Form follows function

No, not biology. That's not even a debate, where I'm from. But human enterprises, if they are functional, make their form adapt to their goals. Trying to hammer a nail down with a typewriter is doable, but...

So... How does function affect form in martial arts? Well... Remember MacYoung's focuses? If your martial arts are for health, they'll work different that if they're trying to assassinate sentries. Even in the same branch. Tai chi, for example, is very different depending on how you use it. Karate for grade school physical fitness is very different from classical Okinawan karate. There are variations in kendo techniques that will help you win a championship but mess with you martial understanding of it and, also, your health (wrist hyperextension, for one). I do recall an olympic competitor in judo who had his elbow relocated thrice in the Olympics in 1992. Do you think he still practices? A local sub-21 champion had quit judo because his shoulder got dislocated if you shook hands with him. He didn't seem to mind, back then.

So... What is your focus? What is you instructor's focus? And your branch's? What are they not transmitting? What are they changing? Or negelcting. Or...

Take care.

[Actually written Sept 14th, 2018]