Jeet Kune Do (JKD) in Cantonese, means “The Way of the Intercepting Fist.” This is the name Bruce Lee gave to his approach to martial arts which emphasizes using timing, rhythm, and speed to intercept an opponent’s attack. Tim Tacket, who trained JKD in Dan Inosanto’s backyard wrote a very informative description of the importance of speed (WNG).
There is actually six different types of speed in JKD including perceptual, mental, initiation, performance, alteration, and sensitivity.
1. Perceptual Speed (see the attack)
Perceptual speed involves having the “quickness of the eye” to recognize an attack. You must first see the attack in order to intercept it. This requires a good sense of distance (WNG). A drill to improve this speed is to hit a focus mitt as soon as your partner raises it. This should be done randomly with no noticeable pattern. A variation is to hit the mitt when you hear an auditory single such as a word or a tap. You can even improve perceptual speed while watching television by throwing a punch in the air when the scene changes on the screen (LOK).
2. Mental Speed (how to counter)
Once you perceive the attack, you need to decide how to respond. This is called mental speed. Within an instant you have to decide whether you are going to block, hit, or move (WNG).
3. Initiation Speed (begin the counter)
After you have decided how to respond, you need to counterattack. The time it takes to begin the counterattack is called initiation speed. In order to increase this speed, you should be in a proper JKD stance using your most efficient tool. This is also called economical starting (WNG).
4. Performance Speed (finish the counter)
Once you have initiated the counter, you need to complete it as quickly as possible. This is called performance speed and involves getting your attack “from point A to point B,” (WNG). One way to improve this speed is continual use of the speed bag.
Alteration Speed (change the counter)
Once you have started your counter, you may have to adjust it before making contact. This is known as alteration speed and may be necessary based on your opponent’s reaction. For example, the initial counter may be a punch to the stomach, but changes to the opponent’s face when they drop their guard (WNG). One way to improve this speed is through realistic sparring that is fluid and forces you to adjust to the opponent in the moment.
Sensitivity Speed
Sensitivity speed comes into play when you are in physical contact with an opponent. It is the ability to feel the opponent’s movement and react to any available openings (WNG). An energy drill such as chi sao (sticky hands) can improve this speed. In this drill, opponents face each other with forearms touching and try to “uproot” each other. This toughens the forearms and helps develop touch sensitivity (JKD Art, page 23, 99).
Conclusion
In order to actually intercept an attack you need the speed to do it. You can engage in drills, training, and sparring to improve your perceptual, mental, initiation, performance, alteration, and sensitivity speed. No matter how fast you currently are you can always improve it through the proper training.
Resources:
Brice Lee’s Speed Training Drill, Dan Lok and Octavio (LOK).
Bruce Lee’s 6 Types of Speed, Tim Tacket, JKD Wednesday Night Group (WNG).
Jeet Kune Do, The Art and Philosophy of Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto, Know Now Publishing Company, 1980.
Fighting Stance image, Pinterest.
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