 

One final note: pace should not to be confused with timing. Timing deals with the coordination of different maneuvers to achieve a specific goal - such as effectiveness, emphasis, intent, etc. Although, pace can affect timing, it is not timing.