Forms and Sets > Short Form 2 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why shouldn't I "fix" the middle-knuckle strike done incorrectly in Short Form Two?

First, the reader must realize that the middle-knuckle strike demonstrated in Short Form Two is executed incorrectly. The more appropriate ways to execute the middle-knuckle strike to fit Short Form Two would be to either: a) execute it horizontally or b) execute it by rotating the hand such that the palm faces downward (toward 6:00V). By executing the middle-knuckle strike in the manner that it is demonstrated in the form does not allow for enough back-up mass for the middle finger (the striking finger). And, therefore should be avoided in real combat.

The first question an astute student would ask is - why? And, the second question would be, should I change the form to use the weapon in the correct manner?

The answer to the first question is: this maneuver was purposefully executed in the manner as demonstrated in the form as a quick "quiz" for the student learning the form. It is there specifically executed the way it is so that the instructor can check to see if the student will question its execution. And, by questioning the execution of the maneuver, the instructor can quickly assess whether the student is learning the concepts that were taught to them up to this point in their training.

Reading the above paragraph, one would most likely think one of two things (or something like these two things): a) that is interesting, I learned that information before I learned Short Form Two ... or b) that is interesting, I never learned that information before I learned Short Form Two...

And, there is the next reason why it is important to keep the maneuver the way it is: because it is a quiz not only for the student, but for the instructor. Did you as the instructor (if this applies to you) teach the student the necessary information about proper weapon execution in order for them to question the maneuver? If you didn't, you should have. And, by reading this, you now have enough information to start.

To analyze this subject further: as mentioned above the only two ways to change the strike to make it use proper back-up mass and fit into Short Form Two would be to: a) execute it horizontally or b) execute it by rotating the hand such that the palm faces downward (toward 6:00V). But, changing the strike to the horizontal plane would negate needed information later in the form. In this case, the horizontal execution of the Snapping Method of Execution demonstrated with the half-knuckle strike would not compliment the vertical Snapping Method of Execution demonstrated with the middle-knuckle strike. Also, and more importantly, changing the strike to a horizontal plane would eliminate the isolation of the Power Principle of Gravitational Marriage. So, the only real way to "fix" the form would be to use method "b".