Page 66 - Latter Stage Jeet Kune Do for Beginners

7. Quick Retreat – This is an advance footwork
adapted from the fencing footwork. The
movement is like quick advance but the
movement is in the opposite direction. From your
JKD on Guard stance a shuffling step backward
with your rear foot a step of about 8 inches and
then let your lead foot slide automatically
backward and replace the initial position of the
rear foot. So just before your lead foot makes
contact with your rear foot glide the rear foot
backward. And back to the JKD on Guard stance.
Your weight resting lightly upon the ball of the
foot. Make your progress a comparatively smooth
glide, with your knees slightly bent and with your
body always in punching position. The purpose of
this movement is to move quickly your body at a
distance of 7 feet to 11 feet backward. See Picture
34 on the next page for the step by step reference.

The movement should not be a series of hop nor
should it be too jerky. Both feet should be slithering
rhythmically just above the surface of the floor.

Notes: Use your footwork and the opponent’s for your
advantage, not his pattern, if any, of advancing and
retreating. As you advance with your skills in
footwork vary the length and/or speed of your steps.

Tips: Footwork can beat any types of attack, with a
properly maintained distance will baffle even the
most skilled opponent.

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