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This variation is generally considered destructive.

 

The final poke of the technique Protecting Fans is changed in the number of fingers used. This variation is accomplished by altering the number of fingers used with the poke from four (4) to two (2). This variation basically comes down to an argument of category completion versus margin for error.

 

Rationale For

The rationale for this variation is to add a maneuver that cannot be found anywhere else within the forms - a horizontal, two-finger poke. Therefore, this variation provides an otherwise missing maneuver. And, since Form Four demonstrates a large number of varying finger pokes, Form Four is the most logical place to execute this maneuver.

 

In addition, placing this variation in Protecting Fans is also logical; to contrast it with the vertical two-finger version demonstrated in Darting Leaves - the next self-defense technique in the form sequence.

 

Rationale Against

Execution with only a two-finger execution of the poke severely detracts from (by at least 50 percent) the margin for error provided by the execution with four fingers. And because of this, executing the maneuver in this manner also detracts from the reality of the execution of the technique.

 

Additionally, executing the variation (with only two fingers) forces the practitioner to remember that the form differs from the self-defense version of the technique - which should not be altered from its four-finger ideal phase of execution.