ICC SHOWCASE
The S.P.E.E.D. Formula
By Jonathan E. Kiser
ICC uses the many criteria in determining the combat-worthiness of any method. One of those criteria is known as the S.P.E.E.D. formula. It stands for Simplicity, Practicality, Efficiency, Exploitiveness, and Directness. It is our finding that any method or technique that doesn't possess the SPEED qualities that has a high probability of failure under pressure and force-on-force confontations. In studies it has been proven that as stress and pressure increases fine motor skills diminish and gross motor skill increase. This isn't to say alot of training may train an individual to pull off fancy movements in a live confrontation, yet to reasonable why waste time on methods that are highly dependent of perfect conditions? Keep in mind that the first Law of Combat is "No situation is idea".
Simplicity
There must be ease in execution. Lacking complex, fanciful, or acrobatic aspects. Simple does not always mean easy though; especially in a real confrontation even the simpliest of movements may be difficult to perform against an uncooperative aggressor. What are examples of simplicity? It (method or technique) must be executed with minimum set-up and minimum number of motions.
Praticality
It (method or technique) must be sensible or useful, and likely to be effective. This implies that under some conditions what may be taught in the sterile environment of a training hall just may not stand up to the viral environmet of combat reality. Many things taught in martial arts are ancient, situational dependent, and debatable when it comes to combat-worthiness. As impressive as these methods may appear the ability of a fighter to pull them off under stress and resistance is unlikely. An example of impractical methodology would be the use of cartwheeling kicks, jumping kicks, or animal-mimicking techniques, complicated throwing or locking, etc... Practical methodology is using what works well in a situation all the while being reasonable and balanced in application.
Efficiency
Able to function well or achieve a desired result without waste. In particular, three things fit the model of efficiency: economy of motion, economy of energy, economy of time. Therefore, to be effiecient it should be as abbreviated as possible as long as it remains effective. What is effective(especially in ICC philiosophy)? Efffective is whatever works. An example would be comparing a volley of wide haymaker punches(that may hit the opponent) to the "centerline seeking" straight blast punching(that is more likely to connect). The haymaker uses too much motion, too much energy, and takes too much time. The straight blast hits uses the hands from any position, uses minimum energy, and is super quick.
Exploitive
Takes advantage of opportunities and weaknesses of the opponent. This means that a fighter uses his visual, tactile, and auditory senses to gather information about the opponent. Any clue telegraphed from an opponent to a fighter should be taken into account and eventually (sooner than later!) exploiited. Example of exploitiveness are using intimidation, imbalancing manuevers, "body english", levers, distractions, etc..
Directness
Not stopping or deviating; going straight to the point. This implies that the shortest route is the best route to take to the target or desired effect. This follows all the other aspects of the SPEED formula and suggests that if possible use a straight line where possible unless you meet some form of obstruction and then use tight rounded movement over wide ones. In ICC we say, "Use the straight to compliment the circular and the circular to compliment the straight." We recognize directness as the taking only the lines necessary to get the job done.
Conclusion
To have true combat speed under real stress against real force you should consider applying the S.P.E.E.D. formula to your training. There may be other ways of developing real combat speed, yet ICC finds this formula to yield the most results.
