Forms and Sets > Short Form 3 > Execution > Form Coordination

Maneuver coordination concerns synchronization related to a specific maneuver and its execution. To be more specific, this is coordination that is limited to - just before, during, and just after the execution of a specific maneuver; not multiple maneuvers. It refers to the precise syncing of and focusing of movement, mind, and breath to maximize results.

Maneuver coordination is what most practitioners would usually be referring to when talking about coordination in a general sense. It is the coordination of a single maneuver with all of its components, such as body maneuvers, foot maneuvers, defensive maneuvers, offensive maneuvers, mind, breath, etc. In relation to forms, proper coordination is defined as upper body maneuvers, lower body maneuvers, breath, and attention to be focused at precisely the same time.

Maneuver Coordination Manipulation

As a general rule when executing forms, maneuver coordination can be said to be correct if:

•the upper body and lower body are in sync

•the extremities and head are in sync with the rest of the body

•the body and breath are in sync

•the body and mind are in sync

For one example, hand and foot coordination should generally be synchronized such that upper body maneuvers complete execution at approximately the same time as the lower body maneuvers. This allows for the upper body maneuvers to have a solid base upon execution. If one were to block too soon, the block would complete without having a solid base. In contrast, if one were to step, pause, and then block, the block would be considered delayed. In either case and for this example, the block would be considered not maximized for the maneuver, and the coordination should be corrected.

Also, another thing to consider is extremity and head coordination within a maneuver. Any (re)positioning of the arms / hands - legs / feet - head should be executed in-sync with the rest of the maneuver. Bad coordination of these elements of the maneuver can throw off the coordination of the entire maneuver.

It should become apparent that maneuver coordination is an objective goal that is definable, observable, and reproducible; and is dependent upon the individual maneuver. Also, with experience and practice, one should be able to discern a precisely and correctly executed maneuver from one that is incorrectly coordinated. If this skill is not acquired and honed, one will not be able to distinguish properly executed maneuvers from improperly executed ones, and therefore, never be able to properly achieve proper coordination of the form.