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Numerous blogs and articles have been appearing recently concerning JKD, Bruce Lee, and the practice of various sets and forms (some referred to as "classical" and some as "non-classical"). Many of them have dealt with the practice of a form known as the “Ung Moon Form” (which I wrote a short blog about awhile ago). I thought it might be helpful to post a copy of one of Sifu Dan Inosanto’s articles from a column he wrote for Inside Kung Fu magazine some time ago. In it he discusses not only Bruce’s attitude toward forms, but also his own attitude toward them. Here it is: Was Bruce Lee Anti-Form? By Dan Inosanto A misconception exists that people who study Jeet Kune Do are anti-form. Nothing could be further from the truth. They have an understanding of form, and as such, can practice a freelance version. It is like “having no form as the form.” Learning proper body mechanics is the main reason for form. Also important is learning to identify and interpret what natural body weapons are produced when doing the form. This was Bruce Lee’s philosophy in practicing the form with no form. It doesn’t mean he practiced form without form. Having “no form” is ignorance. Having “no form as the form” is transcendence. Many people ask me why Bruce Lee was anti-form, why he hated the practice of form. Let me clear this misconception once and for all. Bruce often said to me, “The lesser expression can be found in the greater, but the greater is not found in the lesser.” Simply put, form is part of your personal expression, but you personal expression is not always developed through the practice of form. Bruce was among the better forms men I’ve seen in my years in the martial arts. I saw Bruce perform classical Chinese gung fu sets with beauty, precision and power. I saw him perform sets from Choy Li Fut, Southern Praying Mantis, Northern Praying Mantis, Tai Chi Chuan, and different styles that employ kicks. Bruce Lee had an appreciation for classical forms, but separated this part from his martial art training. He felt forms should be labeled “martial arts gymnastics,” and not be included in martial arts terminology. Bruce soon dropped the practice of classical forms and replaced them with forms that were set, yet they were not set. It was more of a freelance self-expression type of shadowboxing. While Bruce practiced form, it was more of the free-expression variety, using his imagination on different types of opponents and situations. He used this practice to develop agility, balance, dexterity, economy of motion, flexibility, endurance, power, speed, imagination and mobility. It was also helpful in developing familiarization and identification of body tools and the lines they could travel. Timing, rhythm and reaction to a stimulus are often hard to develop through the use of forms. Because they all need an opponent to be effective, Bruce believed training was lost through the practice of classical forms. In the early stages of Bruce’s training, he went through forms to understand forms. I don’t think he advocated to complete denial of classical forms. However, he was trying to say that if you stay with form for the sake of form and cannot separate the practice of form from the actual reality that it will soon become a detriment to your martial art efficiency. A good martial artist should be able to separate what is used for ring combat, what is beneficial for tournament competition and what constitutes good exercise. Bruce often maintained that forms have their place. What he was trying to say, however, was that some martial arts instructors of the 1960’s placed so much emphasis on forms -- their appearance, complexities, difficulty, length and power -- they lost sight of the original purpose, which was as an aid to combat efficiency. I like Bruce’s concept of shadowboxing, which is more of a freelance version. However, sometimes there are movements like wooden dummy techniques I like to perform over and over in a set pattern. I also practice the forms from the Villabrille-Largusa system of kali which are split into two areas, a set pattern of predetermined movements, and a personal, creative freelance form against imaginary opponents. I also like to practice tai chi chuan on a daily basis. And I practice pentchak silat traditional forms. Like my Indonesian pentchak silat instructor Paul de Thouars, I feel you can fight with form if you understand the usage of form. This is a concept I stress to my JKD students. If you separate the practice of form from the reality of combat you will have no problems. The utilization of good form is paramount in any martial art as long as it brings about the most economical and proficient mechanical motion of the body in combat. This is why the movement of form should be as close as possible to reality. Form definitely has a place in martial arts training. It is beneficial if it categorizes and serves as an encyclopedia or dictionary of movements as Ed Parker often stresses in kenpo karate. The key is not to be “bound” by form. As an example, most of us in the jeet kune do family appreciate the classical forms of wu shu, even if most of us don’t physically practice these forms. The majority of jeet kune do practitioners prefer to freelance. It is not that we are anti-form, but that our form is flexible enough to suit our personal needs.” Whether you choose to practice forms with regard to your own JKD training is up to you. That is personal choice. I have no issue with it. Personally, I do not. I posted Dan's article simply in the hope that sheds a little more light for people on the way Bruce Lee actually felt about martial art forms.

