Martial arts instructors can teach you how to improve your timing, balance, mobility and endurance, but how in the world can they teach you how to hit faster than your opponent? Speed is an inherent quality, and difficult, if not impossible, to teach. Or is it?

In Bruce Lee's fighting method — Jeet Kune Do — the development of speed is not only addressed, it is dissected and approached in a variety of ways.

Types of Speed
In Jeet Kune Do, speed training is broken down into five phases, each of which can be developed independently or as part of a whole. They are:

Perception speed. When fighting, martial artists must constantly sense and respond to various stimuli. Mastering the ability to perceive the subtleties in an opponent's movements — is he attacking, retreating, punching or kicking? — is the first phase of speed training. Simply seeing the opponent's movements is not enough. You must learn to hear, feel and smell the opponent's intentions.

Perception speed is defined as the time it takes you to mentally register the opponent's intentions once you first sense his offensive or defensive stimulus. To increase your speed of perception, it is important to maintain an attitude of "emptiness," or what Bruce Lee called "no-mindedness." You must learn not to concentrate too much on details. Look at nothing, but sense everything. According to Lee, "A concentrated mind is not an attentive mind, but a mind that is in the state of awareness can concentrate. Awareness is never exclusive, it includes everything. A mind must be wide open to function freely in thought."

Technique #1

Mental/decision speed. Once you have sensed the opponent's intention, you must decide how to respond. Do you evade, block, parry, jam, intercept or counter his attack? Your decision speed is determined by the length of time it takes you to sense the opponent's stimulus and select an appropriate response. Your ultimate goal is to be able to respond quickly and instinctively.
Initiation speed. The time that it takes to transfer your decision to punch from the brain to your fist, and actually begin the punch, is your initiation speed. You must condition yourself to relay the opponent's stimulus to your brain, and then to your striking or defending limbs as quickly as possible. The slightest hesitation can mean the difference between hitting, or being hit by, the opponent.
Performance speed. Once your response decision has been converted into an initial movement, the time it takes you to get from point "A" to point "B" is your performance or "raw" speed. You can have the quickest perception, decision and initiation speed in a fight, but if your fist travels like a salmon swimming upstream, your chances of scoring on the opponent are minimal.
Alteration speed. Lee defined alteration speed as "the ability to change direction midstream." In the ever-changing conditions of a fight, there is always the potential to make an unwise decision or dangerous mistake. If you freeze up in such situations, you have a strong chance of getting hit. If you possess good alteration speed, however, you can make a reflexive adjustment, correct the error, and still score on your opponent.

Speed Requirement
Now that you are familiar with the various types of speed, how do you go about developing maximum levels of speed in each classification?

For some fighters, speed is an inherent quality. These individuals don't work on developing their speed, yet still hit like greased lightning. Others, however, must train extremely hard and overcome many physical obstacles in order to improve their reaction time. Following are some of the factors to consider when training for speed:

Compact structure. Lee believed proper posture was a key element in the execution of sound offensive and defensive techniques. Your fighting stance should be one which enables you to both attack and defend with minimal preparation or repositioning. You should feel loose and relaxed, yet springy and ready. You should be devoid of unnecessary muscle tension, yet be coiled and explosive. Your feet should be placed almost directly under your shoulders to allow for quick foot movement, yet still provide stability. Your rear heel should be raised so it can react like a coiled spring, ready to release or explode like a sprinter coming out of the starting blocks. Your hands should be held in close to the body, with the elbows aligned with the body's centerline and maintaining a spring-loaded energy. Your hands, like the rest of your body, are compact yet loose, ready yet relaxed. Keep your shoulders relaxed and chin tucked safely downward.

