A question on all the politics (bear with me ;) )

[Ryu (non-working password]

I think one of the reason's why I'm reluctant to call what I do "JKD" (apart from being mostly a grappler) is because of all the political affiliations with the "art".
I wouldn't know how to respond when someone asked "do you do the original jun fan or the Inosanto's concepts?" etc.

I really do neither, and just want to find out how I can better myself in the most realistic ways of training. Also, I don't know how many people mention this anymore, but my fighting skills really are a way for me to express my deepest feelings and emotions as a human being. Everything I do represents some part of me whether it be spiritual, empathetic, or angry, etc.
For example...

Most of you guys know I spend a lot of time training grappling, and also headbutting, elbowing, etc from mount, etc. I feel the "RAT" system works even better when you mount someone (they have no place to duck or bob and weave) But this "style" kind of reflects my inner beliefs too. I hate to fight. And many of the fights I have gotten into have not had to be barbaric either.
Grappling, (judo and BJJ) give me a way of physically restraining someone, and making them totally helpless on the ground. I don't have to hurt anyone, or break their noses, etc. I can simply imobilize them on the ground (almost a cop scenario), or I can injure to degree with my skill at HKE....
Also I will use knives at a last resort, if I'm outnumbered, attacked with a weapon, etc...

This kind of lets me "express myself". It mirrors my ethical belief system of non-violence if violence isn't necessary. If violence is.....well you have to deal with it.

I've never been involved with the politics of JKD, and really don't know what to call my style of fighting. Except "my style".

I could give a cool name like Street Judo or something
But I know exactly what Bruce meant when he said giving it a name causes fear.

Anyway I'm just rambling I guess...
anyone else feel this way??

(No, Ryu, just you.... LOL )

Take care,
Ryu

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

I agree, you also see indivisual styles being expressed through people's personalities. Take the Gracie family as an example. Ryan Gracie, the young hothead has BJJ in his blood and yet in his debut fight, he chooses boxing and wrestling as his main tools to win his fight to a TKO. Renzo Gracie, uses Grappling, Royce grappling with the gi. Why? Personal beliefs and convictions causes a man to use the tools that they feel more comfortable with.
Vanderlei Silva, the Muay Thai practioner, seen as a vicious and relentless enemy. He never gives up and his personality in the ring certainly reflects his fighting style in the ring.