I am continuously amazed by the depth and complexity of IMA. When I began studying I was given one or two applications for each move in the form. Over the course of time I have discovered a few more. Now I see a myriad of possibilities of applications by changing footwork and hand height and angle among other things. Also one step in a form can represent a number of kicks, blocks or knee strikes. One move can have many applications. My question is how does a student systematically analyze a move in order more thoroughly search for applications? Can anyone please offer some insights? Thank you.

I don't think you can teach insight verbally, appears to come naturally or indirectly from hard training (under guidance?), and may be a case of trying too hard is not beneficial. Being shown the basics and then being 'allowed' to discover more possibilities yourself, is a pretty common method. You need a basic structure or framework that is not too rigid, allows some flexibility and interpretation.

One thing to keep in mind is how you are 'discovering' the applications. It's one thing to be doing a form and realising the vast array of inherent applications possible, quite another to know whether it is both opportunistic and appopriate to use same in a 'live' situation under pressure. One of those ongoing debates (for fighting ability) is whether, it is better to have a few skills honed to high levels first, or a variety of skills at a more moderate level.

I'd say if you're 'discovering' the possibilities whilst sparring then you are most likely ready to explore them further, in solo practice, something useful for the future... maybe.

Chris, thank you for responding to the message.

You wrote,
"It's one thing to be doing a form and realizing the vast array of inherent applications possible"

What I was trying to do was increase the possible applications that I realize are in the form and then weed out the least understood or the least affective. In the past when I study alone I would do the warm up, meditations, Tai Chi form, five Xing Yi fists, Xing Yi forms, drills, meditations and close. Now after the Tai Chi form I will review a move (or a part of a move). I imagine different opponents from different angles. I look at each step as a kick, then as a knee strike, and then as strategic position. I look for elbow strikes, shoulder strike, blocks with the forearms, punches, palm strikes and grappling. I also look for momentum throughout my body.

I think my individual training lacked a routine time to analyze the moves for applications. This change in my training has been easy to do. In the application period of class I find that ideas and applications do not come to mind as easily as when training at home.

I think this will also help me to approached my instructors with more thoughtful questions.

Chris, thank you again for your response. I appreciate this board. I may have answered my own question, but I would not have done so without this board to bounce the question off.