A few years back I took an online test from a book entitled “Strength Finders 2.0.” The book had been given to me by my good friend Greg Smith, a noted JKD instructor, good friend, top-level business professional, and personal development coach who suggested I read it and take the test, which would reveal my five top strengths. So I took the test. At the top of the list of my strengths was “Learner.” In the book it relates the following about “Learner” -- “You love to learn. The subject matter that interests you most will be determined by your other themes and experiences, but whatever the subject, you will always be drawn to the process. The process, more than the content or result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered….” Talk about being spot on. I do love learning, but just like the book says, what I really do enjoy most is the process. I’m sure that anyone who is involved in Jeet Kune Do has read or been told at one time or another that, “Jeet Kune Do is a process, not a product…” Bruce Lee continually admonished his students to “avoid making a thing out of a process.” The reason he did this is that he knew that, as I wrote in another blog, for many martial art students, the chasing after a belt (or in the case of JKD, a particular Phase Level or Instructor certificate) oftentimes becomes more important to them than the learning process they experience as they attain it. Their focus is on the end goal they want to achieve, with the result that their attention is always pointed ahead and outside the present moment. Alan Watts, the renowned Zen scholar commented on this “destination-conscious” mentality that exists when he wrote, “If the goal of dancing were to reach a certain spot on the floor, then obviously the fastest dancer would be the best. The point of dancing is the dance itself.” “Process” refers to a continuing development involving many changes along the way, It indicates a fluid state of motion as opposed to something fixed or static. “Process-oriented” people are focused on the process they use to reach a desired outcome and are concerned with the actual performance of whatever the task is at hand. Martial art training is an on-going, evolving process, the ultimate objective being for an individual to actualize their full human potential and attain the highest levels of performance of which they are capable. This training process is fluid, adjusting as necessary to fit the individual’s personal needs. In the end, JKD training is all about “doing the work” and “developing a passion for the process.” It’s about navigating new and possibly uncharted waters as you learn about yourself. You may not know where exactly you’ll end up, but then that’s what makes it fun and exciting. Martial art training, for each of us, is a journey. How far an individual travels along their personal journey (their process) will be entirely up to them. I think that John Bunch, a member of my instructor staff, summed it up best when during one of our conversations one day he said, “JKD is like getting on a train to take a journey. Some people immediately come to the conclusion that they have boarded the wrong train and get off at the very first stop. Some ride the train for awhile and then decide they have traveled as far as they want to go and disembark, perhaps to climb aboard a train going somewhere else. And some people stay on the train until it reaches its final destination, wherever that may be.” For me, when it comes to the martial art training process, the words of Hunter S. Thompson commenting about the journey each of us take in life echo through my head, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

People have asked me why I call what I teach "Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do." My reasons are as follows: Whether you like it or not, Jeet Kune Do is now perceived as a brand of martial arts, and yes, even a ‘style.’ And “Jeet Kune Do” has become a generic term that is now broad and very non-specific. The name, as I’ve said before, now implies different things to different people (read some of my other blogs on the subject if you want more information on the matter). I made the decision to refer to what I practice and teach as Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do based upon my understanding of what I believe JKD truly is – an art, a science, and a philosophy. The name reflects a process of my own individual development and growth in JKD as well as my personal interpretation of the art. As I wrote in my blog, A Matter of Interpretation – “When it comes to teaching Jeet Kune Do, individual interpretation is all that any JKD instructor can really offer. Their personal interpretation of the art will be based upon such things as their learning, their research, their understanding, their own inclinations, their prejudices, and perhaps even their likes and dislikes as well.” What I teach is my own program, not Dan Inosanto’s, not Bruce Lee’s, or anyone else’s. It’s