<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  »No topics above this level« Maneuver Timing

Maneuver timing concerns the timing related to a specific maneuver and its execution. To be more specific, this is timing that is limited to - just before, during, and just after the execution of a specific maneuver; not multiple maneuvers. It refers to the precise syncing of, coordination of, and focusing of movement, mind, and breath to maximize results.

 

Maneuver timing is what most practitioners would usually be referring to when talking about timing in a general sense. It is the coordination of a single maneuver with all of its components, such as body maneuvers, foot maneuvers, defensive maneuvers, offensive maneuvers, mind, breath, etc. This is the timing that SGM Parker refers to most often in his books. In relation to forms, proper coordination is defined as upper body maneuvers, lower body maneuvers, breath, and attention to be focused at precisely the same time.

 

Maneuver Timing Manipulation

As a general rule when executing forms, maneuver timing can be said to be correct if:

othe upper body and lower body are in sync

othe body and breath are in sync

othe body and mind are in sync

 

For example: Hand and foot timing should be coordinated such that upper body maneuvers complete execution at approximately the same time as the lower body maneuvers. This allows for the upper body maneuvers to have a solid base upon execution. If one were to block too soon, the block would complete without having a solid base. In contrast, if one were to step, pause, and then block, the block would be considered delayed. In either case, the block would be considered not be maximized for the maneuver, and the timing would need to be corrected.

 

It should become apparent that maneuver timing is an objective goal that is definable, observable, and reproducible. And, with experience and practice, one should be able to discern a precisely and correctly executed maneuver from one that is incorrectly timed. If this skill is not acquired and honed, one will not be able to distinguish properly executed maneuvers from improperly executed maneuvers, and therefore, never be able to properly achieve proper timing of the form.