Efficiency

I want you to think not just about physical efficiency but also using tactics and timing. For tactics as a general rule, so long as you achieve the same end, look for the simplest and quickest means to that goal (most efficient). When I say goal this can mean different things if you’re in a fight it may be to restrain, strike or incapacitate your opponent. It may also be to just run away. Whatever the goal make sure each action serves a purpose and takes you closer to that end. Don't waste time showing off or sparring with your opponent if possible finish in a few seconds not minutes.

 Physical efficiency is usually defined as moving the shortest distance between two points, which when attacking is considered to be a straight-line. This is true, but then you have to take your opponent into consideration. If they’re protecting the straight line target by blocking your path with a hand, shield, knee, etc. then a circular attack going around their defense might be the most efficient attack, or it may be best to attack another line altogether. You can also use a feint, a clearing action or distraction to open the straight line and then attack it.

 Another example of using the shortest distance for an action is if you’re attacking or defending use the part of your body that’s closest to where you want to attack or defend. For example, a kick comes at your knee. Instead of bending over and using hands to defend, use your leg either lifting it or moving it. However if the kick comes at your ribs, your hand or elbow is probably closest. Having said that blocking usually isn’t tactically the most efficient response since your goal in a fight isn't usually to block but to finish the fight. A block can help set up a counterstrike, joint lock, unbalancing your opponent, trap, or just getting better positioning. At minimum a block stops you from being hit, unfortunately if thats all it accomplishes your opponent will keep trying to hit you and you will have to keep blocking getting no closer to ending the fight. One way to prevent this is having efficient Timing when doing defensive actions.It is not uncommon to have a defensive action done in a two-count rhythm. First count, a person starts an attack and the defender blocks. The second count would be the counterattack. Sometimes people will practice in a three count if the defender pauses or adds other actions before the counterattack. In this case, if your goal is to counterattack without being hit, the most efficient method would be to counter on the first count. This can be achieved by either blocking and striking simultaneously, not blocking by avoiding the strike and countering, meeting their attack with something that will hurt your opponent (for example an elbow to their hand or foot), using a jam or stop-hitting action. All of these can be completed before the attacker finishes their attack on the first count.

 If attacking in combination, do not pause between techniques. Keep the momentum going if you strike with one hand as that retracts replace it with a strike from the other hand (or foot, elbow, knee, etc.) to keep a constant flow.The end of one technique should be the beginning of the next. If using the same body part to throw multiple strikes, use combinations that don’t require you to pull back and restart between strikes. These can be combinations such as punch rolled to an elbow strike or elbow strike to a chop, etc, If someone attempts to block your strike switch lines while continuing forward the whole time if possible not even letting their block touch your attack or if it does bounce or roll off their block not to lose momentum, this will help to keep your opponent physically and mentally off balance. Be like water it will flow to wherever a crack is till it moves through a barrier.