not separated curriculums from each of Bruce’s various schools during different stages of his personal development (although I understand that material fully and can share it with people for historical purposes). The program is built upon what I believe a person needs to know and understand JKD, and in order for someone to teach JKD the way I feel the art should be perpetuated. I don’t pigeon-hole myself and what I do into either the “Original JKD” or “JKD Concepts” factions, or any other faction. If other people attempt to label me or put me in one or the other, that’s them, not me. Why do I no longer use the name “Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do”? At the inaugural meeting of the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus (of which I was a founding member) it was decided by the group as a whole that “from this day forward to distinguish the body of technical and philosophical knowledge studied and taught by Bruce Lee from any other version of ‘jeet kune do,’ the name “Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do” should be adopted as the name of Bruce’s true art.” But this began to point down the road towards fundamentalism and dogma and the idea that if a person added anything at all to what they were doing, be it a technique or even a training method, or adjusted something to fit themselves, then they by all accounts shouldn’t be allowed to call what they do Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. But show me one person who has not added something to what they are doing, or who has not changed anything and only teaches exactly what Bruce taught and nothing else. They don't exist. Everybody has. I didn’t write this blog to promote an endless thread of discussion about the name “Jeet Kune Do” and who is doing it right or wrong. And I’ve already heard and read every quote under the sun about “JKD is just a name, please don’t fuss over it.” I wrote it simply to share with people the reason I call what I do “Chris Kent Jeet Kune Do.”

Years ago, when I first began writing martial art articles, I wanted to inform people about the true nature of Jeet Kune Do, to write cogent articles that would help people understand JKD better and/or offer them a new perspective on martial art training. While I occasionally wrote (and still write) technical articles, I didn’t want to simply write the same old articles about such things as how to throw a kick or punch, use different types of footwork, etc. I have always believed that if a certain percentage of the readers aren’t perturbed by what I write then I'm not doing my job properly. What I have found over the years is that some people simply don’t want to hear. They have “cogniostasis.” Don’t bother looking the word up in the dictionary because it’s not there. My friend, Pete Sisco, who is an expert on strength and fitness training and author of several best-selling books on the subject, coined the term himself. As many of us already know, the term “homeostasis” refers to the body’s ability to maintain biologic equilibrium or stability when conditions vary from normal. It is always seeking a state of balance. According to Pete, many people’s beliefs seem to operate in a similar manner. Tell them something that makes them uncomfortable or out of harmony with what they ‘believe’ and they’ll tend to push back against it so they can keep believing what they’re used to believing -- staying within their own normal conditions. This is what he means by cogniostasis. Cogniostasis is not ‘skepticism,” because skepticism is actually a very rigorous philosophical discipline that involves careful, objective scrutiny and the use of scientific methods. How does cogniostasis make its presence known? As a kind of “fixed” or “locked-in” thinking or perception; a refusal to look at any other sources or listen to any new or varying opinions, and reluctance or resistance to change. This can occur both in individuals and in groups of individuals. Some people (or groups) become so rigidly fixed in a belief or a set way of doing something that they ignore or refuse the opportunities for growth that change offers them. How do we counter cogniostasis? If a new thought or idea challenges something we believe, rather than immediately fighting against it, we should take the time to examine it to see if there is truth in it, and what applicability it may have for us. But we must be careful to not look at it through any lens of conditioning we might have, looking to merely support our own current view or belief or disagree with the other. We need to try and look at it clearly and without any form of prejudice or preconceived ideas. Cogniostasis can block us from new ideas, new thoughts, and new perspectives. It can prevent us from growing and moving forward. We need to maintain fluidity in our thinking as well as independence of thought and inquiry. Remember the ancient Chinese proverb, “Be not afraid of growing, be afraid only of standing still.”

