Jeet Kune Do, The 4 Ways of Centerline, and the Shapes of Combat
Jeet Kune Do is a martial art that requires a deep understanding of the principles involved. One such principle is the Centerline Concept, which contains three lines: a high reference point, a low reference point, and an axis rotation line. In this article, we will explore the 4 Ways of Centerline, the shapes of combat, and how they can be used to develop effective attacks and defense in martial arts.
Centerline Concepts
There are three centerlines:
- High Reference Point
- Low Reference Point
- Axis Rotation
The high reference point is the line that connects two opponents. It intersects the actors at the high pivot point line, which resides at the top of the chest. The low reference point also connects two opponents; however, it intersects at the low pivot point line at the hip level. The axis rotation line is a vertical line that runs down, through the body, like a spike from the top of the head to the floor. The axis line has several functions, including high-value anatomical targeting, balance, and rotation.
These three center lines are important because they allow the martial artist to understand the structure of their opponent’s body and how to attack or defend effectively. By understanding these center lines, a martial artist can control the fight.
The following diagram illustrates the three centerlines on an opponent.
The Centerline Concept is a fundamental principle in Jeet Kune Do (JKD), a martial arts philosophy developed by Bruce Lee. JKD emphasizes the importance of being flexible and adaptable in combat, and the Centerline Concept is a critical component of this philosophy.
Four Ways to Apply Tools Against the Centerlines
There are four ways to apply tools against the centerlines: bracing, 90-degree, spiking, and downward.
The four ways are summarized as follows:
- Bracing
- 90-degree
- Spiking
- Downward
Each way is an angle that correlates to the Centerline Concept.
The Bracing angle involves a straight line along the high or low reference point. Examples of bracing angles are kicks, punches, and even stiff arms.
The 90-degree angle is a perpendicular limb configuration relative to the center. An example of the 90-degree could be a forearm block or a hammer fist to the opponent’s nose.
The Spiking angle involves shaping the elbow or knee as a triangular frame. This frame can be used offensively, such as an elbow to the jaw, or a knee destruction against an inbound kick.
The Downward angle involves placing the limb on a slope below the high or low reference point.
The following diagram depicts these ways.
These four ways can be applied offensively and defensively using tools such as parries, blocks, punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and locks. By understanding these techniques, martial artists can effectively attack and defend against opponents.
Offensive and Defensive Techniques
Using these four ways, martial artists can attack their opponent’s high, low, or axis center lines using techniques. Defensively, a martial artist can use these lines to block and counterattack their opponent’s attacks. A person can effectively defend themselves in combat by understanding the principles of Centerline and the four ways.
Shapes of Combat
The shapes of combat are constructed using the four ways. For example, the spiking angle illustrates a triangle. The 90-degree creates a rectangle. The bracing is a straight line. The downward is an angular line or slope.
One can apply the shapes in a fight rather than rely on a thousand techniques. The outcome of the shape application will select the technique for you.
By understanding the shapes of combat, martial artists can occupy the high and low centerlines most effectively. A martial artist can control the fight by occupying these centerlines and providing the most optimal lines of attack and defense.
The shapes of combat can also be applied to leg attacks. By understanding the principles of Centerline Concepts and the shapes of combat, a martial artist can effectively attack their opponent’s legs and control the fight.
Fighting by Principle
What delineates strategic fighting versus the stupidity of randomly trading blows? The answer is to fight by principle. A martial artist can develop the attributes and confidence needed to effectively use these principles in a fight by deeply understanding Centerline Concepts and the Shapes of Combat. JKD emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and flexible in battle, and by understanding these principles, a martial artist can effectively adapt to any situation.
The principles outlined here are not limited to striking and standup but can also be adapted to ground fighting, grappling, and Jiu Jitsu.
Conclusion
Centerline Concepts and the Shapes of Combat are fundamental principles in martial arts. By understanding these principles and how to apply them in combat, martial artists can effectively attack and defend against their opponents. It is essential to play with these structures and develop a deep understanding of Centerline Concepts and the Shapes of Combat to succeed in martial arts.
For a more detailed breakdown of this topic, please see video: The 4 Ways of Centerline, Rock Solid Defense, Shapes of Combat, presented by EPOC martial arts.
References
Strategic Engagement of Force | Twitter | Linktree
twitter.com/force_strategic/status/1680979174276620289
About the Author
Scott Gehring is a modern-day enlightenment warrior who delights in adventure, free-spiritedness, creativity, tinkering, travel, and an insatiable love for constructive conflict. An acclaimed expert in multiple art styles, Scott, for over 35 years, has passionately pursued understanding, performance, health, discipline, truth, morality, and the purity of combat.
More on Scott:
About — Scott Gehring — Medium
