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GGavin
GGavin's picture
If you could only choose 1 form to make a case...

Hello!  

For my 3rd dan exam I am required to develop 8-10 self defense combinations and I thought it would be interesting to explore one form in-depth to demonstrate the applications.  

Let me state first that I am a Taekwondo practitioner and our curriculum does not contain applications of forms for self-defense, only one-step sparring.  I thought it would be interesting to explore this concept and present a case to our grandmaster.  Recently I asked him for his thoughts about developing self-defense interpretations from the forms and his response, in-summary was, "I'm not sure. I'd have to see what it looks like."

Our curriculum contains (up to my level):

  • Kicho series (beginner)
  • Pyung Ahn series (Pinan/Heian)
  • Palgue series
  • Naihanchi series
  • Bassai
  • Ship-soo (Jitte)
  • Jindo (Chinto)
  • WTF black belt forms: Koryo, Keumgang

I would like to ask you all which one you feel I should select to develop a strong case to present to the grandmaster.  Keep in mind I am studying this for the first time.

Thank you! 

Katz
Katz's picture

Well, the best solution would probably be to choose a form that your grandmaster likes, or that represent your association well.

Failing that, I would choose one that is not too advanced, so you can make the case for showing it to pretty low-ranking students. Also make sure your application are not too advanced, and teach basic concepts, if you want it to be adopted in the curriculum.

Of course, you also probably need to choose a form you like, and one that you can find applications for. The Pyung Ahn series are rather varied, plus it shouldn't be too hard to find bunkai on the Internet to get your brain juices flowing.

In the end, you will probably need to try several forms, to see which one you can find applications for best.

I practice Tang Soo Do, with much of the same forms you practice, and we don't have bunkai either... But if I had to make a  case for it, the above is all I would want to take into account. It is not an easy task! Good luck with that!

Marc
Marc's picture

Hi GGavin,

as with all presentations that are done to convince people, I'd suggest you select the form that allows you to bring your point across most compellingly.

Like if you go on stage to present one song; just you and your guitar. - You select a song that you know well, that is catchy, that is well within your technical range (easy to play and to sing convincingly), and that you know the audience will appreciate and love to hear.

With your presentation of form applications it would be similar, I guess: Much in line with Katz' answer, you sould select a form that

- you know well and you can perform exactly (technique, timing) with ease,

- is appreciated (but not held sacred) by your grandmaster,

- is typical within your system

- you find simple and practical applications for (direct, brutal, against HAPV) which you can present just as convincingly as the form itself.

As to the argument for interpreting forms as self-defense, I'd suggest that you present your case as an additional option to the curriculum. Do not challenge one-step-sparring. If you want to convince your grandmaster of the idea, then do not critisise anything he/she taught so far. Make it clear you mean that self-defense applications could be a supplement to the overall training regime. - People in general do not respond well if their long held beliefs are challenged. If they are open minded (as your grandmaster seems to be) they might accept non-contradicting additions.

As to the approach of your presentation, you could first define what you think self-defense is about (e.g. last resort fight-stoppers against close-range habitual acts of physical violence). Then you could show two or three examples of how certain techniques from your chosen form can be used against different common attacks (e.g. a big hook, a lapel grab, and a wrist grab). I'd suggest you select examples that make it really obvious how the form receives the attack and repositions yourself and the attacker such that you are perfectly aligned for the finishing blow or takedown. - Keep it simple and as close to the form movements as possible, so that the transfer from solo to partner work is easy to see.

Again, make sure not to comment on how 6-foot lunge punches and high kicks are unrealistic. Just say how you see the form being able to work against common street attacks as well.

I guess your first step should be to have your teacher accept your "new" approach rather than adopt it.

Good luck and let us know how it went.

Marc  

Ian H
Ian H's picture

GGavin wrote:

Our curriculum contains (up to my level):

  • Kicho series (beginner)
  • Pyung Ahn series (Pinan/Heian)
  • Palgue series
  • Naihanchi series
  • Bassai
  • Ship-soo (Jitte)
  • Jindo (Chinto)
  • WTF black belt forms: Koryo, Keumgang

Well, not having ever studied Taekwondo (so not knowing how the various forms/katas have evolved in WTF, I'd suggest either Naihanshi or the Pinan series ... and for this reason: you will find here (and on the related Youtube video selection) a lot of great info and examples from Sensei Abernethy, and his "focus/favourites" appear to be Naihanshi and Pinan.  Not that you have to go buy his DVDs, but even from Youtube you will find lots of good 'starting ground' to work with and learn from.  

Spaniard
Spaniard's picture

I would suggest Pyung Ahn 1 or 2.  From your list and based on how many TKD and TSD schools have it, Naihanchi is farther up on the curriculum despite it being often taught first in Okinawa.

I think Pyung Ahn 1 (which I am guessing will correspond to Heian 1 for Shotokan or Pinan 2 in Okinawan Karate) would be good and show a range of basic interpretations up to more advance for just that form.  Blow their minds with a "basic" form.

All the best-

Spaniard