Bruce Lee is looked upon as one of the greatest martial artists who ever lived, and for good reason. However, it’s interesting to note that Lee never had a belt or possessed a ranking in any martial art style or system. He never had a certificate proclaiming him to be a master or grandmaster in any martial art. Yet people from all walks of life including world champion martial artists, top Hollywood celebrities and executives, and elite professional athletes all sought him out in order to study with him. The reason for this is because they knew that not only did Bruce Lee have the knowledge, but that he could successfully apply the knowledge he had. At the time there were some high-ranked martial artists from other systems who wanted to train under Lee but were embarrassed to train under someone who didn’t hold rank in any system. This didn’t bother Lee in the least, because when it came to martial arts, he was “merit-based” as opposed to “credential-based.” In other words, Bruce Lee was interested in what people could do, not what belt they wore or what their title might be. This is the prime reason that, unlike many martial arts, colored belts or sashes don’t exist in Lee’s martial art of Jeet Kune Do. It’s not that Lee despised belts (he had many friends who held high-level belt-rankings in various arts), but that he believed that the motivation for meaningful improvement lies within the will of each individual as opposed to pursuing colored belts, which he considered merely “external accessories which were non-essential in martial art training. Lee recognized that in many cases, the “chasing after” the next belt or next sash (and in the same way the next certificate as is the case with regard to many JKD schools nowadays) often becomes more important to a martial art student than the self-knowledge and personal growth they acquire through training. We're living in a society that in many ways has become very “credential-conscious.” We now have certificates and credentials in everything under the sun from personal development to dog-walking, to combat ropes. Nowadays a person can often become a “certified” Yoga instructor, life coach, personal trainer, or whatever else you care to name by simply attending a weekend workshop or completing an online course. Some people are very credential-oriented. They collect them. For example, there are some martial artists (including people I have known over the years) who, as soon as they earn a black belt in one style or system, leave it and go to study another art. And when they earn a black belt or whatever in that, they move on again. The same goes for people in other fields. For them, as the saying goes, “the more the merrier.” In his book “Finding the Next Steve Jobs,” author Nolan Bushnell, technology pioneer, entrepreneur, and engineer, and the man who co-founded Atari Corporation, recommends that employers should not place too much emphasis on credentials, titles, etc., and stop using a college degree as the be-all-and-end-all qualification for employment. Bushnell believes that by requiring applicants to have a degree companies are missing out on a lot of talented, innovative individuals. He points out that many of the best creative people in the world did not graduate from college. Steve Jobs dropped out, as did Steve Wozniak, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Dream Works Studios David Geffen, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, haute couture designer Coco Chanel, cartoon producers William Hanna, and countless others. He goes on to say that many businesses today are discovering that while college degrees may be useful in some things, by themselves they do not guarantee the individual can successfully use and apply their classroom knowledge and actually do the work required in the actual job. In martial arts, some people want the knowledge and skill but don’t give a damn about belts or any form of ranking system. And some people may possess the knowledge and skills of a so-called black belt but don’t want to waste their time on the busywork or jump through all the hoops created by a martial art school in order to get a belt. In the same way, many creative people have a difficult time putting up with the often silly busy work that can be involved in obtaining a degree. Understand that I am not putting down martial art belts. Early in my martial art career I trained in arts in which I earned belts myself. I would never denigrate anyone who has put the time and effort into truly earning a black belt (I say ‘truly’ because there are many ‘McDojos’ and ‘McKwoons’ out there; fast-food martial arts schools where a person can get a belt simply for being there). Nor am I recommending that people avoid going to college or that we should ignore degrees. I’m simply saying that I agree with both Nolan Bushnell and Bruce Lee in that we should not allow ourselves to get too hung up on credentials. While they may be important for some things and in some aspects, they are not of paramount importance or the be-all-and-end-all. We should make it a point to not use the color of a person’s martial art belt or their educational credentials as the only criteria of their knowledge and abilities. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how many degrees a person has, it’s what they can do with the knowledge they possess. In other words, it’s not about the belt -- it’s not about a certificate or a degree. It’s about you, what you can actually do with your knowledge and skills. That’s what matters most. In the words of Bruce Lee --“It’s not about how much you know but rather how much you can apply alively that truly counts.”

