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The New Areas of Self-Defense: JKD's All-Inclusive Perspective

- By MATT NUMRICH, Black Belt Magazine

Before many situations become violent, the first stage consists of verbal assaults, taunts, cut downs, or a combination of insults to degrade one's date or mother. What is scary in today's dojos, training tapes, and schools' curriculums is the lack of training to deal with these situations first. If one can defuse a tense verbal situation before it becomes violent, isn't that the better choice? I always tell my students it is better to shrug off a couple cuss words, than to put yourself in harms way, which will lead you to put your opponent in the hospital, hence possibly putting yourself in the courtroom. 

Many tough guys forget that any idiot can throw a couple of punches, but the smarter practitioner first tries to win a fight without throwing one punch. Therefore, the paradigm of ìwinningî might need to be changed. Let me advise you that winning can simply mean not fighting, and not starting a chain of events which has you looking over your shoulder every time you go out. Obviously there is a line which needs to be drawn, where physical consequences have to be expressed. But, let's first take a look at avoiding that, and using one's emotional and psychological tools to win. 

At the onset of an argument one has to simply follow four steps to attempt to de-escalate a possible physical altercation, and prepare if one does happen: 

Step 1: 

When you are first made aware of an irate person, giving you a harsh stare down, followed by some expletives, and who is now approaching you, you must gain distance. Slowly take a couple steps back, and relax. Why?: Taking a couple steps back usually starts the de-escalation process, opposed to rushing up to the other guy's face, and meeting nose to nose. By taking a couple steps back you can also see a lot more of the playing field ‚ the closest exit, a possible weapon, or his friend waiting in the corner ready to jump in. 

Step 2: 

Almost simultaneously you need to assume what is called a passive stance. Don't judge a book by its cover, because your passive stance is a ìsneak attackî fighting stance if needed. With arms up, do not look eye to eye ‚ look at his midsection ‚ and take a slight side stance. Relax your face to a non-emotional expression, neither smiling nor frowning. Why?: We are doing exactly the opposite of what other idiots do (who later end up injured idiots). By rushing to defend one's ego, most people go belly to belly, hands down, and focus on their opponent's eyes. This leads to being too close to see the incoming right hook, not being guarded, being totally unaware of where an exit is, not seeing a possible weapon, or not seeing his friend ready to sandwich you in a flurry of punches. Therefore, one can reason that it is better to take some steps back and secure a proper position. By taking the passive stance, one can now attempt to defuse a fight, while also being more prepared for an attack and being aware of the environment. Keeping your arms up adds protection and you are now closer to most fighting positions. Your eyes are not focused on one thing, but on a person's center of gravity, which cannot easily fake one out ‚ as it also gives the bigger picture of the possible attacker. Lastly, by assuming a side stance we are not only closer to most fighting stances, but are also ready to strike quickly, retreat from a strike, or absorb a sudden blow by being more balanced. 

Step 3: 

Know what to say. Have a couple of general, non-threatening phases to calm the situation. ìI'm sorryî, ìI didn't mean toÖî are good starts. Be genuine with your voice tone, not angry or degrading. Occasionally look at the aggressor's face, but keep in mind that your focal point is their midsection. The key to this step is balance between being real about whatever you're saying, while keeping your emotions under control. If you accidentally took someone's seat, apologize, and find a quick solution (find him another chair, or move yourself). Although this step is important, remember it is how you say your response that counts more. Why?: You have to respond with something, as not responding will be taken as too passive, or disrespectful. Taking blame without actually saying, ìIt is my faultî helps them save face, and helps you get back on with enjoying yourself. Although any response can be taken as offensive, realize that most people just want to be recognized or whatever you did be recognized (i.e. you bumped into his beer hand, table, etc.). 

Step 4: 

Be ready, and plan your attack according to your own ethical standards, if he does attack. This is where your physical training does pay off, but make sure you have options to injure to a degree. A response from an attack from a high school punk who is alone will hopefully differ from an attacker who is 6'5î 315 lbs., looks like he's been in a couple fights just last week, and is backed up with a group of rowdy friends. Know how to achieve different outcomes such as how to hit and run quickly, finish an opponent off with brutal tools, and hold someone down until security or law enforcement can help out. Why?: Given that Murphy's Law comes up more in combat than anywhere else, plan, but plan to adapt. For instance, know that his punch will be counted by a side step and kick to the groin ‚ but be ready for a takedown or roundhouse kick as well. 

