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One of the most common ways to critique a form is to have someone watch its execution and comment on the things that they have observed. Through this method, one can convey thoughts, opinions, and scrutiny about different elements of the form. Since a book is not a venue where such an experience can take place, another way to accomplish the same general goals was developed. Hopefully this segment of the guide, and the information in it, will serve as an adequate substitute.

 

Similar to watching a form being performed, what follows is a walk-thru of the entire form from open to close. Instead of an overview of observations after execution, this critique is instead comprised of a presentation of many problems and their potential solutions for every set of maneuvers in their order of performance within the form. These annotations are comprised of the most common errors that are found to transpire within the execution of each maneuver set. And, although this information is comprehensive, it is not intended to be entirely complete. There are many issues that may arise on an individual basis that cannot be anticipated in such an endeavor.

 

Although this approach is not perfect, it does have some advantages. First, one can go to a specific area of the form and quickly get an idea of what common problems arise during its execution and how to fix them. Second, one can take their time in finding and looking through the potential issues and solutions. Third, one may find an issue that exposes a problem of which they were not aware, but helps in their execution. Fourth, one can use this record of issues as a guide into helping them build their critique for another's performance of the form.

 

Likewise, there are downsides to this approach. First, some of the data, if the entire segment is read from start to finish, can be repetitive. This is done purposefully, so that the reader can be assured that the issues being presented in any given section is comprehensive on its own, without regard to any other sections. Second (as mentioned above), the issues presented are not intended to be all-encompassing and may not discuss more uncommon or individual problems. Third, this data is only an adjunct to (or limited substitute for) a competent practitioner or instructor. It is encouraged that one does not rely solely upon the information of this chapter, but also has discussions, appraisals, and reflections on the form with others in the art.

 

The layout of the following walk-thru data is that it is intentionally divided into the same logical groupings from which the form is created. At this level, each division will contain an individual self-defense technique or isolation. Next, each division is further sub-divided down into the individual components that comprise the set. Each of these components are designed to match the numbering as depicted in the "Execution - Form Idealized Execution - Written" chapter of this guide. Finally, each of the issues illustrated for a set of maneuvers will be logically grouped to coincide with the discussions presented in the "General Errors" portion of this chapter - Coordination, Gaze, Breathing, and Execution. With this layout, it should be relatively easy for the reader to find an area of the form, find the maneuver(s) to be scrutinized, and locate specific problematic issues and review potential solutions.