CHRIS KENT
Instructor
Teaching Consultant
Author
Public Speaker
Personal Development Specialist
A SHINING BEACON OF LIGHT
Chris Kent has gained international recognition for his knowledge, leadership, and contributions in perpetuating the art, training methods, and philosophy developed by Lee, and is regarded as one of the few individuals in the world having total comprehension of all facets of Lee's martial art and philosophy including what is referred to as the “styless-style.”
Chris has been deeply immersed in Bruce Lee's martial art and philosophy for five decades and is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on Jeet Kune Do. In 1973, Chris became the youngest and final member admitted into Dan Inosanto's now fabled "Backyard JKD" group during Bruce Lee's lifetime. He studied with and assisted Inosanto for over 13 years, mastering his skills and traveling extensively both nationally and internationally while serving as Inosanto's personal assistant for seminars and public exhibitions, as well as functioning as a teaching assistant for Inosanto at his various training facilities. In 1982, Chris became one of the first students to be awarded the prestigious title of Full Instructor under Inosanto. In 1986, Chris spread his wings and stepped out on his own to pursue his own martial art endeavors and career as a professional teacher and consultant, opening the Kent Academy of Martial Art in Venice, California in 1988, and then the Kent Institute of Martial Art in Boise, Idaho in 1999.
“Chris Kent is a descendant of the Bruce Lee legacy, and an instructor whom I consider to be an unquestionable disciple who will do his part to ensure that Bruce Lee's art will not become distorted and lost in the future."
Taky Kimura
Bruce Lee's senior-most student and closest friend
A DIRECT PIPELINE TO BRUCE LEE ‘S ART AND PHILOSOPHY
Chris’ friendship and affiliation with Lee's family, personal assistants, students, and friends allows him to hold a unique position in the JKD world. While holding true to the original spirt and vision with which Bruce Lee developed the art, Chris has performed extensive research into the foundations of the art from a technical, philosophical, and spiritual perspective, as well as educating himself in the fields of exercise physiology, kinesiology, and human performance gives him a perspective no one else possesses. His commitment to continuous development and excellence over the years earned him the respect of all the first-generation JKD elite such as Dan Inosanto, Taky Kimura, Ted Wong, Richard Bustillo, and others, and made him one of the most sought-after instructors of Jeet Kune Do.
When it comes to JKD, Chris has always operated with a clear sense of purpose. Refusing to allow himself to be pigeon-holed and categorized as part of any of the various JKD camps or factions that exist in the JKD world today, Chris sees himself instead as a “link” between the various generations of JKD practitioners and as a “bridge” between the various groups.
“For four decades, Chris Kent has immersed himself in the martial arts education founded by my late husband, Bruce Lee. In addition to being highly skilled in the technical aspects of Jeet Kune Do, Chris is an excellent teacher and has a firm grasp of martial arts philosophy and its practical application."
Linda Lee Cadwell
Bruce Lee's widow
A TEACHER PAR EXCELLENCE
When Chris teaches, for him it’s something special; he is sharing a martial art training process, but he is also sharing an incredible martial legacy that has been part of his life for five decades. According to Chris, “Jeet Kune Do is experiential, and one of my main objectives is to give people what I refer to as the “JKD Experience.”
Possessing an exuberant teaching style as well as an uncanny ability to transfer knowledge to students and teachers alike, Chris is recognized as one of the best instructors in the world and has been referred to as “very-damn-special” at what he does.
Chris asserts that his teaching skills and knowledge have been honed and enhanced through his continual research and study in not only martial arts, but also in various fields of education and learning such as neuroscience, psychology, coaching, and communication.
“Chris Kent is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced Jeet Kune Do instructors in the world."
Ted Wong
Bruce Lee's close friend and last private student
“Chris Kent has an encyclopedic knowledge of JKD. He has a superb grasp of the philosophy, training methods and techniques of JKD. His depth of understanding of how these elements integrate into something organic and alive for the individual is what makes him the best of the JKD instructors out there. Everyone should train with Chris if they really want to go deep into Bruce Lee's art of JKD."
Cass Magda
Chief Instructor of the MI Association, JKD Full Instructor & Dan Inosanto's personal teaching assistant for 6 years
A TRUSTED GUIDE AND MENTOR TO STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTORS AROUND THE GLOBE
Transcending the customary straightforward role normally associated with a teacher or instructor, working as a teaching consultant/training advisor, Chris shares his knowledge and lifetime of experience to help others tap into and achieve their true potential.
Recognized for his knowledge and expertise and known as a "teacher of teachers," Chris has worked in an consultant capacity and collaborated with numerous JKD instructors and schools, assisting them with regard to such things as training protocols, teaching methodology, and training curriculum design.
While Chris tailors the material to fit the needs and desires of whomever he is working with, he affirms his primary objective as a teaching consultant/advisor is to help develop instructors who are equally passionate about JKD, and who possess the ability to convey their knowledge to the highest degree through both movement and language.
