How to Parry a Punch in Jeet Kune Do

The martial artist Bruce Lee defined parrying as "a light, easy movement depending on timing rather than force." There are three parries in Jeet Kune Do: simple, semicircular and circular.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

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Using a Simple Parry

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. Slightly bend your knees.

3. 

   Wait for the attacker to begin the execution of a jab or straight punch.

4. 

   Lean slightly away and parry (strike) with your open palm against the forearm of the attacker's punching arm.

5. Use only enough force to deflect the attacker's punch perpendicular to the direction of the strike. Over-deflection of a parry leaves you open for a counterattack.

6. 

   Counterstrike with the opposite arm or return to your fighting position.

Using a Semicircular Parry

7. 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.

8. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet with a low center of gravity. Slightly bend your knees.

9. Wait for the attacker to begin the execution of a jab or straight punch.

10. Lean slightly away and parry (strike) with your open palm against the forearm or wrist of the attacker's punching arm.

11. Sweep away the strike in a semicircular motion, bringing your hand back to the original position after the parry to continue your defensive position.

12. Counterstrike with the opposite arm or return to your fighting position.

Using a Circular Parry

13. 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.

14. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet with a low center of gravity. Slightly bend your knees.

15. Wait for the attacker to begin the execution of a jab or straight punch.

16. Lean slightly away and parry (strike) with your open palm against the wrist of the attacker's punching arm.

17. Sweep away the strike in a circular motion, bringing your hand back to the original position after the parry. Be sure your shoulder is relaxed.

18. Counterstrike with the opposite arm or return to your fighting position.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice with a partner to improve the timing of your blocks.
• 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.

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[tee-shirt]

on 1/6/2009 The demonstrative photos lack jeet kune do structure. Th defende's rear arm is supposed to guard the body. The photos show the rear arm in traditional chambered position. The defender's stance is wide and open. Jeet kune do's on-gaurd (bai-jong) position is smaller and lighter. Lastly, Jeet kune do practitioner's usually don't wear a gi or dobok in formal training. The clothing is sweats pants and t-shirt.

on 11/22/2005 Fight by analyzing the move of your opponent and never rush to victory, for when you rush to victory you are actually rushing to defeat.

When you punch, think you lightning.

When you breathe, breathe completely.