Form is important if- and ONLY if- it ADDS to function. I've trained in both the TKD reverse punch, and the Boxing rear hand cross. My TKD instructors insisted that I demonstrate "proper form" by keeping both my shoulders and hips parallel, while keeping my rear heel flat on the ground and my lead hand pulled back into a precise elbow strike. The cross breaks ALL of these rules... but guess which one hits harder, AND provides better defense while striking?

I train according to proper fencing technique because it makes for better function. I extend before I lunge because it keeps my tender vitals as protected as possible(just like I throw the cross without leaning into the blow to keep from making a target out of my face). I make my disengages and doubles as tight as possible to make them as fast as possible. If they didn't increase my chances in a real fight with my ASP baton(this is someone who used to work night security in a rough neighborhood with a wooden sword), I wouldn't train in Classical fencing, I'd train in FMA.


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