You are on page 1of 37

Fighting Ranges of Jeet Kune Do

Nearly everyone has heard of the four ranges of combat: kicking, punching, trapping
and grappling. They are perhaps most often associated with training in jeet kune do, in
which students seek to acquire different skills from different arts to prepare
themselves to fight in any situation.

Yet theres another set of ranges only three this time in JKD training. They are
the high, middle and low ranges. If you train to strategically use them, you can
transform yourself into a smarter fighter and your opponent into a blithering fool who
gets taken out of commission more quickly, more easily and more efficiently.

Fight Smart:
Physically, Bruce Lee was not a big man. At about 130 pounds, he had to ensure his
techniques and strategies were the most efficient and realistic ones known.

For me to pull something off, Ive really get the technique down, but technique alone
is not going to get me where I want to go.

Thats where the three ranges come into play. The guiding strategy goes something
like this: When your opponent attacks you in one range, that means hes focusing all
his attention on that range. Therefore, the logical choice for you is to counterattack
him in a different range.

When a person is doing something in one range, hes forgetting about the others,

If youre in trouble in a fight, you should address those ranges that hes not thinking
about.

Definitions

In a confrontation, your opponent even if hes untrained can easily attack you in
any of the three ranges. Using the high range, he might throw a punch at your face.
Using the middle range, he might throw a hook to your breadbasket or a knee to your
sternum. Using the low range, he might launch a kick at your thigh or knee.

The key to using JKDs three ranges lies in protecting the body part your opponent
attacks by evading, intercepting or blocking, then counterattacking to a different
range. Sounds simple, doesnt it?

It takes training to be able to use the ranges,

First, somebody has to tell you they exist. People with no experience dont know
they can attack a different range. Its like they have a rule book that says what they
can and cannot do in a fight. But constantly being exposed to the fact that you do
have alternatives and training so you understand what that alternative is all about
gives you an edge.
A lot of people have been exposed to them, but they seem to push them to the side
out of their delusional ego and value systems, its because they want to crash heads
they want to compete with each other at the same level with the same rules and such
bullshit. In reality, thats not the most advantageous way to do it unless youre doing
tournament point fighting as a sport. On the street, you have to be ready to mix and
confuse your opponent, and you can do that by addressing the different ranges.
Denial

The average person hopes and trains to defeat his opponent with whichever
skills he has accumulated and knows best. That can work well if your opponent is
good at one range (say hes a boxer) while youre good at another (a skilled muay
Thai thigh kicker, for example).

But what if you and your opponent happen to be good punchers? You could end up
slugging it out in a no-rules boxing match.

Unfortunately, this is often the product of conventional training and inflexible habit
thinking, in which students spar with practitioners of the same style: Boxers box with
boxers, taekwondo practitioners kick other taekwondo practitioners, etc.

Presenting an attacker with something hes not used to and, therefore, not good at
defending against, makes more sense.

Ive dealt with some kickboxers who were good at what they do, But when they
try to deal with the different ranges, theyre thrown off. It takes them by surprise
because its not in the range theyre familiar with.

When the three ranges are used successfully, shocked martial artists are often filled
with disbelief. A lot of times, there is denial, they cant quite understand it. They
want to try again, and generally they lose again because theyre not even competing
on the same level.

With a typical tournament match or mixed-martial arts [8] fight, its relatively easy to
determine your opponents style before you tangle with him. But on the street, how
can you know?

You dont ever really know what the person is going to do,

If hes a street fighter, he could pick something up from the ground, and that throws
everything out the door as far as wanting to go over and do some boxing with him.
However, most will rush you and take you to the ground.

Others will try to punch your head. The best thing to do, is stay away from your
opponent and try to get an idea of how he fights.

As soon as you determine his style that hes a headhunter, for example thats
your cue to go for his middle or low range.

The first thing you should think is, What is he doing? because whatever hes doing,
you dont want to do.
It doesnt necessarily mean you have to fight and defeat your opponent using a range
with which youre uncomfortable.

Instead, it means you use a specific range to create hesitation, then switch to any
range you like to finish the job.

Whether you hit him or he hits you, theres hesitation,

And that means theres an opening for your follow-up. A lot of people think they can
hit once and thatll be enough. For example, many beginner boxers will hit their
opponent and stand back because theyre proud of it. And on the street, you see
people take a lot of pride in themselves when they hit someone.

Of course, you shouldnt allow yourself to get hit just to create a moment of
hesitation, But if it does happen, dont go into shock. One hit is generally not going
to knock you out,

So take advantage of it. It opens the door so you can change the ranges and do
whatever youre trained to do.

