While preparing future Aiki Talk episodes, I was reading Volume 3 of the Bruce Lee library published by Tuttle Publishing. This series was edited by John Little and contains a lot of great information for martial artists and Bruce Lee fans.

Volume Three it titled Jeet Kune Do: Bruce Lee's Commentaries on the Martial Way. I read a passage that reminded me of something I am always saying in class and seminars I teach. I am always stressing to students that they should perform techniques with the minimum of motion, utilizing our strengths and exploiting the weaknesses of our opponent.

This is what Bruce Lee wrote on the topic:

"In kicking and striking, especially when launched from the ready position, eliminate all unnecessary motions and muscle contractions which slow and fatigue you without accomplishing any useful purpose. Much energy is wasted by the unrelaxed opposing muscles in resisting the movement - learn and feel proper contractions and recovery (otherwise your physiological engine is racing, but the brakes are on)."

I agree with Lee, but not just for kicking and striking. It is teaching hapkido joint locks that I find myself repeating my mantra regarding economy of motion the most often. It is so important to eliminate wasted motion. Make sure everything you are doing has a purpose.

Remember - with many things less is more. Economy of motion is key!

Alain