Aka are pre-arranged sets of movement or
forms in
Burmese martial arts. They serve as a straightforward way of passing down all of a style's techniques unto the student. They can be practiced as a form of physical conditioning, to develop
muscle memory, or demonstrated as part of a public performance.
Aka in Hanthawaddy Bando
The Hanthawaddy style contains nine basic forms and nine animal forms, as well as several weapon forms.
Basic forms
Point form (Protecting the territory)
Square form (Defensive stepping)
Cross form (Balance and movement)
T-form (Counter-attack)
Triangle form (Deceptive defense)
Circle form (Evasive defense)
Points star form (Salutation to nature/night)
Sun form (Salutation to the sun)
Line form (Salutation to warrior monks)
Animal forms
Boar
Bull
Cobra: The cobra form emphasizes lightning quick strikes similar to the strikes of a
cobra.
Eagle: The eagle form resembles an
eagle in flight by using varying angles and types of attack.
Panther
Python
Scorpion
Tiger
Viper
Weapon forms
Long stick: Four Winds, Four Corners, Horseman, Pilgrim staff