Bridges are built to allow people to get to places they otherwise could not reach due to some form of geographical impediment such as a mountain chasm, a river, or a body of water, etc. They allow people to travel other places, to transport things to another place and to bring things back. Bridges are designed to increase mobility and encourage growth or expansion. Barriers, on the other hand are (in the context of this blog) are built or erected to keep people out – to disallow people who do not think the same way or do not have the same belief system from reaching or entering a location. The people inside the barrier oftentimes feel that they are safe and secure from some exterior force. But the flip-side is that barriers also prevent people from getting out and seeing and experiencing new things and differing points of view. They restrict mobility and discourage growth or expansion. As I said, bridges allow people to travel to other places and see other things. They will allow people to experience different ways of doing things, different ways of thinking, and different points of view on things. A person may choose to return to their original starting point after their visit, or they may decide to continue to travel onward. The decision is up to them. In the JKD world we need bridges rather than barriers. We should be striving to build bridges that unite or connect people rather than barriers that separate them. Bridges that lead to better understanding and better relationships within the JKD community. How can we build bridges between the various factions and groups that currently exist in the JKD world? We can do it by seeking out similarities rather than differences, by finding commonalities of thought and ideas. We can do it by inviting people to share in an aggregate vision as opposed to a single forced vision regarding JKD. We can do it by shining a light upon the original spirit of the art; a spirit that has always been there. I am an advocate for the art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. My goal since shifting the direction of my energies several years ago into serving as a ‘teaching consultant’ is to help foster positive change in the JKD world. My objective when I am teaching a seminar, workshop, or class, is simply to share knowledge which can help increase people’s understanding of JKD – to serve as a “link” between the various generations of JKD practitioners – to promote collegiality and hopefully function as a “bridge-builder” between the various JKD groups and factions that exist. What about you? Are you more interested in building bridges or making sure the barriers are secure and remain in place?

“When Bruce Lee touched your hand it was all over… he totally controlled you and dominated you … he would shut you down and tie you up… there was nothing you could do… all the time hitting you from everywhere…” These words echo in my mind whenever I think about my teacher, Dan Inosanto, relating the subject of Hand Immobilization Attack HIA) in JKD. I’d like to discuss HIA as it relates to JKD and hopefully shed some light and bring a little clarity on the subject, because it seems to me that there is a never-ending argument among people in the JKD community about it. Often, when Sifu Dan was teaching HIA in a class or on a seminar, he would put forth the questions to the students, “If the opponent you are dealing with is a really good striker, why are you going to play his game?’ He would then proceed to demonstrate how you could effectively “shut down” a striker a take his game away from him by using trapping - he would point out you’ve got to know what to do after you have immobilized the arms – otherwise you are literally jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Dan related to me personally several incidents in which Lee used HIA to totally shut down several world-class karate people who did not think trapping had any worth. According to Dan, in one case Lee took exception to noted one martial artist who said he thought trapping was silly and would not work. So Lee stood in a bai-jong position with his back to a wall, called the guy over and told the practitioner to “go… do anything you want against me." As soon as the man moved, Bruce shut him down with lightning speed, controlled his arms completely and asked, “Do you still think it won’t work?” When I began my training in JKD, the trapping actions we worked on developing were very simple and direct. There were no complex sequences; one or two motions at the most, because they designed to be effective in rapid-fire, fluid combative