marlon said:
Thank you for the excellent response. Fortunately Ed Parker left a well thought out and extensive detailing of the essentials of his system as far as he had taken it. Other styles are not so lucky. Hence this thread.
(1)What are some of the principles in this form.
This is the reason it is extremely important in my opinion to see the forms done with the original intent. Not to limit ourselves, rather to help us gather in what the creater of the form intended or tyhenfounder of the system..
(2)It is great that you know this about your style...not to be contentious but do you keep your understanding within these boundries?
Me too form all the styles...especially John Bishop, GM Kahoa (sp?) and other who may know more than i ...and that should include a lot of people here!!
Yes again thank you for your answer
Rwpectfully,
marlon
My instructor quotes SGM Parker saying 'If you are to learn only one form let it be Long 4'
1) some of the basic principles of Long 4 are as follows (again I don't know all of them, and maybe incorrect on some)
The basic principles of this form are the same as those of the entire system, which is why its the core form.
When executing this form certain things should be clear. One being how you generate the power for your strikes and ect. There are only 3 main power principles (marriage of gravity (MOG), back up mass, and torque). By either not using one or more of the power principles, or incorrectly using them will lead to ineffective strikes (like using MOG while trying to strike upwards). Also incorrect or lack of use of these power principles will cause wasted motion (wasted motion is defined as: A move that lacks economy, that's delivered needlessly, or that does not produce the effect intended [definition taken from old IKKA Orange belt manual]. One main principle of EPAK is economy of motion (both linear and circular). Using the power principles correctly will help eliminate the need for loading motions for a strike. When concerned with multiple opponents wasted motion is a bad thing. By using economy of motion you not only allow for more, effective strikes, you conserve energy by eliminating non essential movements.
I don't know if this was 'built in' the form per se, however I have learned though much practice that it is impossible to execute this form with tense muscles. Given the length of this form, trying to perform it in its entirety while tensed up all the time (my instructor refers to as constipated motion) you will be worn out after the first handful of techniques. This form requires you to relax your muscles until the point of (perceived) impact in either a block or strike. This allows for better speed and economy of motion.
There are many little things in the form as well. For example, a block is defined as a lacking the
intent to harm your opponent. Flashing Wings gives an example of this. The technique is a defense against a punch to the head. In the self defense version of the technique the punch is intercepted by an inward block at the elbow. The form version of the technique the inward block is really a strike to the elbow as your other hand is grabbing the wrist. In the self defense version your intent with the inward block is not to harm your opponent, only block the attack. That identical motion in the form version the intent is to break the elbow, making that motion a strike. Both motions are executed the same way, using the same power principles, but the intent is different.
There is much much more, and I will try to add more as I can.
2) Not entirely sure what you mean here. My experience and knowledge is largely EPAK. My goal is to become proficient in EPAK before exploring other styles in-depth.
I think this is a great topic by the way.
-Josh
