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Unveiling the Golden Goose Principle: A Comprehensive Approach to Self-Perfection

Writer's picture: Sifu Jeramiah GiehlSifu Jeramiah Giehl

Updated: Dec 16, 2024

Embarking on the journey of self-perfection is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of knowledge, skills, and techniques. In this article, we delve into the Golden Goose Principle, the second phase of a transformative program that follows the path of self-preservation. Developed by renowned martial artists Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto, and the author himself, the Golden Goose Principle integrates a myriad of functional moves from diverse martial arts, offering a wellspring of wisdom for both students and instructors.


Before venturing into self-perfection, it is essential to understand the groundwork laid by self-preservation. The initial phase involves navigating through violence, encountering headbutts, knees, elbows, biting, and eye gouging. This sets the stage for a paradigm shift toward realistic and functional techniques curated from over 50 martial arts.

The Golden Goose Principle Unveiled:

  1. Front Elbow Destruction:

    • Description: A foundational move defending against a jab by destroying it with a well-placed front elbow.

    • Training Tip: Emphasizes proper form and positioning for effective execution.

  2. Rear Elbow Destruction:

    • Description: A variation using the back elbow when positioned slightly off-center, providing flexibility in defense.

    • Consideration: Choosing between front and rear elbow based on the situation and spatial orientation.

  3. Drop Your Head:

    • Technique borrowed from Charles Bronson's movies, involving lowering the head to neutralize an incoming punch.

    • Emphasis on maintaining proper spinal alignment for safety and effectiveness.

  4. Jeet Tek:

    • A signature move from Bruce Lee's repertoire, resembling a side kick without chambering, effective when laterally positioned.

    • Adaptability: Choosing between Jeet Tek and Front Elbow Destruction based on personal orientation.

  5. Inside Gunting:

    • Involves stepping in at an angle, parrying the jab, and targeting the opponent's eye with precision.

    • Execution: Timing and footwork play a crucial role in successful inside gunting.

  6. Outside Gunting:

    • A move that zones to the opponent's outside, thrusting the hand into their eye for a strategic advantage.

    • Emphasis on effective hand placement and timing.

  7. Thai Kick:

    • Utilizing a rear leg Thai kick to the opponent's lead leg, exploiting the opening created by their jab.

    • Training Tip: Timing is crucial; the kick follows the jab's motion.

  8. Shuffle Kick:

    • Targeting the groin, this move emphasizes the caution needed in close-quarters combat.

    • Warning: The potential danger of overconfidence in mixed martial arts scenarios.

  9. Groin Slap:

    • Executed using the hand, a versatile move with three possible timings for countering the jab.

    • Training Tip: Awareness of the opponent's rear hand is critical for safety.

  10. Horizontal Gunting:

    • A scissor-like movement targeting the opponent's ulnar nerve, effective when hands are lowered.

    • Opportunity: Ideal for situations where the opponent's guard is compromised.


Follow-Up Arts:

A spectrum of martial arts, each carefully selected for its effectiveness in follow-up scenarios. From Wing Chun's straight blast to Tai Chi's subtle yet powerful shoving techniques, and from Filipino kicking (Pananjakman) to the French art of foot fighting (Savate), the Golden Goose Principle encompasses a diverse array of arts for comprehensive self-perfection.


The Golden Goose Principle, with its three columns of defense, follow-up arts, and additional follow-up options, presents an intricate system of self-perfection. This formula, crafted by martial arts luminaries, provides not just techniques but a philosophy for a lifetime of training and teaching. As practitioners internalize these principles, they embark on a journey that transcends the physical, delving into the spiritual essence of martial arts. The Golden Goose Principle is a testament to the richness and depth that self-perfection can offer to those committed to the path of martial mastery.

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