Forms in the Martial Arts

There are many critics of forms in the martial arts.  What is a form?  It is a predetermined set of movements that are performed by the martial arts practitioner.  Many critics say there is little value in playing forms, that it does not simulate what happens in a real fight and that it is a waste of time learning moves while not being confronted by an assailant.  My experience in Ving Tsun has has proven to me otherwise.

Developing Techniques

There is high value in our system’s forms.  Ving Tsun forms are like software for your body and its CPU.  Every time you play a form it strengthens and reinforces movement patterns contained therein.  When playing chi sao, oftentimes new techniques emerge that the practitioner has not intended or thought to play.  When tracing back where these techniques came from, they can usually be found in whatever form that person has been working on.

Attributes and Energy

Not only do forms train techniques, they also train various attributes such as relaxation or center line.  So playing lots of forms also develops qualities that will make one excel in kung fu and other endeavors.  Forms also train different energies.  This becomes more apparent as the practitioner advances.  Playing lots of forms in Ving Tsun kung fu is a highly worthwhile undertaking.

Train hard and relax hard.