<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Forms and Sets > Short Form 3 > Frequently Asked Questions > Why are some techniques in Short Form Three done on the opposite side?

Each form in American Kenpo, by definition, has the requirement to demonstrate reverses and opposites. In order to accomplish this goal, that means that along with establishing physical opposites, as highlighted by the lower forms, Short Form Three must also establish conceptual opposites. One of the best ways to accomplish both goals simultaneously is to execute the opposite side to the standard execution of a self-defense technique.

 

To illustrate the above explanation, take the technique Grip of Death from Short Form Three. It demonstrates the requisite concepts for inclusion into Short Form Three. But, if executed on the right (standard) side, Grip of Death contains repetitive physical motions with other techniques in the form. By switching the execution to the opposite side, Grip of Death not only continues to show the same concepts, but now also demonstrates the opposite physical maneuvers, and therefore becomes a better fit into the form.

 

One major point of consideration with the above example should be studied. Consider the fact that instead of switching Grip of Death to the opposite execution side, it was possible that other techniques in the form could have been switched, leaving Grip of Death alone. But, doing the switch on other techniques would create other ramifications to the overall form. It is left up to the reader to further examine this and other possibilities.