A brief outlook on some JKD Punches and Kicks as expounded by
Bruce Lee
Note:
1)
Purpose of all martial arts is basically
self-defence.
2)
Put 100% effort in target contact. When working
on punching bag, imagine it to be your opponent and express yourself
accordingly.
3)
There is seldom a direct attack in JKD.
4)
Guard your centreline at all times.
5)
In a real life-threatening scenario, be prepared
to do anything… including but not
limited to: distracting, maiming, tickling, spitting, biting, scratching,
licking, gouging, pinching and screaming. Hence train every part of your body
and be aware at all times!
Punches
Lead finger jab:
Ø
Longest reach (upper body).
Ø
Targets: eyes, temple, groin, armpit, throat.
Ø
Execution: Feint before jabbing or use jab
itself to feint and counter attack.
Ø
Maintain centreline defence.
Lead straight (right):
Ø
Target: Nose.
Ø
Maintain rear-guard.
Lead body level attack:
Ø
Target: Solar plexus.
Ø
Execution: Bend and attack.
Ø
Maintain rear-guard.
Lead straight (left):
Ø
Used as a counter or as a combination.
Ø
More powerful than lead straight (right).
Safety triple:
Ø
First and last punch lands on the same target
(e.g. 1 head\1 chest\1 head).
Straight left to body:
Ø
Execution: Feint, crouch, attack.
Ø
One of the best counters. Good to use against
taller opponents.
Lead jab:
Ø
Not powerful but used to keep opponent
off-balance.
Ø
Execution: Snap (not push).
Back-fist:
Ø
One of the most surprising punches; fast,
accurate and non-telegraphic.
Ø
Best target: temples on the head.
Ø
Open rear hand for parrying.
Ø
Easy, snappy, loose like a whip.
Ø
Complemented by footwork, shoulder leverage and
rear guard.
Ø
Sharply bent elbow delivers explosive hook.
Ø
Hook punch is effective when moving in/moving
out. Body control is equally important. This punch comes naturally when
combined with sidestep.
Ø
Effective against strong defence.
Ø
Execution: Bent knees, weight on toes and
leaning slightly backward.
Kicks
Leading shin and knee kick:
Ø
First encounter.
Ø
Combined with feinting.
Ø
Eyes on the face and not on the target.
Ø
Most powerful blow (especially when coupled with
stepping motion).
Ø
Defence from it: Move away far enough >>
Side step >> Parry + grab leg.
Ø
Most dominating kick in JKD.
Ø
Easier to use against someone in the same stance
as yours.
Spin kick:
Ø
Most difficult kick in JKD.
Ø
Balance may be affected.
Ø
Risk of exposing the back during spinning +
focus may get difficult.
Ø
Mostly used as a counter / surprise attack.
Works best against an unwary, aggressive type of fighter. In JKD, the thrust is
preferred to sweeping/slapping motion.
Ø
Seldom used as it is not that powerful and can
be easily intercepted.
Ø
Best used against the opponent who tends to
guard disproportionately (e.g. left side only).
Ø
Target: Mostly head; sometimes legs (during gap
in opponent’s awareness).
*****