Technique #2

Explosiveness. Whether attacking from long or close range, your initial explosiveness is crucial. If you need to close the gap to reach the opponent, your rear foot must push off the ground explosively. If you are already within hitting range, your initial strike should explode toward the target like a missile. Upon impact, explode into the target with great energy and penetration. Your strike should glide effortlessly, but with great speed and directness.
Relaxation. Just as it is important to maintain a relaxed, yet ready, mind in combat, so too should your body be relaxed and devoid of excess tension. For maximum speed and efficiency, you must remain relaxed during all movements. Most novice fighters have a tendency to try too hard and rely on force or muscle in delivering a blow. Experienced fighters, however, generally learn to avoid this problem and rely on method over muscle. Muscular tension acts as a brake and causes friction during movement, thereby reducing the speed and power of your strikes. The only time your muscles should tighten while striking is the instant they impact the target.
Economy of motion. Like the saying goes, the quickest distance between two points is a straight line. JKD emphasizes simplicity, directness and economy of motion. The JKD stylist eliminates any cocking, loading or repositioning of the striking limb prior to delivery of the technique. By maintaining an economic fighting structure, he is always ready and coiled, and does not need to chamber the strike prior to delivering it. The JKD practitioner strives to eliminate any clue as to his next move. Subtle adjustments in stance, tensing of the muscles, changes in breathing, or shifts in weight all read like a billboard to a seasoned opponent. The JKD fighter should be able to initiate an attack from wherever his weapons happen to be at the moment he senses an opening in his opponent's defense. Preliminary motions are eliminated as the JKD stylist achieves maximum power in his techniques with a minimum amount of movement.
Conditioning. Speed training must be conducted consistently and diligently. Although speed can be an indirect by-product of weigh/lifting, running and stretching, you must train specifically to achieve maximum speed in your combat movements. You must focus on developing hand speed, foot speed, speed in combinations, lead-side and rear-side speed, attacking and defending speed, counter-attack speed, evasion speed, etc. You should train for any circumstance.
Tone. Although conditioning drills can develop the fast-twitch nerves and muscles needed for speed, your speed potential will still be limited if you do not have proper muscle tone. Excessive fat or muscle will slow your strikes. Proper nutrition, aerobic training, and balanced muscle development help streamline your physique and provide maximum speed in your movements.
Attitude. Many times, the difference between success and failure in combat is attitude. Many athletes go through a ritual known as "psyching up" prior to competition. They will yell, stomp, bang their heads against a wall — anything to pump themselves up and get their adrenaline flowing. Athletes who rely on speed for success must also find a "mental groove" for maximum performance. A fighter must feel fast, loose and springy. Speed should flow off of his fingertips and out of his pores. A sense of speed should envelop him. As Lee said, "Your strike should be felt before it is seen."

Speed Training Drills
The JKD stylist has a variety of training drills to choose from that will help him improve his fighting speed. They include:

Reaction drills. Reaction drills utilize a training partner who presents you with various targets to strike. Using focus gloves or a striking shield to protect himself, the partner places the pads at various positions which coincide with the primary targets of the human body. Reaction drills can be conducted at long range to allow you to develop footwork, mobility. Kicking and distancing skills. Or, if your partner holds the targets at medium range, you can work on short-range kicks, punches, and counter-fighting speed. At infighting range, you can practice slipping, bobbing, weaving, and short-range blows such as hooks, uppercuts, head butts, and elbow and knee strikes. Choose a minimal number of targets at first, and expand to a larger variety as you become comfortable with the drills. Your partner can add to the degree of difficulty by varying the striking angles and tempo, which prevents you from anticipating a target's placement.

Technique #3

Choice-reaction freeze drill. To confuse his opponent and slow his foe's reaction time, the JKD stylist is taught to make subtle motions with his hands, feet, head, knees, elbows and shoulders during combat. The opponent is forced to acknowledge such stimuli and must decide what to react to and what to ignore. The JKD fighter practices these quick, compact movements by utilizing a partner exercise known as the "choice-reaction freeze drill." As the JKD practitioner executes the choice-reaction moves. his partner will occasionally call out "stop" or "freeze." At that moment, the JKD stylist freezes his body and limbs exactly where they happen to be. The partner then presents the practitioner with a target at any level or angle. The JKD fighter then strikes the target with his best available weapon.
No-mind/peripheral-vision drill. One of the key areas to consider in developing combat speed is the concept of responding without looking or thinking. There are three types of speed related to this concept: perception, decision and initiation speed. A good place to start when trying to enhance these speeds would be the visual process. Lee emphasized maintaining good peripheral vision and stressed not concentrating too hard on one area or movement by the opponent. The idea is to look at nothing, but see and sense everything. One approach is to look toward the center of the opponent, giving you equal peripheral vision to both sides of his body.
Backhand speed test. Protective head gear and light gloves are recommended for this drill, which enables partners to work simultaneously on speed enhancement. One fighter develops offensive speed as the other hones his defensive speed. To perform the exercise, the partners face off in matching stances at a distance of about six-to-12 inches further than arm's reach. Each fighter holds his lead hand below waist level. The objective of the offensive fighter is to execute a backhand strike to his opponent's temple. The defensive fighter, meanwhile, attempts to deflect the blow by raising his lead hand. The offensive fighter should attempt to sense his opponent's weaknesses by examining his muscle tension, breathing patterns, and movements. Both partners should try to maintain the basic speed qualities of relaxation, economy of motion, etc. To add to the degree of difficulty, the offensive fighter can attempt to strike from longer range.
Cross-speed test. This drill is similar to the backhand speed test. In this case, however, the offensive fighter is developing speed for a straight cross to the opponent's head, while the defensive fighter is developing speed in his rear-hand parry. The partners begin the exercise in unmatched fighting stances about arm's length apart. From a normal guard position, the offensive fighter delivers a rear cross to the opponent's temple. The defensive fighter, who initially holds his rear hand in the center of his chest, attempts to parry the cross before it lands. So as not to telegraph his movement, the offensive fighter must learn to begin the punch at the fist, rather than leading with his shoulder, hip or foot.

