Fixing-Separating-Isolating

Type: Macro-movement principle Perceptual skill targeted: Spatial

Whenever moving, isolate one joint movement at a time, following a strict step-by-step progression. This produces forward kinematics rather than inverse kinematics. Use Distributed Activation to stabilize non-moving parts before initiating each step.

Why step-by-step: FSA approximates motor primitives and creates an explicit, segmented approach to movement that reduces the motor equivalence problem. By moving one joint at a time in a specified sequence, FSA establishes clearer movement goals that can be more reliably communicated and executed across diverse learners.

At the level of an entire Form: FSA chains steps together such that the entire movement sequence — including all transitional movements — is strictly controlled. Entry and exit from a form are executed in the same way; releasing a form means reversing the movement sequence.

Exception — center of gravity steps: Some “steps” involve shifting the center of gravity rather than articulating a specific joint. For example, leaning back in a floor-seated position eventually “unlocks” the ability to lift the legs; the lean must continue until the weight of the upper body counterbalances the weight of the legs.

Related

• The Six Principles
• Gridlines and Symmetry — companion macro-movement principle
• Distributed Activation — used to stabilize non-moving parts during FSA
• Spatial Awareness
• Simultaneity — FSA’s step-by-step progression explicitly counters the tendency to merge all movements into a single simultaneous action