Gaze

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Gaze

Like the previous forms, Short Form Three is executed to a diverse set of angles. Movement onto new angles necessitates the same head turning and focused facial expressions of the lower forms. But unlike the lower forms, Short Form Three is not required to maintain a relatively horizontal viewing angle at all times.

 

There are a variety of positions throughout the form's execution where looking at an upward, downward, backward, or other off angle is preferable to a relatively level gaze. This is not only to provide emphasis to major maneuvers of the self-defense techniques for one's self, but also to guide and highlight to the observer(s) as to where these major maneuvers are intended to be focused.

 

Although the head and/or eyes may not always be level, one must take care not to allow the body to lean or rotate improperly in concert with the head and/or eyes. From this perspective, one should learn to think of the head, eyes, and neck as independent entities from the back, body, arms, legs, and feet. In other words, the lower body should not be effected by what the head and eyes are doing. Instead, the head and eyes should help facilitate what the lower body is trying to accomplish.

 

In summary, at no point during the execution of the form should your gaze effect, in any way, the performance of the maneuvers being executed in the form. What may be effected is the observer's interpretation, focal point, and/or reading of how well the form is being executed. The observer's reaction to and/or scrutiny of the form can be influenced, sometimes heavily to the positive or negative, by the performer's gaze and facial expressions.