Long Form Two holds a very unique place in the American Kenpo system. First, like all the other forms after Short Form One, it encompasses and extends the foundation set by Short Form One. Second, it continues and in some cases completes some important physical and conceptual patterns that flowed through Short / Long Form One and Short Form Two. Third, it extends the definition of a long form introduced by Long Form One. Fourth, like Short Form Two, it emphasizes the reverses over the opposites established in Short / Long Form One. Fifth, it sets into motion some new physical and conceptual patterns that will be continued and expanded upon in future forms. And sixth, it is the last of the lower forms. Beyond this point in the forms, a lot changes.
Since Long Form Two is a long form it follows the same rules and guidelines of a long form, which means one of its goals is to expand upon the base set of concepts and maneuvers introduced in Short Form Two. Because of this, Long Form Two has the same overall timing, is executed on the same physical pattern, and has generally the same look as Short Form Two.
Even though Long Form Two is considered a lower form, it is not very short, nor is it very easy to perform correctly. It has some relatively difficult physical maneuvers for a lower form, with a good number of the easily performed, dually timed maneuvers demonstrated in Short Form Two. This leaves the more difficult and awkward ones for this form. As such, this form has a reasonable number of areas where confusion and problems may arise. These facts make any inconsistencies, errors, and/or alterations very easy for an experienced eye to spot quickly.
One unfortunate observation about Long Form Two is that this form is where later generations of American Kenpo practitioners begin to implement some drastic variations from the traditional standard execution. Reasons and discussion about variations can be found in their respective chapters of this book.
As this book progresses it will explore and expose the many facets, nuances, and complexities of this form. The overall goal of this book is to not only help the reader perfect their knowledge and execution of and about Long Form Two, but to enhance their understanding of SGM Parker's purpose for the creation of this form and how it logically fits into the grand scheme of what we now call the American Kenpo system.