Targeting vs Controlling

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

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 · Brown Belt

I hunt for targets.
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"Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know." ~ Lao-tzu, Tao Te Ching

"Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens." ~ Jigaro Kano

singularity6 · Pre-Black Belt

I haven't developed a style, yet. I still get too wound up to do anything effective after about 30 seconds.
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5th Geup Jidokwan Tae Kwon Do/Hap Ki Do

(Never officially tested in aikido, iaido or kendo)

sensei8 · KF Sensei

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

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**Proof is on the floor!!!

LLLEARNER · Brown Belt

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.
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"Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know." ~ Lao-tzu, Tao Te Ching

"Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens." ~ Jigaro Kano

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

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 · Black Belt

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.

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The person who succeeds is not the one who holds back, fearing failure, nor the one who never fails-but the one who moves on in spite of failure.
Charles R. Swindoll

mazzybear · KF Sempai

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.
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Be water, my friend.

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