Seven Principles for Highly Effective Form Interpretation - Principle 2; There are No Wasted Moves
By Scot Combs
We’re working through seven basic principles of form interpretation that have helped us tremendously. They are derived from many sources but three stand out; Senior Master Instructor Chris Thomas (Kyusho Jitsu Kenkukai / Dillman Karate International), Yang, Zwing Ming (Yang’s Martial Arts Association) and Patrick Gruber, a judoka of remarkable skill and intelligence. Pat’s generosity has led to great improvement in our ability to ground an attacker.
PRINCIPLE 2: There are No Wasted Moves
Every motion in a form is important. No motion is wasted in ‘preparation’ or ‘chambering’. If you’re in a fight for your life you have no time for preparatory moves.
The motion often referred to as the “chamber position” of a “block” may indeed be a strike or a grab to the first thing your attacker throws toward you; most likely his hand or arm. The motion where you touch the inside of your knee with the sole of your foot may be a mapping move that tells you where to kick your attacker.
This fits very neatly into the concept that there are no blocks in classical forms. Why is it necessary to teach blocking techniques when human beings will innately cover themselves when attacked? We do it unconsciously, automatically, instinctively. Since blocking is innate, there is no need to formalize its practice. In fact, the two step blocking (chamber – block) technique used in most classical forms is far too slow to be of use as a block.
The techniques most often referred to as ‘blocks’ may be better thought of as counters. This helps loosen the traditional ties to old paradigms that impede effective form interpretation.
NEXT TIME, Principle 3; Look at the Middle