Forms and Sets > Long Form 3 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why are almost all of the defensive maneuvers of Long Form Three not blocks?

In order to answer this question, it must first be clarified as to what the proper definition of a block is, from the standpoint of American Kenpo. The precise definition of a block, as laid out by the system, is:

•force against force

•against a weapon in flight

•without the intent to cause injury

It must be stated that this precise definition is specifically for a block. And, a block is just one distinctive type of defensive maneuvering, of which there are many. It is important to note this detail because this particular definition, when put in the context of the general theme of Long Form Three (being to analyze applied aggressions [grabs, holds, hugs, chokes, locks, etc.]), it becomes very difficult for there to be any defensive maneuvers that would qualify for this definition. In other words, because Long Form Three concentrates almost solely on applied maneuvers, therefore performing an actual block, by the definition of American Kenpo standards, is problematic.

The exception of this observation is the self-defense technique Parting Wings, which is ideally a defense against a two-handed push. One may argue that the initial defensive maneuver is a double-handed block. This is technically correct and meets the definition, but is often overlooked because it is an open-handed version of blocking. Once this detail is recognized, one could then further argue then that this technique should not be contained within this form, or question as to why it is included. This is a good point of discussion, and there are a number of reasons as to why it is included in this form, and not elsewhere. A few of the major reasons for including Parting Wings in Long Form Three include:

•it is a categorical expansion to the double-handed blocks of Long Form Two

•it is a categorical expansion to the technique Hooking Wings in Short Form Three

•it is a categorical match to the technique Thrusting Wedge and Blinding Sacrifice within this form

•it is a preview of things to come in future forms

Because of these and a number of other reasons, Parting Wings is rightly placed within Long Form Three, even though it does not cleanly fit within one of this form's major themes.