Forms and set-fightings

A unique feature of the White Crane system is the manner in which the many empty-hand and weapon forms are designed. A form is a series of movements designed to teach both techniques and how to move the body and feet. Forms are in essence the soul and encyclopedia of a martial art.

In the Flying Crane system, forms are comparatively short, and many of them are designed to be done as fighting sets with a partner. That is to say, the various blocks, counter-strikes, and joint locks in the second half of a given form make up the correct response to the various moves of the first half. Thus, one can familiarize oneself with the movements in solitary practice, and then test their understanding in a controlled environment with a partner. This system ensures an organized approach to mastery of not only the individual movements, but also the fighting theory and real-world application of the form. There are over 100 empty hand and weapons forms in the Flying Crane style but of course one does not need to learn the entire curriculum to master the art.