JKD Goals

[Chad W. Getz]

Hey, I was wondering, with all this JKD definitions going around, what is the goal of a JKD practicioner? Original or Concept, whatever. What is your goal if you train JKD, with an instructor or by your own definition.

[HungryWolf21]

My goal in JKD is simply to find what works best for me in sparring and in combat. Whether it be from Muay Thai, Vale Tudo, Boxing, BJJ, or even Taekwondo. Experience is one of the main driving forces behind JKD philosophy (note that I did not use the words "concepts" or "original"). In fact, even though I train under a JKD instructor right now, I don't really consider myself a JKD man per se. I would probably say that my style could be best described as Freestyle guided by the JKD philosophy. I have had many teachers over the years who have taught me many things, ranging form Taekwondo (which by the way is a great compliment to Muay Thai training in that it adds speed) to American kickboxing to now JKD (with a strong base in Thai, Boxing, and BJJ). So, the main goal of JKD is to simply find your own way to the truth in combat and in life. And you don't necessarily need an official JKD instructor to do so.

[Evilution]

My goal is to create in myself and my students, the ability to think freely, unbound by tradition, stigma or prejudice. It's also a way to exorcise personal demons through creative expression and to learn about yourself, for we can't know our limits unless we push ourselves to the limit and beyond.

[jonhutton]

goal

To create in myself & others I train with the skill to feel comfortable in any situation. To if possible, extinguish fear with knowledge and experience so that they are competent and confident in fighting situitions.

[Chad W. Getz]

Personally: To be bale to pick guy off at long range and close the range if I can't do that. To be able to counter his close efectively(meaning I hit him-don't get hit, etc.) if he close on me first. Basically, to be superior in all and any ranges against any fighter. With or without weapons, single or multiple.

FCH, the group: To be able to produce fighters that can do the same. Win in any situation. With any rules.

[double ouch]

This is a really good question. I think it is the essential question we should be asking ourselves. In fact , our answer wil answer the original vs. concepts question and many others. If your goal is to learn and preserve original JKD, then go for it. If your goal is to be a functional fighter, then be as specific as you can. Am I interested in self defense? Do I want to be a ring fighter? Do I want some of both? The more specific we can be with our goals the easier it will be to achieve them. I think that instructors often think that all students have the same goals. Or they have such vague and open ended goals that it is unclear just exactly what is going on. I think that instructors don't address the specific goals of students as much as they should. Often they have a strict curriculum that may hit some of their students goals, but doesn't adress them all. It would be great if instructors would poll their students often to see just exactly what their training goals are and if they are adequately meeting them. Anyone have any expeirince of this?