Kenpo Sets, like Forms (Katas), are offensive and defensive movements. These "sets" of movements are sometimes done from a stationary position, such as a horse stance, or can be incorporated into dance-like routines similar to Forms.
The difference between a set and a form is that a set is designed to isolate movements that require special attention, whereas a form incorporates a greater range movements, teaching the student how to incorporate these movements together.
Sets teach you how to articulate your basics, how to be crisp and exact in their execution. By standing in a horse stance while executing finger, striking and blocking sets, the student has an opportunity to focus entirely on what his hands are doing, without splitting his focus between his hands and feet. The same is true when a student practices the stance sets, where the hands are resting on the hips as he goes through a series foot maneuvers.
In our system of Kenpo sets are appendices to the study of motion and are most often used to refine specific skills, or weak areas, that need special attention. As a students sets improve so do his forms, techniques and the rest of his Kenpo.
Kenpo contains sets for blocking, striking, kicking, foot maneuvers and specialized moves. Some sets develop coordination, while others help you develop proper basics or transitioning. In any case sets are tools to improve your overall ability to execute movements properly.
In some schools sets are part of the required curriculum for a student to progress to each belt level. In other schools sets are merely tools used to improve ones Kenpo and are not required for belt promotion.
In either case, sets should be used as a tool and not merely memorized. Memorizing a set, technique, or form, without diligently working to improve it is like memorizing the course of a marathon without ever running it.
You will know the course and you can even discuss the merits of the course with other runners, but that alone doesn't make you a better runner.
If you do choose to take advantage of the Kenpo sets, be sure you aren't just going through the motions. Learn them well, study them well and practice them well. You will only get out of a set, what you put in it.
