In this point-counterpoint discussion, TKDTutor presents counterpoints to a particular subject. Feel free to submit your agreement with TKDTutor counterpoints or to submit your own counters to TKDTutor counterpoints.

"The primary purpose of boxing is hitting. Therefore, the use of the fundamental position is to obtain the most favorable position for hitting…"

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"The primary purpose of JKD is kicking, hitting and applying bodily force. Therefore, the use of the on-guard position is to obtain the most favorable position for the above-mentioned."

Haislet wrote:

"…To hit effectively it is necessary to shift the weight constantly from one leg to the other. This means perfect control of body balance. Balance is the most important consideration of the fundamental position."

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"To hit or to kick effectively, it is necessary to shift weight constantly from one leg to the other. This means perfect control of body balance. Balance is the most important consideration in the on-guard position."

Haislet wrote:

"In boxing, the head is treated as if it were a part of the trunk with no independent action of its own. It should be carried forward, with the chin pinned down to the breast-bone…"

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"In Western boxing, the head is treated as if it were a part of the trunk, generally, with no independent action of its own. In close-in fighting, it should be carried vertically, with the point of the chin pinned to the collarbone and the side of the chin held against the inside of the lead shoulder…"

Haislet wrote:

"The chin is not 'tucked' behind the left shoulder except in an extreme defensive position. 'Tucking' the chin into the left shoulder turns the neck into an unnatural position, takes away the support of the muscles, and prevents straight bone alignment. It also tenses the left shoulder and arm, preventing free action and causing fatigue."

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"The point of the chin is not tucked into the lead shoulder except when angling the head back in an extreme defensive position. Tucking the point of the chin into the lead shoulder turns the neck into an unnatural position, takes away the support of the muscles and prevents straight bone alignment. It also tenses the lead shoulder and arm, preventing free action and causing fatigue."

Haislet wrote:

"With the chin dropped directly forward and pinned tight to the breast-bone the muscles and bone structure are in the best possible alignment, and only the top of the head is presented to the opponent making it impossible to hit a man on the point of the chin."

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"With the chin dropped and pinned tight to the collarbone, the muscles and bone structure are in the best possible alignment and only the top of the head is presented to the opponent, making it impossible to be hit on the point of the chin."

Haislet wrote:

"The fundamental boxing position is that position most favorable to the mechanical execution of the techniques and skills which make up boxing. It allows complete relaxation yet at the same time gives a muscle tonus most favorable to quick reaction time."

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"The on-guard position is that position most favorable to the mechanical execution of all the total techniques and skills. It allows complete relaxation yet, at the same time, gives a muscle tonus most favorable to quick reaction time."

Haislet wrote:

"Ducking is dropping the body forward under hooks and swings to the head. It is used as a means of escaping blows allowing the boxer to remain in range for a counter-attack…"

"It is just as necessary to learn to duck swings as it is to slip straight punches. Both are used for the same purpose, and both are important in counter-attack."

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"Ducking is dropping the body forward under swings and hooks (hands or feet) directed at the head…"

"Ducking is used as a means of escaping blows and allowing the fighter to remain in range for a counter attack. It is just as necessary to learn to duck swings and hooks as it is to slip straight punches. Both are important in counterattacks."

Haislet wrote:

"Rolling means nullifying the force of a blow by moving the body with the blow. Against a straight blow, the movement is backward; against hooks, to either side; and against uppercuts, it is backward and away."

In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:

"Rolling nullifies the force of a blow by moving the body with it. Against a straight blow, the movement is backward. Against hooks, the movement is to either side. Against uppercuts, it is backward and away."

So much for Lee’s great martial arts insight.