How to Trap, Stop, and Smash: Mastering JKD’s Most Brutal Opening Move
- Tim Tackett
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
The first time I saw the jeet kune do leg obstruction in action was in Dan Inosanto's backyard. Bruce Lee had recently left to make movies in Hong Kong, and Inosanto decided to build a private workout area at his home. I felt privileged to have been asked to join his training group when it was done.
Near the end of my first class, Inosanto told everyone to prepare for sparring. I was matched with an experienced JKD practitioner named Bob Bremer. We squared off, and after a quick exchange, Bremer nailed me with a leg obstruction.
I immediately learned the hard way that when the technique is used properly, the opponent is rendered unable to kick or punch. Furthermore, the opponent can't move forward or backward because as soon as the JKD stylist drives a foot into his shin, the opponent's lead leg is immobilized — or buckled.
When the technique was used on me in Inosanto's backyard, I was helpless. At the time, it made me feel terrible because even though I was a kung fu teacher and a karate black belt, I was unable to overcome it.
Now, I look back on my inability to overcome it as a sure sign of the leg obstruction's effectiveness as an offensive and defensive weapon.
