Forms

The World Martial Arts Union recognizes more than 200 styles of martial arts, but estimates the number could be much higher. Most countries have some fighting style, and with each style comes a variety of training methods. ‘Forms’ are one important method of training.

Some martial arts styles have only a small number of empty-hand forms (e.g. Kata, Hyung, Poomse, Kuens, Quyen, etc). [Some styles also have weapon forms.] Some martial arts styles have dozens of forms. However, the number of forms that a person knows is not as important as their ability to use the techniques in those forms for self defense.

We call that ability ‘bunkai/oyo.’ ‘Bunkai’ translates as “analysis,’ or ‘disassembly.’ It’s the process of analyzing every movement in a form to find all of the self-defense or fighting techniques available from the movements within the ‘form.’ Once those techniques are learned, then the fighting aspects are called ‘Oyo.’ That means ‘application’ – how to use the techniques in real self-defense situations.

We begin teaching ‘bunkai’ and ‘oyo’ early in a Yon Ch’uan student’s training, but we expect students studying for their Brown Belt 1 (Ichi-Kyu), which is just before Black Belt (Sho Dan), to have a “deeper understanding of all forms with greater ability to employ bunkai self-defense” (Page 30 of Yon Ch’uan Black Belt Study Guide).

That’s one of the reasons we first learn how a ‘form’ moves, then we ‘analyze’ the movements and ‘apply’ them to real self-defense situations. My desire as an instructor is that you learn something in every class that you could use that night or the next day if you were attacked by someone. I want martial arts classes to be fun, but also practical.

Yon Ch’uan (Soft Fist) combines training in several martial arts styles: Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, and Weapons. As for ‘forms,’ we teach 15 Kung Fu Animals, a few Karate forms, and a few weapons forms. We also teach Judo and Aikido throws for self defense, along with grappling hold downs, standing locks and holds, and weapons disarming.

Every technique in a form can be used in a number of ways: escape, block, strike, trap, and throw. That’s part of the ‘bunkai/oyo’ we teach. It’s one reason why earning a Black Belt in Yon Ch’uan takes longer than many other martial arts systems. Yon Ch’uan is a ‘complete’ martial art that covers just about every aspect of self-defense training.

Combining all of the various forms and techniques you learn in Yon Ch’uan is also an important part of what we teach. Again, from page 30 of the Black Belt Study Guide –

‘The ability to combine a variety of different 15-Animal forms/skills for multiple self-defense situations. The ability to combine a variety of different Judo throws and counters.’

Learning how to do that now will help you as you approach your testing for Brown Belt 1 and Black Belt. One of the tests for both belt levels is the ‘ability to sustain a non-stop effective 5-minute defense from a wide variety 3-Zone attacks, utilizing one attacker positioning against another.’ 5 minutes is a long time when your fellow students keep coming at you with ‘attacks’ that you have to ‘defend’ against.

What you’re learning in every class is preparing you for your Brown and Black Belt testing. Take advantage of each opportunity your instructors give you. Remember to think of your class as a ‘laboratory.’ It’s a safe place to try out different ways to defend yourself using the amazing martial art techniques available in Yon Ch’uan.

If you have any comments or questions, please let me or any of your Black Belt instructors know. We’re here to help you succeed and meet the objectives and goals you’ve set for yourself.

If you would like more information about Grace Martial Arts classes in your area, contact Senior Instructor Mark McGee at gracemartialarts1@gmail.com.

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