| Championship Forms In striving for championship forms, we have to look at several things that make a
form complete. There are many different styles as we are all aware of, but there is one
thing we all have in common, and that is execution of the technique, and that is what I
would like to focus on at this time.
There are principle's of motion involved in all techniques. We have
basic motion, and advanced motion. Basic motion involves executing each technique in a
broken down sequence, focusing on each movement independently until completion. Advanced
motion involves executing each movement in a progressive sequence of action, building both
momentum and speed.
In teaching and judging forms, I have often seen a lack of the "In
Between Motion" that is needed for executing a technique to its fullest ability. Not
to be negative toward the student or the instructor, I am included in the point I am
trying to make. I believe in order to develop the technique, we first need to know its
purpose. The purpose behind the technique is everything. During my color belt training I
remember wondering what certain moves were for, and I didn't have the nerve to ask my
instructor. I would just practice my technique over and over again, and wait for those
evaluations to find out the things I needed more work on. Even at the opportune time, I
wouldn't ask. As years have passed, I realize I may have grown a lot more as a student. I
cannot take away the past. I can only pass on my experiences to my students today.
I would like to take some time and explain what we call in our school,
"IN BETWEEN MOTION." Each basic movement has three parts. A beginning point
(point of origin), the delivery, and an end point. In between motion is the movement of
the technique, from the chamber position to the finish. I am sure we all agree, that all
techniques must begin with the proper chamber and end in the proper position, sometimes we
neglect the motion in between. A simple explanation I use is a front kick. You can have a
beautiful finished front kick, but if the motion on the delivery of the kick is not
correct the kick will not be as effective. If you have a strong foundation, the house will
not fall. The basic motion for the front kick is; knee up, foot position ready, arch the
back, thrust the hips, extend the knee. All that makes a difference in making that
technique work for us.
Proper execution of the technique is vital in our training.
Understanding the purpose of the movement is even more vital. Once we understand each
movement, we then need to work each technique individually, from the beginning of origin
to the end. I also call this process, cleaning up the technique. I have noticed an
incredible difference in precision once the practitioner focuses on this very important
ingredient.
I believe every motion has a purpose. In teaching I notice that people
often focus on the finished product and neglect what is happening in between. For example,
if you are doing a one-two combination, say for instance, a side kick, followed by a
double knife hand. What are the hands doing when executing a side kick? Are they in the
proper chamber for the double knife hand? I have had several students share that they
aren't sure what they should be doing with their hands because they are concentrating on
the side kick. In reality they should be preparing for their next technique by placing
their hands in the proper chamber, for execution of that double knife hand.
It is important to understand not only that the "In between
motion" of the technique is necessary, but that you must be aware of all motion and
position of the entire body at all times. Until next time, enjoy your journey down Form's
Road.
By Tina Jewell |
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