Non Telegraphic motion

 Training in JKD, also involves a lot of time spend on practicing such that our movements are non telegraphic. In other words, they are performed such that our opponent doesn't notice the attack being initiated until it's too late. 

This means that we are trying to eliminate every single prepatory movement, hesitations, readjustments/alignments and so on.  There are many videos on social media platforms of people demonstrating this, often by showing a straight lead (as in the picture), or finger jab etc.  Almost always, there are those that criticise the performance, but they're forgetting a few important things.  They are not on the receiving end of the action!  It is very easy to be able to analyse it from the outside, as a 3rd party, but if you're the one being targetted, you would not have the same calmness, observation angle and so on.  The attack is coming straight at you (in this example) so your depth perception is going to affect it. You are also under pressure, meaning elevated adrenaline/stress levels, which further slow down your ability to see what's about to happen. Often we find that we did actually register 'something' but there's not enough time to defend against it.  A JKD person is primarely a counter fighter, and being a counter fighter we often need to re-act rather than act. Developing a keen sense of the other persons intentions is key to our succes. Knowing that something is about to happen, rather than responding when it has already happened, is a skill that will develop through years of training. 

On the other side is us refining our movements, by repeating the action over and over, working on correct execution of the technique, and there by removing all unneccesary movement, a key element of the JKD fighter being perceived as very fast and being non telegraphic. The founder Bruce Lee was fast, not because he was super human, but because he was a very driven/dedicated person who would train intensely, his training logbook show that he would throw 500 punches of a certain type in a session, just to get it right, or better still, never get it wrong! 

We can never get perfect, but we are able to get as close as possible to it, by training.  So next time you see a video of a non telegraphic punch being performed and you notice a small flaw, try and put yourself in the shoes of the receiver and consider if you would still have spotted the flaw, or that you'd likely get hit because you didn't see it, or you simply couldn't act quick enough...

Walk On! 

Supplementary Training

 Often, (but not always) Jeet Kune Do schools appear to have a tradition of only a few class room based lessons per week, often taking the approach that these are to be seen as a homework assignment, and you do the bulk of the work/training at home.  I agree in principle with that approach, particularly in the early years where you work on the 'how to' elements of the art. Later on, additional sessions (particularly where it concerns sparring etc). are beneficial for further development.

But that's not all.  You have to ensure that your body is able to handle martial arts practice so supplemental training is beneficial.  This doesn't have to cost you a lot of money. What's needed in most cases is functional strength and flexibility. Invest in a good set of resistance bands of a variety of sizes etc.  This will be enough to use at home, doesn't take up a lot of money or space!  Use resistance bands to do a full body strength session approx twice a week at a minimum.

Cardio: You don't have to go out for a jog. Whilst it is good to have a basic level of endurance (can you run a 5K?) Martial arts is about short bursts of intense activity, so have your supplementary cardio training reflect that.  HIIT sessions are a good way, they don't take up a lot of time and you could use those as your warm up before you practice JKD at home.  

Obviously, mobility/flexibility is another good training. Making sure your muscles have the range and your joints are able to function as your body was designed to do is also fundamental, and helps to avoid injury.  Find yourself a good mobility program (I personally recommend Tom Morrison's  Simplistic Mobility Method, which is a one of payment, and you have access for life). Do this along side your regular workouts, and you'll be surprised at the results.  I was.

So in short, Cardio, functional strength and mobility are the areas you should look for when supplementary training is concerned.  If you want to bulk up , join a gym. If you want to run a marathon, then jog etc.  

Oh one more thing, drink lots of water and have a healty varied dieet! And don't forget to have a bit of fun every now and then and have a cheat day, eat out, have a drink and relax! Life is for living!

Walk On!