Disconnect? Reconnect.

Forms can be a slippery part of your training.  In fact, anything you drill by yourself can get slippery if you don’t keep in mind the application of what you are doing.  In essence, it is easy to just “go through the motions” when you lack the feedback of a partner.

The solution, of course, is to do the form with a partner.  Have them throw (with the intent to hit) the appropriate strike at you and of course, as appropriate, have them stand there as a target for the appropriate strikes.  Then try doing the form without the partner but try and visualize them still being there for you.  Alternate between these two modes until when you are doing the form you’ve trained your body and mind to treat the actions as if the choreographed fight is actually going on.

Now the question might arise, why not always work with a partner?  Practically speaking, sometimes you don’t have a partner.  In addition, it is sometimes vital to your practice to work by yourself – it can give you the space and opportunity to think analytically about what you’re doing correctly and incorrectly.