Forms and Sets > Long Form 3 > Frequently Asked Questions > What are the major similarities and differences between the Dictionary and Encyclopedia forms?

The first thing that must be highlighted is that a form is a form. A form is just a series of motions gathered together to comprise a single unit of specific information in an effort to teach something specific. In many martial arts, this could mean anything from an imaginary fight to highlights of a specific style to a concentration of a specific type of information or motion. In American Kenpo forms have a very specific definition. The forms are defined as teaching:

oThe rules and principles of motion

oThat everything has a reverse and an opposite

oAnd, to give an example of this idea

Furthermore, the American Kenpo forms can be categorized in a variety of ways. But, probably the most commonly used classification technique is based upon the overall intent of the form in relation to its included motions. In this case, are the maneuvers of the form defining motion or are they detailing characteristics of the motion. The forms that define motion are classified as dictionary forms. This nomenclature is an allusion to the purpose of a dictionary - to define. The forms that arrange and underscore key characteristics of specific motions are classified as encyclopedia forms. Again, this is due to the purpose of an encyclopedia - to describe and detail.

Using our intended classification method, the American Kenpo forms are broken down as follows: Dictionary (1's and 2's) and Encyclopedia (3's and up).

But, to mention at least one other way American Kenpo forms could be categorized would be by level. For example, one may classify the forms as beginner (1's and 2's), intermediate (3's), or advanced (4 and above). This classification method is more rudimentary and based upon perceived complexity and when the form is taught in one's training; where the dictionary and encyclopedia classification is more of a characteristic classification mechanism: one that gets more to the root of what the form is intended to impart to the practitioner as opposed to when.

Now that the summary and synopsis of what is being asked has been articulated, a concrete answer to the actual question is fitting and necessary.

Similarities between dictionary and encyclopedia forms, include:

oboth have short and long versions

oboth include all the prerequisites of being defined as an American Kenpo form (see definition above)

oboth tend to highlight and limit themselves to specific types of information

oboth preview information that will be presented in more detail in a higher form

oboth may be further sub-divided into definitive groupings of maneuvers

oboth are signified in the same general manner

Differences between these two types of forms, include:

odictionary forms define motion / encyclopedic forms detail characteristics of motion

odictionary forms start from a horse stance / encyclopedic forms start from a natural stance

odictionary forms are confined to an in, out, up, down blocking pattern / encyclopedic forms are not

odictionary forms tend to be more staccato / encyclopedic forms tend to be more flowery (with Long Form 3 being the major exception)

odictionary forms are considered beginner level / encyclopedic forms are considered intermediate to advanced level

And finally, although all of the American Kenpo forms can and do contain some elements of each category, the category a form is placed into is based upon its overall intended purpose.