Technique #4

Focus glove speed tests. This is another drill that allows both partners to train simultaneously on their combat speed. One partner holds a focus glove in a predetermined position, while the other partner positions himself where he can hit the glove without any preliminary footwork. The offensive fighter attempts to hit the glove before his partner can move it out of the way. The glove holder, who remains stationary, can only move the pad upon sensing his opponent's initial move. The drill not only helps the offensive fighter eliminate telegraphing movements prior to his strike, but it helps his partner learn to sense an opponent's telegraphing movements.

***

Regardless of whether they are applied on the streets or in a competitive arena, the principles of speed training can enhance a fighter's performance. The key is to keep your movements simple and direct. Eliminate unnecessary movement and energy, focus on method rather than muscle and, most importantly, strive to hit first with the most.

Black Belt Magazine

Jeet Kune Do For The Ring

by William Holland

What Would Bruce Lee Say About This?
By now, you have read the title of this article and are likely stretching your head and asking yourself "Bruce Lee's jeet kune do in the ring? Isn't that a contradiction in terms?"

Not necessarily. Although it is true that the primary focus of Jeet Kune Do, as taught by Lee, was for street combat, it does not mean JKD practitioners cannot utilize the concepts and principles of the "way of the intercepting fist" in the square circle.

During his lifetime, Lee was exposed to, studied and applied aspects of countless martial arts from around the globe. He constantly whittled away at the inessentials of each technique he accumulated, and he established a training regimen and approach capable of producing some devastating fighters, both inside and outside of the roped canvas. Of course, many of the techniques Lee advocated — "stop-kicks" to the shins, eye jabs, kicks to the groin, and stomps to the knee — are not allowed in American professional kickboxing matches. If they were, there would be a great many crippled fighters.

JKD stresses combat reality in training for the street. But applied intelligently, the concepts taught by Lee can produce highly skilled combatants for competition. Following are some of Lee's concepts that can be utilized for competition.

Broken Rhythm
It is not uncommon to see fighters stand relatively still in the ring, then very telegraphically launch their attack. Just as common are fighters who, without changing the rhythm or tempo of their movement, initiate their attack on cue with the beat they have established. It is simple to read the intentions of either type of fighter, and their attacks can be easily evaded, defended and/or countered.

The "broken rhythm" concept involves establishing a rhythm to your movement and then changing the "beat" abruptly in order to bridge the gap to your opponent. You can either quicken the tempo (the time between each beat) and move a half-beat early, or just as effectively lengthen the tempo and hit a half-beat late. In either case, the objective is to catch the opponent out of sync.

Several factors must be considered when using broken rhythm in the first place. You use that rhythm to lull the opponent into a false sense of security. Once the opponent appears comfortable with your rhythm, you can quickly change the beat and catch him off guard.

Second, broken rhythm is most successful once you have obtained the proper fighting distance. You need to maneuver into your ideal fighting distance to launch your attack. If you launch an attack from the wrong distance, even with the use of broken rhythm, you will most likely hit only air.

And three, you can break your rhythm by using footwork, head-and-shoulder fakes, feints with your hands, feet, elbows or knees, or just by changing your breathing.

