Re: April 2006 - Form of the Month - Long Form 1

Originally Posted by
amylong
I add inward blocks between all my strikes.
I mostly teach yellow belts right now and I go through this kata almost every class, calling out each move as we go.
I think it's tremendous for teaching both stance transitions and the importance of covering up during stance changes.
Between on stance and another, there is potentially time for a strike to land. Better to do a block in between to ensure protection.
--Amy
are you talking about a double-factor block (e.g. right inward followed by left outward, etc.) ? If so, we do the same thing.
Another slight difference in the way we teach this form is found in steps 17-24. Instead of a block with the rear hand, we do another forward-bow punch. For example, in step 17, instead of L. inward block, R. inward block, L. inward block; we do L. inward block, R. PUNCH (from a L. forward bow), L. Inward block. And so on for the rest of the form.
The test: "Will this work so that I can use it instinctively in vital combat against an opponent who is determined to prevent me from doing so, and who is striving to eliminate me by fair means or foul?" ~ Col. Rex Applegate
Matt K.