Differentiating “style” from “skill”

[Mikeh333]

So your point might be paraphrased as "is there a way style can bring out the skill of a fighter?" Or... is skill just a separate category of experience? As a martial artist technique is where the rubber meets the road. Technique is the blend of style and skill to a natural conclusion.

Your example with Louis makes an important point: At the highest professional matrix in order to maximize skill, one must choose a style that allows a fighter to depend upon their strong suites.

Well said. Joe Frazier would never have been successful if he tried to fight like Ali, with a lot of movement, a great jab and limited defense. Frazier had no choice, really, but to get under his opponents jab with constant head movement and a cross arm defense, looking to land the greatest left hook in heavyweight history.

[markusmod]

Well said. Joe Frazier would never have been successful if he tried to fight like Ali, with a lot of movement, a great jab and limited defense. Frazier had no choice, really, but to get under his opponents jab with constant head movement and a cross arm defense, looking to land the greatest left hook in heavyweight history.

Perfectly explained the strategy here.