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This variation is generally considered non-destructive.

 

During the transition between the first and second maneuver of Locked Wing (i.e., the circling of the left arm around the potential opponent's right arm) it is possible to insert a left outward heel-palm to the potential opponent's face area. Although, technically, this variation changes the form it does not impact any significant information presented in the form and therefore is generally considered innocuous and arguably non-destructive.

 

Rationale For

The circling of the arm can be construed to have too much of a delay between the outward elbow strike and the inner elbow strike (to the potential opponent's right arm). This delay can be construed to allow the potential opponent time to recover from the initial elbow strike and potentially retaliate. Continuing this logic, inserting the strike demonstrates more control over the potential opponent and furthermore would re-position the potential opponent (by forcing their head and upper body backward) to a more optimal position for then next strike. Also, one may argue that the inserting of this strike demonstrates the general rule that one should not pass their center-line without doing something - in this case heel-palming. In other words, eliminate the time gap and better implement the economy of motion principle. To summarize this rationale, inserting the strike is more strategically viable and physically economical than leaving the strike out.

 

Rationale Against

Simply put, the above logic for the first option is not necessary and overkill for a form. And, while the maneuver does not detract from information in the form it also does not add any appreciable information to the form and therefore should not be executed. Furthermore, the practitioner may allow the inserted strike to detract from the execution of the intended maneuver (i.e., the inner elbow strike) and cause the overall execution of the technique to be sub-optimal.