“Chris Kent is an expert in martial arts and martial arts philosophy. He is a very talented instructor and is able to teach at all levels very effectively. His passion is to share his knowledge and lifetime experiences in the mind-body connection that leads to higher levels of well-being."
Greg Smith
Principle at Strength Doctors
A VOICE OF AUTHENTICITY FOR JEET KUNE DO
A passion and desire to share authentic knowledge and insights regarding Jeet Kune Do with the public fuels Chris’ drive as a writer and author. Chris authored/co-authored four of the highest rated books on the art of Jeet Kune Do. In addition, he has both written for and appeared in countless martial art publications both nationally and internationally, including Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Martial Arts Masters, Budo International, Combat, Martial Arts Illustrated, and Bruce Lee Mania.
Chris’ latest book, "LIBERATE YOURSELF! - How To Think Like Bruce Lee" (and the companion resource workbook) take the philosophical principles underlying Jeet Kune Do out of the martial realm and into the arena of life. Considering Liberate Yourself! his magnum opus, in the book Chris shares the thought processes and mental strategies Bruce Lee used to actualize his potential in all aspects of his life, and details how individuals can apply them to their own life and achieve personal liberation.
Seeking to share his knowledge in all forms of media, Chris wrote and produced three series of training DVDs which remain the standard of the industry. He also wrote and co-produced the world's first JKD App -- Chris Kent's Jeet Kune Do -- a comprehensive video library that walks people step-by- step through the art.
%20FACE.jpg)
“Never content to blindly accept only one source of information on Jeet Kune Do, Chris Kent has spent decades researching the history, art, science and philosophy of Bruce Lee's art and studying under only the most qualified and authentic practitioners. His keen mind, coupled with his insightful and dedicated approach to training, have resulted in the cultivation of awesome physical skills, and made him one of the foremost authorities on Jeet Kune Do in the world."
John Little
World-renowned fitness authority and former Bruce Lee archivist and biographer
A CHAMPION FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Chris is not only one of the world’s foremost authorities and experts on Bruce Lee's martial art training process, but also on his philosophy of self- actualization and personal liberation.
In the realm of self-development and personal growth, Chris considers himself a “liberation catalyst” whose mission is to help people achieve liberation of body, mind, and spirit. According to Chris “I see the arc connecting potential and actualization. I see what people are capable of being and doing and help them develop practical tools and skills while guiding them and assisting them in moving from awareness to action.”
As a consultant and personal development specialist, he has condensed all his research and experience into highly effective, individualized and group coaching/training programs that have helped countless individuals from all walks of life free themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally so that they can actualize their true potential and live a rich and rewarding life.
"To this day, I can honestly step back and credit you with helping me find my way. Not just in the cage or fighting in general, but throughout my life. I'm forever indebted to you and hope to make you proud by keeping the integrity you so often exhibited selflessly. Thank you Sifu"
Sonny Michaels
(certified JKD instructor under C. Kent)
AN INSPIRING AND ENGAGING COMMUNICATOR
Whether he is in front of five people or a large corporate assemblage, martial artists or business professionals, Chris’ blend of candor, humor and originality combined his knowledge and insight earn him numerous speaking opportunities.
Chris has been a featured guest speaker on radio talk programs, podcasts, and at public events, discussing not only Bruce Lee and his art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, but also how the much broader application of the principles can enhance an individual's personal and professional life. Most recently he was a featured speaker at TEDx Youngstown “Life Happens” event on March 10th, 2023, in Ohio.
PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
MARTIAL ARTS
1975: Awarded Basic Instructor Diploma in Cabales/Serrada System of Escrima from Angel Cabales.
1976: Awarded Escrimador Certificate in Bahala Na Escrima (Grandmaster Leo Giron) by Sifu/Guro Inosanto (certified by Grandmaster Giron).
1977: Received certificate for completion of 576 hours of training in Jeet Kune Do from Sifu Inosanto.
1982: Awarded Full Instructor Certificates in The Jun Fan Martial Arts and The Filipino Martial Arts by Sifu/Guro Inosanto.
1988: Awarded Silver Glove (Technical) and Bronze Glove (Competition) in Boxe Francaise - Savate by the Federation Francaise de Boxe Francaise - Savate.
1989: Awarded "Moniteur" Degree (Teaching Credential) in Boxe Francaise - Savate by the Federation Francaise de Boxe Francaise - Savate.
WRITING/PRODUCTION
-
Co-author of "Jeet Kune Do Kickboxing."
-
Co-author of "Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do - The Textbook."
-
Author of "Jeet Kune Do From A to Z" (Vols. 1 & 2) -- Later combined as "The Encyclopedia Of Jeet Kune Do - From A to Z."
