In my Rockford and Bloomingdale adult and youth self-defense classes, I was asked about JKD’s defensive strategies. Here is some more “formalized” answers I gave the students:
Defensive Strategies for Jeet Kune Do
Bruce Lee?s Jeet Kune Do literally means ?The Way of the Intercepting Fist?. That?s why, unlike most traditional martial arts, Jeet Kune Do doesn?t place much emphasis on common defensive strategies like blocking. Instead, it makes use of what are called stop hits and stop kicks. A stop hit or stop kick is just what it sounds like ? an attacking move that shortcuts your attacker?s own punch or kick with an attack of your own. This goes back to the concept of JKD?s ?intercepting? ? you?re interrupting, or intercepting your opponent?s attack with an attack of your own.
Advanced Jeet Kune Do Moves
Attacking by intercepting is one of the most challenging defensive skills to learn when understanding Jeet Kune Do moves. By combining a defensive move into an attack position, you save time and effort by blending both techniques into one flawless move. Another option when learning Jeet Kune Do moves is to simultaneously stop and parry an attack at the same time. When you deflect an oncoming attack by both blocking and initiating an attack of your own, you maximize your motion and energy ? and do what your opponent isn?t expecting.
Economical Fighting
JKD is, at its core, economical fighting ? placing a high emphasis on getting the job done in the least amount of time with the least amount of effort. Sure, the moves aren?t as dazzling as showy flying and spinning kicks, but the moves are more difficult to guard against and can cause a significant amount of pain when executed properly. Because JKD concentrates its efforts across punching, kicking, trapping and grappling, students get a more complete range of fighting techniques that can be called upon for whatever the situation demands. Being able to limit your opponents range of attack while securing the offensive advantage plays a crucial role in Jeet Kune Do and in real life self defense.
A System that Evolves
Jeet Kune Do shouldn?t be looked at as simply one branch or one style of martial art. It should be looked at as a progression or an evolving style of fighting that continually takes ?what works? and puts it to use through practical, real-life application. The rules are that there are no rules ? just keeping an open mind and always striving to better yourself are two of the core facets that every Sifu (teacher) of Jeet Kune Do hopes for their students (although instructor’s vary on how much “freedom” may have).
Fortunately, you do don?t have to ?go it alone? in your quest to learn Jeet Kune Do. Thanks to resources available online, you can get insights, drills, advice, and techniques straight from the experts. These are masters who trained with Bruce Lee or his students ? all willing to share their best techniques at no cost to any student with a burning desire to learn.