The Evolution of JKD

Many will argue that JKD is a collection of disjointed techniques or a compendium of philosophies from various martial arts and religions. Others will argue that JKD is a moment in time... a snapshot Sigung Bruce's training regimen from 1966, 1967, 1968, etc. Of course there are others who will argue that they have surpassed Bruce and have the "new and improved" JKD for the masses.

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

Jun Fan Weaponry

• 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)

Kali Hubud Training - circa 1990?

Many of you commented on the video of me teaching Ninjutsu and wanted to see more - I'm getting the impression that you are just laughing your butts off at my expense! Anyway, here's a clip of me teaching a Kali workshop and discussing the finer points of Stick Grappling from the Hubud structure.

Huh - did I miss something?

I stumbled across this video while I was trying to find something from Cass Magda... and I don't really know what to say. The person who created the video listed Cass, among others like Guro Dan Inosanto, as the originator of the information that he is demonstrating. You watch it and tell me what you think...

Burton Richardson - 1995

This video was shot at our old school in the airpark in Gaithersburg, MD back in 1995. Burton Richardson is the guest instructor and he's walking us through some of the basics from JKD Kickboxing into Maphilindo Silat.

A Blast From the Past

Most of my students only know me as a JKD or Filipino Martial Arts instructor and don't realize that I've been at this for almost 35 years. The following video is from 1990 when 4th degree Black Belt teaching Bujunkan Ninpo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu). I definitely sound the same but I think I look and move quite differently now...

Development of the Trapping Range in Kali

In this video Guro Dan, assisted by Simo Paula Inosanto, demonstrate the basic structure of Higot Hikot Hubud Lubud or, as it is called by some, Hubad, as well as Baston y Daga or Stick and Dagger basics. Watch for hand positioning, chambering and continuity of striking throughout the techniques and transitions between techniques. Note how easily the knife is inserted into the Hubud structure and how its addition not only supplements your understanding of Hubud but broadens it as well.

Kali Empty Hand Technique with Guro Dan Inosanto

The following video highlights the techniques that we are working on in this months Kali instructional block. The techniques that Guro Dan demonstrates give a good indication of the structure for the empty hand system from the Philippines as well as how it easy to interject the blade into the technique. Look for positioning, conservation of movement as well as shoulder positioning. Guro Dan makes it look easy... hopefully you know better than that!

Muay Thai 16 Count Training

Being able to use your hands, feet, elbows and knees (and head if necessary) isn't really an option - it's a requirement. The following video is one of the many Muay Thai 16 counts the train both offense and defense as well as how to deal with different distances (as well as different timing, reach and rhythm of various feeders). It's not perfect - but it's a good start!

MAK Class - Saturday January 23, 2010

The next scheduled Saturday morning class for Martial Arts Koncepts is on January 23, 2010. I would like to cover some extensions to the knife series we are currently working on but that will be dependent upon on how many of you have ordered and received your Lameco arm guards from Felicia Sulite.

If you haven't ordered them yet what are you waiting for? Go to the Lameco Website and order them - NOW!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Jean Jacques Machado

Jean Jacques is an amazing athlete, an inspiring teacher and a phenomenal competitor. If you ever have the chance to train with him in BJJ I would highly suggest that you take advantage of the opportunity - you will be a better martial artist and person for it.

Guro Dan Inosanto and Steven Seagal

Someon asked me recently which movie Guro Dan appeared with Steven Seagal in... and for the life of me I couldn't remember the name! Thank God for Gooogle to refresh the parched brain cells! Enjoy the video and try not to make fun of the bad toupee!



BTW - did you notice that Steven Seagal had to fight from his knees in order to not TOWER over Guro Dan! There has got to be an over 18 inch difference in height that would have made shooting that scene very difficult.

"The Book of Eli"

The martial arts that we teach at Martial Arts Koncepts have been featured in a number of movies (like "300", "Fight Club", "The Crow", the "Bourne" series, and many more). The most recent film to feature not only the arts but some of our friends is "The Book of Eli" which started today (01/15/10). The fight choreographer for the film was Jeff Imada who trained Denzel Washington for several months prior to filming. Guro Dan Inosanto also spent some time working with Denzel to get him ready for the rigorous fight sequences. Hmmm... I wonder if Guro Dan mentioned Kettlebells to him! :)



NOTE: Went and saw the movie on the "big screen" with some of the folks from MAK. While we enjoyed the tightly choreographed fight scenes (kudos to Jeff Imada and Guro Dan) we all concluded that it will be an enjoyable DVD.

Guro Dan Inosanto Interview - Part II

More great information on the evolution of JKD, the Wooden Dummy and the utility behind the JKD trapping to kickboxing training. Good information for those who are interested in the evolutionary development of JKD.

Guro Dan Inosanto Interview - Part I

This is a great video of Guro Dan Inosanto explaining the origins of JKD and it's link to Ip Man. Excellent footage of Guro Dan demonstrating the basic trapping and bridging structure within JKD. Watch this video... you will see this material again!