The jeet kune do, jeet kun do or jeet kuen do (Chinese: 截拳道, Cantonese Yale: jitkyùndou, pinyin: jiéquándào, lit. 'the way of the intercepting fist'; JKD) is a concept-based martial arts system, and a philosophy of life developed by Bruce Lee.
The “4 ranges / alternatives of combat” are given by the 4 distances of combat without and with weapons (long, medium, short and / or throwing, and ground) particularly are what Bruce felt as an instrument to be a total martial artist and complete. This is also the principle most related to martial arts mixing different styles. The JKD highlights the notion that the best defense is a good offense, hence the "intercept" principle. Bruce Lee commented that in order for an opponent to attack someone he must first move towards the person, this provides an opportunity to “intercept” that attack or movement.
The JKD is characterized by these six foundations:
Be like water
Bruce Lee thought that martial systems should be as flexible as possible. Water is used as an analogy, as it can describe why adaptability is a desired trait in martial arts. Water is infinitely adaptable. It can be seen through itself, but at other times it can obscure things with the naked eye. It can split and divide, move or collide with anything. It can erode the hardest rocks gently or it can flow past the tiniest pebble. Bruce Lee believed that a martial system should have these qualities. JKD students avoid traditional training systems, or fighting styles that follow even the Confucian or linear pedagogy also known as: "Confucian pedagogy" used in traditional Kung-Fu schools, and karate due to this lack of adaptability. The JKD is oriented to be a dynamic group of concepts that are constantly changing, thus being extremely flexible. JKD students are encouraged to study every possible form of combat, this is to expand their knowledge of other fighting systems.
2. Economy of movement
In Jeet Kune Do the economy of movement can be vital, as it sets concrete and highly effective gestures combinations as goals without performing very artistic movements as in most traditional martial arts, resulting in energy savings, with which the person has a greater capacity to maintain intense physical activity for a longer period of time.
3. Learn and develop the 4 ranges / alternatives of combat
- Kicking or kicking away. - Drilling or hitting. - Interception or catches, prey. - Attack.
Jeet Kune Do makes its practitioners train in each of these ranges equally. According to Bruce Lee, this training model serves to distinguish JKD from other martial arts. He indicated that most, but not all, traditional martial systems specialize in training at one or a maximum of two distances. His theories have been especially influential and verified in the field of sport in mixed martial arts, since the phases of a combat of "AMM" / "MMA" are essentially the application of the same principle and concepts exposed in the combat of JKD.
4. Five ways to attack
a) Single angular attack (SAA) and inverses (SDA). b) Attack of the hand immobilization (HIA), attack of the immobilization of the foot of the counterparts, who make use of "interception" to limit the opponent to the use of certain parts of the body. c) Progressive indirect attack (PIA). Attack one part of the opponent's body, then continue attacking but in another part to try to create an opening. d) Combination Attack (ABC). Use multiple quick attacks to overcome the opponent. e) Drawing attack (ABD). The goal is to create an opening and use it as a means of attacking the opponent.
5. The three bases of the concepts of the techniques and tactics of Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do practice is based on the fact that the techniques and tactics must contain the following characteristics:
- Efficacy: the attack must reach its goal. - Frankness: ideas must come naturally and spontaneously. - Simplicity: thinking in a simple way; without ornamentation.
6. Center line
The center line refers to an imaginary line that is right in the center of our body. The theory is to exploit, control and dominate that opponent's centerline. All attacks, defenses and step work are designed to preserve your own center line and to open your opponent's center line. This notion is closely related to the control that is maintained on a chess board, the JKD following a provocative strategy.
The three guidelines for the center line are:
- He who controls the central line will control the fight. - Protect and maintain your own central line while controlling and exploiting that of your opponent. - Control the center line occupying it.
