Forms and Sets > Long Form 3 > Frequently Asked Questions > Are there areas of Long Form Three where I need to lean?

Generally speaking, lean - no; not in a fully vertical stance - yes. Leaning can generally be defined as not keeping one's body perpendicular to the ground, and usually characterized by bending at the waist (and/or chest / head area) inappropriately and/or unintentionally,

In reference to American Kenpo and its proper execution, leaning is considered something to be avoided in the vast majority of circumstances, and especially if not done as a conscious or purposeful act.

So, why does American Kenpo frown upon leaning? Because American Kenpo is often referred to as a lever (and leverage) based system. As one of its major concepts, American Kenpo will often remove (an) opponent(s) lever and sustain this tactical advantage, while taking advantage of it. And, one of the main ways to compromise one's lever is to make them lean. So, if one were to lean unintentionally, then they would be unconsciously giving the opponent(s) a strategic advantage that may be exploited against them.

But there are also definite circumstances where not keeping one's carriage complete erect can be used to one's own advantage. For instance, in Long Form Three there is one place where the practitioner would purposely "bend", by arching their back at the beginning of Scraping Hoof. This arch is done to achieve the proper angle of incidence for the head strike and is a good example or where there is an exception to this general rule of the system. One should keep in mind that this is done deliberately and for specific, premeditated reason. It is not done unintentionally and without design or purpose.

In summary, all unintentional or meaningless leaning should be removed, and all circumstances where one does lean should be recognized as having an integral and intentional purpose to the execution of a maneuver, based upon the appropriately understood situation and considerations.