APPLICATIONS? COULD BE...

 by Yang Xuangxing

In working to break down the applications of the movements/techniques in your form, it's well to bear in mind that each one has a PRIMARY application; it's the main (and usually the most fundamental, although not necessarily the most obvious) application. However, there are often other less obvious applications that may be gleaned.

Additionally, it isn't unusual for only the “entry” of a given technique/application to be shown. The rest of it is implied (but not shown outwardly). This is often true of hidden joint-twisting techniques and throws. The problem is that unless you're very familiar with a variety of such techniques, you'll probably never see them; you won't know what you're looking for.

For instance, the popular basic Shotokan kata, heian yondan, features what appears to be a knife-hand block and a high block executed simultaneously to the left. Then, without delivering an obvious counter blow, the practitioner turns and executes the same movement in the opposite direction! Then he apparently completely disregards that opponent and turns 90 degrees to engage an enemy standing in front of him. This is what I call a “red flag”; a clear indication that something has been concealed.

Master Seiyu Oyata (10^th dan, dec.) showed me that it's actually a takedown. Only the basic entry is shown in the form. Another example is the so-called “reinforced block.” It never made sense to me; and I smelled a red flag. Again, I was shown that this is actually the entry to a joint twisting technique...

Even the footwork matters. Sometimes, the final stance, per se, of one particular sequence (a “sequence may consist of only one technique, by the way...) may be the first “entering” step of the next sequence. Note: A “sequence” is a movement or series of movements that deal with a single foe.

Some martial disciplines, such as baguazhang, are built largely upon different ways of “entering” - entries – that are linked together. The “finishing” technique(s) are implied. Another note: an “entry” is a means by which you penetrate the enemy's defense perimeter.

Sometimes the “final” technique in one sequence is the entering technique of the next. The position(s) of the hips and shoulders may provide an important clue. This is why breaking down a given form is very time-consuming and it's also why the forms should never be changed. Volumes could be written about just one basic form. Think about that...