"It boils down to less is better" In a way, I agree with this statement, but to get to less you need more. If someone takes the time and insures that an effective technique is taught properly, I see anything but harm in this.My philosophy on JKD is to learn as much as I can, and use Bruce's philosophies. If you have the gift to see what is effective(and that's different for every single person), train in any art and take that from it and make it your own(ie, someone mentioned Kali, I know alot of the techniques, but many aren't realistic for me, I do well with the knifes and that energy, but sparring with sticks isn't natural for me, even though I'm an outside boxer and strive on countering). To me JKD is a mentality that leads you down the right path. Yes I think Bruce Lee would be rolling in his grave at many of the places that teach JKD, but I also think he would be turning in his grave to see some of the advancements and smiling at the fact that he achieved some of what he set out and intended to do(Spread his philosophy on knowledge). Many people want to "Be Like Bruce", but in the wrong way. Your body type, your metabolism, size, weight distribution, etc etc are all different. I love learning Jun Fan JKD, Jun Fan Gung Fu, but what I love more is achieving my own personal arsenal. A true JKD "instructor" will teach the techniques to the masses at his gym, but also take the time to evaluate personal attributes and add to them(in a perfect world where they don't charge for "privates"). I also believe JKD is for an experienced martial artist. I was of the mentality that martial arts were b.s for the longest time before I really took the time to evaluate. I,ve boxed since I was about 8 years old, I don't agree with many of the techniques or training habits of TKD, but I put both my kids into because its a positive atmosphere and an introduction. I tried to teach my son boxing for the last 2 years, but he just doesn't have the discipline to learn from me and I don't want to push him. His forms in TKD are flawless, I really don't believe in kata's and forms, I think you might as well learn ballroom dancing or some shit, but he takes interest. He's 8 years old and already spars in TKD. He does like some of the energy drills I teach him , so he's starting to grow. Anyway, my point is the more you add, the more you have to choose what is yours and what works for you(by this I don't mean spending my life obtaining "belts" but knowledge). I try to go to as many seminars as I can. Someone mentioned that JKD is becoming as traditional as karate etc, but to practice JKD is beyond what one teacher tells you to do, its personal enlightenment to be taught and to practice are worlds apart. I agree with people wanting to preserve what Bruce did, but I also know in my heart that JKD is a revolving art and always will be. Anyone know any Jailhouse Rock? Same principles.
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It only takes a single grain of sand to change the world.
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