Yes, this is exactly the question. I think most experienced martial artists agree that simple, efficient and highly refined techniques delivered with speed, power, and timing are what get the job done. So how do you train to get to that point? Do you work through more complicated sequences and then whittle it down to that final "sharp" efficiency? Or do you train with using a very spare or minimalist approach all along?
I suspect what really matters is keeping your eventual goal in mind. Then these become two different paths to the same place. In that case, you have to follow the path that suits you. The trick is not to get sidetracked and lost along the way.
How do we get to that point? I'd imagine practice over and over and over and....
IMO, I'm a believer in having some sort of base/foundation to build from. We learn stances, footwork and kicks and blocks from a static postion first. We then gradually start adding in movement, usually in the form of a self defense technique. From that point, what I would consider to be freestyle, would be next. Freestyle meaning, not doing a preset tech., but instead putting together a series of movements in the proper fashion, to defend yourself.
So, where we'd have a complex series of movements in the SD tech., fact remains, that we'll probably never use more than a few moves, simple moves, from each tech. So, eventually, we really dont need anything too complex, just the simple things. Not to say that the complex things can't be used, but.....
So, yes, you're right....keep your goal in mind, and use the best path to get there.