The final world: 
When you jump to conclusions after you're being insulted, you're increasing your chances of regret, and a bad decision which could have you paying for it (possibly out of your pocket for years!). Find creative ways to deal with a wide range of situations. Think what you would do if someone insults your wife, continues to bang into you on the dance floor, or says you stole his parking space. Practice cooling a fight between your friend and a third party. Don't forget about your resources such as security, the police, or the manager of the business. It is better to have security and managers on your side in the beginning, than having their story affected as they tell it to a cop because you put a hole in their wall, broke numerous glasses, and scared a dozen of their customers to not come back. 

However, if you give peace a chance, and still are met with hostility and an attack ‚ you are backed up ethically, emotionally, and more so legally. Staying composed when another is hurling a plethora of insults takes character. Learn how to make the best decision without violence, but also strike with impunity when pushed over your line. Decide in advance where that line or limit is; a push, punch, threat with a weapon, or backing up a third time. Mixing verbal de-escalation training and your creativity is the only way you will find out. 

Every thing comes down to training. You will fight as you train, so train as you want to fight. Sparring, drilling, and technique work are all great, but work it all into scenario training. Role playing makes it fun, breaks the monotony, and gets you thinking creatively. So, before a punch is thrown, try talking yourself out of a situation. At times have the aggressor back down from good responses, and other times have them come out swinging regardless of your attempts at peace. 

Do not take this information for granted. This is truly a multi tasking skill which has you backing up, assessing your opponent, scanning the environment, responding with calming statements, and also planning your attack all at once. It is problem solving at its highest levelÖ and it all usually happens under ten seconds. Mentally you are problem solving, emotionally you are weathering painful insults, and physically you are positioning yourself ready to defend more than your ego. If you don't train it, you won't just obtain the skills when needed. Some people say that talk is cheap, but it could be the cheapest way out of your next altercation.

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The Ultimate Student Guide

- By MATT NUMRICH, Black Belt

Realize the Difference

In today's world, the martial arts have taken on many forms, and tend to confuse much of the outside world by similar labeling. Many styles, arts, philosophies, and systems have no business with the label: self-defense. Those not familiar to the martial arts world, think that pronouncing a certain art is the primary obstacle. Unfortunately, there is much more. 

Learning about anything new has many challenges. Whether it is learning a new computer program, or a foreign language. The challenge with martial arts is that many people package all forms of martial arts under the same category of "self-defense". Those new to martial arts do not notice that martial art "A" may be totally different in comparison to martial art "B". From their perspective, they believe that "A" and "B" are the same. That is as absurd as saying that the languages of French and Chinese are the same, or even similar. The most important distinction that everyone must make, is that many arts have a different outcome. Meaning that they have a different focus area, goal, and set of results. 

Is this the novice's fault, for not naturally knowing these differences? Sometimes it is, by not researching what videotape they're buying, art they are studying, or lessons they're about to sign a one year contract to. However, the real problem comes from the instructors and teachers of the martial arts world. They are the people who many times confuse the outside world by what they are trying to sell, what they have been taught, or by their own pride. 

In order to attempt to get everyone on the same page, there are seven main categories of martial arts: 

1. Traditional Martial Arts 
2. Meditation Martial Arts 
3. Exercise Martial Arts 
4. Competition (Point) Martial Arts 
5. Competition (No Rules) Martial Arts 
6. Sport Martial Arts 
7. True Self-Defense Martial Arts 

Separating arts into these seven categories will help instructors teach their knowledge, business owners meet their customers' needs, competitors train properly, students understand the differences, and "outsiders" see that all arts are not "karate". 

The Seven Categories 

Traditional Martial Arts 
Basing itself on culture, lineage, respect, and structure, these arts focus on old practices dating back hundreds, sometimes thousands of years ago. Still, these arts dominate the business of martial arts, as its benefits are shown through the values and morals they teach. At the same time, students learn about the history and culture of the art. 

Bottom Line: These arts are truly beautiful, and present an excellent foundation for beginners, and those interested in the art's origin. 

Meditation Martial Arts 
This category also uses many traditional concepts to increase concentration, reduce stress, and produce other physical benefits. Today's Western medicine culture is becoming increasingly interested in some of the methods and principles relating to the mind-body connection. These arts are now used and endorsed by researchers, physicians, and of course, Hollywood. 

Bottom Line: Great way to gain balance, and strengthen inner health. 

Exercise Martial Arts 
This category first gained momentum by "aerobic kick boxing" classes in the early 90's, then was revolutionized by Mr. Billy Blanks in the late 90's. Exercise Martial Arts use a number of tools, mostly taken from "kick boxing range", as kicks, punches, and various footwork movements. These classes are a great way to increase cardiovascular captivity, in addition to adding another way to get fit.

Bottom Line: Use these arts and break a sweat like you never have before. 

