Bruce Lee's lines of attack in Jeet Kune Do

[kung fu fighter]

Hi,
what are the lines of attacks in JKD that Bruce Lee origionally taught, and how are they used in close trapping range? are they the same lines as in western boxing and kali?

[bonetone]

THe most direct route to the target. Single direct attack (SDA), an attack straight to the target. If someone's hands get in the way you employ HIA (hand immobilization attack) a.k.a. trapping. The straight line is not always the most direct route for a hit, so hooks, uppercuts are used. Other methods are attack by combination (ABC)where you throw a series of attacks to break down the opponents defense. Then there is attack by drawing (ABD)where you give your opponent an open shot on you but intercept because you have read their intentions. Progressive indirect attack (PIA) feinting to open up a target and attacking once you have an opening. These ares the 5 ways of attack in JKD, they use both the physical and the psychological. Some of these are directly from fencing I believe.

So basically straight line and curved line, it employs all angles, whatever being the most direct and efficeint at the time. Examples of straight line:Straight lead punch, cross, jab, palm strike, finger jab, side kick, front kick. Examples of curved line:hook, uppercut, hook kick, sweep kick, palm hook. Any of these could be used in whatever method of attack you are using. Close range tactics involve immobilization of limbs, etc. the use of elbow, knees, headbutts, biting, gouging, tight hooks, etc.

[bonetone]

Hi,
what are the lines of attacks in JKD that Bruce Lee origionally taught, and how are they used in close trapping range? are they the same lines as in western boxing and kali?

Kung Fu Fighter, here are some passages penned by Bruce on this matter:

"It (JKD) looks at combat not from a single angle, but from all possible angles."

this sentence of course has more than one meaning


"It (JKD) is a circle without a circumference where every conceivable line is included."

"Because after all, an opponent is capable of throwing all lines (in all kinds of broken rhythm) and if one is partial only to dealing with the straight, then he will run into friction with just the right line that will screw up his straight line. Let's remember the word relationship: To do a technique is to study oneself in action with the opponent, which is relationship."

"How on earth can we truthfully inderstand and feel relationship if we merely follow the one straight line-here we have merely isolation in an enclosed idea of a straight lin; such an idea, no matter how noble, concentrates only on a partial aspect of combat and is fitting with the opponent through a screen of resistance. True that a straight line is definately valuable; take the pendulum- in order to swing to one side (the side one favors), you need to initiate the movement from the other side. Why are we isolated out from one side? Indeed, why don't we look at one continuous swing as one whole."

"Above all, this system is not confined to straight line or curved line, but is content to stand in the middle of the circle without attachment. This way one can meet any lines without being familiar with them."

I'm sure an entire book could be assembled with Bruce Lee's writings on lines and angles, but these were a few I saw recently.

Kung Fu Fighter, feel free to discuss. Why did you want to know anyway?