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Technique Language

In patterns, the technique name is a specification. It tells you what tool to use, how it moves, and where it finishes. If you change one of those, you have changed the technique.

Use: pattern consistency

Focus: tool • motion • height

Goal: fewer “almost right” reps

How to use this reference

Read the tul description in the book.
Find the technique name on this reference.
Use the row to confirm the tool, motion/direction, and allowed height(s).

Rule: If a tul names a technique, it must follow the tool + motion + height shown in the reference.

The rule (plain)

The name locks in a few key constraints. Patterns are not freestyle. The value of this approach is that it stops “drift” — the way techniques slowly change over weeks until they’re not what the tul is calling for.

Tool

Which part is used (forearm, knife-hand, fist, heel, etc.). If you swap tools, it becomes a different technique.

Motion

How it travels (outer/inner, vertical up/down, circular, straight snap/thrust, etc.).

Height

Where it finishes (low / middle / high). Height is a definition, not a suggestion.

Why this matters

If your tool/motion/height are inconsistent, you can’t reliably test timing, posture, or symmetry in the pattern.

Jump links

Instructor shortcut: When a student asks “is this right?” start with the name: confirm tool → confirm motion → confirm height → then correct stance/timing.