In the forms division, karate students did not fight one another, but showcased their skills in a sequence of stances, punches, jabs and shouts, as practiced by their respective martial arts styles. Chang describes forms as imaginary scenarios. The participants in the forms division chose the form they felt they could execute best, making sure that it was advanced and familiar enough to demonstrate their expertise. Allen Wong, a black belt in Kung Fu, placed third in the Chinese Traditional Forms Competition, which included Kung Fu and Wushu. The movements of this style mimic those of a drunk who deceptively appears off balance in order to lure in the opponent.
Soft styles redirect energy whereas hard styles emanate energy.
Both rely on Qi, which is defined as spiritual energy, and is used to increase strength. Kung Fu is an ancient Chinese martial art that is believed to be influenced by or have originated in Buddhist Shaolin Temples. He did the Empi form, which includes 37 movements. This kata, or form, is designed to showcase speed, which comes from upper body movement, but is grounded in the strength of the lower body. Shotokan is exclusively a non-weapons style and uses different parts of the body for defense.