Sparring and Fighting
"You don't have to be hit in boxing"
In Jeet kune do the bottom line is to hit your opponent - and not get hit back. Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do teaches one how to be a thinking fighter. Nobody should opt to get hit particularly when you can substantially reduce the chances of that happening by employing proper footwork.
(Martial arts legends January 1997)"Sparring with Bruce Lee was so frustrating because he would be on you before you could even react. I don't know how he did it but you couldn't beat a guy like him."
-Jhoon Rhee
(M. Uyehara 1988)
"The best way to learn how to swim is to actually get into the water and swim; the best way to learn jeet kune do is to spar. Only in free sparring can a practitioner begin to learn broken rhythm and the exact timing and correct judgment of distance."
Bruce could change in midstream. One minute he could favour a kicking system, then at middle range he could explode like a savage street fighter or a Western boxer. When it got in tight it would look like wing chun. When he got to the ground it was like ju jitsu. Bruce knew how to integrate styles. If there is a common thread, than it's an understanding or range.
(B.Thomas 1994)
Whenever some big guy attacks you, instead of reacting to his ego, teach him to react to yours. You must think to yourself, "How grateful I am that this wonderful target of opportunity is presenting itself to me at this moment."
Think not that your assailant is going to harm you, but take joy in the havoc you are going to lay on him after he's been so obliging. Right now I am trying to teach the spirit of what I'm talking about - Fighting Spirit.
(B.Thomas 1994)
.....AND NOW FOR THOSE WHO THINK THIS IS ALL TOO VIOLENT!
Non violence is infinitely superior to violence. But the message of non-violence is for those who know how to die- not for those who are afraid of death. If one has not that courage, I want him to cultivate the art of killing and being killed, rather than in a cowardly manner flee from danger.
-Mahatma Gandhi
(B.Thomas 1994)
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Word of warning on the last passage : Don't go kill anybody now cause it is both immoral and illegal! Just be aware of the simple fact that more and more people are touched by violence now days so even if you are not a fighter it is a good idea to keep alert and try to avoid situations where violence might arise.Recommended reading on this site
Self Defence !