5 count C

Continuing our basic striking patterns from Kali stickfighting, we now move on to the third in the series of 5 count striking patterns.

The previous two 5 count patterns, A and B, concentrate on diagonal and horizontal strikes to the head, shoulders, chest and stomach level. Pattern C takes us to a lower level by adding strikes to our opponent's knee level.

Striking opponents at various heights is a fundamental principle of JKD and Kali. Basically you need to keep them guessing as to where the next hit is going to come. This is true whether we are punching, kicking, or hitting with a stick (or other weapon). In JKD we mix it up with High-Low-High, High-High-Low, Low-High-Low... you get the idea! Make them think you are going high then hit them low, draw their defences with a fake, then bam (or "bosh", as Bob would say), hit them where they aren't expecting it.

5 count C

(Continuing from the open guard, Abierta, position)

#1 - High forehand diagonal to shoulder (cuts diagonally right to left, ending at hip)
#2 - Drop your entire body low, guard your head, then low backhand diagonal to knee
#3 - Still down low, forehand diagonal strike to knee
#4 - Raise up to standing, backhand diagonal strike to shoulder (cuts left to right, ending at hip)
#5 - Forehand thrust to opponent's solar plexus

Remember, strikes 1 to 4 in this pattern are Lobtik strikes, they cut through the entire body, rather than bouncing back to where they started like a Witik. For revision, also remember the 'fan' strike that we practiced - the Abaniko.

Between lesson practice the striking patterns with whatever you can at home (without breaking the lights or you Mum's favourite vase). Use your extended fingers, a pen or pencil, a folding umbrella, a spatula... it's not really important what you use, but it is important that you practice a lot and build the muscle memory.

If you aren't sure of anything remember to ask one of your instructors! Good students ask questions, it's the best way of learning!

5 count B

5 count B uses the same strikes introduced in 5 count A but in a different order. This might be useful when you find you hand in a different position, as it might not be possible to recover position to use the previous count. Alternatively you might use it so as to be more unpredicatable in you strike patterns.

5 count B

(Assumes right stance, for left stance swap the directions)

#1 - Forehand diagonal strike (right shoulder to left hip)

#2 - Backhand horizontal strike (left hip to right hip)

#3 - Forehand horizontal strike (right hip to left hip)

#4 - Backhand diagonal strike (left shoulder to right hip)

#5 - Forehand straight thrust to midsection

5 count A

- Using triangular footwork on the X pattern (introduced in basic empty hands lessons in 2007). Stepping forward right, forward left, backward right, backward left to introduce both left and right leads from various postions and encourage bilaterality.

- 5 count A (Basic Inosanto count)


#1 - Right diagonal lobtik

#2 - Backhand diagonal lobtik

#3 - Right horizontal lobtik

#4 - Backhand horizontal lobtik

#5 - Right straight / thrust


- Relate to empty hands - R overhand, L overhand, R hook, L hook, straight R.

- Introduce terms for different strike types: 'Lobtik', 'Witik' and 'Abaniko'.