JEET KUNE DO PUNCHES AND KICKS - BRUCE LEE

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.

 Hook-punch:

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.

 Upper Cut:

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.

 Leading side kick:

Ø  Most powerful blow (especially when coupled with stepping motion).

Ø  Defence from it: Move away far enough >> Side step >> Parry + grab leg.

 Hook kick:

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.

 Sweep kick:

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).

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