Forms and Sets > Short Form 1 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why does Short Form One start with a Right, Hammering, Inward block?

The answer can be broken down into the three parts of the question:

1) Right

The reason the first block of Short Form One is a right is because American Kenpo is a strong sided system. i.e. it takes advantage of your strong side (typically the right). And, Short Form One demonstrates this by making the first move of the first form a right handed maneuver.

2) Hammering

The reason the first block of Short Form One is hammering is two fold:

a) Because the practitioners' right hand is already cocked from the meditating horse, and to obey the principle of Economy of motion, the best move would be a Hammering Method of Execution.

b) Because Hammering is a stronger Method of Execution than Thrusting. For example, when first learning the inward block, the student is initially taught to cock the weapon before delivery (Hammering). Later the student is taught that the quicker Method of Execution from the Training Horse stance is Thrusting. i.e. from Point of Origin. This is for the same reason. To show the stronger Method of Execution for a beginning student.

3) Inward

The reason the Inward Block is the first block of Short Form One is because the most common and useful block is the Inward Block. And, Short Form One demonstrates this by making it the first move of the first form of the system.