Competition (Point) Martial Arts 
These combative arts use points rendered from proper techniques and demonstrations of techniques. Many of these arts come from the traditional side, and include a lot of structure and forms, hence sharing many benefits of the Traditional category. Some Competition (Point) Arts claim to be self-defense focused, but learned a lesson when attempting to enter the "no rules tournament" arena. Bottom Line: Arts in this category are a competitive step for those who love Traditional Arts. Competition ("No Rules") Martial Arts Although these have always been around in some form, arts in this category saw its peak start and continue through the late 1990's. The UFC's and Pride events continue to change the perception of martial arts, and help people gain a wider perspective into this "no holds barred" world. The only challenge with this category comes when self-defense practitioners realize that there are rules to these "no rules" tournaments. 

Bottom Line: The ultimate step for the Martial Art sportspersons. 

Sport Martial Arts 
Confusing these competitive art categories might be easy however, think of this category as a happy medium between the last two. This does not mean that the last two categories are not sports, but the arts that fall in this category separate themselves by actually being a combination of the last two. Once again, it is a mixture that forces them to create a new category. They may be combative as "No Rules" competitions, but they also have stricter rules as point competitions (i.e. they stay in one range, can only use limited tools, points may help determine the winner, etc.). 

Bottom Line: Perfect for practioners who want to specialize in a certain range. 

True Self-Defense Martial Arts 
Always fighting for its piece of the pie, these arts have few commercial outlets in the form of actual schools. The challenge that this category faces is determining which art is more "realistic" and effective than the others. Although this category is claimed by a couple of old philosophies, it is also overflowing with "flavor of the month" fighting systems. One overriding necessity is that these arts must be able to adapt to all ranges and possibilities (i.e. empty hands, ground fighting, weapons, and mass attack). 

Bottom Line: Research, train, experiment, judge. It's the only way to find the truth. Those in search of true self-defense should apply here. 

Which One? 
Before one races out and buys a video tape, signs up for classes, or dedicates any time what so ever, they must first know what is their outcome. In other words, what is wanted from participating in the martial arts? Health, trophies, weight loss, true self-defense, or knowledge of a different culture? Only you, the student, can answer that question. Write down what you really want, then prioritize your top one or two answers. After this is done, compare your wants and needs, to the descriptions of the categories above, or table below. 

Category Outcome(s) Lessons To Keep In Mind Examples 
Traditional Arts Core human values, Knowledge of traditional culture People do not fight as they did 500+ years ago. Aikido 
Kung Fu 
Karate 
Meditation Arts Balance of the human systems, Increased mental and emotional attributes Mental attributes are a plus for self-defense, but one is not going to light a candle and hum to fight off multiple opponents. Yoga 
Qigong 
Tai Chi 
Exercise Arts Increase cardio performance, Increase metabolism Dedicated to attending classes does not make one a tough guy. Tae-Bo 
Power Yoga Cardio Kick-Boxing 
Competition (Point) Arts Competitive environment without hard-core consequences 

Strict focus on certain tools used 
An attacker does not care about points. Judo 
Tae Kwon Do 
Fencing 

Competition ("No Rules") Arts Competitive environment with hard core consequences 

Muti-range knowledge needed 
The referee in these events "Knows Rules", and a real attacker does not care. Shoot Fighting 
Vale 
Tudo 
"Hybrid Arts" Sport Arts Competitive environment that focuses on a set range and/or tools used Hard core consequences If you lose a round, it does not conclude with a mugging, rape, or funeral procession. Thai Boxing 
Sport Jui-Jitsu 
Western Boxing 
True Self-Defense Arts True survival self-defense 

All-inclusive of ranges and environments 
This is not something to illustrate if someone cuts you off in traffic. Street Jeet Kune Do 
Elite Military Systems 

Relax, Relax 
One of the biggest misconceptions that can be taken from this article is that there is absolutely no crossover between these categories. Please understand that there is at least a hint of something in everything. There are self-defense moves in all of the categories, just as most arts could be turned into a cardio workout. The point is that each category (or art) has specific strengths, that make it more proficient in sports, exercise, true self-defense, etc. The deciding factor comes through four questions of assessment: 

1. What was the reason for the arts creation or beginning? 

2. Knowing what it was created for, is it still useful given today's standards? 

3. Does the art have limitations (rules, ranges not covered, etc.), and do these limitations help categorize it? 

4. What does the use of the art produce foremost, or where can it best be used (ring, street, fitness program)? 

By using the previous information many arts that claim to be self-defense, would not just realize they're not "True Self-Defense" arts, but actually realize their strengths by using these questions. Unfortunately, the business of self-defense drives owners and instructors to incorrectly package it all as "self-defense". Everyone would benefit more if owners and instructors would at least be more specific in the labels they use.

