Jeet Kune Do: Attack

An attack is an offensive action made with the objective of scoring a hit on an opponent. This action may be a single motion (simple attack) or comprised of several motions (compound/combination attack). It may be a direct attack in that it travels straight to the target via the most direct route. Or it may be indirect in which case while the attack begins in one line, it finishes in another.

The type of attack one uses is generally dictated by the form of defense used by the opponent. Is he a runner? Does he attempt to parry or does he attack onto your attack? Likewise, the decision to use a particular offensive action is influenced by the opponent’s technique and method of fighting (his on-guard position, the way he moves, his size, etc.) This is what Bruce meant when he stated, “My opponent’s technique decides my techniques.”

A main factor in attack is to try to take advantage of the opponent’s weaknesses while avoiding their strengths. For example, if they are a good kicker, when you stay out at long range you allow them to function in their area of strength. If you can close the distance and jam their kicking abilities, you avoid their strength. On the other hand, if the opponent is weak in grappling skills, you may seek to attack that area.

In Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do there are five ways of attack:

• Single direct attack – From an on-guard position the attacker shoots a punch directly to the opponent’s midsection with no attempt to disguise the motion.
• Attack by combination – The attacker bridges the gap with a low line kick, and follows up with a high backfist, low cross, lead uppercut punching combination.
• Progressive indirect attack – The attacker draws a preliminary reaction from the opponent by using a low cross false attack to close the distance. The attacker then deceives the reaction and scores in an open line.
• Attack by drawing – The attacker baits the opponent by appearing to lower his rear guard, then as the opponent kicks into the open line, the attacker angles their body and scores into the now open line.
• Hand immobilization attack – The attacker fires a lead punch to gain an attachment, then immobilizes the arm and scores.

Primary/secondary attacks

Primary attacks are offensive actions initiated by oneself with the intention of landing using:

• Pace – Using one’s superior speed and accuracy with no attempt to disguise the attack.
• Fraud – To deceive the opponent by appearing to attack in one particular line and upon drawing a reaction switching the attack to hit in an open line.
• Force – Attacking a closed line with sufficient force to open it.

Secondary attacks are offensive actions intended to outmaneuver or retaliate against the attacks initiated by the opponent in one or another of their different stages:

• Attack on preparation – A preparation is any preliminary movement a fighter makes to facilitate the development of their offensive action such as taking a step forward, or attempting to engage the opponent’s arm. Such motions are sometimes referred to as “motions without intention” in that there is no actual offensive action involved. An attack on preparation must be done before the opponent starts their attack. The attacking action you use against the opponent starts their attack. Split-second timing differentiates between attack on preparation and counterattack. The attacking action you use against the opponent’s preparation should be as simple as possible to give the opponent the least amount of time to reorganize.
• Attack on development – An attacking action that arrests the opponent’s action midway to the target.
• Attack on completion – An attacking action made as the opponent’s action is at full extension.

Simple attack

A simple attack is a single offensive action executed in one tempo with the objective of going to the target via the most direct route. Single direct attack and single angulated attack would be classified as simple attacks. Simple attacks are classified in two categories: direct and indirect.

A direct attack is made in the line of engagement or an opposite line made by simply “beating the opponent to the punch” or catching their moment of vulnerability. Direct attack should be timed against the opponent.

Indirect attack is a single movement, the first half of which causes some reaction from the opponent so that the second half of the motion may be completed opposite the original line of engagement into an open line.