Targeting vs Controlling

[Alan Armstrong]

When fighting or sparring, what type are you, a hunter for targets or a trapper to control?

Or perhaps you are a part hunter and trapper or smash and grab?

[LLLEARNER]

I hunt for targets.

[singularity6]

I haven't developed a style, yet. I still get too wound up to do anything effective after about 30 seconds.

[sensei8]

I'm both, and then some!! I'm tenacious to no end across the board!! My resolve is on purpose!!

Edited November 19, 2017 by sensei8

[LLLEARNER]

I am trying to turn up the control. It depends on who I am against. If it is one of the sensei's I am more defensive. If it is one of the younger kids I tend to play defensive and make them work of the points.

[Alan Armstrong]

If I can make a suggestion for those that prefer targeting over controlling, is to control the opponent's balance first, which opens up targets easier; this also makes it difficult to be countered.

Controlling the opponent's center of gravity to the Earth, while keeping oneself constantly balanced, might take practice, but well worth developing.

The next level to consider, is to not be entirely dependent on being balanced when striking and defending, as situations are usually far from perfect; a superman punch is one example.

Attacking and defending with unforeseeable movements or unusual positions can throw off an opponent by being very unpredictable, such as adding bumping and making attacks with blocks and block with strikes; or block simultaneously with two limbs and attack with two, one soft and the other hard...

In other words, be an opponent that nobody has trained for, such as controlling and targeting simultaneously.

[MatsuShinshii]

Both.

Why limit yourself or give yourself a handy cap. You take advantage of the opponents weaknesses. If they have a weak defense capitalize on targets and end the fight. If they have a strong defense then you have to control and make openings.

Just 2 more cents. I'm going broke.

[mazzybear]

Depends on who I'm sparring with, with someone around my own height I'll try and make an opening with a feint or quickly lunge to see if they freeze up. With someone taller I'll block and parry and try in move in when I can. I don't think anyone is fully one or the other, it's about adapting to what is in front of you. It's what we do as martial artists.

Mo.