So much JKD CONFUSION!!!!

[DieLegend]

Ok...so I am about to start training next month....now I need some answers here...

I cannot get a definite answer as to what JDK training will entail...

I understand JKD is more of a concept and not really a set martial art

so my question is

when i go to train...what will I be trained in exactly?

and how will I know if the trainer is being true to JKD or training me in some wrong watered-down JDK way?

I've heard a lot of places don't train real JKD but do something simpler with the same name...

I was originally interested in boxing...then thai boxing...but JKD seems the most interesting and mind/body changing...I just can't figure out what I'll be learning exactly and how to find a good trainer...

if you REALLY wanna help...I live in central NJ (somerset, nj)..if u know any authentic trainers there would be great...thanks guys!

[doubleouch]

It's funny that you want to find an "authentic" JKD guy. Problem is that everybody has a different definition of that term. Go visit some schools and sit in on a class at each. You'll know which is a fit for you. Looking for authentic JKD is the proverbial wild goose chase. Unless you resurrect Bruce from the dead you are unlikely to find it.

[LAMartialArts]

doubleouch is right or maybe a relative of his would more then likely carry his syllabus of his course. you could look at there federation website if that helps. but thats the problem with this martial art many claim to have studied under Bruce who have not.

[cheng1314]

You'll know which is a fit for you.

[chesapekebaydud]

Sifu Wong has compared jkd to the Suzuki violin method. If you use Suzuki to become a concert violinist, you will not play Suzuki exercises
at your Carnegie Hall debut. Jkd is a means to become the best fighter and person you can be- it is not an end in itself.
However, there are a few things that are jkd signatures- the right lead, the eye jab, the jao sao series, the small phasic bent-knee stance,
nontelegraphic motion, pak and lop combos, the five ways of attack, the hammer, the water hose, the short arc, the whip, etc.

[rickh]

The recent textbook on JKD by Sifu Tackett and Sifu Bremer answered a lot of my questions, in terms of both the application and
the theory. I have read everything worth reading over the past 15 years, and I believe that jkd is "fighting."
It is the most efficient and
effective way to fight, a way to fight that is based on physics and physiology, not culture or religion. But that is its physical side.
I also think Sigung Lee was a very bright, literate, and thoughtful person, and in the words of George Tan he tried to unite his
martial arts practice to a philosophical tradition. His philosophy was a blend of Indian humanism, ancient Asian thought, and western self-help
psychology. I remember reading somewhere that Lee was interested in things like auras and chakras, even though he downplayed the relevance of such
matters in public statements.

[Panpan_goat]

I was going to reply here, but all of the replies were so good I don't feel that I have anything else to add excpt great job answering the question folks!

Also faning (faking sort of) is another common technique in JKD, as well as a Zen mindset. Refer to the Tao of JKD for a nifty boost of JKD knowledge.

[jeffg46703]

IMHO 95% of any martial art, from aikido to zulu stickfighting, is in the actual training of it.
Reasonable persons can disagree over the 5% of it left over for theory and intellectual debate.
I think because of the "Bruce Lee as superman" image created by the movies, people expect
jkd to be something superspecial- like a style of Tibetan kung-fu that only three people in the world know or
something....
Didn't Bruce say, "JKD is nothing at all special. Take things as they are. Punch when you have to punch.
Kick when you have to kick."??

[Steel9561]

humm.... To me JKD is a way of fighting just like any other martial art. For instance, in Jeet Kun do you have to learn things such as your stance and your footwork. You have to learn how to throw fast punches as well and other techniques.

[JKDnewsletter1]

It kinda depends on what your goal is. “Original JKD” guys will mainly help you in kick boxing and trapping range. “JKD Concepts” instructors will add in weapons and ground.

This resource may help you a bit more, you can check out the info from top JKD instructors for no cost at JKD Newsletter - Jeet Kune Do, JKD, Jeet Kune Do Instruction, Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do, Jeet Kune Do Training, Jeet Kune Do Instructors, techniques training, and JKD DVD distance learning, jeet kune do videos, jkd videos, learn jkd, classes, martial ar

[fb5900]

I think jkd is the philosophy of the Yin and the Yang applied to fighting.
This does not make jkd better than anything else, but neither can you just glibly state that jkd
is modified wing chun or a matrix of 27 arts.