Bob wrote:Maybe in some forms/systems "simplified" is not an accurate description and it might be better to term it "shortened". A number of long forms are taught in segments which is kind of like a shortened form. Although in my younger days I hated the idea of learning a "simplified"/"shortened" forms it was pointed out to me that "shortened" forms are easier for correcting misaligned or improper movement and structure otherwise, with a "long" form, you are simply repeating and compounding the errors.
I agree. On the one hand, if you have time to learn - or to properly teach - a long form, then that will bring the most benefit in the long term. In various ways. BUT if this time is not available, if you yourself or your students are motivated but you simply don't have the time to learn a long form
and also devote enough attention to the basic exercises/jibengong that are really the best path to the essence and proper skills... Then better to train/teach a shorted form that still has good principles in it. Definitely not the 24-move 'Peking form' (!!) but another form like the one in the video or a non-sloppy version of the Cheng Man Ching form or whatever. That's why I chose to teach my own corrupted version
of the CMC form in my classes. I spend much more time in class on a set of basic exercises (some quite similar to Huang's 5 Loosenings, but from a different lineage) and some days I do very little or no form work at all. Just these basic exercises then straight into partner work. Other days I spend maybe a third or (gulp) half the time on form work. Under these circumstances, a long form just isn't practicable.
More specifically to this Dong form: pretty good execution, and I like that it starts with peng,lu,ji,an / Grasp Sparrow's Tail on both sides. Plus some other moves done left and right.