situations. It actually wasn’t until years down the road that more complex sequences began to make their way onto the JKD scene. Dan continually stressed that if you could not use trapping combatively then it was 'dead' and 'useless.' Trapping was taught from the nucleus (a position of touch) outwards. The reference point arm positions one starts with in training are used primarily to develop economy of movement in your trapping actions, but you have to be able to close the distance from long-range and trap, you have to learn to use trapping from unattached positions, and use trapping as both an attack and a counterattack. One of the fundamental principles regarding trapping is to develop the ability to maneuver the opponent's arms where you want them and to make the opponent give you a reaction that is to his own detriment; they may not want to, but they have no choice. In addition, trapping has to be fluidly combined with all of your other skills such as striking, locking, takedowns, etc. The tactile awareness and energy drills we practiced in conjunction with HIA were designed to enhance our trapping skills, because trapping is done by feel rather than sight. It’s based on contact reflex and related to the energy you receive from an opponent when your arms make any form of contact. You don’t have to see, you feel. For this reason we also practiced some of the trapping actions with our eyes shut at times. Trapping is not meant to be done, for wont of a better word, “nicely.” When you trap, you trap the crap out of the opponent; fast and powerful. For example, if you use a lead hand lop sao (pulling hand) against the opponent’s arm, the idea is to literally whiplash the opponent’s neck. (On a humorous note, Sifu Dan actually fixed a pinched nerve in my neck when he demonstrated a forceful lop sao on me during a seminar).Those who were on the receiving end of Lee’s trapping such as Dan, Taky Kimura, and Ted Wong, have all related to me that it was a very uncomfortable experience to say the least. According to Dan, one of the reasons Bruce Lee developed his forearms and grip strength to an incredibly high level was to enhance his HIA skills. His forearm could be used as a weapon to “crash the opponent’s real estate” and “cut through” the opponent’s own weapons –and his vice-like grip made it virtually impossible to get your arm out. Let’s be clear about one thing, it is obvious that HIA will not work in every situation or against every opponent. Keep in mind that HIA was primarily designed to deal with what are known as “block-and-hit” or “touch-and-go” systems. If, for example, an opponent such as a boxer fights with absence of touch or does not give you what you need to operate with trapping, then you need to change your game plan and switch to something else. If you cannot do that, then your trapping his now become a limitation to you. Dan stressed that while hand immobilization attack was an “essence” Lee drew from the Wing Chun system, the trapping utilized by Lee was modified and adapted by him to be used with his adjusted structure and movements, and he no longer considered it Wing Chun per se. Dan used to tell me, “Remember, JKD has the element of trapping, but you are not a Wing Chun person.” He also used to tell me, “JKD possesses the element of boxing, but you are not a boxer…it possesses the element of grappling, but you are not a wrestler.” Are you getting it, people? Lee was not, as some people purport, “returning to Wing Chun” near the end of his life. So where does all this leave trapping in the grand scheme of things in JKD? Did Bruce Lee throw trapping away, as some people like to claim? Personally, I don’t know. Nor do I care. What I do know is that the HIA skills were so firmly embedded in Lee’s neuromuscular system that he could access it any time he desired. In my opinion, if you truly know when and how to use trapping, understand its strengths and weaknesses, and can use it effectively in very alive combative situations, then it's a very useful and functional tool to have in your combative arsenal. If not, then you will be engaging in an exercise of futility and should probably direct your energy in another direction. To use Sifu Inosanto’s own analogy, “Saying trapping won’t work is like saying that punching won’t work, or that grappling won’t work.” (Note) – If you want to hear Sifu Inosanto’s own words regarding Bruce Lee and how he utilized trapping I suggest you look at his own training video series in which he discusses it in depth.It is too long to include in this blog, but it is very enlightening.

