Left or right lead

[Thai Bri]

Of course you will put people off their game plan. Marvin Hagler used to drive opponents wild by switchig stances.

And what I said about street confrontations still holds.

[Paul Wilson]

ok

Well you either fight in a left stance or right.
So either one will have a different lead.

But it is always good to switch stance when sparring, punch bag, focus mitts e.t.c.

[ryanhall]

Ghost,
You're missing the point. It's not about fooling anyone, it's about necessity. Most of us have a favorite side to fight from, but an emotional attachment to a certain lead can be a problem. You can't choose which side you will be attacked from, so practice both. If one arm or leg becomes unusable (broken, dislocated, badly cut, etc.), it might be wise of you to alter your stance, provided that the situation allows for it. If you always fight from a left lead and you are attacked from your right side, there is no point in wasting the time it takes to switch to you perferred stance when you could simply carry on the fight with what you have available. An attachment to a certain stance, range, tool, weapon, whatever is always counterproductive, because it will cause you to work within your comfort zone rather than the appropriate zone. Think trying to rabbit punch a bent opponent when a hammerfist is more appropriate or grappling in a multiple opponent situation (because you are tained to grapple) instead of picking up the broken stool leg and dishing out some punishment. Just because I like my right hook doesn't mean that the opportunity to use it will always present itself or that it is always the appropriate tool. Stance is the same way. Mental flexibility and adaptability are the keys to any situation.

[Ms. J]

Reasons for training both leads

Based on what everyone has listed here as their reasons for doing so, (all good reasons) i can add one more to the list.

For me all of the reasons that have been talked about apply, but because i have some limitations i cant necessarily do the same alternating and changing foot patterns most can for changing the timing of your opponent.

I believe that one of the things that Bruce lee taught as part of the fomat in JKD and part of the intent was to be able to change stances, and foot work patterns with one of the intents being to be able to interfere with the timing of your opponent. Once you are in a fight with someone normally, they will be using one stance and working within there own body’s timing and flow.

When fighting someone that has timing and stamina, (but is seriously one sided,) By changing your stance or foot work pattern you can find the opening to your opponent by breaking his timing and concentration long enough to get in your strike.

Many times i have changed stances or changed weapons hands to give me the advantage and get in a strike because it messed up the timing or concentration of my opponent long enough for me to get in a strike. Most of my fights or sparing partners have been either a lot bigger then me and have the reach on me or have more training and timing. So many times breaking their pattern can be my only option to getting in a strike.

This is just one more reason to consider training both sides and stances. However, its just one piece, and its all relevant. I have trained both sides for most of my life, for me its just second nature, but for many its not and many only train one side.

I am not sure that I am all that upset about it, as it gives me an advantage when facing the average person that is only one sided physically. And i need all the help i can get out there........

J...