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  1. Lack of flight time. Even today, some think that they can watch an hour self-defense tape, and be on top of their game. Others even market that attending a day long seminar will give them instant skills. This is similar to those get rich quick schemes. It is not so much the fact that there are not more efficient ways to make more money, for example, it is that people think that no effort is needed. The same holds true for effective video/DVD self-defense programs, intense seminars, and martial philosophies. Some simply produce results faster, but they still require effort, sweat, and flight time.
  2. Get caught up in “flavor of the month” arts or systems. Once again, there are valuable systems out on the market, however, the focus is not to skip around from art to art, system to system, and get caught up in the hype of well marketed programs. That is one of the most beautiful things about JKD… it is not a fad, it is a time tested, credible philosophy. More so, one can apply it to any area of their life. They can use a specific concept, or they can use a general philosophy in any area of their life. Ideas go in and out of style, but the attitude which JKD has of constantly growing, will never fade.
  3. Having a closed mind. Keeping an open mind is so cliché these days, and will continue to be so by people who want to keep a high social status. In their videos they talk great, in seminars they preach to keep an open mind, and even in their writings they inspire all to not be prejudice with other arts. However, if you talk to them one on one, review the last five years of their training, or creep inside their inner thoughts, one would find the exact opposite. Talk is cheap, and although Bruce Lee talked a lot, he showed ten times that through his actions and research. One can even see through his student’s actions how open minded Bruce was. The point being: REALLY have an open mind.
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The Six Common Pitfalls of Martial Artists

Upon the teaching experiences of the author and lessons taught to him through his instructors, here is a brief list of six pitfalls of martial arts practitioners. Included is also an explanation of how to avoid these mishaps, and stay on the path of always growing.

  1. Value technique over attributes, or vice versa. One has to envision the yin-yang balance with this point, as Bruce use to use to illustrate balance. Valuing anything over the other will cause imbalance. Therefore, learning, teaching, and observing, should all be practiced in equal amounts. There will come times when a person will have to focus on one more than another, but it is only to restore balance, not throw one out of balance.

    Technique is the mechanics of a movement (i.e. how to perform a punch), while attributes are the “qualities” which help you pull off your technique (i.e. speed, power, sensitivity).

  2. Developing a favorite Area of Combat. Every practitioner seems to have their strong and weak points. One student is great at stick sparring, but has no kick boxing applications. Another is proficient at ground fighting and close quarters, but acts like a fish out of water in mass attacks and knife fighting. Everyone will have favorites (arts, moves, drills), but it is a person’s duty to not show it through their actions and abilities. Train in everything, gain experience in everything, but show commitment to nothing.
  3. No emotional muscle. Seeing the results of awesome technique work, or hours of physical conditioning is easy. But illustrating the time spent meditating, training in stressful environments, and hours of visualization are not so easy to show off. Therefore, many forget about the emotional aspect, and put in too much time physically. Students then hear stories of the best black belt in the class getting their butt kicked last night at the movie theater parking lot, or others read about the Hollywood action star loosing in a bar fight against an fat unskilled nobody. Develop one’s emotional and mental muscles and use them as one’s secret weapon.

(I’ll send you Part 2 next week…)

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Plan to Simplify Reality

- By MATT NUMRICH, Budo Black Belt UK

Realize the Difference

Imagine a seasoned, mature, martial artists who is attacked, and mentally having to go through the past three decades, thousands upon thousands of instructional hours, just to find a response for an attack. By the time the person would have found a functional answer, they would have been beaten severely. The point is that one has to find a simplistic way to deal with real situations now, given all of the background information any practitioner has gained. Even if a student has only been taking classes for a year, they may have over one hundred instructional hours, not counting time spent reading books, watching training tapes, and other informal experiences surrounding combat. The problem comes in, as people are spending a huge amount of time learning mounds of unfunctional garbage. In a violent, serious, threatening altercation one has to weigh how they train in the dojo/self-defense school vs. what they should really do out in the real world. So many times students are taught strategies which take too long, and are dependant on so many variables (i.e. size of their opponent, where they are fighting, etc.). What they tend to forget is the old clique saying, ìYou fight like you train, so train how you fightî. Using Bruce Leeís concepts of simplicity, economy of motion, intercepting, and the mindset of using whatever it takes to prevail, reigns as being the best no nonsense defense strategy. Martial artists have to once again synthesize their information, from those hundreds of hours learning. They have to make it simplistic. Under a stressful situation, they have to realize they are only going to remember the basics ‚ regardless of the fact that oneís body can only do the basics ‚ as complex and fine motor skills go out the window when pumped with adrenaline! Therefore, one has to train the way they are going to fight, or want to realistically fight. They have to condition themselves with a simple strategy for each Area of Combat. Therefore, a quick reference list of the simple ìPlan Aî strategies will be explained soon. One will find that they are not only very simplistic, but very effective and efficient.

