How do you learn to fight without form? Without form there is no style, without style there is random trial and error leading to a grand waste of time.
In traditional gung fu you begin with standing forms then stepping forms.
This creates the firm foundation you will need before developing skills of the waist and hands.
The First part of traditional training emphasizes the development of the joints
of the individual. In this stage the exercise routines or the
fighting forms the movements are wide and long circular
executed with fluidity rather than strength. The purpose is to
widen the range and mobility of all the joints including neck, shoulder, waist,
hip, wrist, ankle etc. At this stage, the movements or techniques have little
actual combat applications.
Second part of traditional training should be focused toward strength and endurance. When the mobility of a practitioner has been developed to an adequate level then you begin exercises that develop muscular strength and endurance.
The Third part is self awareness training. The training
of self awareness can be developed via meditation, self reflection, knowledge
and theory studies, and internalizing ones practices. The outcome of this
stage of training will determine whether the practitioner becomes an
enlightened martial artist, or just another fighter.
The Fourth stage is actual combat training. One can learn to fight and apply
techniques by actual applications and combat experiences but this is a
hard and slow way of developing ones skills even though it might seem like
its the quick way in the beginning.
The Final stage of training is to understand Martial Arts as a way of life. How to develop personal happiness and satisfaction out of Martial Arts.
Anyway that is the way I was taught but hey try it your way...