High Range

The high range is basically from the shoulders up,

Street fighters have a tendency to hit the neck, chin and nose areas. Sometimes they
try to rupture an eardrum if they know what theyre doing.

When youre confronted with a high-range attack, immediately switch to another


range. If youre in a boxing mode, go to the midsection,
If youre into kicking, go to the legs or shins, or use your knee to the midsection.
If the guy attacks high, does it matter whether you go to his middle or low range? In
a street fight, go to whatever target you can get to first,

As Bruce Lee[2] said, use your closest weapon to strike his closest target.

Remember that its best to move to a jeet kune do [3] range your attacker isnt
comfortable with. Because a lot of street fighters and boxers have experience dealing
with blows to the gut, you might want to avoid that. If hes comfortable with it, you
should not be there,

Instead, you can hit the shin, stomp on the foot or hit the groin.

M iddle Range

The middle range includes the sternum, ribs and stomach.

Getting hit in those areas hurts, and it can take you out of commission,
If a person tries to punch you in the middle range, he has to lower his hands,

Then you can go low or high. I feel more comfortable going high countering with
a strike to the nose or eyes. Remember that you dont want to just slug the guy in the
head and risk breaking your own hand.

A lot of fighters, especially those who have been influenced by muay Thai, [4] love to
kick to the legs, but they will strike higher if the opportunity presents itself, Ralph
Bustamante said. Because such a fighter is probably protecting his head while blasting
your middle range, you may want to aim for his low range.
You can try to take out his supporting leg, but it may be hard to hit because you have
to clear his kicking leg to get to it, he said. Or you could block the kick with a knee
destruction or sidestep and kick low.
Low Range
The low range includes all targets below the waist. Obviously, they are most easily
attacked with the legs.
There are times when an attacker will kick low, and you can get him in the middle
range with a cross to the sternum, Ralph Bustamante said. Itll catch him off-
guard.
In a common street-attack scenario, your opponent will duck his head and try to tackle
you like a football player, Ralph Bustamante said. M ost people dont realize that all
they have to do is bring up the knee and attack a different range the face and chest
are usually exposed. It can be a rude awakening.
Backing up and shoving the attackers head down also works well, but people usually
dont think of it, Ralph Bustamante said. That means it will take a little more
training. The easiest thing is just to bring up the knee and use your survival instinct to
protect yourself.
Be forewarned that with a very low tackle, youre probably going to go down, Ralph
Bustamante said. If the person comes in low enough, that means hes already
prepared himself. Therefore, you have to know how to fall properly and follow up.
The takedown can be severe, and it can tweak your knees. And if he comes in below
the knees, you cant knee him because your knees move up. When you go down, be
prepared to use bicycle-type kicks to his high range to get out.
And as grapplers keep reminding the martial arts world, you need be comfortable on
the ground, Ralph Bustamante said. It should be a priority with all martial artists.
Advanced Skills
When you get skilled at changing ranges as described above, should you consider
changing more than once in the same fight? For example, if the attacker punches at
your face, should you punch to his middle range, then kick to his low range and
possibly move back to his middle range?
Confusion is always your ally, Ralph Bustamante said. But if something is
working well, its hard to say to go to something else. Its up to you and how you feel
at the time. The reaction you get from the assailant dictates what you do next. If
youre not getting the answer you want, you have to change things again.
Thats where women have an advantage over men, Ralph Bustamante said. They
dont try to compete because they know they cant outmuscle a man. They start to
look for those other things that are available. Thats the way men should look at it,
also.
THE FOUR RANGES OF COM BAT

Bruce Lee identified four ranges of empty hand combat. The first range was
identified as kicking range and is the furthest from your opponent. The next range is
called boxing or punching range and is a little closer and is about one step in from
kicking range. The closest range in stand up fighting is trapping range. Then finally
we have grappling range which can be as close as two opponents can possibly be and
often has full body contact top to bottom and is on the ground.

There are a few basic strategies in JKD as to how to use the 4 ranges. One thought is
to identify what range your opponent wants to fight in and you stay outside that range.
For instance, you would not fight an expert boxer in punching range, but try to subdue
them in kicking or trapping range. While this is a good theory, in a street fight its not
practical. Firstly, you dont have much time in a real fight to discover what your
opponents expertise is and secondly the grappling range is always our last choice. A
golden rule is we try to avoid going to the ground in a real fight. Also, by the time
you discover your opponents preferred range, it can be bad news for you. We want to
end a fight as quickly as possible and we are not planning to hang around to see if this
person is a better fighter. M aybe he was a better fighter; we just didnt give him a
chance to prove it.

