Techniques Vs. Tricks
In the self preservation world it is a general consensus that when it comes to techniques less is more. The more basic the moves, the more basic the course, the easier it is for most people to remember and use effectively. While I think that this is true, I think that is not the whole answer. To answer this better I think a distinction should be made between techniques and tricks. I think that, while a small number of techniques are preferable to a large quantity, a large repository of tricks can end up being the difference.
For the purposes of this article a technique is a broad term which defines a physical act regardless of the target. For example, a punch is a technique irrespective of whether it attacks the face or the body. With this definition in mind, I agree that, for purely self preservation purposes, a small number of versatile techniques are preferable to a large amount of specific techniques. It is easier for someone, who has very little time, to learn to adequately look after one’s self effectively if one only has a few techniques to learn. It is also true that one can remember a small number of techniques for longer easier. However over a period time one will pick up plenty of tricks.
I define tricks as specific action used in specific instances. It is these tricks which are a large part of the difference between the inexperienced and experienced fighter. An example of a trick might be running the sole of your boot down an attacker's shin before stomping his foot, when grasped from behind. It is pretty precise and it can only be used in a specific circumstance. As part of a structured self preservation plan it would be fairly ineffective to include your (the instructor’s) whole “bag of tricks”. However, they could be used to break up the monotony of the simple self preservation program.
These tricks are those little things which are a product of your growth and experience with self preservation. They can be shown to you by others or you can learn them through your own experience. These tricks can be great tools for self preservation. It can be these tricks which can mean the difference between success and failure in a self preservation scenario.