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Short Form One introduces:

 

1)

The definition of a kenpo form:

A predefined series of maneuvers that:

a) show the rules and principles of motion,

b) that everything has a reverse and an opposite,

c) by giving an example

 

2)

The concept that each form has footwork. This sets the concepts that the practitioner must learn:

a) to coordinate the basic timing between their upper and lower body

b) to keep their feet on the ground - unless kicking, stomping, etc.

c) to remove extra motions from their footwork. This sets the concepts of:

i) no breaking of the heel

ii) no pivoting on the heel

d) not to lean while executing maneuvers. This sets the concepts:

i) no jet lagging

ii) leaning disrupts smooth rotation of the body for blocking

e) to maintain a relatively constant head height while executing maneuvers

f) to maneuver into proper stances

g) to move as efficiently as possible from stance to stance

h) that one foot is used to transition from one stance to the next - not both (i.e. do not "split" a stance)

i) to look before covering to a new direction

j) steps should be as direct as possible to the new location, minimizing distance to new location. This sets the concept of:

i) economy of motion

k) step-through maneuvers are distance with rotation - not distance then rotation

l) to create distance between you and your opponent

 

3)

The concept that each form is done from a standing stance. This sets the concepts that the practitioner must learn:

a) to keep their back straight at all times

b) the proper dimensions of each stance

c) to create a stable base

 

4)

The concept of defense - i.e. blocking. This sets the concepts that the practitioner must learn:

a) the definition of a block:

i) force against force

ii) against an offensive weapon in flight

iii) without the intent to cause injury to the opponent

b) each block should be executed within their outer rim - i.e. invisible box

c) each block has a proper height, depth, and width execution

d) blocks have different methods of execution

e) blocks work on the power principle of torque

f) blocks intend to make contact with the forearm

g) blocks employ the '+' / 'x' rule

h) offensive weapons can come from the front, rear, or either side of the body

i) offensive weapons can come from the high, low, or middle height zones

j) double factoring. This sets the concepts that:

i) the inward block is the double factor for high blocks, and therefore does not have a double factor

ii) the inside downward, palm up block is the double factor for low blocks

iii) the double factor is executed with the planting of the foot on the foot maneuver - the block is executed with the settle into the stance

vi) double factors allow for more force to be delivered with the main block

k) blocks should make contact with the offensive weapon at a proper distance from the intended point of contact on your body.

 

5)

The concept that each form ends in an attention stance.

 

6)

The concept that each form has a pattern or number of patterns that its execution creates. This form:

a) creates the '+' pattern by facing the four major directions (12:00 - 3:00 - 6:00 - 9:00)

b) creates an 'L' pattern with the actual foot maneuvers

 

7)

The concept of staying relaxed and only tensing, for short periods of time, at the proper moment.

 

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Short Form One falls into the category of a dictionary form. As such, it introduces the following elements of the dictionary forms.

 

1)

The blocking sequence:

a) In

b) Out

c) Up

d) Down

 

2)

Each form starts from the meditating horse stance.

 

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Short Form One has a number of other elements it teaches:

 

1)

It is defined as follows:

a) it is a front hand only form

b) it is a defensive only form

c) it is a retreating only form

 

2)

The rear hand should always be chambered in-sync with the blocking hand. The reverse motion of the retracting arm then emphasizes and optimizes the power generated by the front arm.

 

3)

The first and last position of the form are identical - a meditating horse.

 

4)

The line of sight should be kept straight ahead and never upward or downward. This sets the concepts that:

a) you are always looking at your opponent

b) you never turn your back to your opponent

 

5)

Single beat timing

 

6)

Covering into the unknown retreats away from the opponent (i.e. creates distance)

 

7)

The following stances:

a) Meditating Horse

b) Neutral Bow