Jun Fan Martial Arts / Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Concepts
Though I am sure everyone has heard of Bruce Lee. For many, it has only been by way of his theatrical credits: Enter the Dragon, Game of Death and so on. Jeet Kune Do, the martial arts legacy that he has left behind, will live much longer than his movies.
What is Jun Fan Martial Arts / Jun Fan Gung Fu?
Lee Jun Fan was the Chinese given name of the late Bruce Lee, thus Jun Fan Martial Arts / Gung Fu. This is the base system of Jeet Kune Do. It has an established progression for learning. This system was founded by Sijo Bruce in Seattle Washington in 1964. Something that is important to note, is that techniques and concepts were “borrowed” in effort to use the strengths of other those arts to develop a well rounded practitioner. Some of the influences on this system were Wing Chun Gung Fu, Northern Praying Mantis, Southern Praying Mantis, Choy Li Fut, Eagle Claw, Western Boxing, Wrestling, Fencing, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and some of the more refined kicks of the Northern & Southern Chinese styles. The system that the concepts or techniques came from didn’t matter as long as they were effective.
Then what is JKD – Jeet Kune Do?
Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist) was formed in 1967. This new incarnation of Bruce’s research was his own personal expression of martial art. It was less about the techniques and more about the concepts that were revealed while training those arts. I have heard it described as the philosophy of “learning how to learn.” JKD examines the “ranges of combat”; Kicking, Punching, Trapping and Grappling and uses the lessons for different aspects of martial arts to be effective and efficient at each range.
One of the biggest lessons JKD teaches is to be “simple, direct and economical”. Movements are crisp, and efficient, utilizing the most direct lines and angles. JKD affords the practitioner a means by which to effectively pursue the most direct line of attack. And once an attack has been launched there are no breaks or interruptions using whatever technique seems the most effective at that time, regardless of system.
JKD will forever continue to evolve and grow as martial arts itself will always grow and innovate. As practitioners of Jeet Kune Do, our main responsibility is to train the methods of the past, while always looking toward the future to continually develop the art. Your primary goal is to use the art to discover yourself and then honestly express what you find. It has been said that, ” Jeet Kune Do can be taught, but not standardized, because each student must research what works for them.” Your expression of martial art will be essentially you. Thus, the well known JKD quote, “Research your own experience, Absorb what is useful, Reject what is useless and Add what is specifically your own.”
Credit Where Credit is Due
Many of us would never know about his art and philosophy if it weren’t for the people that have carried the torch since his premature death. Sijo only certified 3 individuals to teach his system, Taky Kimura, James Lee (1920-1972) and Dan Inosanto. Those 3 have shared this art and helped develop it to what we are seeing today.
Sifu Dan Inosanto has been a torch barer for JKD. He was Sijo Bruce’s training partner and best friend. He has carried JKD on and shared it with the world. We are thankful for his dedication to preserving Sijo Bruce’s legacy.
Guro Inosanto also shared it with the founder of MKG (Minnesota Kali Group) Rick Faye and he has developed and nurtured the MKG organization with the concepts of JKD. MKG Madison’s owner and head instructor, Joshua Prior, is a student of both Sifu Dan Inosanto and Sifu Rick Faye. So, to be clear MKG Madison is a JKD school.
What are the benefits of training Jun Fan Martial Arts / JKD Concepts?
The Jun Fan Martial Arts / JKD Concepts class sets out to expose you to training exercises and drills that will enable you to understand an opponent’s energy. Joint manipulations, traps, sweeps, strikes and an awareness of each range are the elements that favor the trained JKD practitioner. You will be able to enhance your natural attributes, such as coordination, timing, speed, endurance, strength and agility, using both classical and innovative training methods. The progression of skills in a safe, fun environment are hallmarks of the MKG Organization.