stances

[Yung Apprentice]

I know there is no "set" stances in JKD. But what were the stances originally taught by Bruce Lee? The reason I ask is, at the place I studied at for a little while, the first stance taught (I don't know if there are more) was a stance similar to that in WC. Anywho, I thought that was different, since I thought Bruce favored more of a western boxing stance. Any ideas?

[Sho]

I thought the JKD stance (and footwork generally) was influenced by fencing.

[Yung Apprentice]

I know alot of the footwork from fencing was integrated, but from what I had seen (and it is a limited expereince, so if I'm wrong forgive me) a lot of the stances were that of a western boxer.

[Kymus]

Originally posted by Yung Apprentice
I know there is no "set" stances in JKD. But what were the stances originally taught by Bruce Lee? The reason I ask is, at the place I studied at for a little while, the first stance taught (I don't know if there are more) was a stance similar to that in WC. Anywho, I thought that was different, since I thought Bruce favored more of a western boxing stance. Any ideas?

The JKD stance has the feet positioned similar to boxing, while the hands have one high and another around the middle. I'll see if I can get you a pic

[Kymus]

<img src="http://www.pamausa.com/Media/rick2.jpg">

That looks like it. I'd be able to tell better if he was facing towards the side.

if the image doesn't work, go to www.pamausa.com and click the "about Rick Tucci" part.

[Yung Apprentice]

Thanks.

[chen zhen]

i read that although BL modified his stance into a boxing-like stance, he kept the WC structure in his stance, like rooting, immovable-elbow theory, centerline-theory, etc.

[Kymus]

Originally posted by chen zhen
i read that although BL modified his stance into a boxing-like stance, he kept the WC structure in his stance, like rooting, immovable-elbow theory, centerline-theory, etc.

We use Wing Chun trapping a lot and there is emphasis on the centerline. so yeah, it's like a boxing-similar stance with WC movements in it

[yenhoi]

i read that although BL modified his stance into a boxing-like stance, he kept the WC structure in his stance, like rooting, immovable-elbow theory, centerline-theory, etc.

Immovable-eblow, centerline, and structure are discussed in length in the Tao.

On rooting. The 'classical' JKD bai-jong resembles the WCK chum kil stance with the rear heal raised off the ground. Statically the weight is carried 70/30.

Guard position, legs, hips etc, thats all standing still. Stances are worth nothing if you arent moving.

Move, move, move, move. Then start thinking about immovable elbow, centerline, rooting, and structure. These things are only valuable if you understand motion and movement.

:eek:

[chen zhen]

But the JKD by-jong is 50/50, right?

[yenhoi]

Depends on lineage.

In the Tao of JKD its clearly illustrated as 70/30.

:eek:

[chen zhen]

I do remember in the Tao that he states "50/50"..
But I guess other types of stances are used.
But would'nt BL call a 70/30 stance too immobile? Is it 70% on the back leg?

[yenhoi]

In the tao he shows two "on-guard" positions. At least in my copy. Note, He didnt do any of this, John Little did. one does have scribbles next to it showing 70 on the front and 30 on the back. The other is text and says 50/50. Regardless we are talking about a static position, which does us very little good considering in combat we wont be standing in one place worring about if our legs are double weighted or 70/30. With a raised rear heel, a 70/30 posture is not immobile. As a matter of fact nearly-any weighting is highly mobile with a raised rear heel. The important thing is to move and be moving, and keep moving. Stance while 'standing' is of very little combat value.

http://go.to/stickgrappler

This website has much info. Check out the Jack Dempsey stuff. The boxing stuff. The JKD stuff. All of it. Very good resource.

You will also find much info on boxing stances and movement at www.mma.tv

Bottom line - mobility.

:eek:

[chen zhen]

Thanks:)

[jmdrake]

Originally posted by yenhoi
[B]In the tao he shows two "on-guard" positions. At least in my copy. Note, He didnt do any of this, John Little did. one does have scribbles next to it showing 70 on the front and 30 on the back. The other is text and says 50/50.


Ummm...John Little didn't have anything to do with the Tao. Perhaps you were thinking "JKD: Bruce Lee Commentaries on the Martial Way"?



Regardless we are talking about a static position, which does us very little good considering in combat we wont be standing in one place worring about if our legs are double weighted or 70/30.


True. In combat you are mobile, but you can maintain a particular weight distribution even when you are mobile. Take boxers for instance. As they move around they usually stay in somewhat of a 50/50 stance. It's a matter of balance.



With a raised rear heel, a 70/30 posture is not immobile. As a matter of fact nearly-any weighting is highly mobile with a raised rear heel. The important thing is to move and be moving, and keep moving. Stance while 'standing' is of very little combat value.


Well I've often drop into a 70/30 posture when I move in with a trap (pak sao for instance) but then I don't keep my rear heal raised at that point. I've heard of "spring loading" the calf and perhaps that's what you are describing.




http://go.to/stickgrappler

This website has much info. Check out the Jack Dempsey stuff. The boxing stuff. The JKD stuff. All of it. Very good resource.

You will also find much info on boxing stances and movement at www.mma.tv

Bottom line - mobility.


Combined with balance. :)

Regards,

John M. Drake

[yenhoi]

The ToJKD is a bunch of notes, Bruce Lee did not publish them.

The rest of your comments I agree with.

I consider balance as a part of mobility.

::eek::

[jmdrake]

Hello Yenhoi,

Yes I realize that the Tao was a compilation of notes. But I don't think that John Little was the editor. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the first Bruce Lee book John Little edited was Commentaries on the martial way. Anyway that's a minor point. I'm splitting hairs. :)

Regards,

John M. Drake

[yenhoi]

Eh. Same diff to me, still not the man himself.

:D

[JKDFORYOU]

There is only one fighting stance in Jkd you need to know, and practice very hard .I am sure you know it, just incase you do not it is called the by-jon (on guard fighting stance). It is drawn from fencing, just because it is the shortest distance between two points. That is why Bruce chose the by-jon because he did not want you to telegraph your attack. Leading with the right is the most preferred side in Jkd, because 95 % of fighters hit with the right hand, so why not put it forward to reach your opponent faster and with less damage to one hand. However, if you are lefty than you lead with your left side forward. As far as boxing is concerned, you are mistaking footwork with the stance. There is another stance that was used by Bruce, only when he did forms from wing Chun, like siu leem tau (little idea) it was called the yee Jee kim yin ma (character 2 pigeon toe horse stance, or goat restraining stance.) it is not a fighting stance.
Good luck peace, love, Jkd

[CaptinPickAxe]

flyin troll stance