I have seen too many people with 100% perfect technique. But without good timing/speed, they can't last 10 seconds in the ring, or on the mat.
I have also seen many people with only 80% perfect technique, but with good timing/speed, they can fight well in the ring, or on the mat.
'Can you expand on this concept?
I like the abstract, I want to read the article.
Of course, form alone will not do much for you, other than look pretty. It's just the first step I put when teaching, followed by timing, speed and power. While it's true a weakness in one may be compensated
in part by the others, up to a point. Thus KFW's reference to just 80% perfect technique needed with 100% timing/speed. But what is left out in the first sentence is what about 80% timing/speed and 100% perfect technique form. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
I put form first as without it the other elements will lose efficacy. Without it, a throw may work with brute strength (except against greater brute strength), but with good form a lot less strength will be needed. ("Work smarter, not harder"). One may execute a high block with great speed and power, but if the angle/positioning is wrong the punch will slip thru. Sloppiness is seldom effective, and in MA, often painful. A sloppy punch can result in hyperextension of the elbow, a sprained wrist or finger, for example. (I've experienced all of these, and others more even painful by being lax in form)
I think form gives the technique its
meaning (this is kind of abstract and too hard to explain in this post - past my bedtime). The other elements aid in the expression of it. I put timing second (to be clear, NOT tactical timing, but
biomechanical timing, coordinating body movement). Again, second not in importance, just as the second step. IMO, this is
the most important element, and offers the greatest potential for improvement and development.
I put power last as when the other elements are present, good power will naturally result without too much extra effort. The last thing I'd like to express is that speed and power are exhilarating. It feels good and too easy to get enamored with - at the expense of the other elements and can lead to overconfidence against a skilled opponent.
I think that's the full article.