Post by fett on Mar 3, 2012 15:04:14 GMT
I applaud the author for pointing out the need for practicing forms from a self defense perspective, that the movements you learn in the forms are going to teach you useful techniques that can be applied in this manner. A lot of people forget this, that the main purpose of forms is for this reason, there are part of the fighting system you learn to teach you self defense.
I would take things a step father however.
Not only do you need to practice forms on your own, you need to actually practice these movements with a partner as well. This is a major step that most Tae Kwon Do schools miss. Once you've learned the movements, you need to go on to apply these movements via forms-based sparring with partners, where one person attacks just like your imaginary opponent in the form, and you respond with the same motion (or often, a very close motion) that is in the form. This step of the learning process is vital to actually be able to use these forms. If you don't ever get to this point, what's the reason to do the forms at all?
I would take things a step father however.
Not only do you need to practice forms on your own, you need to actually practice these movements with a partner as well. This is a major step that most Tae Kwon Do schools miss. Once you've learned the movements, you need to go on to apply these movements via forms-based sparring with partners, where one person attacks just like your imaginary opponent in the form, and you respond with the same motion (or often, a very close motion) that is in the form. This step of the learning process is vital to actually be able to use these forms. If you don't ever get to this point, what's the reason to do the forms at all?