An avid 16-year old's eager to do JKD- and needs guidance!

**Alhadis** · 05-01-2003, 06:53 AM

Hello!

Some of you might have recognized my posts on these boards here-and-there, but I haven't taken the time to formally introduce myself! However, introductions aren't really why I've started this thread (they're only a step-up to it)... see, I'm hoping to find clarification on Bruce Lee's art of Jeet Kune Do: the art I'm so eager to learn!!

Anyway, I'll start by saying that yes, I have done a *bit* of martial training before- about 20 lessons of Karate (that's all). Ever since I learned about Jeet Kune Do, I've been greatly inspired by the flexibility and versatility that it offers... although since there're no formal JKD trainers anywhere for miles (we live in a backwater country town!

) I suppose I'm only left to learn about JKD techniques from books- especially the two I put in order today from the library: the Tao of Jeet Kune Do, and Bruce Lee's Commentaries on the Martial way!

The question I'm asking though, is how well can one expect to learn from a book(s)? And would one require previous martial training to practice JKD? On that note, how far can one go in "incorporating new techniques" until it's no longer JKD? I've read somewhere that "mixed martial-arts isn't JKD", which has only confused me further... I thought any technique was able to become a part of the JKD philosophy- in addition to the others that are a part of it?

Anyway, I hope that you guys can take the time to help out an enthusiastic, albiet lost, high school student like me to learn JKD!!

Thanks in advance!!

- Alhadis!

**Tom Yum** · 05-01-2003, 09:01 AM

Take JKD Classes/Seminars while continuing your reading.

**swan104** · 05-01-2003, 09:33 AM

Originally posted by Alhadis

Anyway, I'll start by saying that yes, I have done a *bit* of martial training before- about 20 lessons of Karate (that's all). Ever since I learned about Jeet Kune Do, I've been greatly inspired by the flexibility and versatility that it offers... although since there're no formal JKD trainers anywhere for miles (we live in a backwater country town! ) I suppose I'm only left to learn about JKD techniques from books- especially the two I put in order today from the library: the Tao of Jeet Kune Do, and Bruce Lee's Commentaries on the Martial way!

The question I'm asking though, is how well can one expect to learn from a book(s)? And would one require previous martial training to practice JKD? On that note, how far can one go in "incorporating new techniques" until it's no longer JKD? I've read somewhere that "mixed martial-arts isn't JKD", which has only confused me further... I thought any technique was able to become a part of the JKD philosophy- in addition to the others that are a part of it?

- Alhadis!

As with all martial arts, its not possible to learn from a book. Its best to attend a class and train there. You don't need any previous martial arts training to practice JKD, but my personal experience was that I saw many of the inefficiencies of the classical arts when I compared the two.

I'm going to be a chicken and stay out of the differences between MMA and JKD question! I think its been answered before on this forum!

**platinum_angel** · 05-01-2003, 02:57 PM

The question I'm asking though, is how well can one expect to learn from a book(s)?

you will learn alot of techniques and philosophy but you will not learn how to fight unless you train with another person.

And would one require previous martial training to practice JKD?

no, but if you don't have a jkd school around you its better if you just take a boxing, MT, BJJ, wresling wich you take in school, sports for fitness, and other martial arts. avoid tkd and karate.

On that note, how far can one go in "incorporating new techniques" until it's no longer JKD?

you can never go far enough.

I've read somewhere that "mixed martial-arts isn't JKD", which has only confused me further... I thought any technique was able to become a part of the JKD philosophy- in addition to the others that are a part of it?

it is and then it isn't

lol you kind of remind me of myself a couple of years ago. i also took karate lol what a joke.

best advice is just keep persuing martial arts.

**Alhadis** · 05-15-2003, 03:45 AM

Hey, thanks for your replies!

I'll definetely keep pursuing martial arts...

**terry** · 05-15-2003, 09:47 AM

There are several guys who live in remote areas that have gone a long ways through attending seminars. What they do is go with a training partner and then go home and train the heck out of the stuff. Some guys who have done this with a lot of dedication have gotten seriously good. Much better, in many cases, than the guys who soak up an abundance of information at weekly classes but who never "own" or live up to getting really good at the stuff.

I'm going to give you a couple of names of guys in Australia. They're more on the Thai Boxing side, which is strong in Australia, but they probably know some of the JKD people. Getting guidance to events and people locally is going to make a difference for you.

Walt Missingham
President, TBA, Australia
011-612-679-1744

Progressive Martial Arts
Corner Fox and Wilde Streets, Wynnum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Cookie Vassiliou
(07) 33962183

International Academy of Martial Arts
A.C.N. 074 557 565
P.O. Box 515, Port Adelaide
South Australia 5015
Chief Instructor:
Nino Pilla
(08) 8212 5606

Good luck,

Terry

**jkdcman** · 05-26-2003, 09:53 AM

It has been my experience that alot of qualified instructors will work a long distance training program such as private lessons, intensive personal training programs, etc. As you contact those people you might ask about those or other options to go hand in hand with your reading and seminar training. I have several factors in my life that make it difficult to get to qualified trainning facility i not impossible. As such I have been blessed to use these methods to maintain a high trainning regiment. Just a note to help.

