The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Who here practices "forms" (kata, hyung, etc.)?

Matt Wallis · June 7, 2002, 09:04 AM

I was just wondering how many people here practice forms as part of their training?

Also, does anyone know if forms training has always historically been a part of Asian MA? I know in the west, during the medieval and renaissance periods, there were two-man pre-set drills. And some solo practice techniques. But there was very little that could be considered a "Kata."

However, I know most Asian MA we practice today are also not really very old (not in their modern incarnation, anyway). Were forms only added relatively recently in their history? Or have they always been a part.

And back to our use of them... If anyone here does train with them, why? What use do you think they accomplish?

I myself do train with them and find them to be quite helpful. But I want to see what other's here think.

Regards,
Matt

June 7, 2002, 09:04 AM	#1
Matt Wallis Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 176	Who here practices "forms" (kata, hyung, etc.)? I was just wondering how many people here practice forms as part of their training? Also, does anyone know if forms training has always historically been a part of Asian MA? I know in the west, during the medieval and renaissance periods, there were two-man pre-set drills. And some solo practice techniques. But there was very little that could be considered a "Kata." However, I know most Asian MA we practice today are also not really very old (not in their modern incarnation, anyway). Were forms only added relatively recently in their history? Or have they always been a part. And back to our use of them... If anyone here does train with them, why? What use do you think they accomplish? I myself do train with them and find them to be quite helpful. But I want to see what other's here think. Regards, Matt