Learn the form to find the frame. Learn the frame to unlearn the form. The sequence helps you find alignment and internal structure. But once the internal structure is understood, the sequence can become secondary. It is important to remember, however, that this is not an easy or quick process. Forms are an important part of training, otherwise they would not be the basis of so many internal arts.

Jill and Adriaan at the Spear seminar with Andrea Falk. (no, we didn’t light them on fire, it’s the light reflecting off the tassels)

To learn a series of movements, first watch the feet. If you can learn the footwork, then the rest will come. If you don’t learn the footwork the rest will never be correct.
To learn a routine, first learn the foundations. If the key stances and sequences are correct, then it becomes possible to find the timing and linkages of a routine.
To grasp an internal art, first understand it’s underlying principles. If you can apply subtle concepts such as opening and closing, then you will be able to find how power is generated and refine your practice of the art.
The basics are never flashy and I think, can only be learnt through careful repetition. The temptation is to quickly move on from them. The challenge is to stay with them for long enough.