Plan A vs. Plan B

Plan A is the first line of defense, against common attacks such as a punch, takedown, or bear hug from behind. In a perfect world ìPlan Aî will always work, however, no one lives in a perfect world. That is why one also has to train a ìPlan Bî strategy as well. They need something they can use if Plan A breaks down, does not produce the desired results, or simply fails. One will find that Plan B strategies are almost common knowledge with seasoned, and well-educated self-defense practitioners. This is the stuff they know, train religiously, but plan to implement first! The problem with these Plan B strategies is that they are very dependant on other variables such as opponentís size, strength, and skill. They do not take into account the environment one is fighting in, nor do they realize these plans could take an extended amount of time to work. Never the less these back up plans take forever to train, and get good at, while their success rate is much less than the Plan Aís. The best way to see these differences is to take each Area and break it down into its proper Plan A (primary action) and Plan B (back up plan). Remember, using what Bruce said, we must ìAbsorb what is useful, and reject what is uselessÖî. If it does not work consistently, efficiently, and is easy to learn ‚ discard it. At the very least do not set it as oneís primary response.

Plan Of Attack Kick Boxing Range:

Plan A: Spend a minimal amount of time in this range. Take a couple seconds to assess oneís opponent, find an opening, and inflict pain against a universal weak spot (i.e. groin, shin, eyes, etc.). This is why Bruceís favorite concepts of faking and intercepting worked so well in this range. 

Plan B: If one gets stuck in this range, they will have to resort back to their regular kick boxing skills. Footwork, combinations of kicks, in addition to solid boxing tools will either get one back out to a safe range, or help break down an opponent to create an opening. Plan A vs. B: Plan A helps one to fight smarter, while Plan B has one fight harder. It is similar to the fact that one can take a tree down with an axe or a sledgehammer. One is just the smarter choice, as Plan A is the axe for this range. See the opponent as a door one has to get through. A person may pound (or punch and kick) on it all day long, and sooner or later the door might fall. Or, a person can use a key, and with one direct tool open the door easier, faster, and without the results of bloody knuckles. 

Close Quarter Combat:

Plan A: This is the range one has the most amount of leverage. Heavy artillery tools such as elbows, knees, and head butts inflict stunning and destructive blows to anyone. Use these tools in combination and find out how to truly end any fight in seconds. Plan B: Disengage out of this range or engage further into taking down oneís opponent. Staying in close quarters range, and not using these tools gives oneís opponent an opportunity to use their heavy artillery. Therefore, the best plan is to get out or progress to the ground. Do not stay in kicking or boxing range, and just exchange strikes. The risk vs. reward ratio is equal at best, and if one is the smaller, weaker, or less skilled the odds are not in oneís favor. 

Plan A vs. B: 
Imagine one is up against a 6í8î 350 lbs opponent. He will most likely laugh at a punch, and smother another down on the ground. The secret: use heavy artillery. A knee to the groin, powerful head butt, and barrage of elbows will take anyone down. Once again, people get up after punches, and get out of grappling holds, but rarely keep fighting after a couple elbows, knees, or head butts. 

Ground Fighting:

Plan A: Against popular belief, one is not going to take two minutes to set up an arm bar in a violent situation. Remember, weíre talking about serious altercations here! One fears severe bodily harm, rape, or death. Therefore, when one is on the ground, they have to bite, eye gouge, pinch, and scratch, in addition to strike all those targets which are illegal to strike in tournaments. Plan B: In this back up plan one falls back on their tournament ground skills. Locks, chokes, and multi move techniques are the back up. Although there is a sizeable difference between tournament and street grappling, tournament skills are needed in street applications such as positioning, basic awareness, efficient/effective techniques, and other attributes. 

Plan A vs. B: The UFCís and other ìNHBî tournaments helped the martial world for the most part. However, it also mislead many, helping them believe a woman should be looking for that leg lock during a rape attempt, instead of a vicious way out (i.e. eye gouge to kick off to escape). When in this range, know what oneís ethics and risk vs. reward ratio are, to exhibit the best tools for the situation. 

Weapons:

Plan A: Watch oneís distance and as the Filipinos have taught, cut the hand or defang the snake. When the opponent comes in to initiate a cut, use that opportunity to cut their weaponís hand. It is a perfect mixture of an offensive and defensive move. Remember, do not go after them, have them come in to strike. Then see that weaponís hand as a target, not something to fear. 

