Basics of Jeet Kune Do
Of my experience in martial arts, Jeet Kune Do seems to make the most sense. A style of no style, it emphasizes the lack of fixed positions, movements, or forms, making it quite adaptable to any martial artist, advanced or beginner. Excluding the "fancy mess", Jeet Kune Do gets down to the point in self-defense, giving non-specific techniques so as to conform to any self-defense situation, and ending a fight quickly.
Here I have listed some of the basics of the art, founded by Bruce Lee. I have never gotten into a fight, nor do I ever plan to, therefore, I do not have 'real' experience in the effectiveness. But for those who are simply curious about the art, or have never studied a martial art, then this may be a place to begin.
The Stance
The Stance, which Bruce Lee created, is not like many I have seen. First, stand with your front foot (right footed people with right foot in front, etc.), pointed straight ahead of you. Your back foot should be pointing at a 90-degree angle in respect to your front foot. Now, allow your weight to rest mostly on your back foot (about 70%), while raising your back foot up onto your toes. This allows for a 'coiled spring' action when you are required to move. Next, for right handed people, hold your left hand up near your face. This is your main blocking tool. Your right hand then, should be place down near your abdomen. This is your main striking tool. Slightly tuck your chin into your shoulder.
While in the Stance
While holding the stance, one should be sure to remain loose, but ready. Do not tighten up your muscles or clench your fists. You should be loose and 'bouncy'. Be sure to keep moving. If you are moving, it is easier for you muscles to react quickly. Do things such as moving your hands around a little, or wiggling your fingers.
Punching
The JKD punch is unlike many martial arts. Instead of punching with your knuckles facing up, and your thumb facing down, turn your fist clockwise so that your thumb is facing in. When punching from the ready stance, do not tighten the muscles in your arm or in your fist until the moment of impact. This allows for more speed. To test this, clench all the muscles in your arm, retract your arm, and punch the air as fast as you can. Next, do it with your arm loose. Big difference? Probably. Now, try punching with your fist ending in the position I explained above. Add to it a snap, and allow your arm to extend fully. Be careful with this at first. If you're not used to it, you may hurt your shoulder. The muscles in your arm automatically stop you at the end of the punch almost as a reflex. If you learn to get around that by keeping those muscles loose until the end of the punch, your arm will extend fully and you will be using your full potential with that punch.
Additionally, when punching, Bruce Lee taught to move your head to one side or another mid-way in the punch so as to keep a potential target moving, making it that much more difficult for your opponent to hit you.
...Jedi Streen
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