A much better way to think of the 4 ranges of combat is to think of them as a series of
descending choices. Another rule for street fighting is distance is our friend.
Speaking of distance, retreat has always been a military strategy and should be an
important part of your repertoire. In my opinion, the best way to think of the ranges
of fighting is to try to end a conflict from the furthest range. If I can end a fight with a
kick, why not? If the kick didnt stop the assault then usually you find yourself in
punching range and thats the second choice. If punching range does not work, we
flow into trapping range, which would be our third choice. The final range and
absolute last choice on our list is grappling or going to the ground. There are so many
reasons in a real fight to not go to the ground so that should always be last on our list
if possible. Remember we are talking about street survival and not sports fighting.
Learn the M ost Important M artial Arts Lessons Bruce Lee Taught From His Top
Disciples!
Posted By Robert Young On M ay 10, 2016 @ 4:42 pm In Bruce Lee | No Comments
The concept was simple enough: We contacted 16 prominent martial artists who
either teach jeet kune do [1] or were inspired by it, then asked them to identify the
single most important thing Bruce Lee [2] taught. To liven it up a bit, we told them it
didnt have to be a punch or a kick; it could also be a concept or a philosophy.
The hardest part, most everyone reported, was picking only one thing. In fact, some
people disregarded our instructions and selected two or three and were kind of
glad they did because all the answers are fascinating.
Editors

[3]Photo
by Rick Hustead
DAN INOSANTO [4]
First-Generation Bruce Lee Student
Founder of the Inosanto Academy of M artial Arts
Four-Time Black Belt Hall of Famer
Since my first meeting with sifu Bruce in 1964, throughout my years as head
instructor at our Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute and the nearly 60 years since that day
when we became friends, teacher-student and collaborators, Ive continued to teach
the lessons taught to me by my best friend and instructor. Ive been asked this
question countless times, and the answer is always the same: self-expression through
self-discovery.
Learn from Bruce himself! Order a copy of Bruce Lees Fighting M ethod: The
Complete Edition today! [5]
Sifu Bruce had many no fail techniques and principles, and they changed on a
regular basis. The one that never failed was his quest for self-expression through self-
discovery. Thats because self-expression and self-discovery lead to self-perfection
physically, mentally and emotionally.
The never-ending process of self-expression and the belief in oneself [determine
whether] what students chose to execute at any give time will work. I could list an
encyclopedia of techniques that Bruce used and favored from month to month and
year to year, but that wouldnt benefit anyone as much as the true lesson and meaning
of his art.
[6]Photo
by Thomas Sanders
TIM TACKETT [7]
Second-Generation Bruce Lee Student
Author of Chinatown Jeet Kune Do [8] and Chinatown Jeet Kune Do, Volume 2 [9]
Star of Chinatown Jeet Kune Do: Essential Elements of Bruce Lees M artial
Art [10] DVD
Since jeet kune do means way of the intercepting fist, intercepting an opponents
attack is what I would stress to a JKD student. With interception being the goal, Id
focus on the stop-hit or the stop-kick. While any punch can be used as a stop-hit and
any kick can be used as a stop-kick, I prefer the straight lead and the shin/knee side
kick, respectively. If I had to pick one, it would be the stop-kick. The reason: If you
stay on the outside of your opponents attack (the fighting measure), hell have to step
toward you to strike or kick. That leaves his front leg vulnerable to your shin/knee
side stop-kick.
As far as concepts go, Id focus on what Bruce Lee told his student Bob Bremer: Take
what is offered to you. If your opponent steps toward you, hes offering you his
front leg to attack. Its an important part of the basic idea of intercepting your
opponents attack.

[11]Photo
by Robert Reiff
KELLY M CCANN [12]
JKD Student
Author of Combatives for Street Survival [10]
Star of Kelly M cCanns Combatives Self-Defense Online Course [13]
Black Belt Hall of Famer
There are many characteristics of how I practice combatives that are similar to those
of jeet kune do. Its almost impossible to single out only two or three that are
emblematic, but if pressed, Id have to choose the simultaneity of attack and defense.
In combatives, blocking isnt an isolated event. Using a well-developed guard, you
only block in order to (or as you) attack. Blocking is a fractional movement that
facilitates a strike. In JKD, it was Bruce Lees intention to acknowledge the necessity
of blocking (or avoiding) strikes but not to the extent that blocking distracted from
attacking. This approach ensures that you quickly reverse roles with your attacker
you become the predator, and he becomes the prey. It also provides you with more
opportunities to gain and maintain offensive momentum.

