Robert, I was speaking to roz in that post, who is also named robert, so no worries.
In addition, Aliveness is not a "step" in training. Everyone from the first day they walk in our Gym's, or attends a seminar, trains Alive from moment one with everything we do. It's a much faster, funner, safer way to train and excel then what is typically used in most traditional MA, or JKD schools.
Drew, regards this statement you made:
"This idea that JKD is a living breathing system isn't true."
That really speaks volumes, and says it all.
I agree, if you believe that statement then for you it is a fixed, and now just another dead pattern.
The bottom line is this, if OJKD has a better method to use when fighting, then show us. If it did, we would use it. Not just SBGi. . .there are many other Gyms, even most MMA Gyms which will adopt whatever works. After all, they want to win!
If your aurgument is that it is only for the "street", and won't work in MMA, then you are essentialy saying the deliverey system of OJKD is less functional then the one's currently used in MMA if it's 'eye jabs' and kicks with shoes are taken out. If you believe that, then there are other issues that also need to be cleared up for you.
Regardless, we are not bound by a specific "form" or set of techniques. We will use and offer our students whatever works best, and is most "functional".
After all, I believe we at SBGi owe our students that.
It's time to step outside the mythology. If there is something in your OJKD curriculum that is missing, then show us against a resisting opponent. Show us against a fighter. If you cannot, and nobody else has any success either. . . .then you are simply attached to a method for reasons other then function. . .and that is a TRAP.
Have a good new year.
-Matt Thornton
www.straightblastgym.com