I'm of the mind that JKD is a never ending process of discovery, experimentation, analysis, research and enlightenment; and within that process is the price that each and every practitioner must pay for the gift: blood, sweat, tears, pain and humility. To freeze JKD in time is to lose its essence. To add techniques just for the sake of adding is to bastardize the whole philosophy that Sigung Bruce was working towards.
The Evolution of JKD
Tao of Chinese Gung Fu
1959 - 1962
(San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA)
Consists primarily of Wing Chun Gung fu and Fencing methodologies. This was the "original" system that Sigung Bruce Lee created to express his views on personal combat. There were three instructors made by Sigung Bruce Lee: Dan Inosanto, Taky Kimura and James Lee (Deceased).
Lee Jun Fan Gung Fu
1962 - 1965
(Seattle, WA and Oakland, CA)
Consists of a distinct curriculum, methodology and training progression. Contains an understanding that there is no “best” style for the individual student. Underlying philosophy of victory through superiority within a combat range or by changing the rules in combat to nullify and opponents superiority within a range. This art was directly or indirectly influenced by over 26 different martial arts from Wing Chun, Kali to Muay Thai. Bruce Lee introduced the use of equipment in training i.e. kicking shield and focus mitts. Advocates researching other martial arts to improve your understanding of your own art.
Jun Fan Training consists of:
- Punching and Striking techniques
- Kicking and Knee techniques
- Chin Na / Joint Locking
- Choking and Strangling
- Grappling, Throwing, Takedown and Sweeping techniques
- Practical Weapons and application
Jun Fan Sub-Systems:
- Jan Fan Streetfighting
- Jun Fan Boxing (Western)
- Jun Fan Kickboxing
- Jun Fan Wing Chun Gung Fu
- Jun Fan Grappling
- Single Stick
- Double Sticks
- Long and Short Stick
- Whip
- Nunchuck
- Staff
- Spear
- Knife
- Firearms
Jeet Kune Do Concepts
1965 - Today
(Los Angeles, CA)
The "Research and Development" aspect of Lee Jun Fan Gung Fu. Used as a "tool" to evaluate/assimilate other training methodologies and techniques. Serves as a "litmus" test for the viability of training methodologies and techniques in a combative environment.
The Four JKD groups vying for attention in the martial arts community:
JKD Concepts
- Sifu Dan Inosanto
- Burton Richardson (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
- Paul Vunak (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
- Tim Tackett (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
- Larry Hartsell (Deceased)
JKD Nucleus
- Ted Wong (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
- Dan Lee (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
- Chris Kent (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
- Richard Bustillo (NOTE: made instructor by Dan Inosanto after Bruce Lee's death)
Original JKD
- Lamar Davis (No direct linkage to Bruce Lee or Dan Inosanto)
- Gary Dill (Short-term student of Taky Kimura)
JKD Fighting Strategies
- Joe Lewis (Private student of Bruce Lee; ~5-7 hours of training)
- Dr. Jerry Beasley (No direct linkage to Bruce Lee or Dan Inosanto)
