Fine Vs. Gross (Motor Skills)

  A recent thread on another blog/discussion group addressed the “practicality” of the use/application (if not the ability to apply) of what are commonly referenced as being “fine” motor skills during a confrontational situation. That “ability” is only achieved through repeated practice of those motions. (obviously) for the beginner, or newly introduced (to the motion(s)), their application would be questionable. But for the experienced, not nearly to the degree that many persons attempt to disparage them.

  For many of those that critique their applicability, those persons (commonly) train (if not focus upon) the use of blunt force techniques/applications. Although that manner of technique application has it's virtue's, it additionally contains numerous detriments. Namely, the requirement that the user be sufficiently strong/large enough for it to effect the recipient (of that application). For the smaller (if not weaker) practitioner, their use becomes extremely limited (if not totally negated).

  The way that many of those detractors (for the use of supposedly “fine” motor skills) attempt to disparage them, is by stating that when under stress or duress, that one cannot perform those motions. They imply that the “use” of those techniques/motions require some manner of delicate manipulation of one's finger's, arm's or body(?). I'm not sure (exactly) what they are referring to, but the manner that I/we were taught (and teach) those motions were learned as being entire body motions. Yes, there are subtle movements involved with the performance of (many of) them, but they are rarely “delicate” in their use/application.

  Those individuals may be referencing the fact that we practice/demonstrate those motions slowly (?). this is (obviously) done for both safety, and clarity of instruction. As long as the motions are performed correctly, speed (of application) becomes less relevant, and power becomes only a (minor) contributing factor. Those same motions can (often) be performed “sloppily” and still achieve a desirable result. But to disregard them (off-hand), based on the belief that they are (somehow) regarded as being a “fine motor-skill/movement” is disingenuous.
 When performed correctly, they do not require greater amounts of (physical) force to be a condition of their successful implementation. Speed, (obviously) can be a determining factor in their successful application, but “power” isn't (or shouldn't be).

  The general (miss) conception is that one will not be able to perform (any) minor or subtle hand motions. This is more perception than fact. Those abilities are determined (more so) by individual experience, than by any levels of technical motion.   

 Though not (often enough) considered, “practice” equates to experience (in regards to ability of/for application). That equivalence is dictated by the level of “realism” experienced during the practice of applying the motion. Though safety is mandated (during any level of practice), realism should be explored to those levels deemed acceptable by the participants.

  Beyond the individual motions of the “basic” application, possible reactions/counters (made by the uke) should be included once the student becomes familiar with the application. The term “Fine-Motor” skills, commonly is used to describe (subtle) motions that don't (generally) cause/create specific reactions by the uke. The use (or “lack”) of those subtle motions will rarely affect the general response made to (or as a result of) the application of the technique.  

 The term “subtle” is subjective (to the subject being addressed). In this case, the use of “Tuite” (during a confrontation) is often dismissed because of the mistaken belief that it can't be utilized because of the (perceived) belief that it can not be effectively implemented during a confrontation. This belief is commonly based upon the belief that a resisting aggressor will nullify one's ability to do so. If that were accurate, the entire premise of “Tuite” would be negated. The use and application of Tuite during a confrontation is done with subtlety (non-forcefully). Though (crudely) possible, Tuite is not intended to be “muscled” (and will more commonly “fail” when that attempt is made).