Plan B: Assuming one cannot run or if they are unarmed, they want to inflict pain, close the gap and isolate the weapon hand. After doing this, using a combination of close quarters tools, including bites and eye rakes, would help end the fight quickly. Against a blunt weapon, this is a very practical back up plan. However, if one has a knife, the risk vs. reward ratio gets very unbalanced. Closing the gap against a knife may not seem intelligent. However, staying out in a range where one is getting cut up does not make any sense as well. Sometimes Plan B is the lesser of two evils, which is why itís Plan B. 

Plan A vs. B: This is a sticky situation, no lie about it. But do not lie to oneself by training in a controlled manner, with a set of planned attacks and responses. If one honestly tries a multi move disarm against an unchoreographed knife attack, they quickly find out that it is a crapshoot, with a success rate worse than Las Vegas. Once again, the chances of pulling off a disarm which contains complex and fine motor skills is unrealistic. Training in an unpredictable way surely shows the differences between the three main options one has: defang, close the gap, or disarm. 

Mass Attack:

Plan A: Grab a weapon, any weapon. Bar stool, bottle, pocket knife, tire iron, car antenna, keys, lose stick, pen, or anything. In a multiple opponent situation, the odds are already stacked up against the single person. Therefore, one has to grab an equalizer to balance out the situation. After getting a weapon, if the opponents come in, strike them. If not, disengage the situation as far as possible (i.e. leave!). 

Plan B: If one can not find a weapon, or get to one quick enough, they will have to fight empty handed. When one or more attacks are coming in, zone to a position where one has to only fight one person at a time. In this short time one has to fight a one on one fight, they must inflict quick pain, close the gap, and use heavy artillery. After hitting the first with a plethora of elbows, eye rakes, head butts, and knees, throw them out of the way and go to contestant number two and repeat the program. 

Plan A vs. B: Given the seriousness of the situation, these two plans actually work very well. Most will find that when the single person picks up a weapon the other opponents start to have second thoughts on attacking. In those situations one cannot find a weapon, or get to one quickly, they have to learn to fight one person at a time. Zoning, moving, and striking at the same time works the best given the uneven odds. 

Plan C?

Once again, in a perfect world Plan A would work 99.9% of the time. For the other 0.1% of instances, Plan B would pick up the slack. But again, no one lives in a perfect world. Variables such as environment, skill levels of both the ìgood guys and bad guysî, in addition to even luck, play a part in any altercation. Sometimes the Plan Aís stated previously will have a very high success rate, and sometimes they will be lower. Plan Bís sometimes work very well, and other times may not even have a chance to shine. The point is that practitioners must do the only thing they have control over to increase the chances of success that these more intelligent strategies can give someone. That one thing is training,realistic, consistent training. 

One could easily create a Plan C, D, E, and other plans all the way through the end of the alphabet. However,then one is moving away from simplicity. One of Bruceís classic quotes were, ìJeet Kune Do simply simplifiesî. Chances are far greater for success when training a couple options repeatedly in an intense method, as opposed to dozens upon dozens of options infrequently. One of the best ways to decrease reaction time, in addition to increasing the chance of success, is to train a primary plan followed with a back up strategy. Within this training method one has to keep a couple important tips in mind: 

Train with unpredictable variables. For instance, have training opponents feed different energies (takedowns, different angles of punches, etc). 
Train with a variety of partners. Big, small, fast, strong, unskilled, savvyÖ get them all in there. 

Train in different environments. In small rooms, dim the lights, in cold weather, on the beach, out in parking lots, etc. 

Train hard. Start out slow, but increase intensity as skill improves, and break a sweat every time. 

Train smart. Because safety comes first, train with proper gear, and balanced ethical responses.

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The New Areas of Self-Defense: JKD's All-Inclusive Perspective

- By MATT NUMRICH, Kickboxx Magazine

JKD's Perspective

Even those close to Bruce Lee, could not truly read his mind, to his exact thoughts about JKD. Many students and enthusiasts still ponder the meaning of many of his writings. We do know that Bruce did not want JKD to be categorized, labeled, or packaged in any way, saying "This is what JKD is or is not". However, JKD does represent an all-inclusive perspective of self-defense. Even Lee stated that it is "bound by nothing". Therefore, understand that it is accountable for any range, or other stimuli that could enter into an altercation. To see this, one needs a paradigm shift, to a model of self-defense that includes it all.

The Most Important Paradigm Shift

One of the most, if not the most important paradigm shifts that has to occur in self-defense is in the Areas (or ranges) of Combat. With the popularity of "No Rules" tournaments, and the realization that there really are "No Rules" in a street fight, one has to respect the need for muti-area (range) knowledge in self-defense. Outside of the ring, weapons, ground fighting, close quarters, and mass attack are all part of the game. If one does not make that distinction, they will suffer the consequences.