When using broken rhythm to close the distance to the opponent, it is sometimes a good idea to break your rhythm a few times without attacking behind it. This strategy takes broken rhythm one step further by familiarizing your opponent with the movement without any immediate consequence. Then, after setting up your unsuspecting opponent several times, you strike.

Broken rhythm can also be used in conjunction with combinations after you have closed the gap. Rather than blasting every punch and kick with full speed and power when you have your opponent in a defensive posture, a smart fighter can upset his opponent’s defensive timing by quickening or slowing the tempo of his blows. This tactic allows you to be more selective and accurate with your strikes while simultaneously confusing your opponent.

Jeet Kune Do Technique #1

The JKD Jab and Cross
Two of the primary principles in JKD are "economy of motion" and “nonchambering strikes.” With these concepts in mind, the JKD fighter has taken the standard boxing jab and cross, cut away some of the excess movement, and created more direct, streamlined strikes.

The standard boxing jab creates torque by snapping the elbow up, turning the wrist, and pronating the fist. A good portion of the punch’s power comes from twisting or torquing the arm. Rarely do you see a boxer generate any power for his jab from the lower part of his body. In boxing, the jab is generally a shoulder- and-arm punch intended to bother opponent but no knock him out.

The problem with this technique is the slight telegraphing movement when lifting and turning the elbow and shoulder, which occurs at the outset of the punch. Slight as they may be, these movements are easily discerned by the skilled pugilist.

The JKD jab is more direct in that the elbow and shoulder do not rotate, nor does the wrist turn on its way to the target. The elbow starts and remains in a downward-pointing position, and the first movement is that of the vertical fist toward the point of impact. The punch travels to the target as directly as possible. The opponent does not see any telegraphic movement of the fist, elbow or shoulder. Thus, the opponent has fewer movements on which to focus before the punch is launched. To quote Lee: "Your strike should be felt before it is seen."

The JKD jab can be launched from close range, or it can be used in conjunction with a step-and-glide maneuver to close the gap and hit from longer range. In either case, power is generated by the elbow, shoulder, hips, knees and finally the feet in a whip-like motion. The fist snaps out and returns fluidly. Remember to remain loose and relaxed. Other than tightening the fist at the moment of impact, refrain from tightening the muscles.

The JKD cross maintains the same principles of economy of motion, non-chambering and straight-line directness as the JKD jab. The front side of the body acts like a hinge and opens up just enough to allow the rear arm to move in a straight line to the target. The fist stays vertical and the elbow stays down and close to the body. As the punch nears the point of impact, the leg thrusts forward and power is generated from the rear foot, knee and hip.

Jeet Kune Do Technique #2

Fighting Measure
In JKD, proper fighting distance is referred to as the "fighting measure." There is an ideal fighting measure for every individual, in every situation, and it varies depending on body type, attitude, type of opponent, strengths and weaknesses, fighting conditions, etc. Since your opponent's reach, speed, timing and tactics may be quite different than your own, each of you may have a different fighting measure. The fighter who can keep the battle in his preferred fighting measure the majority of the time has a decided advantage. For instance, if you like to fight in close, and your opponent prefers to hit from a distance, it is to your advantage to keep the bout at close range. By cutting off the ring, pinning him in the corners or against the ropes, or simply smothering him, you ensure that the fight is conducted under the circumstances in which you feel most comfortable.

Many times, however, the difference in preferred distance for each fighter is not that great. You may both feel comfortable at infighting or long range. In this case, the key may be where you fight from, but when you fight. When your opponent is in tune with your timing and movement, and appears to be ready to do battle, it is not the appropriate time to take the fight to him. Nor should you allow him to bring the fight to you. Ideally, you want to go to battle when you are ready and the opponent is not.

When you feel your opponent is prepared to engage you, you either move away or you smother his intention by jamming and tying him up. A perfect example of this strategy was the way Sugar Ray Leonard confused and demoralized Marvelous Marvin Hagler in their memorable bout. Hagler allowed Leonard to dictate the distance and pace of the fight. Body movement, feints and fakes are often enough to put the brakes on an opponent who is trying to zero in and unload on you. Other times, lateral movement, angling or changing direction deprives your opponent of the ability to execute an effective attack. And while he is trying to catch up with you, you are waiting for him to fall into your preferred fighting zone.