[14]Kelly M cCanns Combatives Self-Defense


Course, a new remote-learning program from Black Belt, will help you fine-tune your
street-defense skills using your tablet or smartphone! [13]
Another essential is interception. In combatives, we call it pre-emption. Basically,
Lees assertion that you should intercept aggression in stages (mentally, vocally and
physically) is analogous to the combatives approach of first, being avoidant by using
situational awareness; second, warning off by taking some type of early physical
action to avoid an altercation; and finally, in the most threatening circumstances,
launching your attack before your adversarys attack is fully manifested. Its pre-
emptively attacking essentially, stop-hitting.
Lees combative perspective remains as refreshing today as it was decades ago. His
intensity, dedication to challenging convention and reductionist approach will always
distinguish him as a martial arts innovator.
[15]Photo
by Rick Hustead
JOE LEWIS [16]
First-Generation Bruce Lee Student
Former World Karate Champion
Two-Time Black Belt Hall of Famer
I would choose Bruce Lees way of firing the forward-hand straight punch, which
when he did it was the fastest technique in the martial arts. His mind-set (use of
appropriate preconsciousness) and his skill at using independent motion (a broken-
rhythm trigger squeeze) made it impossible for any opponent to detect his well-timed
punching attacks.
Ive stood toe-to-toe with the fastest fighters in the world, and I can say that Bruce
Lee, with his sharp mental attributes, executed the quickest lead-hand punch of all.
- Black Belt - http://blackbeltmag.com -
Learn the M ost Important M artial Arts Lessons Bruce Lee Taught From His Top
Disciples! Part 2
Posted By Robert Young On M ay 18, 2016 @ 5:56 pm In Bruce Lee | No Comments
Black Belt contacted 16 well-known martial artists who teach jeet kune do or were
heavily influenced by it to get their thoughts on the most important part of Bruce
Lees art. Part 1 [1] features replies from Dan Inosanto, Tim Tackett, Kelly M cCann
and Joe Lewis. Here, in Part 2, we present the answers we got from Burton
Richardson, M atthew J. Numrich, Teri Tom and Richard S. Bustillo.
Editors

[2]
Photo by Robert Reiff
BURTON RICHARDSON [3]
Jeet Kune Do and Silat [4] Instructor
Founder of Jeet Kune Do Unlimited [5]
Black Belt Hall of Famer
Star of Burton Richardsons Silat for the Street Online Course [6]
If I had to teach only one element of Bruce Lees art, it would be the principle of
training against a resisting opponent in all the ranges rather than merely doing isolated
drills with a cooperative partner. Without complete sparring, you wont be able to
apply any of the techniques and tactics you need to defeat an attacker. Lee called this
method alive training.
Particular moves and strategies are very important, but the most difficult and
immediate obstacle to overcome in a real fight is the pressure and resistance offered
by the attacker. If you dont practice dealing with them, you wont develop the ability
to automatically adjust to the myriad of obstacles that a real opponent will present.

[7]
Silat for the Street is the title of a new online course from Black Belt Hall of Famer
Burton Richardson and Black Belt magazine. Now you can learn the most functional
silat techniques whenever and wherever you want on your smartphone, tablet or
computer. Get more info here! [8]
Of course, Id emphasize the need to keep that kind of complete sparring as safe as
possible. Its best to start with low-intensity sparring in all the ranges from the first
day of training so the student learns how to deal with resistance. As he progresses, he
must do as Lee admonished: Wear suitable protective equipment and go all out. High-
intensity sparring is one of the reasons Lee stated that JKD isnt for everyone.
[9]
Photo Courtesy of M atthew J. Numrich
MATTHEW J. NUM RICH
Jeet Kune Do [10] Instructor Under Paul Vunak
Founder of Elite Defense Systems [11]
There are two Bruce Lee [12]/JKD principles I like to get across to my students. The
first is the importance of physical training. About 20 years ago, I saw a M uscle &
Fitness magazine story about Lees weightlifting workouts. His routines were so
specific and challenging that they showed up some professional bodybuilders
programs. I doubt any other martial artists non-martial arts workout has been so
popular. That wasnt the first article done on Lees training methods, nor will it be the
last: M uscle & Fitness ran a cover story on his ab workout in April 2009.
What? You dont have a copy of Bruce Lees Tao of Jeet Kune Do: New Expanded
Edition? Get yours now on Amazon! [13]
That brings up the concept of direct and indirect training. Lee showed the importance
he placed on indirect training through his documentation of his workouts. His ab- and
forearm-development workouts disgrace all those late-night infomercial routines. The
message is clear: Technique alone doesnt make a great fighter. The body that
produces the technique is just as important.
The second principle is interception. I dont know of anyone who can talk about JKD
without discussing interception. Lee taught ways to not only react to an opponents
attack but also interfere with it as early as possible. That stood in the face of those
who taught only blocking, which is very reactive. Lee would intercept an attack, even
before it was completed. Thats the sign of a highly skilled martial artist and what
many of us aspire to be.

