Hand before foot

The idea of a hand strike moving before your foot (or body) is one of the key principles in Jeet Kune Do. The benefit of doing so is to minimize telegraph when trying to move the distance between you and your opponent and strike without them blocking or evading..

Hand before foot: Example 1 - Entry straight lead

The entry straight lead requires minimal telegraph so your opponent doesn't see it coming. This is because a successful 'entry' must cover the distance between you and your opponent and hit without them blocking, evading or intercepting.

The basic mechanics:

When throwing the entry straight lead, the lead hand must be in motion first before your bodyweight or footwork. This gives the lead hand a head start, to reach the target before your body and footwork even moves.

If the feet or body moves first, it is a much more obvious telegraph and your opponent will see it coming - try it in the mirror or with a training partner and you will understand it for yourself.

1. Lead hand moves towards the target.
2. A slight bodyweight shift following the hand.
3. Rear heal bursts your body forward to complete the strike.

Why is the "entry straight lead" different to the "straight lead"?

The "entry straight lead" is used when you are outside of the fighting measure i.e. you have to move forward to hit your opponent.

The "straight lead" is used when you are already in range to hit your opponent without having to move forward.

Therefore the "entry straight lead" requires the use of hand before foot (as you need close a distance) and the "straight lead" does not.

Hand before foot drill

Here is a simple hand before foot drill that will help you develop hand movement before your foot.

1. Get in your fighting stance with your lead hand resting on your thigh.
2. Strike with your lead hand (from the thigh position).
3. The instant your lead hand leaves your thigh, burst forward using your rear foot.