Gaining the Infighting Edge
Infighting range can be a scary and frustrating place for individuals unschooled at this distance. Most fighters do not feel overly confident or comfortable when they can feel their opponent's body heat and smell their breath. Many fighters will rely on brute strength and a barrage of combinations at this range. While these are fine tactics, they alone do not a fighter make.

The victory at close range often goes to he who fights smarter, not harder. With proper training, the JKD stylist learns to savor the inside game and makes it one of his strengths. By utilizing the centerline principle of Wing Chun Kung Fu, evasion and trapping skills, and strikes known as "innergate" and "outergate" punches, the JKD stylist can gain a decided edge at infighting range.

Jeet Kune Do Technique #3

Innergate Punches
The "innergate" punch is applied when your opponent's arm is on the outside of your arm. The technique can be utilized either from normal punching distance or from infighting range. One opportune time to use it is when your adversary is attempting to punch over your inside arm during a clinch. When he begins his punch, execute a corkscrew-style punch with your inside arm, striking his head or torso. You must lift your elbow slightly to keep his arm outside and away from his intended target.

When using the innergate punch at normal punching distance, timing and angling are extremely important because you cannot employ JKD's sensitivity skills at this range. The innergate punch is most successful at punching distance when employed against looping or rounded punches. Looping punches allow you to get inside more easily and also allow for better angling. As the opponent begins his looping punch, angle inside slightly, keeping your arm on the same side of his punching arm. Drive on an inside route upward, so his arm glances against the outside of your arm as you continue to punch toward the target. His punch should be guided away from the intended target, while your punch is directed to his face or body.

Outergate Punches
The "outergate" punch is employed when your arm is outside of your opponent's arm. When the opponent attempts to take an inside line to his target, you "cut" into his arm, redirect his strike, and continue with your punch, driving into the target.

The outergate punch can be utilized in normal punching range or for infighting. As you cut into the opponent's arm, it might be a good idea to angle slightly to the same side as your punching arm. This maneuver allows you to not only outflank your opponent, but may also move you out of the way of his follow-up punch.

Jeet Kune Do Technique #4

Attack by Draw
If you are facing a strong defensive fighter or an opponent who likes to run, or if you are at a decided reach disadvantage, feet Rune do's "attack by draw" can be an effective tactic, especially when combined with a "stop-hit" or "stop-kick" maneuver.

Attack by draw is one of Lee's legendary "five ways of attack." The object is to lure your opponent into launching a particular attack by intentionally exposing an opening in your defense. Perhaps you drop your hands to expose your head, or spread your arms to expose your midsection, or lift your elbow and seemingly allow access to your ribs. At this point, you have already analyzed the opponent's reach, speed, timing and body mechanics when executing an attack, and have noticed any potential weaknesses to exploit.

Once your opponent launches the expected attack, you are prepared to counter. You should attempt to utilize a longer, quicker; or more direct offensive tool than the opponent. Your counterstrike can be executed either at the beginning of, or midway through, his attack.

Bruce Lee's "stop-kick" technique, while illegal in most martial arts competitions, is an excellent method of jamming and simultaneously countering an opponent's strike.

The attack by draw principle is normally used against a less-aggressive opponent to lure him into launching an attack. If the opponent is extra tentative, it might be a good idea to allow him to get close to hitting his target a few times, yet just miss it. This will serve to build his confidence, reduce his fear of being countered, and may cause him to throw caution to the wind. When he is properly set up, counter his next attack.

It is important to either angle away from, misdirect, or gain control of the opponent's striking limb before penetrating too deeply with your own strike. Always keep in mind your defensive structure and defensive tools when countering. Although you exposed a target to lure the opponent in, when countering you must re-establish a proper defensive position to make sure he doesn't score.

"Stop-hit" and "stop-kick" movements include finger jabs to the eyes, foot jams to the shin, hard kicks to the shin or knee, or kicks to the groin. Since these techniques are obviously illegal in the ring, some possible alternatives might be: a back kick to the ribs against an opponent's jab; a front kick to the hip or thigh against an opponent's side kick; a step-and-glide jab against an opponent's high roundhouse kick; or a front stomp kick to the hip or thigh against a opponent's rear-leg kick.

This article has touched on just a few of the principles of Jeet Kune Do which may assist you in preparing for tournament, kickboxing or boxing competition. To gain a complete and thorough understanding of these concepts, it is recommended that you seek out an experienced Jeet Kune Do instructor who can assist you in furthering your skills in these areas.

Black Belt Magazine