Forms and Sets > Long Form 3 > Frequently Asked Questions > Can Long Form Three be practiced with real attackers?

Since Long Form Three is designed primarily around self-defense techniques, it is erroneously reasonable to conclude that the answer to this question would be an unconditional, yes. But practically speaking, that is essentially not true. And, although many of the maneuvers within the form can be easily transitioned from visualization to being done against a live opponent, this is not always doable, without adjustment. Also, there are other factors one must consider.

As mentioned elsewhere within this guide (and within this section), there are three (3) major divisions within the American Kenpo system (basics, self-defense, freestyle). And, when one wishes to transition maneuvers between divisions, one must sometimes alter and/or adjust some of the maneuvers in order to successfully adapt said maneuvers to their new division. This is primarily due to the differing purposes of the divisions. And, including live opponents into a form is such a transition between divisions.

It is important that one fully comprehend what is being said here. A transition of maneuvers can occur between divisions, but sometimes not without some form of modification, due to the differing objectives of the divisions. And, adding a live opponent is transitioning from the division of Basics to the division of Self-Defense. Or another potential way to look at it is, transitioning from theoretical (or idealized) to real.

Consider, the isolation sequences contained within the forms. At first glance, they don't appear to pose a problem to the goal of executing against live attackers. But, upon closer inspection there are some shortcuts that these isolation sequences employ that make it difficult to correctly perform them upon a live individual. At least if they are to be performed exactly as executed within the form. So, the solution is simple: Alter the maneuvers to allow them work correctly on a live individual. Do not try to force the maneuvers to be performed exactly the same way without and with an opponent - this will not work effectively.

As one example, consider the second half of isolation 2b (#3-#5). The maneuver, as performed within the isolation, demonstrates peeling off an attacker's arms from around the waist by the thumbs of their hands with your thumbs. The problem is that the form maneuver is executed simultaneously with both hands. If a live attacker were performing this bear-hug, one would quickly conclude that the proper way to remove the opponent's arms would be in sequence (the arm on top first, then the bottom arm); rather than simultaneously, as demonstrated in the form.

The form does this maneuver simultaneously to purposely obscure (and condense) this information. Why? Because the forms are performed in public and obscuring certain information is a common way to keep one's secrets from easily being procured by another system. Also, by condensing the information a form that is already considered rather long, it is shortened; if only slightly. Again, a different set of objectives in contrast to the objectives of the self-defense division of the system.

This objective divergence is also blatantly apparent in the self-defense technique Dominating Circles. As executed within the form, the technique is nearly impossible to perform upon a live partner, without modifications. Simply put, it is performed to the incorrect angles for self-defense. This is due to the foot pattern goals of the form. Again, conflicting division goals. But, if one were to make the necessary adjustments, the technique can be successfully and effectively performed against an attacker.

Therefore, while it is possible to answer this question, yes; this must be done within an understanding as to how this can successfully be achieved. Otherwise, the outcome will be less than optimal or an emphatic failure.