The "new paradigm" Areas of street fighting can be divided into six different categories. This is not categorizing JKD, but illustrating the major ranges (and then some), of street fights. Each of these areas may include characteristics of another area, but do have unique characteristics that separate it from the others. Therefore, the following are all the Areas of Combat that are only possible in a street fight. These areas are:

  1. Kick Boxing (Long Range)
  2. Close Quarters (Short Range)
  3. Ground Fighting (Grappling Range)
  4. Weapons
  5. Mass Attack
  6. The Mind (Conflict Psychology)

Do not see the above Areas as categories, but as aids to see the different distinctions of variables, situations, possibilities, and tools used. Describing self-defense in this way, makes it easier not only to learn, but to teach and even apply. Therefore, the following describes each Area, along with their specific differences and unique qualities.

The Six Areas

The first Area of street fighting is Kick Boxing. This is the Area that consists of two general ranges: kicking and boxing. It is understandable that these two ranges happen in a longer range, where the two opponents are at least three to four feet off each other. As a result, they are no closer than an arm's length away. In these ranges the participants are standing, fighting only one person at a time, with no weapons. This is the Area of Combat that is most commonly taught in self-defense, and represents a great portion of the martial arts. It is also the form of fighting that is mostly displayed in the movies. These are probably the three main reasons the general public, and much of those in the martial arts community, associate this Area with "self-defense".

The second Area is Close Quarters Combat, which takes place in a closer range. In this Area the opponents are no further than an arm's length away from each other. Some may call this "short range", while practitioners of JKD refer to it as "trapping range". Although some arts do include this range in their curriculum, many miss out on the effectiveness and efficiency of this Area.

The next Area of street fighting is Ground Fighting. The specific range that is used in this Area is grappling range. Again, only one person is fought at a time, with no weapons. As stated by the name, Ground Fighting is almost always done on the ground, however, grappling range can also take place standing up. Since the popularity of "no rules" fighting competitions, ground fighting arts have surely prospered. More so, it has taught the martial arts world a lesson, that self-defense must gain a wider perspective on reality combat. The problem is that, Ground Fighting is not the end all. Altercations out in the street include other Areas, such as the next two.

The forth Area of street fighting is Weapons. Traditional martial arts use everything including knives, sais, nunchuchs, escrima sticks, and staffs. Without this basis, philosophies as JKD could not progress to where it is today. Nowadays, one can use anything that is available out on the street. This includes hand held items such as pens, ashtrays, chairs, 2 x 4's of wood, garbage cans, and brooms. There are also structural items that can be used as weapons. Examples of these could include poles, walls, steps, bar tables, or doors. The next area of street fighting is Mass Attack. In short, Mass Attack is fighting more than one person at a time. It is not one-on-one combat, but it may be one-on-two, one-on-three, two-on-three, or six-on-twelve. It must be remembered that if a one-on-one turns into a one-on-two, the intensity does not just double, it increases exponentially. It increases exponentially because in a Mass Attack, a fighter can have opponents using many different ranges, and even weapons. The speed and intensity also makes this quantum leap, also increasing the painful possibilities.

The sixth and last area of street fighting is psychological combat, or what will be labeled here as Conflict Psychology. In this Area, the mind is one's main tool of combat. This includes, but is not limited to: relaxation, decision making, emotional state control, and stress management. During a conflict there may be an emotional storm of fear, anxiety, confidence, and memories of prior experiences. All of these play into psychological combat, or Conflict Psychology. All Areas of self-defense use this fifth Area, whether one is schooled in psychological combat or not. Along with finding the best physical training and conditioning, one must also seek out the most effective psychological tools and techniques.

A Strong Argument for Trapping Range

Bruce Lee concluded that Close Quarters (what he called Trapping Range), is by far, the most effective and efficient range of self-defense. Remember, this is the range where one is at a maximum distance of an arm length away from their opponent. Common tools in this Area include elbows, knees, head butts, eye gouges, foot stomps, shin smashes, sweeps, and even bites. What about kick boxing or ground fighting? They all serve a purpose, however trapping range has a strong argument to why street self-defense should focus on this range. It consists of twelve main reasons:

  1. The Amount of Options. The moves and tools used in trapping range simply outnumber the amount of options in any other Area (range) of Combat. There are only a certain amount of kicks, angles of punches, and even grappling tools used in the ranges other than Trapping Range. It is mostly due to the close distance that Trapping range is conducted in, which creates more options.
  2. Degree of Options. Because trapping range presents many options, it also presents a variety of options to injure to a degree. Instead of head butt, try a back sweep. A light foot stomp in place of a knee to the thigh. This is very helpful, when one needs to only injure to a degree, as police officers or people who are in a less intense situation.
  3. Quality of Tools. Would a person rather be punched or head butted? Kicked or kneed? It is obvious that the quality of trapping range tools are more effective than other types of tools, when in a serious confrontation. This is the main reason why "trapping range tools" such as elbows and head butts are not allowed in "no rules" competitions.
  4. Efficiency of Tools. Trapping range tools are also more efficient. Do not be mistaken, there are fast kicks and punches. However, the point is sheer distance. Compare the distance that a high kick to the face has to travel, compared to a knee to the groin.
  5. Easy to Learn. One of the reasons why law enforcement and military elite like this range, is the fact that the range is easy to learn. How hard it is to smash someone's face with a head butt, or to strike them with an elbow? Of course, there are proper body mechanics that must be taught, but they are quite simple, in comparison to most non-trapping range techniques.
  6. Little Maintenance. One of the best quotes from Sifu Paul Vunak (a student under Guru Dan Inosanto), when talking about this point is, "Are you going to head butt a bag for two hours a day". Meaning that, the tools used in trapping range need little upkeep. It is similar to riding a bike. One does not have to practice it, they just ride after they have learned how. Without maintenance, even reverse punches and submission holds get a little rusty.
  7. Size Does Not Matter. No jokes please, because actually in this case it does not matter. Bruce, being a smaller and lighter individual, needed to find a range that let him fight "equally" against those that were bigger than him. A great example is in women's self-defense. Trapping range permits a woman who might be under 5' and only 100 lbs. to severely injure a man who is 6'8", 350 lbs.
  8. Strength Is Not As Necessary. Of course, the stronger one is, the more they will be able to inflict damage (assuming proper body mechanics). The point is that even "weaker" people can inflict massive pain in trapping range. Imagine catching a knee in the groin from an 80 year old fragile lady! It will still put a person who can bench 500 lbs. down for the count! Would a thigh kick by the same little old lady put this "muscle man" down and out? Better yet, imagine these two grappling – who would win?
  9. No Space Needed. Trapping range tools do not need a ten foot radius cleared around the practitioner, like a spinning sidekick may, or even a double leg takedown. Once again, the tools are based in Close Quarters. If one is starting in a longer range (15 feet away - for example), Bruce used to inflict pain, by intercepting his opponent with an eye jab or groin kick - then follow up in trapping range. Trapping range simply works from any range.
  10. No Second Chance Needed. People get up from punches, kicks, and get out of many submission holds. One's opponent is definitely less likely to get up from head butts to the face, elbows to the temples, knees to the low line, or even continue fighting after a bite or eye gouge.
  11. Small Membership. Even with the strong growth of JKD over the last decade, it still remains a "hard to find art" in most of the world. Whether it is because of false stigmas or other reasons is unimportant. If there is any "good" result from this scarcity, one may be that of "trapping range ignorance". This means that those who do not know about this effective range, have a huge disadvantage.
  12. Easy Target. One has to be on some serious hallucinogen drugs to miss close range targets using such tools such as elbows, knees, and head butts. Once again, this is because these tools are launched from a short distance. How many tries would one need to hit a bull's eye from a foot away? The point is to stay off drugs, and use one of Lee's best discoveries - Trapping Range.

Trapping Range is Not Every Answer

Please understand that the overall message of JKD is to adapt. Therefore, trapping range is not the end all, or the answer to every scenario. The point is that one has to be able to adapt to all Areas of Combat. Lessons have to be learned from many arts, styles, and philosophies. True, Bruce laid a lot of the framework, but it is the practitioner's responsibility to continue to learn. Realize that Thai Boxing, Western Boxing, and Savate are great for the Kick Boxing Area, but what if one is taken to the ground. One then might use Brazilian Jui-Jitsu and Freestyle Wrestling, which are great for the Ground Fighting Area. But what happens when one is in a weapon's situation? Does the practitioner give up because there are no weapon's concepts in Western Boxing or Jiu-Jitsu? No, they then learn from arts as Kali, Escrima, and Arnis.

The bottom line is that there is something to learn from all arts and styles. One art is not "better" than another. As Bruce used to say, "there is a perfect art for each moment". Using the framework of JKD, one simply adapts, possibly using a concept from Praying Mantis, to a technique from Fencing, then adapting to the use of an attribute associated with Wing Chun. The transitions are done because of the changes in positioning, environment, and specific scenario: hence moments. Just respect the fact that Lee did not just pair arts together because they were trendy or looked "cool". He scientifically blended certain techniques and attributes, along with specific training methods. This is one reason why Lee looked almost flawless in his sparring, movement, and overall appearance. In the bigger picture, it is why JKD still enlightens the martial arts world as a whole.

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