Learning JKD by myself

[Oreomeister365]

I've finally chosen Jeet Kune Do as the syle (philosophy, what have you) I will train by. But, there aren't any Jeet Kune Do dojo's where I live (state college PA in case anyone happens to know any). So, since it seems to start with knowing the basics, and knowing when it's best to do what, is there any way to learn this stuff by myself, or have I not dug deep enough?

While were at it, what is a feint? is it essentially a dodge with youre body? (I figured a parry is a block with your hands/legs)

[EyeOfTheTiger]

Hm...there should atleast be one JKD dojo,maybe your just not looking hard enough? try going on google search.If to far or you cant find one...the best advise i could give you is purchase some videos.Go to Suncoast or just order online.But honestly going to a dojo is much more helpful.

Feint is when u fake a attack to get your opponents attention on that specific hand/foot to get a clear shot to the opponents openings.

[m.artist]

Originally Posted by Oreomeister365

I've finally chosen Jeet Kune Do as the syle (philosophy, what have you) I will train by. But, there aren't any Jeet Kune Do dojo's where I live (state college PA in case anyone happens to know any). So, since it seems to start with knowing the basics, and knowing when it's best to do what, is there any way to learn this stuff by myself, or have I not dug deep enough?

While were at it, what is a feint? is it essentially a dodge with youre body? (I figured a parry is a block with your hands/legs)

not a good idea.
jkd isnt' about "whatever i do is ok, because it's what natural and it's not boxed in, and therefore it's mine, and must work"
that's not jkd
jkd actually is tough training, with people who are better than you. it's repitition of technique thousands of times. if you had a private instructor, that's one thing, but just straight "learning" it alone, is never a good idea
hope that helps

[Jeremy Lobdell]

Excellent point by m.artist. JKD goes way beyond anything I've ever seen before in the need to recieve constant feedback from a well qualified instructor. If there isn't one in your area and this is that path you choose to walk, I suggest that you take advantage of the distance training programs that many instructors have, including mine. You can check out www.jkdunlimited.com or talk directly to Sifu Burton Richardson. He is a moderator on this forum and has his own section called Burton's offerings. This has been made available so students in his distance training program can ask him questions directly. For what it's worth, (just my personal opinion) I would definitely find someone that is a direct student and accredited instructor under Guro Dan Inosanto. Good luck.

[ryangruhn]

I recommend getting Sifu Kevin Seamans book along with Guro Dan's books. But you really can't feel the art with out somone who has studied it.

Gruhn

[Oreomeister365]

Thank you for all your replies, I plan on taking this very seriously. I'm going to dig deeper to find someone to train under.

[Hardball]

Get the book the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" Don't read it; study it and ponder on it. Then when the opportunity arises......get into a formal Dojo. {Training Hall}

[jubaji]

Originally Posted by Hardball

Get the book the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" Don't read it; study it and ponder on it. Then when the opportunity arises......get into a formal Dojo. {Training Hall}

hahahaahaaahahahahahaaahahahahahahaaaahahaha


"ponder on it", my son.

[El Mastero]

Jerry Beasley's tapes are pretty good for beginners. Try to find it used or on ebay if you can. It focuses on the kickboxing aspects of JKD. So it's easier to pick up. But like others have stated, nothing beats instruction from a qualified teacher.

[C. Montes]

don't worry about tapes or books (especially the Tao)
thats not that big of a deal. if your priorities have anything to do with substance and functional fighting, if you want to train, then get into the physical first and the rest will come to you later. don't be the armchair guy with the huge video library and who can quote 'the Tao' word for word but can't really DO anything himself. you don't wanna be that guy or waste your time with that.

with that said - i believe Jeff Jones, i highly experienced and respected JKD instructor formerly of Princeton Martial Arts teaches in PA. not sure about the distance to you but here is the website

http://www.tsmaa-pa.com/index.html

if thats not a go - then i would suggest you get involved in the combat sports.
go to a boxing/muay thai/kickboxing gym or club. 90% of the stand up in most jkd places is basically a boxing delivery system with low-line kicks anyway (feints, parries, footwork, will serve you better and all be trained live in a boxing gym anyway) if you're interested in all around fighting, then you must definitely explore training in the clinch and ground ranges. join the judo or wrestling clubs at your school or at least try to work out with some of them. there are also some great Brazilian JJ clubs in PA as well. thats an area that can't be ignored either.

http://www.moderncombat.com/berks/

http://www.hmaainc.com/
this place also teached kickboxing and has an MMA program along with BJJ from Renzo Gracie instructors

not all JKD places provide that physical integrity that those arts/sports provide, along with all the healthy mental and phsyical benefits.
do your homework before starting to train but definitely put yourself in an environment thats gonna challenge you and help you grow. its hard to do that by yourself.

best of luck to you.

-Christian Montes
www.roninathletics.com
SBGi-NYC

[Hardball]

You gotta start somewhere so just get started be it books tapes or a dojo. Just get started; once you do, your life will never be the same. Christian Montes also made a lot of good points.................use tapes and books to supplement; not as your primary source. Get out their and do it.

[m.artist]

Originally Posted by Oreomeister365

Thank you for all your replies, I plan on taking this very seriously. I'm going to dig deeper to find someone to train under.

where exactly do you live?

[Oreomeister365]

State College Pennsylvania. Centre Country. Need me to be more specific?

[ryangruhn]

As do I, Penn State Student?

[ryangruhn]

I can't belive I didn't catch that in your first post! Please, feel free to check out the school that I teach at "Titan Fitness" on the corner of College & Atherton. We offer JKD classes along with others. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions.

Gruhn