9 More PRIME Principles!
In our August/September 2020 issue, Black Belt Hall of Famer Tim Tackett elaborated on jeet kune do’s most important part: its principles. Here, he explains nine more fighting principles you need to know.
Principle No. 1:
TAKE WHAT’S OFFERED
“When one person attacks another, the attacker always leaves something open. No human being can extend a limb without leaving an opening. In a fight, think of it as something the other person is offering you — and then take it. This is the whole concept behind intercepting: You detect an opening and take advantage of it.
“Keep in mind that this is a higher-level approach. In contrast, beginners often think, I want to hit that guy with my best technique, which is the side kick, so I’m just going to do it and wherever it lands, I hope it works. In JKD, we prefer to think, I’m going to intercept my opponent by taking advantage of the opening he gives me [before he attacks or] while he’s attacking.
“This is why we side-kick the other guy’s leg as soon as
