Making a few definitions...

[Baji87]

I see these words tossed around a lot in MA conversations, but can we clear up what they all really mean?

I can recall "Family" "Branch" "Style" "Form"...

What would you say is the best definition for all these?

Thanks,

Eric

[cross]

I see these words tossed around a lot in MA conversations, but can we clear up what they all really mean?

I can recall "Family" "Branch" "Style" "Form"...

What would you say is the best definition for all these?

Thanks,

Eric

Not dictionary definitions, but these might give you a general idea(i will use brazillian jiu jitsu and the Gracie family has an example):

Family: A style created by a specific family. I.e. Gracie jiu jitsu created by the Gracie family.

Branch: A school that teaches a specific style. I.e Gracie jiu jitsu Austin branch.

Style: A certain form of martial arts I.e brazillian jiu jitsu.

Form: Similar to style.

Hope this helps a little.

[DWx]

Form can also mean form as in katas. In this case a form is set sequence of movements and techniques that one practises as part of their learning of a style. Not all style have them though.

[G95champ]

Family - As said above a style in relation to a certin family. Could also refer to styles that are closely related like differant types of karate. When talking about kata for example some kata are in a FAMILY like the Heian or Tekki series in Shotokan and others.

Branch - A school ran by a student of the head Sensei. For example lets say I run 5 schools but only teach at one of them at the other 4 I have studetns I have trained running them. Could be a referacne to a assocation or orginaztion. Also could be something that has developed from another style or family.

Style - An apporach to teaching Martial Arts. In the end all roads lead to Rome but differant systems of MA start you in a differant location. For example in karate you may focus on punching and kicking. In Judo you may focus on throwing. In something else you may focus on weapons or meditation etc. But a style is a system that organized what is taught in a cetin order.

Form - Is kata. But it may refer to the way you hold your body as well. High stances or Low stance. Natural or fixed postions.

[Kieran-Lilith]

Family: Also is used frequently in reference to the general "martial arts family". As warriors, we've generally got each other's backs. Usually school specific, too.

Branch: A smaller school that's part of a bigger school. Doesn't usually have the very head of the system involved in the branch. Also, a martial art that was created, or "branched off of" another.

Style: A way of doing things, or a specific art. Like I practice Eugue Ryu. It's a style. Iaido is also a style, as are Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Kuk Sool Won, etc. There are varying degrees of this, more vague is like "karate", more specific is "Gojo-Ryu".

Form: Usually a kata, or a set of prearranged movements set in stone and passed down through the generations.

[Daisho]

Family: martial arts that have common derivitives. Like Miyama Ryu's focus is on the samurai family of styles Jujutsu/kenjutsu/judo/aikido.

Branch: I would take this to be a specific location of a school, or a specialization offshoot. Like a student who learns Aikido, might one day make his own school, and specialize in the aiki-jutsu aspects of his training. If he remains affiliated with his original dojo, his might be considered a branch.

Style: An overall philosophy for the application of bio-mechanics. A style is a combination of form, execution, tactics, and possibly esoteric philo.

Form: Body positioning/posturing to that maximize the torque and power of it's potential energy, with the intent of action/reaction. This is displayed and passed down in the form of katas.

[yingampyang]

I see these words tossed around a lot in MA conversations, but can we clear up what they all really mean?

I can recall "Family" "Branch" "Style" "Form"...

What would you say is the best definition for all these?

Thanks,

Eric

Family: A style created by a specific family.

Branch: A school that teaches a specific style.

Style: A certain form of martial arts.

Form: The moves and stance of that style.