Quote Originally Posted by lkfmdc View Post
And what are "principles" when we talk about combat? There is only what works and what does not, and anyone looking to fight and survive only cares about what works...
A lot of things work, but that is not the only thing to care about. In fighting, ending quickly is also important because the longer the fight proceeds the greater the chance of being seriously injured. So we must also care about efficiency. We don't go into a fight with sportive mentality, knowing we have several rounds and decide to feel out the opponent during the first round.

So one such principle of efficiency is constant forward pressure. Some styles may re-chamber a kick and bring the leg back and place it down before moving forward, which may give the opponent the opportunity to reset. Adhering to your principle you'd turn the kick into a forwarding step to keep the pressure on the opponent with relentless attack.

See chambered kicks may well work, but it is within some system principles to eat up time and every gap with forward pressure to ensure a quick end. You may win either way, but it is possible to adhere to your principles for valid reasons, keeping a "pure system".