Focus
The Focus framework in Baseworks describes what we are trying to achieve in each particular Form, especially at the level of macro-movements. It parses the range of common movements and exercises in a way that is significantly different from standard sports/fitness objectives.
Why the Focus framework is needed: Physical movement is inherently goal-oriented, but what we perceive as a “goal” differs from how the motor system defines goals. Instructions are always under-specified — parameters not explicitly stated are filled in by the practitioner’s sensorimotor system based on prior habits. When practitioners come to Baseworks, they bring preconceptions about movement goals from other contexts (fitness, yoga, sport). The Focus framework provides a different vocabulary for macro-movement tasks that disrupts those preconceptions.
Currently there are 12 Foci:
| Focus | Core goal |
|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | Explore basic foundational positions; reference point for all other foci |
| GRAVITY | Arrange non-vertical body/parts as in a vertical position; compare with STRUCTURE memory |
| ASCEND | Step-by-step upward progression with FSA |
| TORSION | Step-by-step spinal rotation with FSA |
| CONVERGE | Overall body flexion; front of body as continuous muscular sheath |
| EXPAND | Overall body extension; systematic joint-by-joint mobility work |
| INFLECT | Detailed spinal flexion-extension-flexion dynamics |
| INTENT | Using DA to discover how intentional co-activation improves flexibility |
| EQUATE | Dynamically equalizing forces between two body parts while fixing a third |
| TRANSIT | Fluidity and control in significant leg position changes |
| TRANSPOSE | Visceral understanding of center of gravity in relation to stability |
| ISOLATE | Isolating hip movements with fixed pelvis |
Note on CONVERGE and EXPAND: Despite being explicitly antithetical to fitness concepts, these two foci are probably the closest to common exercise/fitness views — they address physical prerequisites and structural limitations more directly. Notably, some forms carry both CONVERGE and EXPAND foci simultaneously.
Related
Section titled “Related”- Form — Focus describes the macro-movement goal within a form
- The Six Principles — principles are applied within any Focus
- Movement Patterns — the micro-movement layer applied on top of any Focus