How to Use Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is a super fast form of martial arts that combines the hand skills of Kung Fu with the footwork of kickboxing. Mastery of the basic strikes is necessary in any form of self-defense fighting. Below are instructions for two basic combat strikes, the leading straight punch and the hook kick.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stand to the side with your right foot forward, your weight evenly balanced between the two legs with both knees bent. Bend the elbows and raise the arms in front of the chest in a protective manner. The hands are closed fists with the thumbs on the outside.
2. Lean backward slightly placing your weight on your left back leg as you raise your right knee parallel with your hip in preparation for attack.
3. Flick the lower right leg out in front of you with the toes pointed down before returning your right foot to the ground approximately 6 inches forward from your right hipbone. This is the hook kick.
4. Stand facing forward with your legs comfortably apart, your weight evenly distributed, and your arms bent at the elbow at chest height. Open the left hand with the fingers closed together pointing upward and the right hand curled into a fist with the thumb on the outside.
5. Pull the right arm back until almost touching the chest, twisting the hip slightly to accommodate the change in position.
6. Punch the right arm forward. This is a forceful motion before snapping back rapidly into the chest position at the end of Step 4.
7. Practice both moves repeatedly until you feel comfortable with your execution.