Timing

 "The system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed or coincide with one another” 
    
  This is the official definition of timing. When I (we) speak of timing, it's more in relation to when we do what we are doing something. Unfortunately, that can vary greatly. It depends on the need, ability and practicality (of the application). The RyuTe^® system tends to (or attempts to) use a kick in conjunction with two hand techniques (be they what-ever).
      
  This should seem simple enough, but reality often fouls that premiss by interjection of situations that simply don't allow it to happen (sigh...). I have students who are regularly frustrated by the fact that they can't always do all 3 at once. Simultaneous execution of these 3 actions does not require that they all 3 occur at once. It's “nice” when they can, but it is not even a requirement for them to work!
     
  For myself, I don't necessarily want all 3 to occur at the same time. I've found that a slight delay of the “kick” (say, during a Tuite application), can “load” the (intended) target leg more effectively than if it (the leg) is struck simultaneously with the “grab”. Or, possibly even the reverse (initiating the kick before a “strike”) would apply better (by “activating” a muscle or nerve point) from the reaction (provided) from the kick.
   
  Techniques are not (necessarily) set in stone (as to their execution). Some are more effective, given certain prerequisite actions, but most are more fluid (in their applicability).
   
  We tend to train students, to have a “plan”(in their head) before any action has taken place. Then, once any action, has commenced, continue with that action to completion. The purpose of “practice” (per say) is to expose the student to as many variables as is practical.
  
  Regardless of how many different situations we attempt to plan for, we will never practice “the one” that the student will (possibly) be involved in. It's our hope that with time, and practice, that the student will simply react to the situation, and not be a slave to the individually practiced responses. 
     
  It's because of this, that when people (be they students, or others) ask me about what if's, or what do you do, when they do “such and such” that my response is usually “I have NO idea”, “do it”, and “let's see”. This annoys some people, and others just look at me, and some (usually students) go ahead and do what-ever. And, we both see (what “I” would do). Now does that mean that's what they will do? (I doubt it). It doesn't even mean that it (what-ever the action that I did) would be the best for them to do. 
      
  RyuTe^®, is a very individual system, how one responds to any particular set of stimuli will tend to vary (by their own experience/knowledge). Knowing how “I”, would react (at least at that time) may, or may not, provide the questioner with the answer they seek. Can I be “blind-sided”? Of course! (It's up to me to prevent that situation from being able to exist to begin with). But it definitely can happen.
  
  There is, NO exact “timing” for every technique. Timing, will be dependent upon the individual situation, and the individual technique involved. There ARE, some fairly common timing situations, and we (attempt to) impart them on our students. 
     
  We have some basic pretenses for certain atemi (body/arm) strikes, and we explain how these are set up (for the most effective results). But, even these can change, as circumstances in any encounter can/will.
      
  The skill of timing, is really learning to read the opponent. This consists of the ability to recognizing the activation of various points and natural weaknesses in the opponent during (or in reaction to) various motions made by the opponent. This ability (with practice of a variety of techniques) will allow the student to use which ever technique/motion is most effective in the given situation.