You know, I realised something a while ago. The realisation was this: I never met Bruce Lee, never trained with him, have no personal experience of the man whatsoever. Is what he did Jun Fan Gung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Tao of Chinese Gung Fu, Original, Concepts.....I have no idea. I wasn't there.
Ten years ago I met a man called Dan Inosanto. I believed then, as I believe now, that he is the greatest martial artist I have ever trained with. Those who even come close to him also just happen to be his students. For over ten years I have battled with names, labels, titles, interpretations and endless discussions about what Bruce Lee, some guy I have never met, would "want". I have recently come to the conclusion that I don't care.
Therefore, to make sure I represent my beliefs fairly and do not misrepresent anyone, as of the New Year I am no longer using the names Jeet Kune Do or Jun Fan Gung Fu. The simple term I am going to use, to explain my background and lineage, is Inosanto Martial Arts. That is my teacher, that is what I have learnt, and that is what I teach.
What Bruce Lee maybe did or didn't do in 1959, 1964, 1972, what he maybe called it, and what he may or may not have wanted to see happen....is of no consequence to me, my ability as a martial artist, or as a teacher.
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