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James Sogi Philosopher, Juris Doctor, surfer, trader, investor, musician, black belt, sailor, semi-centenarian. He lives on the mountain in Kona, Hawaii, with his family.   Write to us at: (address is not clickable)

10/16/2005
Bruce Lee Strategy, Part II

See Part I

Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do, Edited by John Little, supplements and contrasts Wiswell's Proverbs. Parenthetical comments added. The market is life-and-death combat. Entering and exiting is "execution." Ruthlessness rules.

1. "Focus on movement, greater speed -- in other words, subjectively in time for the signal, don't focus full attention on signal, though necessary. This way one can time the rhythm of the signal, or the starter's pattern, so that he can start with the signal, not react to the signal."
2. "An animal jumps at every sound...a leaf responds to every push of air ... but an enlightened man in combat moves only when he chooses -- only when necessary -- actually, the movement before it is necessary. He is not tensed but ready, he is never set but flexible."
3. "True observation begins when one is devoid of set patterns."
4. "Different schools create fixed systems. Combine what works. Adapt different systems to your individual needs.*
5. Use attack as defense.*
6. "It is generally fatal to start a bout with a set plan."
7. "Don't simply rely on what comes easiest to you. There is a great temptation to exploit favorite strokes to the neglect of most others. While this may bring initial success, it is unlikely to enable one to gain regular results in the highest-class competition. All too soon one's opponents will find the answer to a limited game; a routine system of defense, for instance plays into the hand of an observant opponent."
8. "Variation of cadence and distance are excellent tactics of fighting -- for example, deliberate slowing down of some movements so as to deliver an indirect or compound attack or riposte in broken time can be an effective tool or tactical move, especially against an opponent who is superior in speed to oneself."
9. "To be successful, you must have a very exact choice of distance and careful timing. Of course, sharp awareness is the foundation."
10. "Don't just charge in blindly; you've got to listen -- listen!"
11. "Attack on preparation is one of the best forms of attack."
12. "Our eyes should not stare at one point. See your enemy in whole and anticipate his action, so that you can evade his attacks and carry out counter attacks."**
13. "As a matter of generalship you should try to fight a type of contest which least suits the fighting abilities of your opponent."
14. "Attack by drawing." (Draw the opponent in, and when he is off balance and in close, counter attack. Move to hit the attacker's extension. Advance as opponent pulls back. (Bear squeeze)
15. "It is wise not to launch an offensive without having come to some conclusion regarding the probable reaction on the part of the opponent."
16. "Many People make a big mistake in fighting against an enemy by thinking too much about winning or losing. Practically speaking, they should allow none of these sentiments to invade their mind. They need only to act as circumstances demand."
17. "No plan of attack can be put into execution without first of all having taken the probable system of defense into consideration."

Jim Sogi, May 2005