PUNCHING

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

Speed

Stance

Moves

Punching

Kicking

Good Form and Endurance

Economy of Motion

The delivery of the straight punch is different from the traditional classical kung fu. First of all, the punch is never positioned on the hip, nor does it start from there. This way of delivery is unrealistic and exposes too great an area to protect. Of course, this also adds unnecessary distance to travel towards the opponent.

In Jeet Kune Do, you never strike your opponent with your fist only; you strike him with your whole body. In other words, you should not hit with just arm power; the arms are there as a means to transmit great force with the correct timing of feet, waist, shoulder and wrist motion at great speed.

Instead of coming from the shoulder, the punch is thrown from the center of the body in the form of a vertical fist, thumb up, and straight towards the front of your own nose. The nose here is the center guiding line. The wrist is slightly turned downward before delivery and is immediately straightened upon impact to add a corkscrew effect to the opponent.

The important point is not to have a classical get-set posture or preparatory movements prior to delivering the straight punch - or any punch for that matter. The leading straight punch is delivered from your ready stance without any added motions like drawing your hand back to your hip or shoulder, pulling back your shoulder, etc. Practice your lead punch from the ready stance and finish again in the ready stance (not back on the hip!). Later on, you should be able to strike from wherever the hand happens to be at that moment. Remember, punching in this manner will give you added speed (no wasted motion) and deception (no give-away movements preceding the punch).

Most guarding is done with the rear hand - thus, the term guarding hand. When striking with the lead hand, do not make the common mistake of the traditional, classical way by putting your rear hand on your hip. The rear hand is there to supplement your lead to make the attack a defensive offence. An example is when striking a body blow with the lead hand, the guarding hand (the rear hand) should be held high to offset any countering by your opponent to your upper body. In short, when one hand is out, the other should be either immobilising one of the opponent s arms or withdrawing (not all the way to the hip!) for protection against countering and to secure a strategic position for a follow-up.

Relaxation is essential for faster and more powerful punching. Let your lead punch shoot out loosely and easily; do not tighten or clench your fist until the moment of impact. All punches should end with a snap several inches behind the target. Thus, you punch through the opponent instead of at him.

After shooting out the lead hand, do not drop it when withdrawing to the ready stance. Though you might see this being done by a good man because he is potentially fast and good at timing and distance, you should cultivate the habit of returning along the same path and keeping that hand high for any possible counters.

When striking with the lead hand, it is advisable to constantly vary the position of your head for added protection against the opponent s counter. During the first few inches of advancing, the head remains in line; after that, the head should adapt. Also, to minimise counters from the opponent, you should at times feint before leading. However, do not overdo the feinting or the headwork. Remember simplicity; just enough is enough.

Sometimes it pays to use double leads because they are unexpected and the second punch tends to disturb the opponent s rhythm and thus, paves the way for a follow-up.

When advancing to attack, the lead foot should not land before the fist makes contact or the body weight will end up on the floor instead of behind the punch. Remember to take up power from the ground by pushing off with the rear foot. Your lead hand should be like greased lightning and must never be held rigidly or motionless.

Keep it slightly moving (without exaggeration) in a threatening manner, as it not only keeps your opponent on edge, but also can be delivered faster from motion than from immobility. Like a cobra, your stroke should be felt before it is seen. This is particularly true of the leading finger jab.

The leading Straight is the 'Bread and Butter' punch in Jeet Kune Do. It is a reliable offensive weapon because the delivery is short, accurate and quick.

1. Can be a powerful blow if you twist your hips a split second before delivery- blow should land in front of your nose.
2. Your guard hand should be close to defend tour head against any counter punch.
3. The blow should be directly at the face.
4. The straight lead should be delivered directly from the on-guard position.
5. Your hands should not telegraph your intention before delivery.
6. Do not add extra movement such as withdrawing it just before delivery.
7. The only motion should come as a consequence of your slight weaving and bobbing while you are looking for an opening or waiting to counter.
8. Punch straight out with your fist in the vertical position.
9. Your rear hand should be in the guard position, ready to block any blow.
10. By putting your "shoulder" into the blow, you can increase your reach by as much as 4inches and not reduce the impact of your punch (as long as you use your body properly and punch through).