[14]
Photo by Rick Hustead
TERI TOM
Jeet Kune Do Instructor Under Ted Wong [15]
Former Black Belt Columnist
Author of The Straight Lead: The Core of Bruce Lees Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do [16]
The straight lead, of course! Its a no-brainer. Bruce Lee himself declared it the core
of jeet kune do. The core you dont need much more endorsement than that.
Among the advantages he cited are speed, accuracy, frequency of hits, maintenance of
balance, and safety.
[The straight lead] is key for bridging the gap, setting up attacks, maintaining the
fighting measure and, in his words, offensive defense. True, its the most difficult
technique in the JKD arsenal, but without a good one, youre going to have a very
tough time.

[17]
Photo by Robert Reiff
RICHARD S. BUSTILLO [18]
President and Chief Instructor of the IM B Academy [19]
First-Generation Bruce Lee Student
Black Belt Hall of Famer
If I had to teach one technique, it would be a combination of the front-hand strike and
the front-leg kick. In JKD, we dont have passive blocks; our blocks are our strikes.
We intercept a punch with a simultaneous front kick or hand strike. We intercept a
kick with a simultaneous stop-kick or stop-hit. Our methods focus on using the most
direct and simple attack in response to the aggressors assault.
Learn the M ost Important M artial Arts Lessons Bruce Lee Taught From His Top
Disciples! Part 3
Posted By Robert Young On June 7, 2016 @ 4:43 pm In Bruce Lee | No Comments
Black Belt contacted 16 well-known martial artists who teach jeet kune do or were
heavily influenced by it to get their thoughts on the most important part of Bruce
Lees art. Part 1 [1] features replies from Dan Inosanto, Tim Tackett, Kelly M cCann
and Joe Lewis.
Part 2 [2] includes the answers we got from Burton Richardson, M atthew J. Numrich,
Teri Tom and Richard S. Bustillo.
Here, in Part 3, Leo Fong, Bustillo (again), Paul Vunak and Gary Dill weigh in.

[3]
Photo by Peter Lueders
LEO FONG [4]
First-Generation Bruce Lee [5] Student
Black Belt Hall of Famer
Author of Beyond Kung Fu [6]
I would teach the straight front-hand lead. Its what we in boxing call the left jab
assuming you use a left-hand-forward or orthodox stance. It can function as an
offensive weapon, a counterattack weapon or a defensive weapon. The punch wont
leave you completely exposed for your opponents counter.
One reason its so effective is the axiom that the shortest distance between two points
is a straight line. The front-hand lead is the technique that takes advantage of that. Its
no coincidence that during my college competition years, the jab was my best weapon
for setting up the left hook.

