Thank you for your input in this matter. I have reread my post and
though it seems clear to me, I failed to be understood so with your
permission I will try again. Within the sword arts we repeat a move
such as a shomen uchi or yokomen uchi thousands of times and
contemplate the many facets and intentions that create a flawless
stroke. At the same time we enjoy the Randori or free sparring, which
is not combat, and that too, has a great impact on out learning and
our spirit. Tradition teaches and I agree that one can benefit if one
refrains from learning tools for a while until the movement develops
to a certain stage. My sensei says it promotes a better understanding
of the differences between armed and unarmed combat and from my meager
experience (11 years) in the army I agree. A man with a blade tends to
overlook the possibilities beyond its edge unless he had had to fend
without one. Both free movement and set practice have their distinct
benefits. Free movement allows for experimentation and moving with
your Uke develops gentleness of movement and awareness. Set practice
allows us to explore movement in depth and creates movement without
though or the void, if I may use the words of Musashi.
The goal of both extremes is freedom of movement with an unfettered
mind. They do not oppose each other but complete each other at the
proper time.

There is another point that I am sure your Systema teachers have
stressed from time to time. Combat is not a time to tense up and to
act hard. The tree breaks in the wind while the grass bends and
returns. A novice civilian will be put off if you tell him a certain
technique will not work because the blade will slide along the rib
cage and it will work better if the blade is horizontal to the ground
or that you shake the blade at the end of the stroke to avoid getting
blood in your eyes. That is why one is introduced to the body than to
the wood and only than to the metal. So the grass will bend and return
and the student can become a teacher with sound body and mind.

respectfully, Sharon Friedman.