From an old thread:
Ah, the never-ending debate on forms, useful or useless?? Having experience in arts with and without them, I think theres a tendency to read too much into the practice. Theyre merely a tool in the toolbox. How important the tool is to you will determine the credence you put on its use.
Properly taught forms teach not only individual moves, but transitory movement, flow (even the hard style ones), proper application of power, the handling of speed and accuracy. All of that without even beginning to touch on an appreciation of principles and concepts that may be present. But remember, the original intent of forms was to give a structure to individual practice when training partners are unavailable or uninterested. On the flip side, Im always struck by those who denigrate the use of forms, yet will drill combinations on the heavy bag or with a partner without complaint. Are these not just mini-forms in their own way, teaching the very same thing? Of course this is where aliveness, spontaneity, reflexive reaction all raise their head as the next step in the process. All just tools.
Bottom lineindividual preference prevails. Even if you are in an art that teaches forms, youll only get out of it what you put into it. If youre in an art that doesnt teach forms, you may be a tool shy in your toolbox, but if youve never used it you probably wont miss it.
Respects to all regardless of which side of the fence youre on!
Bill Parsons
Triangle Kenpo Institute
