The Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do bai jong (on guard) position, step by step!
The Bai Jong Position
* Foot alignment should be angular (lead foot facing into the centerline at a forty-five degree angle, rear foot turned away from the centerline at forty-five degree angle or pointing slightly more to the front in the case of preparation for the forward lunge).
* Foot width should be medium (approximately 1 1/2 shoulder widths apart).
* Centerline width (the distance of the toe of the lead foot from the centerline, the distance of the rear heel from the centerline - combined) should be approximately three to six inches, no more, no less (more than six inches of centerline width opens the groin up as a target, less than three - poor balance).
* Rear heel is raised slightly for greater mobility, increased torque capability, to spring load for forward lunge and a presentation of false distance to the opponent.
* Weight distribution is fifty-fifty (varies depending upon the task at hand).
* Both knees should be slightly bent (rear slightly more than front due to the raised rear heel). Remember, a straight leg is a broken leg!
* The upper body should be erect with the abdomen slightly flexed and the shoulders aligned with the feet (no excessive tension in the lower back or abdominal region).
* Breathing should be normal, but controlled.
* The elbows are in and down, with the lead elbow carried four to six inches in front of the body at all times (immovable elbow theory).
* The hands are positioned on the centerline, with neither fully opened or fully closed (the non-telegraphic hand).
* The rear hand is just inside the lead shoulder and below the chin. It is the primary defense hand.
* The lead hand is either about a foot in front of the rear hand and slightly lower (the forearm lines up with the opponent's nose), or carried low and directly in front of the groin (depends upon your strategy as to which). It is your primary attack hand.
* The head is facing the opponent's centerline, tilted slightly downward (just enough so that a full fist, either vertical or horizontal, cannot get in to the throat).
* Using peripheral vision, the eyes take in everything from your lead foot to just above the top of the opponent's head (use proper visual focus principles).
* The body should be "alive," in light, continuous motion to assist in non-telegraphic attack delivery preparation (what Bruce Lee referred to as "small phasic motion").
Well, that pretty much covers it! Put all of the elements together and "you're there"! I hope this is helpful to you!
Keep Blasting!
Sifu Lamar M. Davis II
Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do
Sifu Lamar M. Davis II