-
Author of "Jeet Kune Do Essentials" (Vols. 1-3) E-books
-
Both written for and appeared in countless martial art publications both nationally and internationally including Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Martial Art Masters, Budo International, Combat, and Martial Arts Illustrated.
-
Author of 'LIBERATE YOURSELF - How To Think Like Bruce Lee' and accompanying workbook, which detail how individuals can apply the philosophical tenets of self-actualization utilized by Bruce Lee to their own lives.
-
Wrote and produced "Dynamic JKD - The Way of the Intercepting Fist" video/dvd training series.
-
Wrote and produced "Jeet Kune Do From A to Z" video/dvd training series.
-
Wrote and produced "Jeet Kune Do Masterclass" dvd training series.
-
Wrote and produced "Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do" phone app.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-
Featured in numerous martial art books including "Jeet Kune Do Conversations," "Jeet Kune Do - The Art and Philosophy of Bruce Lee" and "Filipino Fighting Arts - Theory and Practice."
-
Co-founded and for 5 years served as a Board of Directors member of "The Bruce Lee Educational Foundation" (Now the Bruce Lee Foundation).
-
Served as a professional training consultant to members of the Hollywood entertainment indutry such as "Miami Vice" creator/producer Anthony Yerkovich, "Pink Panther" film director/producer Blake Edwards, and the Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno.
-
Voiceover for Bruce Lee's war cries and yells in Lee's film "Game of Death." (1978 version and 2021 redux version.
-
Worked as a training consultant to professional sports teams including the San Francisco 49er's.
-
Extensively involved in the field of executive security for the entertainment industry, including such events as The Golden Globe Awards and American Film Institute Special Tributes.
-
For three years served as Director of Security for Santa Monica's famed "Buffalo Club," an exclusive private supper club catering to high-profile members of Hollywood's entertainment industry.
-
Created S.A.V.E. (Safety Against Violence Education), a personal safety awareness training program which teaches personal safety and self-protection skills to women and children as well as businesses and corporations.
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT CHRIS
“I am a private student of Sifu Chris Kent. In my lifetime I have experienced dozens of teachers, trainers, professors and consultants. Few of these people measure up to Chris Kent's expertise, integrity and caring. The international martial arts community is extremely fortunate to call this man one of their own."
Ken Yahraes (MSW - retired)
“Bruce Lee's focus and dedication to the advancement of his art, both physically and philosophically, lives on undiminished in the work of my teacher, Chris Kent. His ability to clearly and practically communicate Lee's ideas stems from his extensive access to Bruce Lee's personal writings combined with his over four decade's long commitment to learning. His teaching has had a profound effect on my life."
Ann Marie Yost, MD
Neurosurgeon
“I have had the pleasure to train with many great martial artists in a variety of arts over the years. I have to say Chris is truly one of the best in the world. Chris' knowledge of self-defense, Jeet Kune Do, Kali-Escrima and self-liberation are beyond great. Chris is an extremely effective and efficient instructor. If you are dedicated to self-defense and martial arts, you owe it to yourself to take the opportunity to train with Chris."
Tracy Basterrechea,
Chief of Police at Meridian Police Department
"Master Kent was my first JKD instructor, way back when he taught at Guru Dan's (Dan Inosnato). His knowledge and technique is World class. He is a true gentleman as well."
Michael Volz
"Christopher Kent is second to none in both instruction and kindness. His understanding and passion of martial arts overall is unparalleled, and the opportunity to train with him should not be overlooked or second guessed. Christopher provides JKD in a unique way that has been lost over time and politics and sheds new light on the art and philosophy which Bruce Lee himself gave his heart and soul to."
Joseph Harrison
A shining beacon in the world of JKD. Chris's life work and passion has been to develop his knowledge and impart that knowledge. A straight talking, no-nonsense inspiration. Thanks for your continued contribution.
Howard Ford
"I highly recommend anyone to attend Sifu Chris Kent’s seminars, I’ve been every year for the last four years and I get so much from it, Sifu Chris as the knowledge and expertise like no other in JKD, he is a fantastic teacher, an amazing person in general, I could sit and listen to his stories all day long."
Amanda Wilding
"A great teacher, a man of inquisitiveness and a desire for knowledge. Not only in martial arts, but also in life."
Andy Gibney
"Very excellent and skillful training, Chris is a very great instructor."
Conrad Jeffries
"Sifu Chris Kent is one of the Titans of authentic JKD & Filipino kali/Escrima! I highly recommend CKJKD for all your martial arts, self-protection & fitness needs."
Jason Marcos Velez
"As a student of Jeet Kune Do, I've had the good fortune to meet three of the very few people in the world who have the deepest knowledge of Bruce Lee's JKD. Chris Kent is one of those few… Chris is an AMAZING and engaging instructor with just the right balance of discipline, patience and humor that commands respect and admiration. Any martial artist or aspiring martial artist should digest his many materials -- and try to get a class with him even once in a lifetime."
Rich Klein (Professional photographer)