QUEEN OF ALL MOVES

Allow me to intercept those who would object to the title of this article. I’m not claiming that there’s a secret move, shortcut or hack that will give you the edge in any fight. Even if there was an ultimate weapon or strategy, you likely would avoid it because you know that attachment to any one idea ultimately will limit your options and make you more predictable in battle. With that said, there is a move that’s perhaps the most versatile technique for use in personal combat, and Bruce Lee knew it well.

Jeet kune do is a scientific approach to street fighting, a method for developing complete martial artists who are not bound by any style or system. Rather, they’re able to adapt to all styles, systems, situations and circumstances. JKD, of course, is the result of Bruce Lee’s search for the truth of combat, and part of that truth is that those who have mastered attacking the eyes and groin while weap-onizing their awareness will have a distinct advantage in a street fight.

A street fight is like a very brief game of combat chess involving two strategists. In this context, the “queen of all moves,” the most versatile technique of all, is the bil jee, or thrusting finger jab executed with the lead hand. Simply put, it’s the fastest, most effective strike in the martial arts. It can be found in all traditional styles and reality-based self-defense systems. It even appears in MMA — think about how many times you’ve seen an accidental finger to the eye stop a UFC fight.

With the bil jee, you don’t need to pierce or penetrate the target; you just need to touch the