What Is Jeet Kune Do?
Jeet Kune Do is a martial art that was created by one of the greatest martial artists ever to live, Bruce Lee. Jeet Kune Do is a “total martial art” that provides the practitioner the ability to defend him or herself in all ranges (long, medium and close) of hand to hand combat. It emphasizes a simultaneous attack and defense strategy called intercepting. Interception interrupts an attackers attack with the Jeet Kune Do practitioners own attack by regulating the distance, timing and rhythm of both fighters with precision.
Jeet Kune Do strays away from over complicated techniques and focuses on high development of simple moves that are very efficient and effective. High efficiency is the ability to accomplish maximal effect with minimal effort. Jeet Kune Do is an art of self defense and uses techniques that will end a conflict quickly. It is NOT a sport!, and it is not for competition, therefore it uses all tools and ways to destroy an attackers efforts to hurt you or your family.
The combative approach to Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do is impressive on its own but it is also rich as an art, science and a philosophy. When the practitioner is ready to walk the path, understanding all of its components can provide a deeper insight into this unique approach to martial arts and life.
The Science of Jeet Kune Do
The scientific component of Jeet Kune Do involves the study of psychology, biomechanics, physiology and the universal principles of movement in hand to hand combat. Universal principles are something we like to call, The Root. Bruce Lee recognized that many styles of martial arts were caught up with flowery and fancy techniques that did not have real life application when it came to fighting. He was also keenly aware of the sport mentality of many styles of the time that included strict rules in its system, preventing its practitioners from training for all-out no holds bar combat. Bruce Lee researched different elements of movement such as speed, power and coordination, and he even researched sports psychology to understand what it takes mentally to be an elite athlete in the martial arts. JKD practitioners analyze combative movement principles to understand how to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in their practice. This important factor results in a pragmatic and systematic approach to ones training, focusing precisely on principles behind the movements and overall strategy in combat.
The Art of Jeet Kune Do
As an art form, Jeet Kune Do emphasizes and encourages the ultimate expression of the individual. Once the fundamentals are strong, the individual begins to create their own personal style using creativity within the framework of the system. Jeet Kune Do encourages its students to adapt techniques that work best for them based off of their strengths, weaknesses, individual physical make up and personal preferences. I remember vividly when Ted Wong, one of Bruce Lee’s top original students stated many times during seminars that the key to Jeet Kune Do is ADAPTABILITY!
Adaptability and flexibility of body and mind allows for fluid movement and strategy; allowing practitioners to read their opponent and adjust within a moment’s notice, expressing themselves through martial movement! THIS, is the art of Jeet Kune Do, and when you see or experience it at its finest it is like seeing the works of Vincent Van Gogh or Picasso!
The Philosophy of Jeet Kune Do
The Philosophical facet of Jeet Kune Do centers around its principles of life. It endorses breaking away from tradition and dogma. “Using no way as way” and “having no limitation as limitation,” promotes the idea of free, unlimited thinking and the prevention of becoming caged by our own self-limiting beliefs and/or patterns. Many of the principles within Jeet Kune Do can be found within Taoism, Buddhism and the works of Krishnamurti. Jeet Kune Do philosophy has a laser like focus on personal growth, self-discovery and self actualization while being adaptable and open minded in life and martial art practice.
In summary, the science of Jeet Kune Do entails the mechanics and principles of physical combat. The art is the essence of personal expression and adaptability through highly developed practice of the fundamentals. The Philosophy centers on self discovery, freedom and being the best version of you. The Art, Science and Philosophy of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do is a most comprehensive martial arts system that encourages personal development and practical self defense.
With vitality and peace,
Sifu Jesse Ohliger
NJKDS Founder