If you could only use one technique in a fight

[IronFist]

What would it be?

I don't know how this would ever happen, but say you agreed to a fight (striking) where you could only use one attack the entire time. What would you use? A jab? A cross? An elbow? A Thai Kick? That's what I would use.

[FngSaiYuk]

Chi Blast!!!!

But seriously... perhaps a well conditioned phoenix eye punch.

Do you get to know what your opponent will be using?

Also, is this just for attacking? Can you use any defense techinques?

[blooming lotus]

that's silly question because A. each fight is different with diff techs being best in diff situations and B. because unless you're some thug whose striking first, you'll need to block first aswell.

[MasterKiller]

elbows

[Ray Pina]

Strong leading rights, with my left back hand to block. Strike and block any thing that moves simultanously. If the distancing and timing are right, the back hand is only insurance.

[red5angel]

I would use punching, or shooting.

[Oso]

running

[aedolon]

Grasp sparrow's tail

EDIT: Oops, didn't read the original post too carefully... You want striking techniques? I'll stick with taijiquan: deflect, parry and punch.

[Chang Style Novice]

The technique of no-technique.

(cue spooky flute music)

[Chang Style Novice]

Or less engimatically - I tend to be responsive rather than pro-active. So, the single technique I choose will depend on what my opponent does. Wait for the opening and exploit it by whatever means is most appropriate.

[lxtruong]

Originally posted by aedolon
Grasp sparrow's tail

EDIT: Oops, didn't read the original post too carefully... You want striking techniques? I'll stick with taijiquan: deflect, parry and punch.

doesn't that count as 3 techniques?

[SevenStar]

Originally posted by blooming lotus
because unless you're some thug whose striking first, you'll need to block first aswell.

no you won't. you can move. Or, if you see him attacking, you can beat him to the punch. That brings me to the technique I would use - the teep.

I thought about using a lead hand punch, as efist said, as I have long arms. But, my legs are longer and more powerful, so I won't have to be as close to do damage. I then thought about the thai roundhouse as IF said, but what if my opponent is a grappler, san shou guy or another thai boxer? I'd be more prone to get cut kicked, thrown, etc.

[Judge Pen]

I was thinking Thai roundouse too until I read what Seven* posted. I think I have to agree with E-fist. Not very sexy, but the most effective and adaptable if you had to stick with a single technique.

[Palmer]

In some ways I see it as a ridiculous question and in other ways its really not IMO.

For the most part I train in hope of not having to think much about which technique will need to come out in an encounter. Thats why questions like what would you do If I did this I no longer entertain because I dont believe anyone can no for sure what they will do in any situation.

But with that said many of the old timers have been known to specialize in one or two hands and of course were said to have used them mostly when in public encounters. An example is Guo Yun Shen and his half step Beng Chuan.

Personally not to be too poetic I look at techniques more like branches that all come off the trunk of a tree. Where the trunk is your fundamentals (footwork, power generation, mindset etc.)

So what would I use? either Beng Chuan or Chun Choi both take the shape of a linear straight punch but each off a different set of body mechanics.

[MasterKiller]

Originally posted by Judge Pen
I was thinking Thai roundouse too until I read what Seven* posted. I think I have to agree with E-fist. Not very sexy, but the most effective and adaptable if you had to stick with a single technique.

What are you gonna do if they clinch you or take you down?

Elbows are the equalizer.