Forms

[FangPwnsAll7]

What form are you working on now? That is form 4 and I was wondering if anyone had tips. I think my stance could have been lower.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f4TBaQ0seo

You can post videos of your forms.

I might post form 5 soon.

[ps1]

I can't speak to the specific stance work and techniques themselves because you're doing TSD and my background is Shotokan. However, I can talk about broader concepts.

Focus: The whole time you performed, you were worried about where the camera is. You looked at it several times. Always, look at what you're doing and where you're going. Focus on the moment.

Kiai (Kihap): In karate, we discuss three purposes of Kiai. Startle the opponent, Strengthen the technique, and assist in absorbing techniques. The first two apply to your form. When you kiai, imagine you're trying to scare a lion. It doesn't come from the throat, it comes from the gut. Allow that energy to flow into your strikes.

Look before you move: Some systems do not do this. But many do. IMO, you should always look where you're going before you go there. If I'm going to turn to my right, I look over my right shoulder. If I'm going to turn left, I look over my left shoulder and so on.

In Shotokan, we have a concept of zanshin. Tang Soo Do probably has a different term for the same Concept. This concept has several components. But it's important to understand that each and every technique should have this.

The first component of zanshin is the "Extension of your energy." This is probably the most literal portion of zanshin. Your body mechanics must be such that little to no energy is lost. You impart all of your kinetic energy into your opponent. That leads to the second concept.

The second concept is "Complete and Utter Cutting Down." So each and every movement should be performed completely and fully with full motion and intent. Perform each move of your form as though it's the last move you will ever make. Each and every move should be intended to completely destroy your opponent.

The next concept of zanshin is "Impenetrable Posture." Again, this concept applies to each and every movement, the movements between the movements and the moments before movement. You want your stature, your posture, your very being ... to seem indestructible, untouchable, unbreakable.

The final component is "Remaining Mind." This is a simple concept. Despite the fact that you are putting all your effort, all your focus, all your being into the current move, your mind shall remain omnipresent. Do not get tunnel vision, be aware of your surroundings, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4. Try the video. Don't read comments, just do what it says. Think of this every time you do your form.

One of the single best examples of zanshin was demonstrated in the move The Last Samauri. Tom Cruise is confronted in an empty street and fights off his attackers. But the end of the scene demonstrates him (in fractions of a second) realizing there is still one attacker left. His Zanshin allowed him to survive the encounter. Of course, it's just a movie, but a good example and demonstration that the producers did their homework a little.

Ok. So that's alot to work on. Good luck and keep training.

[chiliphil1]

I think it was very good for your level of training, that was the form I always chose for kata competitions I am tournaments, I enjoy it. Your chops at the end are different than the way I learned them, we did them by reaching the non striking arm way out above your head and then snapping it to your chest as you strike with the other.

The only advice I can offer would be, as you said lower the stances and as the previous commenter states, put more intensity into your movements, remember kata are practice for self defense techniques, therefore they should be practiced as though you are defending yourself. Good luck keep it up!

[Harkon72]

Visualize each opponent in the form, think they are real. Do each combination as if your life depended on it. Focus on each kime, and kiai with you whole spirit. Very good form over all, keep it up. Osu!

[MasterPain]

Everyone gives great suggestions. Considering the color of your belt, I'd say you are doing an excellent job. Keep up the good work and you will have quite a beautiful form in a couple years.

[Chunmonchek]

Good job.

While I don't train your art, my training is centered around kata training.

I suggest that you train your form in sections, maybe into individual sections with 2-3 steps or techniques. There will be natural "breaks" in the form, that you should be able to find. Train each section slowly at first, making sure that your balance is as perfect as possible, your movements are smooth and techniques are correctly executed. Then build up speed. Once you've trained all sections this way, you can start putting the form back together.

Best of luck in your journey,

Chris

[Harkon72]

Good advice indeed! This Kata is similar to our Pinan Nidan. There's more to it than if first apparent. There are hidden techniques in it, such as the shoulder throw in the turn after the first kiai. Good luck, you will find more and more in it I'm sure, Osu!

[SamsIAmz]

I suggest that you train your form in sections, maybe into individual sections with 2-3 steps or techniques. There will be natural "breaks" in the form, that you should be able to find.

I agree with this. Many different disciplines, whether its learning an instrument, or doing martial arts, recommend breaking up exercises (or music, etc.) into parts. Then work on the hard parts separately. I always did forms all the way through the first several years I did martial arts. Then as I progressed I began to realize how much fun and how interesting it can be to break up a form. You also really improve the specific parts.

Good work! Keep it up.

[DoctorQui]

I don't practise TSD so will respond using my my Karate experience. Your form is improving and compared to your last video, so is your confidence. I see potential, keep it up!

OSU

[darksoul]

ps1 covered everything I was going to say. Also, tighten up the arm you are holding cocked. You seem to move it out a little when moving. I'll see if my wife can record me doing a form for you.