Principle Challenge

How do we challenge our knowledge of principles in martial systems? We try to understand what principles are involved in a successful reality based drill. We do what some call an after action report or analysis of the practice session. When we do so we try to identify the principles involved and this gives us a sense of how they all work together as one while identifying principles we may not be aware of. 

If the universal fundamental principles of martial systems are the true foundation of all fighting systems then understanding how they work and what works best to together will help us become more proficient. There are so many principles involved that this type of effort helps to take the individual principles and match them in conjunction with other principles to make our actions, thus techniques and combinations, etc., align with principles to make us the best we can be in applications - when avoidance and deescalation miss the boat. 

Example, when we examine our training drills, etc. we discover how our rhythm vs. an adversaries rhythm work and that timing, another principle, works with rhythm, i.e. like the yin-yang principal of reciprocity - another principle. Then we begin to see how that equates to disrupt an adversaries timing, positioning (another principal), and angling (another principal).

How many of the principles can you find and apply to any given tactic and strategy let alone individual techniques, combinations, etc.? The idea is to bring such things to the forefront of the body-mind for training and practice. To gain breadth and depth to that practice and training. To analyze why things work and don't work and then practice, practice, practice and then practice some more till you get all of it encoded properly. I lieu of collecting a gaggle of techniques for self-defense focus on making sure you are working with all the appropriate principles regardless of technique/techniques (also a principle). 

Then again, how many martial artists analyze their training for proper application of principles rather than techniques? Principles drive technique toward applicability and effectiveness, etc.