The Application of Forms and Dance in the Martial Arts
- By Forrest Blair
- Published 01/16/2008
- History
- Unrated
Forrest Blair
Master Forrest G. Blair, 8th Dan, Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan USA has over 44 years of experience in the martial arts. With a background in numerous styles of martial arts as well as professional boxing and wresting instruction, Master Blair is devoted to quality instruction. Visit him on the web at http://www.ultimatemdk.com or on his own blog at http://www.fgblair.com!
View all articles by Forrest Blair
From the beginning of recorded civilization mankind has celebrated, mourned, worshipped and made social, moral and political commentary through the vehicle of dance. Accordingly, history chooses to preserve some (like classical ballet) and not others (like the rain dance or the Charleston). David, the king of Israel, is reported to have danced in elation in celebration of a victory and return of the Ark of the Covenant.
In the Orient, the dance was used to express history-in-story, using hand gestures and body language movement as a code for information and as a means of communication. This already accepted practice was incorporated into the martial arts of China, Indonesia, Japan, Okinawa, and later Korea.
Dance forms for martial arts in China had beginner levels (rudiments), intermediate levels by which movements would be added or deleted, and disciples levels in which every hidden code would be revealed as martial application.
The Okinawans introduced ideas to both Korea and Japan. The
forms included Bunkai applications. Bunkai would take a specific movement code from the form and would show dozens of applications based upon one coded posture.
Many of these applications were passed down by word of mouth from master to disciple. Hence, like the ever-popular rumor, information has strayed from the truth in many ways. Some martial art dances are more suitable for large strong individuals; some for light, fast persons.
The new Tae Kwon Do has created forms more suitable for the martial sport and competition. The old Tae Kwon Do has influences from Japanese, Okinawan, and Northern Chinese input sources. The modern flashy tournament competition form is made for entertainment and exercise; not unlike the olympic-like gymnastics of modern forms of
Chinese Wu-shu. Tai-Chi-Chuan (a very complete martial art) is not mostly practiced for the health benefits contained in it's slowly practiced form.
Martial art forms are based upon dance while imitating animals, situations, nature or ideas of a master fighter. It creates the beauty of artistic expression with the deadly potential of martial application.
In the Orient, the dance was used to express history-in-story, using hand gestures and body language movement as a code for information and as a means of communication. This already accepted practice was incorporated into the martial arts of China, Indonesia, Japan, Okinawa, and later Korea.
Dance forms for martial arts in China had beginner levels (rudiments), intermediate levels by which movements would be added or deleted, and disciples levels in which every hidden code would be revealed as martial application.
The Okinawans introduced ideas to both Korea and Japan. The
Many of these applications were passed down by word of mouth from master to disciple. Hence, like the ever-popular rumor, information has strayed from the truth in many ways. Some martial art dances are more suitable for large strong individuals; some for light, fast persons.
The new Tae Kwon Do has created forms more suitable for the martial sport and competition. The old Tae Kwon Do has influences from Japanese, Okinawan, and Northern Chinese input sources. The modern flashy tournament competition form is made for entertainment and exercise; not unlike the olympic-like gymnastics of modern forms of
Chinese Wu-shu. Tai-Chi-Chuan (a very complete martial art) is not mostly practiced for the health benefits contained in it's slowly practiced form.
Martial art forms are based upon dance while imitating animals, situations, nature or ideas of a master fighter. It creates the beauty of artistic expression with the deadly potential of martial application.