**flashpoint** · 06-30-2003, 03:22 PM

wrestle.If you are currently a wrestler,wrestle more.If you can train at a decent boxing gym( ie,a gym where the trainer is not insane and guys don't kill each other),you can try to pick up some of the nuances of boxing which influenced Lee.If you can,watch all of the boxing,amateur wrestling,and ultimate fighting you can on TV or vid.I learn alot myself from watching ESPN boxingjust listening to Teddy Atlas's commnets on fighters and strategies.

**Thai Bri** · 06-30-2003, 05:02 PM

According to one member here (Ryu) you can also learn a great deal from videos, along as it is backed up by hard training and visiting good instructors. I reckon he's right.

**spiderchoke** · 06-30-2003, 07:01 PM

Jeet Kune Do Unlimited is a good book to get as well. It is short , but filled with photos and step by step instructions. I too have to admit it will be very difficult, if not impossible to effectively implement what information is contained in the book with out a previous knowledge or basic understanding of the movement demonstrated.

It will be necessary to attend seminars or travel great distance to spend just an hour with an accredited instructor to have him or her fine tune your movement or translate the meaning of the text for you.

Good luck!
"Every day you train is a day closer to learning more."
(Spiderchoke)

**skinny** · 07-08-2003, 09:35 AM

I recently started studying JKD at age 43 (so I'm no expert) but I have also had a hard time finding an instructor who lives close enough to me to attend classes regularly. I am in the process of searching for a good video instruction course as most of the top instructors have at least one. Here are a few web addresses you can check out:

PS I do have a freind who learned mainly through books and magazines as we were growing up in the 70's but he did have a foundation in boxing and kung fu.

Larry Hartsell/Dan Inosanto at: www.jkdassoc.com

Jerry Poteet at: www.combative solutions.com/poteet_bio.html

Burton Richardson at: www. jkdunlimited.com

Chris kent (you can search for him i beleive on amazon .com or call 800 874-5339) He has two series dynamic jjkd and jkd A-Z I have heard the second may be better

Paul Vunak at: www. fighting.net

Joe Maffie at: www. homestead.com/prosites-jmjkd/imdchandbook.html

There are also a variety of tapes available at: www.madwarehouse.com/catalog/Jeet_Kun_Do.html

and I beleive on www.bruceleecentral.com

Good Luck Mate

**Ms. J** · 07-08-2003, 02:48 PM

Lad Where in Aussi are you? you say the backwoods, but is that closer to sydeny, or mehlborn?

here is a name, i know that terry gave you a few already. cookie is a good one i have actully called cookie before looking for places to train when i am aussi for work.

the other number i will give you now is for one of my teachers there, he is trained JKD concepts but he is also a master in tatangs kali illistrisimo.

His is name is Master John Chow he is a full time professor at the melborn Un and he will be able to tell you where you can train or who with if there is anyone near you in Aussi. he also has students that are thoughout the island that might be able to train with you depending on where your located.

As far as the rest of the list, when you call John Chow ask him about the list. he knows each person on that list, as well as what there reps are and if they can be trusted as teachers. if your intending on calling Walt Messingham, Please be advised call John Chow frist he can fill you in on the teachers and what there reps are.

Master John Chow

PO Box 520, Doncaster, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3109.
Tel: (613) 9246-0426 (BH)
(613) 9840-6698 (AH)
(613) 9840 6678

Email: John.Chow@oracle.com
here is his bio as well
http://www.fate-organization.com/Bio...ios/jchow.html

NOTE: Inosanto add:

BTW for those that may not know it, Guro Dan and the inosanto acadmey have there own website. you will find as well there a full list of there global ranked teachers,

www.inosanto.com

the other thing you might do if you still dont find someone to train with is call them or email Paul at the accadmey, they might have a list of students in aussi and that list might help you find a training partner. also guro dan has a set of vidios that you can start using to train with and at least have the frist set of basic JKD concepts to practice.

Note: i will be in Aussi perhaps this up comming November to work some more on a project that has been on going now off and on with the pbs station since 99. this project intails me doing thousands of miles walkabout in the country, if you still have not found anyone by november to train under or to check your training let me know. perhaps wile i am there i can check your progress for you or help you find someone closer to you to train under.

Ms. J bows Deeply

**Paul Wilson** · 07-08-2003, 05:48 PM

Ok.

Well you properly know. But the best man too see is the second best man himself Mr Dan Inosanto. He was one of Bruce's finest students.

He now teaches all over the world JKD. Though errors may appear we will never know what the real JKD would of been. We will never know if there are errors.
We just hope the teachings of Dan Inosanto are what Bruce wanted to teach.

You can buy a video called JKD on DVD. This is suppose to be pretty good.

.................................................................................................... ...

Mr Dan Inosanto does seminars that you could attained when one comes near you.
Visit: Dan inosanto

**spiderchoke** · 07-18-2003, 11:43 AM

I own JKD on DVD, and it is good. If you can get a copy, it would be a good start.

**JKD_SUPERSTAR** · 07-23-2003, 11:59 AM

Pay no attentiont to the guy who said learning from books is impossible. Anything is possible(with common Sense) when you want it bad enough kid. I Learn from Books, but you also need to sparr. Find a sparring partner kid. Thats where your learning begans to increase kid. Now I'm gonna stopp callin you Kid.
I'm 15. If you don;t spar, you'll never know if the books helped.
Oh and you need to do endurance training, and strength training.
But DO NOT TAKE STERROIDS. GET BETTER BY NATURAL ABILITY.