Customer Reviews

Bruce Lee's 1 and 3 Inch Power Punch

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Despite its small size, this book has a wealth of information on one of Bruce Lee's most famous techniques. If you want to learn Bruce Lee's One-Inch Punch, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Classical Wing Chun has a technique called the One-Inch Punch, but don't confuse it with the One-Inch Punch taught in this book. Throughout the book, the technique is refered to as the "Floating Punch" to avoid confusion. While the One-Inch Punch of classical Wing Chun is designed as a type of shocking blow, the Floating Punch is much more of a destructive blast.

In addition to showing the actual technique in depth, the book also covers the physical and mental development that helps maximize the potential of the punch. At around 30 pages, this book may seem rather thin, but every page is absolutely packed with valuable information. Anyone who _reads the instructions_ in this book and _spends some time practicing_ will develop a strong floating punch rather quickly.

At around five bucks, anyone can afford to put this book in their martial arts library.

This isn't really a book, but a pamphlet. James W. Demille, "one of Bruce Lee's original students," is writing about a technique which Bruce taught him called the Floating Punch. The entire pamphlet has a VERY short section on mental preparation for said technique, a slightly longer section on physical preparation, and finally, how to do the Floating Punch from a 1 inch stance and a 3 inch stance, as well as some brief advice on executing it at longer distances. I must say, I was a little surprised at how tiny this "book" is. Also, there isn't too much material- there are a lot of pictures, which I suppose are necessary, but the thing seems a lot shorter than 40 pages. I suppose that the pamphlet is exactly what it says, and nothing more- a cursory tutorial on execution of a technique which is apparently quite devastating if done properly. However, I disagree with the suggestion that this technique is a great idea for anybody to learn as a quick means of self-defense. If what Mr. Demille says about this technique's potency is true, then somebody with no martial arts experience is likely to hurt themselves pretty bad, as it seems to require a great deal of mental and physical discipline, a point which I don't feel is stressed enough. I won't say that this book is without value, but its limited subject matter and the level of ability required makes it a book that isn't for everyone.

Great book to show how to do Bruce Lee's 1-inch punch. Covered are the mechanics and actual techniques of how to do the punch. Also shown is another variation - the 3-inch punch, which is alot stronger since you can generate more power. I think the book is excellent, and although it's not the "one" punch that can end all fights, it is a great punch to learn, even if only to learn to generate more power in your own punches. Currently taking Bruce Lee's art of Jeet Kune Do (JKD) myself, I think it's a great asset to learn to do this punch, to learn how to incorporate it into my own fighting regime. Of course I wouldn't depend on it all the time, as Lee didn't do so either, but it is good to learn in case the opportunity arises where you can and/or have to apply it.

Great book on these mechanics! I've learned similar mechanics in Wing Chun, similar but not the same. To a martial artist, the mind and breath exercises described herein are things that could be taken into other areas of training, rather than just this technique.
If such a technique can be learned from a book, it can be learned from this book, but one must build the skill patiently and a step at a time, as it is explained.
I don't know if this is a good buy for a regular person, but it's a treasure to an impassioned martial artist.

The one inch punch (or floating punch) is technique that is used in many different styles of Kung-Fu and this is an OK book to explain the punch, but you really need to learn this from an instructor, there are just too many aspects to this to learn from the book.

This is a good book that really complements my martial art. In my martial art I would not learn this punch for another year and this just gives me a head start. It takes time to develope and is very effective, I can now move a 100 lb. heavy bag a considerable distance, and I have this book to thank.

The 1-inch and 3-inch or Floating punches are real. They work. They are dangerous to your partner so FOLLOW the advice to use a METRO phone book and perhaps add a judogi (not a thin karate type).

I am buying another copy because my original one is lost -- when I first found this book I had some basic skill in karate, aikido, and fighting but in no way wish to claim any great expertise. I am moderately strong with fairly quick strong hands -- as a point of reference.

I read the book quickly (takes only a few minutes, to an hour or so if you read slowly); I did NOT spend weeks or months doing the exercises; I practiced for a few minutes solo. Then I tried it.

It worked first time (it worked too well really*), and has worked every time since, although I seldom demonstrate it and have ALWAYS done so in a static position (not moving around fighting or sparring.)

*The first time I tested it, I made what might have been a serious mistake in using a fairly small local phone book instead of a large metro area tome -- don't use anything less than 2 1/2-3 inches in thickness until you understand this. If in doubt, ADD more padding like a big folded towel or judogi.

Fortunately, even on that first attempt I "pulled" it somewhat (maybe 50%) by not reaching very 'deep' for the full effect. My partner was not permanently injured. However, my partner would NOT let me repeat the technique even after the offer of a larger phone book and more padding.

Later I showed it to my aikido training partners with full padding (New Orleans metro book and judogi) but even then I have always pulled it a bit. I am pretty sure that I have never let it go more than about 70%, maybe less. Still it works.

If it doesn't work for you then you either need to read and follow the instructions more carefully, practice more thoroughly, relax more completely, MAYBE do more push-ups (least likely but you do need some strength and speed), or all of the above.

Seriously it works. I have never taught it due to the responsibility, but the book does describe it accurately and completely (unlike many of the descriptions on web sites and forums**) and so there you are if you want to learn it.

** So far, every description I have read on the web has left out at least one component, usually such articles leave out a couple of key points. I would not be surprised if the punch works somewhat without all the elements, but I KNOW it works if you follow the instructions completely.

P.S.> I would like to practice it "moving/sparring" if I can find the right partner(s) to do this safely. My current Systema & Tai Chi instructor is likely up to the challenge -- he's a tough one.

".....In this specialized training manual, DeMile presents a simple but organized approach to one of Bruce Lee's dynamic techniques.

The materials is presented in such a way that ANYONE CAN LEARN THIS PUNCH EFFECTIVELY, regardless of his martial arts background."
[from the booklet of the back cover]

This book is getting a lot of flak for not imparting Bruce Lee's devastating martial arts secrets, but of course the flaw here is that you're trying to learn martial arts from a book. It's fine as an overview if you're curious about the basic mechanics involved, but it's not the modern equivalent of the mystical ancient scrolls you've been taught to expect in those late night cable tv kung-fu movie marathons. At best, this book should only be used as a supplemental to formal instruction. If you bought this book expecting to learn this (or any) technique without real-life instruction, you have no right to whine after your friends beat you up.

Put simply, if you're serious about learning this technique you need to learn it from a person, not a paperback that you found on the internet.

Wow, This book help me a lot. after I read and practice like in the book. my punch is much powerful than I thought. This book succeed only for the people know how to punch with the right way.