Seven Principles for Highly Effective Form Interpretation - PRINCIPLE 6: Forms are not Free Fighting
PRINCIPLE 6: Forms are not Free Fighting
In our view, the interpretation of forms is a separate discipline from free fighting (sparring). Our form interpretation happens at close quarters. Free fighting is done at kicking or punching distance until the attacker closes with us and we can utilize techniques designed for close quarters combat. Better yet, the attacker grabs us to begin with and we dispense with free fighting altogether! In my experience the free fighting model is in the great minority of assaults. The aggressor most often touches or grabs the intended victim for distance information or to steady the target before launching the ballistic assault.
The interpretation of forms in the modern era (post WWII) was based on the free fighting model. When Senior Master Instructor Chris Thomas introduced us to close quarters form interpretation all the grappling, and seizing techniques we had been taught , separate from classical forms, started to fall into place; they were techniques from the forms!
Try it; you’ll quickly see what I mean.