Chapter 79: Technique vs. Methodology

Technique:a skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something. a way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution or performance of a physical process, action or deed. Technique is skill and ability in an artistic, sporting, or other practical activity that you develop through training and practice. 

There are two types of technique, i.e., first is that technique involving the execution or performance of a physical process. Most people perceive technique is the specified action, such as a block or strike, used in self-protection, basics, and kata. Move this way to stop the partner from applying this action. Side block of a strait punch for instance. 

Second, is the technique involving a means of doing something, learning and practicing a particular task and developing a skill in an artistic, sporting, philosophical way. We call this, "following the way of the empty hand or karate-do." 

Methodology:a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. a particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one. An orderliness of thought or behavior; systematic planning or action. The rigorous combination of knowledge and method.

Methodology is a system of methods, a set of procedures and processes that are systematic as to a tactical plan of a creative nature not dependent on a particular technique. Methodologies are the combination of skill set knowledge and methods to achieve any given objective especially when unknown and by surprise. 

Methodologies are comprised of creative techniques, i.e., to the exclusion of specific techniques to the benefit of development of skills that are realistic, valid and efficient in handling the chaos and unpredictability of aggression and violence. 

Methods and their methodology in martial disciplines rely heavily on certain mental and physical principles that don't change and are applicable to any and all situations, actions, deeds and thoughts manifested in reality or real-time, i.e., communications and articulation of things being an example. 

The principles to apply to methods are, "Breathing, posture, triangle guard, centerline, primary gate, spinal alignment, axis, minor axis, structure, heaviness, relaxation, wave energy, convergence, centeredness, triangulation point, the dynamic sphere, body-mind, void, centripetal force, centrifugal force, sequential locking and sequential relaxation, peripheral vision, tactile sensitivity, rooting, attack hubs, attack posture, possibly the chemical cocktail, Multiple Methodologies [actual tactics and attack methodologies of impacts, drives (pushes), pulls, twists, takedowns/throws and compression, etc. are best for stopping a threat]."

Example, structure and alignment never change in their most efficient form regardless of the method used or even the technique applied. Both are necessary, optimally, in achieving efficient generation of energy that when transmitted under proper structure and alignment ensure the majority of said energy is conserved so when applied through movement of mass, etc., produce the maximum of power and force to the target. 

Structure and alignment are either optimal or not all contributing to the maintaining of energy levels or resulting in energy bleed off reducing the final energy output. 

In closing this chapter, a professional stated adequately that principles provide maximum effect to survival while technique-based applications will result in grave harm or death. In another principle of martial disciplines of sub-principle yin-yang, finding a balance is necessary to make it work.