effectiveness is very important in mma.
as Nolerama has posed the question:
Is it possible that TMAs don't focus as much on what really works? __________________
i think that all peole of all styles especially the inexperienced are quick to say what works and does not work. i myself, although i did make great use of my rudimentary understanding of techniques in my youth, did sometimes come across moves that i tried and upon discovering that i couldnt pull it off, quickly gave up on the technique and thought it didn't work...
years later i would see that i did the move incorrectly at the wrong time on a partner that was not complient. obviously, the technique is doomed to fail.
i think that one needs to test things out as honestly and fairly as possible. either with complient partners,semi-complient or people actively trying to resist.
even if you think you have a move down, you still have to ask yourself under what circumstances would the effectiveness of the technique be comprimised...
of course ma techniques for real or even dangerous situations, call for quick impeccable judgement, it's more of a challenge for the mind than the body.
It's a matter of adjusting to the surroundings, the opponent and the specific circumstances of the confrontation.
-just when you really think you have figured it out, you realize you haven't yet.-
test, test test. untill you know every little detail of the move, how it works and how it doesnt.
i personally find, the greatest test, is to do moves without aggression or excessive speed. if your moves pass that test, they are bound to be effective in many different situations.
because if one achieves such skill, one does achieve a certain amount of security- and security has a lot to do with knowing about insecurity but definately not about being insecure.
j