Most JKD isn't very good. I know, I have trained it. There is way too much emphasis on theory, trapping and energy drills, and way too little emphasis on punches and kicks, headbutts, knees and elbows. Most JKD people don't seem to sweat very much during training (this is important). They may be able to trap a limb in training, but would have major problems dealing with incoming blows in a real situation, and that's just the beginning. Some JKD people will do well in a fight, but only after many years on training, IMHO. I talked to a JKD teacher less than a year ago and he told me that training 3X per week, I could expect combat proficiency in 3-5 years!
I have trained with legendary JKD instructor Paul Vunak as well. He has filtered out virtually all the useless (or less useful) material and broken it down to just a few simple moves and concepts. He calls this system Rapid Assault Tactics, or RAT for short. It basically consists of interceptions and destructions for use against incoming blows, then the straight blast to close the distance, and HKE to finish him off. This system is very good, and is probably equal to a few years of regular JKD training, but without all the confusion.
If there are any JKD schools in your area affiliated with Vunak or PFS, I highly recommend them as opposed to other types of JKD. I would just probably stick with BJJ as opposed to most other JKD schools if not.
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