Who are the first generation JKD instructors?

[thtackett]

There will be 2 original 1st generation instructors at the Las Vegas camp. Unfortunately it may be the last chance to meet and work with 1 of them as old age is catching up with him.

[richardjkd]

eventhough sijo bruce lee only gave instructor certification to dan inosanto i would also have to recommend sifu larry hartsell. he was one of bruce lee's close students as well as guru inosanto's right-hand-man for decades. he is considered by guru inosanto as the "PREMIER JKD FIGHTER".

[Bull]

Dan Inosanto, Taky Kimura, and James Lee (not related to Bruce Lee) are recognized as three of the original instructors of JKD.

Taky Kimura has retired from the scene. James Lee died a number of years ago, which leaves Dan as the recognized senior JKD instructor.

Less famous, but no less skilled in JKD is Ted Wong. Ted Wong and Richard Bustillo share credit in making the video Bruce Lee's Fighting Method back in 1992. Ted's path diverges from Dan's in that his curriculum doesn't include a lot of the SE Asian MA that Dan favors.

Not to ruffle feathers here, but I believe Ted concentrates on the fundamentals--the lead vertical jab, the southpaw stance, the non-telegraphic attack, etc.

Anyone interested in studying JKD really should take the trouble to learn from both Dan and his students, and Ted and his students, to get a larger view of JKD as Bruce was teaching it.

Don´t forget JKD´s birthplace Oakland and James Yimm Lee´s top student Howard Williams.

[Tim McFatridge]

I train under Sifu Larry Hartsell and think the man is awesome. He is a great guy and a great friend. I have been with him for 12 years now. I have also trained with Guro Inosanto and think he is great to. Most of those guys that have been around since the 70's are very good to train with. I have a few friends that are under Sifu Tackett and Sifu Richard Bustillo and they have never said anything bad about them. As for Erik Paulson...the man is a martial arts monster. He is unbelievable to train with, the knowledge that you will gain from him is unbelievable. I first trained with him at a training camp in Vegas that Sifu Hartsell was doing back in 1997 and he is truly great. He not only gives you great techniques and drills he also gives you the counters to them.

[thtackett]

I agree with Tim. Hartsell and Inosanto are great. Don't miss a chance to work with either one. Paulson is a great fighter, teacher, most important of all, he's a good person. I had a chance a few weeks ago to teach JKD to his vale tudo class. They were also very good martial artists and gentlemen.
Tim Tackett

[chalambok]

Excuse me

hi, I was just wondering where people like Jesse Glover from Seattle and Steve Golden from Vancouver fit in the time line. Not sure what they call their teachings either, I am curious only for myself. Thank you

[JKDBerlin]

Hi Tim

Nice to read you here! I can only back up your words, they are all worth to train with, really nice experience!

Greetings