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Short Form Three is considered the first of the intermediate to advanced forms, rather than a beginner to intermediate form. What this means is that Short Form Three is categorized as a different type of form from the lower forms. And, one of the physical distinctions between this division is the starting stance.

 

The lower forms start from a more stable position, from a training perspective, but a more unrealistic position from a defensive perspective. In contrast, Short Form Three and later forms start from a more realistic and natural position, from a defensive perspective, but a less stable position from a defensive perspective. This change in priority from stability to realistic positioning occurs due to the assumption that the practitioner of the higher forms should have a greater skill and knowledge level and should be able to perform more complex maneuvers in a more complex and realistic setting, while understanding the importance of maintaining a stable base.