A YouTube viewer commented on our Dragon Knockout video: “…why not just step into a twisted horse stance and then unwind rather than jump into a twisted horse stance. I call this Steal-A-Step, by keeping your hands still in space and stepping into a twisted horse stance your opponent will never know you’ve moved if you do it correctly.”

First, thanks for this observant insight. Our viewer is describing the idealized form execution of kung fu’s steal-a-step technique, which I demonstrated in the video. Yet when I demonstrate function or practical application I seem to jump into it. Why this break with correct form?

Within a traditional fighting context (both fighters maneuvering in horse, cat, twisted stance, etc.), the formal dragon stepping is effective. However, against a modern fighter on balls of his feet, using broken rhythm and erratic motions, traditional footwork, though more stable, is inefficient. Too slow. It has a low probability of connecting.

It may appear that my jump is a wasted motion but it is actually a skip from a JKD stance. Skipping is faster and more deceptive than stepping. At TanDao we preserve traditional form because “form is the heart and soul” of true martial arts that transcends fighting. But for real fighting in today’s world of MMA and street brawling, form must adapt to be totally efficient.

At TanDao we urge modern fighters to learn the secrets of how to decode the hidden science hidden in form and realize that there are tactics and strategies that will enhance their practical kick ass approach. At the same time, we encourage traditional martial artists to adapt stylized form to modern situations. Evolving Martial Artists explore and practice to go beyond their present truths.

Check out how I use this spinning hammer fist during the gang rumble I choreographed at 3:05 in the film The Wanderers. It was the first time this technique was used in a Hollywood film. Though over thirty years ago, somethings stand the test of time.

Lawrence Tan

Tweet

Check out our Tiger Combat book on Smashwords

JKD, MMA, the webs access to global martial arts systems have challenged yesterday’s purist attitude that believed in the absolute superiority of their system. Today’s martial artists – traditionalists as well as modern – are accustomed to examining other styles in the quest to create or discover the ultimate kick ass techniques. You can bet that the young warrior monks at the Shaolin watch MMA. Gotta keep the edge with the latest info.

Lawrence Tan

Tweet

Hi All,

Evolving Martial Artists battle for liberation from the tyranny of limiting beliefs that shackle us from going deeper into the martial way. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the secret keys to expand your own martial skills and power.

Lawrence Tan

Tweet

In Enter the Dragon, a karateka (Bob Wall) shatters a wooden board with his punch to intimidate Bruce Lee before a fight. Lee gives his famous retort, “Boards don’t hit back.” A somewhat similar comment was made regarding the animal and TDH strikes on our loyal training dummy, Big Wang, who endures punishment without complaint each week. “The dummy has no arms. A real opponent has arms and will be trying to hit you back.”

Evolving Martial Artists also realize that utilizing training equipment does not replace two man training and sparring. The fast, powerful and accurate expression of their fighting techniques against dummies, heavy bags, punching mitts, or bricks is never equivalent to hitting a living, moving, thinking opponent. Sure, Big Wang is tough and takes your most lethal blows, but remember: boards and Big Wang don’t hit back.

Lawrence Tan

Tweet

Tweet

Phony Fights Are Fun

Rocky vs. Apollo Creed, Luke Skywalker vs. Dearth Vadar, Achilles vs. Hector. Martial artists are thrilled by movie duels…brawny mano y mano encounters between armed or unarmed fighters engaged in a deadly dance. Awesome.

Then there’s the legendary martial art duel between Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris. Here hand-to-hand combat is elevated by the dream match between two martial art greats. Real martial artists. Real martial art techniques. What an opportunity to study real fighting. Not.

Confusing Make Believe Fighting And Real Fighting

Scanning the web, I found a JKD instructor in Japan demonstrating Bruce Lee’s “style of no-style”. Impressive. His fighting attributes were superb, evidently he trained hard to emulate his hero. He had the look. He had the rap. But he didn’t have “it.”

His self-defense was unrealistic. He was literally copying Lee’s movie fight scenes that mixed legitimate JKD intercepting punches, kicks and unrealistic techniques like high spinning wheel kicks, spinning kicks and back fists. Sadly, he sincerely believed he was teaching Lee’s authentic JKD. Dangerous.

Martial artists who are inexperienced in street fighting may be unwitting victims of Bruce Lee’s inspiring film fights. They confuse real and make believe. But we must not mix up Bruce Lee the innovative fighter and Bruce Lee the creative showman.

Bruce Lee’s Film Fights Are Fantasy

First, for clarity, since one of the components of the TanDao System is JKD, this is not about Lee’s martial art philosophy nor his abilities. It is about mixing up film fantasy and fact. Lee’s dual intention of entertaining and educating through movies is the root of much misunderstanding. He was the first to say that his choreographed fights are exaggerated for cinematic enjoyment. For example, his lead leg round kick to the head or his single back fist knockout, though possible, are unrealistic. At the same time, he wanted to educate by including JKD concepts in his fights. So he also shows efficient intercepting punches and kicks. Which is which?

There is a vast difference in executing a theatrical punch and realistic punch. Because of Lee’s extraordinary power, he could shatter the bones in his fist on impact with a skull if he punched with the exaggerated body mechanics used in his film. With this in mind, we may find it educating and fun watching Lee’s fight scenes with critical eyes.

Evolving Martial Artists differentiate between movie techniques that are theoretically possible but highly improbable in practice. Part of our martial arts journey is to discover this. But when in doubt, err on the side of real fighting.

Watch the classic duel above) at the Roman Colosseum from Way of the Dragon. Let us know what is realistic and what is not.

Keep practicing and exploring,
Lawrence Tan

Tweet