[7]
Photo by Robert Reiff
RICHARD S. BUSTILLO [8]
President and Chief Instructor of the IM B Academy [9]
First-Generation Bruce Lee Student
Black Belt Hall of Famer
To me, simple direct attack is the most important principle of self-defense. My
fundamental rule is to strike immediately in response to an attack. In a street situation,
there are no rules or officials to ensure a safe fight. You must train for accuracy and
explosive speed so you can use the simple direct attack.
[10]
Silat for the Street is the title of a new online course from Black Belt Hall of Famer
Burton Richardson and Black Belt magazine. Now you can learn the most functional
silat techniques whenever and wherever you want on your smartphone, tablet or
computer. Get more info here! [11]
The most important concept Bruce Lee taught is using no way as way. It gives you the
advantage of an open mind, which enables you to express yourself freely in martial
arts combat, business and life. You must train in all the combat ranges to be
functional and to experience the concept. It involves acting mentally and physically in
a natural way without limitation or bondage.
[12]
Photo by Cory Sorensen
PAUL VUNAK [13]
Self-Defense Expert
Jeet Kune Do Instructor [14] Under Dan Inosanto
Bruce Lee taught that one of the most neglected areas of the martial arts is state of
mind, otherwise known as the emotional dimension. When youre punching,
kneeing, elbowing or biting someone, its safe to assume that youll be livid. The
problem with fighting while youre livid is that 90 percent of your skill and training
goes out the window. Theres nothing you can do in life, even at a mediocre level,
while youre in this emotional state imagine trying to play basketball, change a tire
or play Ping-Pong.
[15]Check out the Greg Jackson M ixed M artial Arts
Core Curriculum from Black Belt! Stream lessons to your digital device and start
learning how to incorporate MMA tactics and techniques into your current art. [16]
.
This is the paradox of the martial arts. Remember the axiom Control follows
awareness. Your first step in resolving the problem has already been solved by
simply reading this article, youre aware.
One time in the 1970s during the wee hours of the night, I asked Dan Inosanto how
Bruce Lee solved this paradox. He said, Bruce seemed to have a switch that went
from livid to relaxed. He was known to laugh, tell jokes and even give his opponents
pointers while he was creaming them.
All martial artists should spend more time learning to identify, differentiate and
process their emotions. The attribute will transfer to everyday life, and youll be on
your way to spirituality.
[17]Photo
by Robert W. Young
GARY DILL [18]
Jeet Kune Do Instructor [19] Under James Lee
Founder of the Jeet Kune Do Association
JKD [20] consists of numerous techniques, principles and concepts. The first thing I
teach my students is how to punch, both the straight-line punch and the backhand. Its
not just about proper technique; its also about how to generate speed and power.
[21]Kelly M cCanns Combatives Self-Defense
Course, a new remote-learning program from Black Belt, will help you fine-tune your
street-defense skills using your tablet or smartphone! [22]
.
You must have proper technique so your strikes are delivered in an efficient manner.
Speed is necessary to deliver the attack before your opponent can respond. Power,
which includes knowing how to shift your body weight, is required so you have
knockdown potential.
(To be continued.)
Bruce Lee is a registered trademark of Bruce Lee Enterprises LLC [23]. The Bruce
Lee name, image and likeness are intellectual property of Bruce Lee Enterprises LLC.
Read Part 1 of this article here. [1]
Read Part 2 of this article here. [2]
t Important M artial Arts Lessons Bruce Lee Taught From His Top Disciples! Part
4
Posted By Robert Young On July 12, 2016 @ 2:11 pm In Bruce Lee | No Comments
Black Belt contacted 16 well-known martial artists who teach jeet kune do or were
heavily influenced by it to get their thoughts on the most important part of Bruce
Lees art. Part 1 [1] features replies from Dan Inosanto, Tim Tackett, Kelly M cCann
and Joe Lewis. Part 2 [2] offers the answers we got from Burton Richardson, M atthew
J. Numrich, Teri Tom and Richard S. Bustillo. Part 3[3] includes Leo Fong, Bustillo
(again), Paul Vunak and Gary Dill.
Here, we present the views of Lamar M . Davis II [4], Dr. Jerry Beasley [5], M att
Thornton [6] and Thomas Cruise [7].
Editors

[8]
Photo by Thomas Sanders
LAMAR M . DAVIS II
JKD Instructor Certified by Five First-Generation Bruce Lee Students
Star of the Jeet Kune Do for the Advanced Practitioner [9] DVD Set
I would teach the principles, attributes and skills necessary to strike from wherever
you happen to be without first having to reposition yourself. JKD means way of the
intercepting fist [10]; you must strike quickly and decisively to intercept the
opponents intention to attack. JKD is all about self-defense on the street. You must
always be aware and alert, ready for whatever may come. If you need time to get
ready, as opposed to being ready, its already too late.
Go here for more information about Jeet Kune Do for the Advanced Practitioner by
Lamar M . Davis II, on sale now at Amazon. [9]
We have a position thats referred to as bai jong, or on-guard. Its our primary
fighting stance. However, you may not always have time to get into that position
or you might not want to because it shows signs of pre-aggression. If you can strike
without telegraphing from wherever you are, youll have the time you need to assume
a more appropriate posture for the threat.

[11]
Photo by Rick Hustead
JERRY BEASLEY, ED.D. [12]
Jeet Kune Do Instructor
Founder of Karate College [13]
Black Belt Hall of Famer
Author of Dojo Dynamics [14]
Bruce Lee was clear about what he considered essential training in JKD. He wrote,
There is nothing better than free-style sparring, and Sparring lives from moment to
moment. Therefore, I would teach a student to spar. Hard-contact sparring with
protective gear and the intent to do harm is beyond style. It levels the playing field so
that using what works becomes essential. Its the time you get to totally experience
your skills, uncluttered by classical form.

