No, I don’t mean quit your training. What I mean is, when do you quit on a technique that’s not working? I often see students get frustrated when they are doing a certain technique and for whatever reason, it doesn’t seem to be working on their partner. This is true no matter which Art we are focusing on at the time: Aikido, Jui Jistu, Kenpo, Kung Fu. All the arts that contain some very specific responses and attacks. The same is not precisely true for the other combat arts such as boxing/kickboxing/wrestling/sparring as these contain attacks that are less “site” specific and more broad. Usually…
The most common comment I hear from students who are having trouble with a pain-compliance attempt is this:
- They aren’t feeling it
- It doesn’t work
- I can’t do it
They then begin to believe that the technique is ineffective. What they fail to understand is that not every technique will work on every person. I have personally witnessed, outside the dojo, people who have been kicked squarely in the groin with no effect. Does that mean a groin kick doesn’t work? Of course not. What the means is that if that particular kick doesn’t work on that particular person, you’d better have some other techniques to draw upon.
This brings me to my main point. Practicing single applications can and will be frustrating when they don’t work. That is the reason you should focus on three aspects:
- continue diligent practice on things even if the person you’re working with doesn’t feel it. Trust me, it will work on someone
- understand the need to always have multiple techniques in mind. (never practice against just one punch, assume multiples)
- remember that no matter how good you are at a particular technique, if it doesn’t work when used, you must be prepared to immediately switch to others. Keep going until something does work
It is should be remembered that every person is different. They have different body physiques, pain thresholds, and “fight/flight” responses. The competent Martial Artist will keep this in mind throughout every aspect of their training.