i am all for doing techs or ideas on people rather than objects ... big time .... but can also see that with some things you just cant do that. Some elbow extensions you have to be mega careful with ... I had a clot in my elbow before from a slightly rough extension.
On a tree branch you can use exactly the same positional force at full strength. In fact isnt there some systema work with sticks somewhere??
surely its merely an extension of that force or movement training you guys do. You just take the force to the point where you try to break stuff.
I guess its like the tap tap karate guy who is mega accurate but always pulls his punches .. vrs the Thai boxer or kyokushin that smashes the ass out of a heavy bag. One with have useful power ... the other wont.
Sometimes 'testing' or using your force against something that wont break and never train again is useful IMO. But like i say, i am a big fan of dishing out and taking beatings in class
Cheers
Chris