Forms

Forms are a series of techniques and patterns which teach the student the various movements and footwork of White Crane kung fu. They serve as the database of techniques for the style. A unique feature of the White Crane system is the manner in which the many empty-hand and weapon forms are designed. 

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.

The forms are what preserve the style. Shifu Bernard has done remarkable work with the Lee family to insure that the White Crane forms are properly performed and documented. This is a truly daunting task as there are literally hundreds of forms in the style.