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

Self-Defense Technique Coordination concerns the synchronization between multiple maneuvers (i.e., a group of maneuvers). This perspective relates to a base set of maneuvers and how coordination changes affect them. In Short Form Three, a typical base set of maneuvers is a self-defense technique. Using this grouping allows for each self-defense techniques to be analyzed independently of one-another; or as a sub-set of the whole form. In other words, observation can be done on a specific number of maneuvers in the form (i.e., a specific section) and analyzed with how changes in coordination effect just that section, without concern for the rest of the form.

Short Form Three self-defense technique coordination generally follows the standard execution coordination of the self-defense technique on its own. This self-defense technique coordination commonly puts emphasis on the major maneuvers, while also frequently maintaining a fairly set pace throughout the execution of the entire self-defense technique. In general terms, this coordination flow is usually somewhat consistent throughout the entire execution of the form. In other words, it is not common for some self-defense techniques to be executed slowly and others quickly, although it is possible to do so.

Regardless of whether each of the self-defense techniques is executed quickly, slowly, or somewhere in between (i.e., the self-defense technique's pace); the overall coordination within the individual self-defense technique remains true to the self-defense technique as a unit. In other words, the self-defense technique should be executed as the self-defense technique would be executed independently, outside of the form's execution.

As stated earlier, even though coordination is an extremely important aspect of the form, changes in self-defense technique coordination generally fall into the non-destructive category of modifications. The reason for this is because coordination changes typically don't add or take away information in the form or the self-defense technique. Rather, form coordination changes will typically add emphasis and/or highlight specific information in a form or self-defense technique. This emphasis can be performed where and when the practitioner desires, calling out specific information to the observer.

Just as a kiai adds audible and physical emphasis to a specific maneuver, coordination changes can be just as effective by adding visual, physical, and intent emphasis. And, sometimes changes in coordination are also executed with a kiai, to add further emphasis. See "Improving Your Execution of Short Form Three / General Errors - Breathing" for more information on this subject.

Furthermore, changing of the coordination from self-defense technique based to some other beat is generally not done, is not encouraged, and doesn't really make any practical sense. Although there are many variations to the form among different people and group, non-self-defense technique coordination is universally not one of them. This is because the form is purposely composed of self-defense techniques. And, to alter the coordination in such a way as to break-up the self-defense techniques does not make any logical nor practical sense.

The only potentially, arguable exception to this rule is the amount of emphasis and time delay that one puts on the major strikes. A longer or shorter delay on a specific major strike or all major strikes is sometimes desired to add emphasis to the major strike(s). This emphasis can be optionally accompanied by a kiai. In general, the most common place to add this type of emphasis is not to the middle major strike(s) of the self-defense execution, but rather at the final major strike; which is typically at the end of the self-defense technique. But, taken to the extreme, this practice could give the end result of disrupting the natural flow of the self-defense technique as a unit. But realistically speaking, this practice is not commonplace, and if done, would then be considered a stylized style of form execution.

Although overall pace of the form is primarily set by self-defense technique coordination, it is not the only factor to consider. One must also consider transition coordination.