Philosiphy or fighting style?

[Dave Down Under]

How many of you guys see JKD as a philosiphy rather than a style of fighting? I know people trying to emulate Lee's fighting style rather than getting a scope on the history and context of JKD itself, which I find infinitely interesting, personally.

But, yeah. Any thoughts?

[BeingAtOne]

To be honest I dont thik of it as a style really but a philosophy or possibly a theory on how one should train themselves for combat. But i do train In juan Fan which is a style so its sort of both and not at the same time if that makes any sence.

[formless]

the way i think bruce meant it was a mix of both. what i understood from jkd, well what stuck out most of all to me was that jkd was YOUR art. everyones JKD foghting style was different, because no 2 people are the same build. some people are inherently faster/stronger/longer arm reach/more flexible/etc. you cant study someone elses JKD because it wont work for you. unless you are clone....

that goes for philosophy as well. no two people will have the same view on all the subjects of todays world. because we have all had different experiences, there is no set philosophy for one to follow, you have to make your own from your experiences and opinions.

i think that was the backbone of bruce lees idea for JKD

[elementaldrive]

Jkd

its your JKD. yours and yours alone its not a style its a tool for self discovery

[Watchdog]

It's really a set of principles with certain techniques that express those principles, kind of like two sides of the same coin. If you have only the principles or the philosophy without the techniques, then you don't really have JKD. If you only have techniques without knowing the underlying principles, then you don't really have JKD. You need both.

[elitecombatives]

It's really a set of principles with certain techniques that express those principles, kind of like two sides of the same coin. If you have only the principles or the philosophy without the techniques, then you don't really have JKD. If you only have techniques without knowing the underlying principles, then you don't really have JKD. You need both.

WatchDog (your the man!) Well stated. To be a JKD man, you need to have both. This means, you can't just read Bruce Lee books or watch JKD instructional videos and then say you are a JKD man. It's as absurd as someone reading some medical books and then state your a doctor. I dont think much people will debate the fact that everyone who claims they are a JKD man better have solid foundation, traceable lineage to a good instructor and able to walk to talk. It isn't that easy. Once you have one side of the coin, then the concepts, principles are rightfully employed (combined) in your movements to display your JKD.