Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee

of them [the instructors of the traditional martial arts approach] are so doggone stubborn. I mean, [their attitude is] “Well, two hundred hundred years ago it was taught like this— therefore . . .” you know? To [still] maintain that type of attitude, you’ve had it! I mean, you will never grow because learning is a discovering thing; it’s a constant discovery thing. Whereas if we follow the old method, it is a continuous repetition of what was being handed down several hundred years ago.

      The traditional teacher says, “if your opponent does this, then you do this, and then you do this and then you do this.” And while you are remembering all the “and thens” the other guy is killing you.

      On the limitations of wrestling and judo

      1. A sport (no foul tactics)

      2. Lacks long-range tactics (kicking, hair-pulling, butting, finger jab, kneeing, elbowing, stomping on shin or instep, grabbing groin, pinching skin, pulling ears, biting, etc.)

      On the limitations of Thai boxing

      1. A sport (no foul tactics)

      2. No grappling

      3. Lacks economy structure and scientific leads

      4. Unaccustomed to advance targets attacks to eyes and groin—the delicate movements

      On the limitations of street fighting

      1. Lack of finesse in structure

      2. Efficient sharpening of “tools” generally lacking

      3. Correct mental attitude

      How to deal with various arts

      A question [to ask]: What are their most favorite techniques? (ease and safety and efficiency)

      Western boxing

      Thai boxing

      karate

      tae kwon do

      wrestling

      judo

      • Attacking same • Countering same • When in doubt

      Pros and cons

      Western boxing

      PRO 1. Efficient footwork

      2. Variety of punches:

      • Jab • Hook • Cross • Uppercut

      3. Shoulder/chin in protection (plus all-purpose parry and block stance)

      4. Conditioning

      5. In-fighting

      6. Head and body movements

      CON An evaluation: It has its set of restrictions and is designed to defeat an adversary in a certain manner.

      Wrestling

      PRO 1. Leg tackle

      2. Uncrispy, economy rush

      3. Protective shell while moving in

      4. Strangulation

      5. Holds, locks

      6. Ground fighting

      CON Need to add: • Hair pulling • Groin grabbing • Eye poking (front) • Shin pinching (Study especially the old-time illegal holds.)

      Karate

      PRO Tool development:

      • Balance • Form

      CON Need to stress greater mobility and aliveness

      PRO Front kick

      • Snap • Thrust

      CON Need to modify upward snap—compare with savate

      Tae kwon do

      PRO 1. Kicking flexibility

      2. Turning heel kick 3. Head ram

      CON 1. Lacks contact

      2. Lacks broken rhythm and aliveness

      3. Lacks variety

      Judo

      PRO 1. Balance

      2. Osoto

      3. Foot-sweeps

      4. Mat work

      • Locks • Chokes

      CON Need to add:

      • Hair pulling • Groin grabbing • Eye poking

      • Shin pinching

       Note: Study a few practical throws.

      Thai boxing

      PRO 1. Elbows

      2. Knees

      3. Actual combat

      CON 1. The punching is not of a high caliber: the “left jab” is poor, the “uppercut” almost nonexistent, the “hook” is inadequate.

      2. Gloves prevent the use of the finger jab and the palm smash.

      3. Lead foot attacks lacking: no shin/knee lead attack and groin attack.

      4. No grappling tactics.

      5. No “under the belt” tactics.

      6. Scientific economical structure is lacking. Plus lack of sophistication in cadence, timing, broken rhythm.

      7. No hair pulling or scratching.

      Specialized all-in fighting

      PRO 1. Poking Eyes

      • Long range jab • Close range poke

      2. Pulling Hair

      • As immobilization • As release • As assist

      3. Biting

      • As release • To disable • To attack in close

      4. Practice forearm pinching to hurt

      5. Grabbing groin

      6. Specialize in under-the-belt attack with kicks, strikes, punches, and grappling

      Gung Fu Styles—Wing Chun

      PRO 1. Teaches the economy of straight line

      2. Nucleus fighting

      3. Chi sao—two halves of one whole

      CON 1. Over simplification

      2. Lacks variety

      Gung fu styles—tai chi

      PRO 1. Esoteric

      2. The flow

      Gung fu styles—northern styles

      PRO 1. Palm strike

      2. Variety to liberate

      CON 1. Needs to add power

      2. Needs to be more compact

      Western fencing

      PRO 1. Skillful use of front lead (study auxiliary supplemented guarding hand in each position)

      2. Timing and cadence

      3. Foil

      4. Saber

      5. Epee

      Kendo

      PRO 1. The Zen approach

      2. The determined clash

      3. The footwork

      Aikido