The Attack Techniques in the Middle Distance
Hand Techniques 1-12
In the middle distance you are close enough to use the JKD Hand Techniques. Mostly, the attacks occur in combination with deception moves but they are very fitting for simple, direct attacks. The strikes, along with the steps must always be practised in combination with legwork and evasive movements,
And always changing from the head to the body. There’s a little rule you should take note of, but it is not law, if you want to keep the risk of injury as low as possible: “Grasp hard targets, such as the head, with a soft weapon, like, for example, a palm hit or a hammerfist, and the softer targets like the body abdomen, throat and eyes with hard weapons, such as knuckles, hand edge and fingers.”
Pay attention to the rule “Hand before Foot”. In an attack the hand starts before the foot as if it is being drawn forwards. Most confrontations begin in the middle distance. This is why it is important to learn to use all the strikes from this distance.
You should be in the position to use the right strike, at any moment to attack or counter. In Jeet Kune Do there are the most diverse hand techniques and strikes in order to choose the best weapon, to employ a stop strike to the correct attack point, at the decisive moment. From the middle distance you are in a position to change from long or short distance, so that you have more opportunities to choose the right strategy for defence.
To attack, the different weapons, like finger, edge of the hand and the fists are incorporated in different variations. Here, the hips also have an important part to play, as the generate the highest strike power. Equally important is the use of legwork. The aim should be to put the attacker out of action with the first hit. If this isn’t achieved, the attack can be brought to an end with further combinations until you reach your goal. In the beginning the techniques should, again, be practised without a partner as shadowboxing, then go over to sparring with a partner and with mitt work. The techniques should also be practiced with the Punchinbag and other training equipment, in order to improve power and precision.
Here are the individual strike techniques.
1. Finger Jab (Biu Jee)
2. Half Closed Fist (Choap Chuie)
3. Vertical Fist Strike (Chung Chuie)
4. Ball of the Hand Strike (Wong Jern)
5. Backfist Strike (Gua Chuie)
6. Hammerfist (Sut Sil)
7. Side of the Hand Strike (Sut Sao)
8. Jab
9. Cross
10. Hook
11. Uppercut
12. Overhead
13. Straight Blast Jik Chung Chuie
The Finger Jab or Biu Jee is one of the most effective attacks in Jeet Kune Do and the longest weapon in the middle distance. In comparison to the fist strike, you have a 10-15cm longer reach. It is mainly used on soft parts such as the eye. But also, other attack points such as, for example, the neck and groin. It can also be effectively used as a decoy to be followed with, for example, a kick. The stab can be used with loose or stiff fingers, depending on the attack point. It is used 80% of the time with the leading hand, as it is nearest the target. But in the form of combination, trapping or grappling, the back hand is also used. With a stab in the eye, you deprive the attacker of sight so that he can’t see further attacks and is, therefore, unable to fight in the middle and long distance. The stab in the eye should be so delivered that the attacker only realises when it is too late. That is why it must be executed without preparation, fast and at the right moment. (Timing). As it has a longer reach than a fist, it is optimal as a counter as it reaches its target sooner. With this technique it is not out of the question, that your opponent is seriously hurt and permanently loses his sight. Thus, it is only used in emergency situations.
The execution of this comes from the Alert Position, the leading hand, lightning fast, in a straight line forwards, with a whipping, hitting, snapping motion. The back hand is placed as protection at the height of the shoulder with a low elbow. Make sure that, during the execution of this, you are relaxed and, just before you strike, to tighten your muscles, and the hand, as with all hand techniques, is immediately withdrawn. Very important, as with all hand techniques, is the deployment of the hip and shoulder.
2. Half Closed Fist (Choap Chuie)
The Half-Closed Fist or Choap Chuie, is mainly used in an attack to the throat. But it can also be used to attack the face, ribs and abd
