1)

The trace of a moving point through space or thought.

2)

A direct route between any to points in space.

3)

A conceptual separation or demarcation.

4)

Any maneuver that is delivered utilizing a portion of, or the of tip, of a weapon.

Inflected Form(s):

Lines (plural), Linear (adjective)

Comments:

Like path, line has both generic and specific definitions.

Line can be used to generically describe the route of any form of travel (like path) - as in the first definition; or it can be used to describe a very specific type of travel - as in the second and fourth definitions.

The terms path and line are often used interchangeably, but technically are different, depending upon usage.

Lines tend to be treated as one-dimensional, conceptually, rather than multi-dimensional - like paths.

Because line has so many definitions, it is sometime confusing to distinguish which definition is being employed, unless clarified or put into context.

Both the terms path and line can have a non-physical context.

1)

This definition is one of the laymen usages of the term. And as such, novice practitioners relate intuitively with this definition.

Line differs from angle, in that line refers to the route of movement.

2)

This definition is also referred to as a straight line or linear.

This definition is one of the laymen usages of the term. And as such, novice practitioners relate intuitively with this definition.

3)

The outer boundaries of action form Geometric Lines, as opposed to the area between the outer boundaries of action, which form Geometric Paths.

This definition is often used in relation to a sparring ring.

4)

Line is often used to refer to the route the a portion of, or tip, of a weapon utilizes during travel. In this context, it is closely tied to the Zone Concept of Directional Movement.

Line differs from path in that a line refers to a maneuver utilizing a portion of, or tip of, the weapon.

The Upper Case / Lower Case concept is a direct result of analysis of lines and their application.

In the context of defensive maneuvers:

•implementing this method creates smaller Margin for Error- thus allowing for less protection.

In the context of offensive maneuvers:

•implementing this method generally creates a decreased impact zone of the weapon with the target, causing an increased amount of pressure per square inch on the intended target - thus causing a possible increase to the net effect of the strike.

•lines tend to be better for offensive maneuvers

•lines visually create smaller targets, and as such harder for the opponent to perceive dept and harder for the opponent to block

•lines tend to have a stealth quality to them

Like paths, lines fall into one of the following categories:

•Linear (definition #2)

•Circular

Example(s):

1)

Any motion will have created a line upon completion.

2)

When describing the direction of a maneuver, one might commonly refer to the 12:00-6:00 line or + / x line, in relation to one's opponent.

3)

The border of a sparring ring is a physical example of a dividing line.

4)

The execution of a punch is an example of delivering a strike on a line - the execution of a forearm strike is an example of delivering a strike on a path.

A.K.A.:

1,2,4)

Geometric Line, Path

Opposite(s):

1)

Stationary

2)

Circle

4)

Path

Reverse(s):

1,2)

The same line in the reverse direction.

Related Definition(s):

Move, Path

1)

Contour, Reverse

2)

Gauge

3)

Freestyle, Spar

4)

Align, Squeegee, Tip

Related Term(s):

Geometric Angle, Line of Attack, Line of Departure, Line of Entry, Line of Sight, Line of Travel, Open the Gate, Open the Line, Point of Origin, Point of Completion

1)

False Travel, Figure Eight, Geometric Angle, Geometric Path, Geometric Symbol, Opposite Motion, Return Motion

2)

Economy of Motion, Geometric Angle, Geometric Path, Reverse Motion

3)

Dimensional Zone, Dividing Lines (The), Invisible Box, Outer Rim, Pass Line, Stages of Distance, Stages of Range, Zone Concept of Directional Movement

4)

Lower Case, Upper Case