Which is better

In Kyusho and all Martial Arts, there seems to be a preoccupation with learning and using technique over targeting.  However this is a limited practice as well as a unsure training methodology.  It is too complex as well as too specific.  Real and serious conflict is never predetermined and therefore we should never train as it is.

Lets take the elbow strike into the opposite palm, that is seen in the Kata of so many styles and learn specific techniques for this.  Most will use 1-3 different scenarios (more would compound the problem not solve it), to train in set patterns of specific attack.  Now with this Bunkai as reaction to those set attacks, if we train this way how can we ever be sure if we are attacked that we will be attacked the same way we had trained it?  What if the assailant used the left hand as opposed to the right, or grab instead of punch, or just never attacked as you trained for with that technique?  Or what happens if they change their attack right in the middle of your set Bunkai as a defensive or offensive move?

Now instead if we explored every target we knew using this very same action of an elbow strike to a target that was stabilized by the palm.  With this method of using the action as a tool instead of technique any vital target that is presented can now be used.  As there are Kyusho points all over the body, we can always be assured that a target will be presented in an attack.  So no matter how many changes or spontaneous attacking or restraining actions the opponent took, we would be able to recognize an open point as an opportunity.  And as that tool will have been a simple and single strike we have a substantially better success rate as well as ability to adapt to the spontaneity at the time.

Another comparison we can be made is in real emergency the release of adrenaline will limit to our functionality and response processes.  Techniques by nature are a set of combined moves or actions that involve the success of the prior action.  But as adrenaline is surged into iur system during stressful events, we loose fine motor skills or the

ability to maneuver in multi-directional patterns.  Also we are restricted from other complex actions that are based on reasoning, peripheral sight and even hearing (balance).  due to one of varying levels of all these impedance's our staged and practiced techniques or combination moves are not fully possible.

This will also have a major effect on the practitioners mental capability as well.  when an individual can not fully or accurately utilize a practiced and familiar technique due to these physical limitations, then they must now react and rethink their approach.  This takes too much time allowing the opponent the advantage.  This begins a downward spiral of confusion and even greater physical limitation.

However by comparison, training just to access available targets spontaneously with a single and simple tool, we will always have options as we are not bound to set technique.  Even under heavy stress, we can make simple motor skill actions that can still access the opponents vital targets or Kyusho.

So which process would you rather spend your scarce time developing a handful of specific techniques or accessing 50 or so targets?

-ep