How to Block a Straight Punch in Jeet Kune Do

Jeet kune do, a martial arts style created by Bruce Lee, emphasizes a fluid approach. As a result, a jeet kune do block is never made in isolation, but in combination with one or more striking techniques.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Martial Arts Supplies
• Martial Arts Uniforms
• Martial Arts Videos

Blocking a Straight Punch From the Inside

1. Face forward, with your body turned to the side at the hips. Your forward foot will face the attacker. Your rear foot will face outside at a 90-degree angle.

2. 

   Keep your weight on the balls of your feet with a low center of gravity. Bend your knees slightly.

3. 

   Lean your body (parry) to the inside of the attacker's straight punch.

4. Bring both arms forward simultaneously with the fingers extended and closed together.

5. 

   Check the attacker's punching arm from the inside with a knife-hand block. The blocking side is the pinky side of the hand.

6. 

   Strike at the attacker's eyes with two fingers of the other hand, the rear hand continuing to hold off the attacker's punching arm to prevent another strike.

Blocking a Straight Punch From the Outside

1. Face forward, with your body turned to the side at the hips. Your forward foot will face the attacker. Your rear foot will face outside at a 90-degree angle.

2. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet with a low center of gravity. Bend your knees slightly.

3. Block the attacker's straight punch from the outside with a sliding deflection of your forward arm, which strikes at the attacker's eyes with extended fingers at the same time.

4. Pull the forward arm back with an open palm to keep the attacker from striking a second time.

5. Step in and punch a back hand to the attacker's solar plexus.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure your stance provides stability as you lean. With your body facing the side, keep your front foot facing the attacker and your rear foot facing out at a 90-degree angle (fighting stance).

• Practicing the martial arts is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.