Would you like to learn a JKD punch? Have you heard of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do (JKD) and wondered if the techniques really are that good? If someone offers to teach you JKD moves, I'd probably run in the other direction..
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JKD Does Not Include All Martial Arts Some people think that since Bruce Lee wanted to get beyond style that all principles and techniques fit into the category of JKD.
This is a misconception.
JKD does have a set of principles of efficiency, directness, and effectiveness in the martial arts.
If a move, by its very nature is not direct, then maybe it doesn't fit into a "JKDer's" repertoire.
So, if not all moves are JKD, shouldn't you go in search of real Jeet Kune Do? Well, not so fast.
If you are focusing on technique, then you may have more to learn about JKD.
JKD Techniques -- The Wrong Focus Sure, there are some moves and techniques that seem endemic to JKD.
But to be frank, JKD is more about principles.
Rather than saying this punch or that punch is from JKD, it's better to say that in Jeet Kune Do, one moves the punch before the body.
This is the principle of moving the weapon slightly before the body starts.
And it can fit with a variety of punches.
Do you see the point I am making? If the person trying to teach you a JKD punch says that a vertical punch is a JKD punch, but a horizontal punch isn't and this teacher moves his (or her) body before the punch, then it really doesn't matter which punch is thrown.
Neither are JKD if they telegraph without a purpose (like Progressive Indirect Attacks).
Make sure your JKD teacher focuses on principles rather than techniques.
The Real Jeet Kune Do -- A Couple of Principles to Start OK, so you now know to move the weapon before the body.
It makes for a faster and more efficient strike.
Of course, it's easier said than done.
Would you like to know another JKD principle? Step off the line of a punch or kick, only as much as you need to, in order to avoid being hit.
This means that your opponent's punch will only miss your head by an inch or two.
No 45-degree angle stepping off, to block.
That's way too wide.
You almost want your attacker's punch to graze your ear, or his kick to brush the side of your leg.
This closeness is the efficient JKD way.
Your response will be a lot faster, because you don't have to move nearly as far, with these tight angles.
This puts you right next to, and almost on top of, your opponent.
If your JKD teacher claims that a certain blocking technique is JKD, and you see the wide stepping found in other styles, then you probably are NOT being exposed to Bruce Lee's Art.
In fact, if the block precedes the strike, then you know that you aren't adhering to the principles of JKD.
Are There JKD Techniques (Like Punches)? Sure, there are JKD techniques.
An efficient elbow strike, without any cocking back motion for more power could be considered JKD.
So could a good vertical punch that protects the line heading toward the center of your body.
There seem to be some techniques, like punch-check combinations that have more of a JKD flavor.
They fit.
But if someone offers to teach you JKD techniques, like JKD punches, I would be very suspicious ...
unless of course, the advice is coming from yours truly.