Academy of Jeet Kune Do Fighting Technology

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Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Instructor

Vagelis Zorbas

JKD: As simple as ABC

Bruce Lee's Attack By Combination method sets up an opponent for a more punishing blow. By Chris Kent

Sometimes despite your best use of timing, speed, mechanical execution, and daring, you're still unable to score against an opponent using two key jeet kune do fighting concepts - single direct attack or single angulated attack.

At times like this you need to find another method of penetrating the opponent's defenses. One way is by using what is referred to in JKD as attack by combination (ABC). ABC is a compound offensive action comprised of two or more movements that flow from one to the next in a well-planned, natural sequence, and are usually thrown to more than one target area.

In the accompanying example of attack by combination, you bridge the gap with a lead hook kick to the opponent's knee, then fire a lead finger jab feint, followed by a low rear cross and lead forearm smash.

Attacks by combination are basically "set-ups," their primary objective being to maneuver the opponent into such a position or create such an opening that your final blow or series of blows will find an open target and land cleanly.

In any attack by combination, all the actions may be blows intended to land. For example, against an opponent in an unmatched lead, you fire a lead finger jab to the opponent's eyes, followed by a low rear cross to the groin, and a lead hook to the head.

Or some of the actions may be feints or false attacks designed to draw a specific reaction, such as a block or parry, thereby opening another target area for attack.  For example, you fire a lead-leg straight kick at the opponent's stomach to draw his arms down. As the opponent attempts to block the kick, you immediately rebound your foot off the ground and land a high hook kick to the opponent's head.

By combining feints and false attacks with blows intended to score, a three-motion attack by combination can actually be done four ways. Take the following three-motion example, which includes a lead shovel hook to the midsection, a rear elbow to the face, and a lead palm smash to the groin.

By including feints in it, the combination could be done in any of the following four ways:

• Hit-Hit-Hit - All three blows are intended to land.
• Hit-Feint-Hit - The first blow is intended to land, the second motion is used as a feint to open the line for the third blow, which is intended to land.
• Feint-Hit-Hit - The initial motion is a feint, followed by two blows intended to land.
• Feint-Feint-Hit - The first two motions are feints, and only the final blow is intended to land.

Regardless of the type of weapons you use or how many motions are involved in the particular series, you should always try to finish the combination with a hit scoring in an open line. The following are some examples of attack by combination using different weapons:

• Lead Hand ABC  - From your on-guard position, you attack with a lead shovel hook to the opponent's stomach, which then flows into a lead hook to the head.
• Lead/Rear Foot ABC - From your on-guard position, you bridge the gap with a lead hook kick to the opponent's stomach, followed by a rear oblique kick to his lead knee.
• Lead Hand/Foot ABC - Against an opponent in an unmatched lead, you fire a lead backfist. As the opponent attempts to rear, you follow with a lead inverted hook kick to his midsection.

Varying the Rhythm in ABC
Most attacking combinations have a rhythmic feel to their series. However, the rhythm of any series can be varied by either speeding up or slowing down the speed of one or more of the blows being thrown. For example, a three-motion attack by combination can be done using the following rhythms:

• Fast-Fast-Fast
• Slow-Fast-Fast
• Slow-Slow-Fast
• Fast-Slow-Fast

Thus, in a simple three-motion combination you can use four different rhythms. Regardless of what rhythm you choose to use, it's always best to finish any type of combination with a fast motion to not leave yourself vulnerable.

The position of the opponent, his physical condition and his weaknesses are all considerations in determining which attack to use. The type of combination you use may also depend upon your distance (range) in relation to the opponent.

If you are in long range, you might use a deep, penetrative combination. As an example, you can attack with a lead finger jab, and as the opponent blocks it, shoot in a rear finger jab.

If you are in close range, you might use a short, fast combination. As an example, you can fire a low rear body hook to the opponent's ribs while at the same time smothering the opponent's rear hand, then fire a lead uppercut to the chin, followed by a rear elbow to the face.

Summary
All the basic principles that cover single attacks also apply to combination attacks. These include maintaining body control and balance, eliminating all wide and unnecessary movements, and maintaining a well-covered position while attacking. However, when using any attack by combination, there are three major principles you should keep in mind regarding the combination of weapons and/or motions you use. They are:

• Use motions that are economical for yourself. By using motions that don't require extreme changes in your ready position and major preparatory motions, you will reduce your risk of being countered by the opponent.
• Work on using movements that "fit together" naturally and smoothly without major gaps in them during which the opponent might get away or counter.
• Evaluate the combinations you use in terms of facilitating a fast recovery to your ready position. Also, be able to defend yourself from where you end up or are going to end up. Does the combination leave you vulnerable at the end, or does it bring you back to a good on-guard position, ready to either continue your attack or defend yourself if necessary?