FOOTWORK IN JEET KUNE DO

The objective of footwork training is to develop the ability to combine footwork with kicking and striking without thinking about it.

In JKD, the objective of footwork is simplification, economy, and speed with minimum of movement.

Footwork Principles

The principles of effective footwork are:

1. Keep both knees slightly bent and relaxed.
2. Front foot is flat on ground but not heavily planted.
3. Rear heel is raised about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The rear foot acts a spring, and facilitates switching weight to the front foot when punching.
4. Do not cross or hop. Movements should be smooth, not jerky.

Basic Footwork

The following are the foundation of jeet kune do footwork. Be proficient in these before moving to more advanced footwork.

In jeet kune do, fighting stance is in unorthodox position, with the strong side forward. For example, if you are right-handed, your right side is facing the opponent, which is opposite what is normally used in other systems. The following assumes you are right-handed. Just reverse the positions if you are left-handed.

1. Advance shuffle/step slide. Slide front foot forward a half step, then bring rear foot forward. Distance between feet should be the same as before the advance shuffle.


2. Retreat shuffle/step slide back. Slide rear foot backward a half step, then bring front foot backward. As in the advance shuffle, the distance between feet should be the same as before the shuffle.


3. Quick advance/push shuffle. Front foot steps forward approximately 3 inches. Immediately slide the rear foot to the front foot's original position. Just before the rear foot is planted, slide the front foot to maintain the natural distance, as before the advance.


4. Quick retreat/push shuffle back. Front foot slides backward to rear foot, and just before it is planted, the rear foot slides backward, to natural distance between the feet.


5. Sidestep to right. Move the right foot to the right and forward about 18 inches, then slide the left foot to the right to maintain the natural distance.


6. Sidestep to left. Move left foot slightly forward and to the left, followed by right foot.

Training

In training, combine the above footwork in different combinations, aiming for smoothness in both the steps and transitions. Then start adding different punches and strikes along with the steps.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Books Jeet Kune Do books. Includes recommended books.
• Videos Jeet Kune Do DVDs and videos serve as excellent supplemental learning tools. Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home.
• Training Live Jeet Kune Do training from qualified instructors allows more personalized training, technique correction, and practice with partners.
• Information Additional websites that provide Jeet Kune Do information.
• More Articles Read more Jeet Kune Do articles from our library.