[15]Silat for the Street is the title of a new online


course from Black Belt Hall of Famer Burton Richardson and Black Belt magazine.
Now you can learn the most functional silat techniques whenever and wherever you
want on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Get more info here! [16]
Lee often referred to robotic martial arts drills as organized despair. He thought it
was common for the classical martial artist to break an alive, spontaneous encounter
into neatly organized parts, a method he called dissecting a corpse. In full-contact
sparring, as in JKD, you dont succeed by knowing more techniques or more arts than
the other guy. You gain the simplicity of JKD by stripping away the useless baggage
associated with a desire to accumulate more skills and perform more drills.
In a fight, your opponent dictates your choice of responses. Using no ones way but
your own, youre free to float in the totality of all that youve mastered. JKD is the
only art that insists that you move to the next level only when you discard the art and
its inherent limitations, in favor of personal expression. You seek not to constantly
add but to constantly free yourself of that which is not essential to your survival. The
only way to find out what works specifically for you is to test it under fire. Sparring is
the fire that burns away the unessential. Without sparring, the art becomes a museum
in which your collection of skills and drills is neatly displayed. Sparring becomes
your battlefield, your trial by fire. When the basics have been mastered and the cardio
conditioning accomplished, its time to get it on.
[17]
Photo Courtesy of M att Thornton
MATT THORNTON
Founder of Functional Jeet Kune Do
Without a doubt, the one thing Id want to get across is the principle of aliveness.
Its the training method that makes the distinction between what works and what
doesnt. Its what differentiates traditional Japanese jujitsu from an art like
Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Once understood, [aliveness] will prevent you from ever being fooled again regarding
what is functional and what isnt. Once fully grasped, it will allow you to go
anywhere and work with anyone and still create an atmosphere of safe, functional
training.
[18]
Photo by Robert Reiff
THOMAS CRUSE
Jeet Kune Do Instructor Under Paul Vunak [19]
Bruce Lee [20] advocated striking the eyes, so for me, the most important thing is
attacking the eyes as naturally and efficiently as possible. The optimal technique isnt
an eye poke or an eye jab; rather, its a lightning-fast backhand strike. Because of the
eyes proximity to the brain, we in Progressive Fighting Systems [21] refer to them as
off buttons. This means that when you hit one eye, it affects both and usually brings
a sudden end to the altercation. The best way to accomplish that is as follows:
[22]Kelly M cCanns Combatives Self-Defense
Course, a new remote-learning program from Black Belt, will help you fine-tune your
street-defense skills using your tablet or smartphone! [23]
1. Identify your weapon. In this case, its the back of your hand and the first two
knuckles of your fingers. To test it, turn your hand so you can see your palm, then use
it to strike the palm of your other hand. Its a high-five type of motion that makes
contact with the back of the hand instead of the front. The technique should follow a
natural line of attack and resemble the traditional karate backfist.
2. Identify the target. Its the eyeballs.
3. Practice it. Have a partner hold a focus pad while you hit a spot on it thats the size
of a quarter. That will teach you accuracy.
4. Test it. Instead of injuring your partner, try it on yourself lightly. Gently tap your
own closed eye, then very gradually increase the impact until you feel how vicious it
can be.
5. Polish it. Simulate striking while youre grabbing, holding or wrestling with your
partner any time you lack the freedom of movement, you need to use a slightly
different technique.
Learn the M ost Important M artial Arts Lessons Bruce Lee Taught From His Top
Disciples! Part 5
Posted By Robert Young On August 29, 2016 @ 5:55 pm In Bruce Lee | No
Comments
Black Belt contacted 16 well-known martial artists who teach jeet kune do or were
heavily influenced by it to get their thoughts on the most important part of Bruce
Lees art. Part 1 [1] features replies from Dan Inosanto [2], Tim Tackett [3], Kelly
M cCann [4] and Joe Lewis [5]. Part 2 [6] offers the answers we got from Burton
Richardson [7], M atthew J. Numrich, Teri Tom and Richard S. Bustillo [8]. Part
3 [9] includes Leo Fong, Bustillo, Paul Vunak [10] and Gary Dill [11]. Part 4 focuses
on the thoughts expressed by Lamar M . Davis II, Dr. Jerry Beasley, M att Thornton
and Thomas Cruise. In this conclusion, we highlight Lewis, Fong, William Cheung
and Richardson.
[12]
Photo Courtesy of Black Belt
JOE LEWIS [13]
First-Generation Bruce Lee [14] Student
Former World Karate [15] Champion
Two-Time Black Belt Hall of Famer
The top three principles Bruce Lee emphasized for fighters were distancing, relaxed
explosiveness and movement (rhythm). Although many of his students talked about
broken rhythm, few understood what it really meant and almost no one could execute
it. His indirect-angular-attack theory (progressive indirect attack) was primarily used
to level the playing field when two equal combatants were engaged. As in the sport of
boxing, this faking-type movement pattern is a last resort to disrupt the other persons
timing. A gain, the problem was that few students developed the faking skills
necessary to use this principle.
[16]Shaolin monk Wang Bo, who began training at
