A front kick, arm block, reverse punch combination is something that many within the striking arts will find themselves doing after learning some of those more basic techniques as a new beginner. It is also one step closer to doing what is commonly called in Japanese karate a Kata.
Those individual striking, blocking and kicking techniques, after being studied and explained how it is all done correctly, will inevitably be combined together in various ways for new students to practice. The next stage for the more experienced and higher graded students will be the practice of set forms. The Kata. At this point let’s take a really simple basic look at a combo to understand what a set form is all about and how those combination techniques are the true core of any set form. A basic combination of techniques could be a block followed by a punch, or maybe a punch followed by a kick. A more advanced combination of techniques, often 3 or more moves, could be a punch followed by a block followed by a kick. A simple case of mix and match you could say. One of my favourite combo’s is a front kick, side kick, turning back kick, back fist, reverse punch and jab advancing down the training room. A somewhat more advanced combination of techniques as it involves 6 techniques to remember in the correct sequence and of course that vital quality of standard. If it lacks speed, accuracy and that much needed power behind each technique then it is nothing more than moves without practical purpose. In the case of a set form that is exactly the same thing as doing a combination of moves, fighting applications, (but often involving around 20 or 30 techniques), or a lot more. A set form at that level also often involves mimicking the moves of a take-down method or a restraining hold. There are no mystical or magical hidden secrets behind a set form, it is - what it is. A set form therefore is just a more advanced form of a combination of fighting techniques that are aimed at learning the various striking, kicking and blocking methods to be found within the striking arts. It also adds the ability, through practice, to move from one technique to another in a practical and flowing way without losing balance or falling over. There are various stances used behind all those fighting techniques so knowing how best to use them when moving from one to another, or moving to face another direction is also a vital part of both combination and set form practice. Let us not forget that a combo and a set form are training exercises with the added bonus of increasing stamina at the same time. So the next time you are practising a combo of techniques within a training session always remember that those front kicks, arm blocks and reverse punches that you are doing, as a combination, are in fact a very short version of a set form. For a related article on this subject click on the name Kata And The Knees. Comments are closed.
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