Spencer, the way i learnt was to use the pole for fighting. So in one respect -Yes- i learnt hard and soft applications, because hard and soft applications is a bi product of pole use full stop.
But in reference to your question - did i learnt hard applications one day then on another we said lets look at soft applications -No-
We address application based on needs. Whats given to me vs what do i need to do to protect myself. It all stems from Chi Kwan, just like the H2H applications stem from Chi Sau. and BJD applications stem from Chi Do. If you don't have Chi Sau what you have is Forms and a whole lot of guess work with regard to application.
That said all guess work aint bad, i mean fighting isnt rocket science as much as some VT folk like to pretend, but just dont tell me it came from Ip Mans ghost
How many BJD and LDB
form videos can you find around the net ?
How many
Chi DO and
Chi Kwan videos can you find ?
So disproportionate IMO, ask yourself why ? and then ask yourself which is more important form or application ?
Such a shame applications are for the most part lost, but just like speaking another language if you don't use it every day...
Im not that familiar with families outside my own spencer so take this with a grain of salt -
Despite what many people say about the inconsistent teaching of YM which i think is BS. We as YM VT people don't take kindly to flying elbow and rely heavily on elbow position for power generation...
So because we ARE consistent in theory and application - this of course this lends to the pole. A longer grip lessens or in some cases eliminates the ability to use the elbows to generate power.
So you have to use other sources of power hence a small change in grip can make a big change in other Kwan techniques IME. Short grip makes the pole more alive for us thrusts can have more power in the tip you have greater control over direction from the front hand and more leverage with certain habbit actions IMO.
And if you look at BJD techs against the pole, we look to cut the hands and get in close. Wider grips make for a closer target for the Sword user... You can lessen your own range advantage
Im a VT guy, of course i've heard stories... thats all most of our community care about.
What i care about is abilities, and that said - with regard to the LDB - if you cant walk.. then i find it hard to believe you can run
(not you specifically spencer
)