ON-GUARD POSITION

The most effective Jeet Kune Do stance for attacking and defending is the on-guard position. This semi-crouch stance is perfect for fighting because your body is sturdy at all times, in a comfortably balanced position to attack, counter, or defend, without any forewarning movements. It provides your body with complete ease and relaxation but at the same time allows quick reaction time. From this stance the movement is not jerky but smooth, and prepares your next move without any restriction. It creates an illusion or poker-body to your opponent; concealing your intended movements.

The on-guard position is perfect for mobility. It allows you to take small steps for speed and controlled balance while bridging the distance to your opponent, and camouflages your timing. Since the leading hand and foot are closest to the target, 80 percent of the hitting is done by them. Bruce Lee, a natural right-hander, adopted the southpaw or unorthodox stance because he believed that the stronger hand and foot should do most of the work.

1. HEAD: Avoid blows by bobbing and weaving.

2. RIGHT SHOULDER: Slightly raised and chin slightly lowered to protect your
chin and part of your face on the lower right side.

3. RIGHT HAND: Heavily depended on for striking. It protects your face and your groin.

4. RIGHT ELBOW: Defends the midsection and the right side of the body.

5. RIGHT KNEE: Slightly turned inward to defend the groin area.

6. RIGHT FOOT: At a 25 to 30 degree angle and depended on heavily for kicking.

7. LEFT HAND: Heavily depended on for defense. It protects your face plus your groin.

8. LEFT FOREARM: Defends the midsection of the body.

9. LEFT ELBOW: Defends the left side of the body.

10. LEFT FOOT: At 45 to 50 degree angle and the heel is raised for greater mobility. It has to be ready to trigger your body forward like a coiled spring.