diversity...

I am happiest when there is diversity in my training.
While repetition is important, it can be done by revisiting the same techniques over time, rather than two hours each class just hammering the same lesson over and again (there is a time and place for this, don't get me wrong).
The past week is a good example of  what I like doing. Class One: stretches, kicks, strikes, once through all katas, and a fairly lengthy lesson on swords. Class two: stretches (with push ups, sit ups, etc.), focus mitts, light sparring, blocking drills, joint locks/take downs, and a session with the sticks. It was a great mix, and my brain feels like it worked out, too.
We all know that martial arts takes years of repeating a concept, not just specific classes where one technique is repeated endlessly. For example, I have likely done thousands and thousands of wrist throws over the past five years alone, yet never have I spent a whole class just on this one technique--not that I wouldn't. I just think diversity helps, keeping things fresh, and thus allowing greater focus on learning.
Maybe this is just me and my attention span. However, the repetition, if I look for it closely, is still there, just over years instead of hours...
I repeat, instead of hours.... hours... hours...
(groan). 
 

jab, cross, jab...

More and more I am thinking about multiple punch defense. Punches rarely come in one shot, yet often we practice against this scenario. It is definately a good starting point. After all, how can we deal with two strikes if we are unaware of how to protect ourselves against just one? That said, I worry sometimes many teachers focus on one-punch attacks--overlooking a possible situation to cope with outside the dojo. We should do exercises protecting ourselves from multiple strikes: some where we step back and get distance (a possible flinch situation); and other excercises where we try to get inside before the attack, or redirect the attack soon thereafter.

The other area I wonder about is jab defense. A jab is an uncommitted attack but potentially devastating. It is both underused, in my opinion, and under studied from a defensive point of view. Although an improper jab leaves a hole in the defense of the opponent (especially if not retracted fast enough), it can be difficult to read and still leaves bigger weapons available to your opponent, i.e. back arm and legs. To me, it is also a warning sign that the attacker is not ignorant to combat strategy in general. A jab, to be studied defensively, should be learned as a weapon as well.

Defensive drills...

I spend too much time dwelling on how good my offence is. That is, in my mind, I focus on progression in terms of how successful my attacks would be in a specific situation.
Funny, since I practice a defensive form of jiu-jitsu. So, I've decided I need to spend more mental time on understanding my level of defense, and understanding the progression of my skills in this respect.
It reminds me of a couple of drills I have done in the past. One is setting up a sparring situation where one person can strike, and the other may only defend. This exercise can hone one's defensive skills and boost your confidence when it comes to evading attacks. You will also find many openings you might normally have overlooked due to utilizing extra patience. Both blocking and footwork will be crucial.
The second drill is almost the same as the first. However, the defender sets up a "wall" or "fence" with his/her hands held high in a defensive position. While your partner throws light and varied strikes, you must keep your hands in the same continuous position (think boxing), blocking strikes by footwork and torso movement alone. Surprisingly, a small percentage of strikes actually get through. This exercise also boosts defensive confidence and teaches economy of movement.
Taking away the attack refocuses your thinking process, and in my case, brings me back to the gentle art of defense.