Written by Bruce Lee, Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Edited by Lak Loi
Bruce Lee quoted,
‘Cause the opponent to lose a movement time,’
and described this as combative engagement with your opponent when you are:
- Jamming him to disturb his rhythm,
- Checking and controlling him (immobilisation),
- Drawing a preliminary reaction from him in the first half of your attack, and
- Deflecting his movement and scoring.
An action, although technically perfect, can be frustrated by the opponents preventative hits. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to time the attack at exactly the right moment, psychologically or physically, when the opponent cannot avoid being hit.
Thus, timing means the ability to recognise the right moment and seize the opportunity for an action. Timing can be analysed through its physical, physiological and psychological aspects.
- A hit may be made as the opponent is preparing or planning to move,
- A hit may land when the opponent is in the midst of a movement,
- A hit may land in the fluctuating cyclic evens of tension, and
- A hit may be made when the opponent is not paying attention, when his concentration flags.
This perfect moment may be either seized instinctively or provoked consciously. Bruce went on to say,
‘A good fighter must sense rather than perceive his chance to strike.’