I believe that originally many styles started with a collection of techniques.

Over time these techniques were compiled into training sequences which later were organized into forms.

Each form then becomes a textbook to teach a series of fundamental knowledge or specific topic relating to the combative way of the style.

I personally find forms easier to remember than a collection of techniques. However, if I don’t train a form for some time I may forget a movement here and there. In this way, it is an encouragement to keep training if you do not want to forget anything.

Over time I have learned different forms from different styles. I have also forgotten some forms through lack of interest in the form so I did not train it and just forgot about it. In Chinese we say this is giving the form back to the teacher.

In no particular order my favorite forms are …..

1) NGK dotting hand forms – they are divided into training the solo hand and training both hands together. In total there are five forms.

They are very short forms but they are regarded as the core fighting forms of NGK and even today is kept secretive. I have taken some of the techniques from three of the forms and distributed them over two Solo Bridge Hand Sequences.

At a certain stage all I have to do is to explain which techniques to take from the two Solo Bridge Hand Sequences to make new sequences and voila! NGK dotting hands concealed in the open.

2) Dong family 108 form – this was the form that gave me my first real foray into the world of the internal so I am still fond of it.

There is only one very important principle to learn and master from this form. If you get it you will find your pushing hands skill improve overnight.

When I used to teach Tai Chi this was the first form I would teach. One caveat – the principle is simple and to master it all it requires is constant training. However, if you do not give it your all you can train for years and never get it.

There is a video of Grandmaster Tung Hulin performing the 108 form and you can see him demonstrate this principle throughout the form as he went through the techniques.

3) Dong family Kai He form – this form is little talked about even amongst Dong stylists but after I read that Grandmaster Tung Yingchieh used it to train his power I just had to learn it.

This form reminds me of the body structure of modern Wing Chun in that the body moves very little with the hands moving body. Despite the lack of big movements the techniques are precisely aligned to bring forth the “hard” power.

At one time I worked on it a lot and when I practiced push hands with students they would complain that my forearms felt like iron bars cutting into their arms.

4) Dominating Fist – this is the first informal form of NGK that I was taught. It basically takes solo techniques number 17 and 18 from the series of 18 solo techniques and organized them into a form.

Even though this is an informal form it teaches the NGK way of controlling the main gate. I used the NGK way of controlling the main gate a lot when I practiced push hands.

5) Gung Lik Kuen – this short training sequence from an old Wing Chun style has no name. However, when I asked my teacher what it is called he said to called it Gung Lik Kuen.

This form is not even a formal form of this Wing Chun style. The way it is organized reminds me of a version of the Yuen Kay San Wing Chun 12 Sik that I had seen that was taught like a form instead of twelve individual techniques.

The main takeaway from this form is how to be soft, like pulling silk while learning how to focus your power. The movements look soft and flowing but delivers a strong, forceful force when striking.

6) Bart Jam Dao – I had learned four versions of the knives form from Ip Man style Wing Chun. The very last version I picked up is my favorite.

The earlier versions I had learned were more like doing the emptyhand forms with a pair of knives in both hands.

However, this version is very dynamic with lowered, mobile footwork, using the entire body to evade, angulate, trap, enter and deliver the thrusts and slashes.

7) Kitten Pole – this is pole form number four from NGK. It is regarded as the most advanced pole form of the system, containing all the essential techniques.

Alas, like the dotting hands the Kitten Pole is also kept out of public view. In the old days not everyone got to learn the dotting hands and Kitten Pole. So if you happen to know them it will magically open doors when you meet fellow NGK practitioners.

8) The 22-Form – this condensed form which was put together by Grandmaster Wei Shuren from the old 108 form contains the key principles that one must learn to master this style.

If you make the breakthrough in mastering the principles a very different world of understanding will open up to you. The concept of internal will be different from any existing concept of internal you have every learned. This is why this is my most favorite form amongst the eight forms listed here.

I still have some favorite forms but that’s it for now.