Chinas revered Shaolin Temple when he was just 8 years old, is the featured
instructor in a new online kung fu course from Black Belt magazine. Titled Tree of
Shaolin, it streams video to your smartphone, tablet or computer whenever and
wherever you like. Sign up here and start your journey along the 1,500-year-old
Shaolin path! [17]
Head, body and foot rhythm have always been a major weakness for martial arts
practitioners. This rhythm principle (usually called movement) is used in all tactics.
Its the most important attribute of any strategy, both defensively and offensively. The
two principles that are most useful in combat are distancing and controlling the set-
point. Each requires the effective use of movement. M ovement skills are the best way
to control an opponent to take away his best technique or challenge his will to
fight. Bruce and I used to study the movement skills of Willie Pep, Sugar Ray
Robinson and, of course, M uhammad Ali.
[18]
Photo by Peter Lueders
LEO FONG
First-Generation Bruce Lee Student
Black Belt Hall of Famer
Author of Beyond Kung Fu [19]
The most important principle is one that goes with the jab: progressive indirect attack.
I used it to deceive my opponents. I never jabbed straight in; rather, I would shift
slightly to the left or right before snapping out the straight front-hand lead. In other
words, I would strike at an angle. Using this principle, I developed an entire repertoire
of deceptive moves.
[20]Announcing a new low price on the Greg Jackson M ixed
M artial Arts Core Curriculum, an online course from Black Belt magazine and the
worlds leading MM A coach! Learn the best fighting techniques, combinations and
strategies on your tablet or smartphone. M ore info here! [21]
The most important concept is using no way as way. When Lee shared this with us
back in the mid-1960s, I didnt quite understand what he was talking about. Today, I
see it as meaning that once the technique is mastered, there are no boundaries or
deliberation. Its much like the relationship between a sound and an echo. In the
elementary stage, you just do the technique and remain conscious of every detail. As
you practice the technique over and over, it finds depth and becomes an expression
and an emotional response to what is. Youre no longer self-conscious about whether
youre doing the technique correctly. You become the technique, so to speak.
[22]
Photo by Robert Reiff
WILLIAM CHEUNG [23]
Wing Chun [24] M aster
Training Partner of Bruce Lee While in Hong Kong
Black Belt Hall of Famer
If I were to teach only one thing, it would be the wing chun vertical punch. The
fundamental prerequisites in combat are keeping calm, using the eyes effectively, and
achieving static and dynamic balance.
Why the vertical punch instead of the horizontal punch? The horizontal punch has
only the elbow behind it. That doesnt generate much power unless the whole arm is
fully extended or you use your momentum by pushing your shoulder forward and
putting your body behind it. Even then, if your opponent steps away or deflects your
arm, youll be off-balance.
[25]Silat for the Street is the title of a new online
course from Black Belt Hall of Famer Burton Richardson and Black Belt magazine.
Now you can learn the most functional silat techniques whenever and wherever you
want on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Get more info here![26]
Before wing chun was developed, all punches were horizontal and the elbow was
never fully extended to avoid jarring the elbow. While wing chun was being created,
the first technique developed was the vertical punch. Its more powerful because the
elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and stance are behind it all the way. When the elbow is at
the centerline of the body, the distance the punch must travel is only one-third the
distance the horizontal punch travels. Furthermore, the vertical punch doesnt require
any preparation. The wing chun vertical punch is just like jeet kune do simple,
effective and dynamic.
[27]
Photo by Robert Reiff
BURTON RICHARDSON
Jeet Kune Do and Silat [28] Instructor
Founder of Jeet Kune Do Unlimited [29]
Black Belt Hall of Famer
Star of Burton Richardsons Silat for the Street Online Course [30]
An important reason for the emphasis on sparring [in self-defense training] is that it
gives empirical feedback that helps the student follow one of Bruce Lees most
famous quotes: Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is
specifically your own.
To know what is useful and what isnt, you must test each technique yourself. JKD is
a personal experience, which means that you must experience combat (hard sparring).
Just copying techniques from an instructor and doing light drills wont create a
fighting experience. If you merely look at a technique from afar or test ideas against
cooperative partners, you arent conducting a scientific test.
[31]Kelly M cCanns Combatives Self-Defense Course, a
cutting-edge remote-learning program from Black Belt magazine, will help you fine-
tune your street-defense skills using your laptop, tablet or smartphone! Start adding
these street-proven techniques, designed to help you defend against empty-hand and
armed attacks, to your defensive arsenal now. [32]
You must test your techniques and tactics under conditions that are similar to the
combat environment. Since its unethical and unadvisable to purposefully get into
street fights, sparring in all the ranges becomes the best means to develop complete,
functional fighting skill. If you dont believe me, consider Lees own words: There is
nothing better than free-style sparring in the practice of any combative art.

You might also like