Different JKDs

[phillyman]

Question can someone tell me the difference between different jkd ie how is Gary Dills JKD different from Paul Vunak vs Inosanto etc etc thanks for any info

[Brokenmace]

Let me see if I can help you, and please, anyone else chime in. There are verious interpretations of JKD. Primarily JKD is a philosophy -- its central tenet is the predominance of the individual spirit and expression over the spirit and expression of the collective or classical mold. It is not solely a martial art. Martial arts are one of its many and better known facets. Michael Jordan, for instance, was a JKD specialist, whether anyone knows it or not. He reached his full potential and refused to place limitations on himself. It is the art of molding the self (the key) to overmatch the other (the lock).

Now, about the schools of thought. Inosanto, as the recognized heir of JKD (in that BL authorized him and two others to make instructors) teaches the JKD concepts (philosophy) and Jun Fan Gungfu as it was taught to him (with some modification). Jun Fan relates the martial principles behind JKD. It is not a style for the same reason that architecture is not a style, but Frank Lloyd Wright was a stylist. Architecture is a field of study that relates artisistic and scientific principles: it is left to the student to develop his own way of illustrating these principles. JKD concepts allows study in multiple areas of martial arts in order to develop the complete fighter and unique expression of body and soul.

Vunak, on the other hand, seems less focused on the history and specific training methodologies behind Jun Fan, and more focused on the evolving real-life application of its principles. This is why they call it "Progressive" Fighting Systems, I understand.

The two schools of thought are not mutually apposed, as some believe. Both leave the responsibility for growth to the student, while encouraging instructors to simply point the way. The difference is primarily one of training focus.

If I'm correct, Lamar Davis is more of a "purist" in that he believes the original teaching and training methods of BL as he taught them are good enough. For instance, he still stresses Wing Chun methodology in trapping, where as Vunak has apparently moved from it. I know nothing of Gary Dills.

This is a simplistic explanation, and I would welcome criticism. Also, I don't know much about JKD Unlimited, though I've read some about it.

Good luck

[auto]

I grew up in the late 60's and 70's and from what I can remember only Teddy Wong and Dan Inasanto received certificates in JKD from Bruce. Ted refused to teach anyone after Bruce passed. He did still train with close friends though. Later in the early to mid 90's he opened a semi-private school to the underprivaledged in San Fransisco's Chinatown. Have not heard much from him since. Dan on the other hand veered more toward his heritage and began incoporating the philipino arts into his curriculem. From what I gather, Paul Vunac was taught JKD under the tutelage of Dan and he to has veered on his own course delving into the more "streetable" version of JKD. Gary Dills I am-sorry to say-not familiar with. Must be someone very recent . I really do not know.

[Brokenmace]

I believe the third guy was Taky Kimura. Like Ted Wong, he has left the "spearheading" to Dan Inosanto. There was another gentleman, James-something (sorry), but he died, I think in the late seventies.

[pcarney]

Originally posted by Brokenmace
I believe the third guy was Taky Kimura. Like Ted Wong, he has left the "spearheading" to Dan Inosanto. There was another gentleman, James-something (sorry), but he died, I think in the late seventies.

You're talking about James Lee. He was in Bruce's Oakland school, an that's who taught Dill. (Check my post under 'Gary Dill', if you'd like).

[Watchdog]

If you check out the recent July issue of Martial Arts Presents Jeet Kune DO, there is an article there entitled "The Many Taos of JKD" which addresses the question that you have asked.