Some people have labeled Jeet Kune Do as a ‘Chinese’ martial art. Others have called it an ‘American’ martial art. Personally I believe it is a mistake to label it as either. It is not a ‘Chinese’ art, nor is it an ‘American’ art. It is neither Eastern nor Western (although there are principles and elements from both cultures in its make-up). To me, it is an international art, or better yet, a ‘global’ art. For example, when it comes to philosophy, from the Chinese and Asian mindset Bruce Lee absorbed philosophical principles of Taoism, such as the oneness of all things (symbolized by the Yin/Yang) as well as the philosophical precepts of Wu Hsin (non-fixated mind) and Wu Wei (non-interference with the natural course of things). He also drew from Confucianism as well as Zen Buddhism. In addition, he discovered much truth in the writings and words of the famed Indian philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti. From American and European philosophic tradition, Lee embraced principles of pragmatism, individualism, and, to a certain extent, empiricism in the sense of accepting as valid only things proved or established by the senses. He read and studied famed Western philosophers such as Frederick Nietzsche, Jean Paul Sartre, William James, and others. In the realm of the combative arts, from the Chinese arts Lee trained not only in the Wing Chun system of gung fu, but also investigated other Northern Gung Fu systems. In addition he also looked at other Asian arts such as Judo, Ju Jitsu, and Muay Thai.On the Western side of things, Lee investigated such combative arts as Western Fencing, Western wrestling, Russian Sambo, Western Boxing, and the French art of Savate. The information available today concerning martial arts around the world is vastly greater than that which existed in Bruce Lee’s lifetime. This is largely due to modern technology (the internet, etc.) which has dramatically increased access to knowledge on a global basis. And today, when it comes to the world of martial arts, many martial artists are crossing boundaries at will, investigating other arts and drawing various elements from them. They are taking Bruce’s comment, “I don’t care where it comes from…” attitude about learning to heart. Jeet Kune Do is an art and philosophy that does away with “nationalities” in the same manner in which it does away with “styles” and “systems,” which is by transcending or moving beyond them. I remember reading in a magazine interview that Andre Morgan, producer of Enter the Dragon, referred to Bruce Lee as “a man who walked in both worlds” with regard to the fact that he grew up in two different cultures; Chinese and American. However, Bruce’s wife, Linda, says she would just consider him a man of the world; that he belonged to the whole world. In the same way, I believe Jeet Kune Do to truly be a “global” art.

I find it amazing that fifty years after Bruce Lee’s untimely passing, arguments and wars of words still abound concerning what his art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do is all about. And maybe (at least according to the comments of some) I think too highly of myself or my own knowledge concerning the art, but I just don’t get how JKD can continue to be misunderstood by some many people. Non-stop petty squabbles over what JKD is or isn’t, what should or shouldn’t be included in JKD, or what you are allowed to do or not do as a JKD practitioner. This is one of the reasons I avoid the so-called JKD “chat rooms” like the plague. While some of them may be legitimately looking to broaden people’s awareness and understanding concerning JKD, the majority seem to be, for wont of better words, “bitching sessions” in which one person or group slags off another. I would like to offer my comments on the matter. As I have said before, I do not expect everyone to accept my opinions or agree with me. But I would like them at least think about it. Bruce Lee’s personal goal was to develop himself and actualize his full potential as a martial artist. I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but the bottom line is that he was in it for himself. I don’t think he was sitting around wondering how he could make all the other martial artists in the world better. And I don’t think this is any different from anyone really when it comes down to it. I don’t think that as a guitar player, Eric Clapton was sitting around trying to figure out how to make someone else better. He was interested in developing himself and making himself the best guitar player he could be. This isn’t being selfish, it’s being real. The fact that someone else, even one of Lee’s own students could become better by following his training principles or methods speaks for itself. Initially, and the important word here is “initially” Lee was interested in creating the ‘ultimate system’ which, according to him, at that time was chiefly comprised of Western boxing, fencing, and wing chun gung fu. In a letter to his friend and assistant instructor, Taky Kimura dated 1965, Lee wrote, “My mind is made up to start a system of my own. I mean a system of totality, embracing all but yet guided with simplicity. It will concentrate on the root of things -- rhythm, timing, distance - and embrace the five ways of attack.”In 1967, Lee christened what he was doing “Jeet Kune Do.” However, by 1970, for whatever reasons, Bruce Lee decided that martial art is a “pathless path.” Lee realized the limitations inherent in any “system” or “method” of combat, including his own beloved Jeet Kune Do. By 1971, Lee’s focus had shifted the idea of a method of “no-method”, a “style-less style, and his combative approach was predicated on total freedom for the individual practitioner The following are some quotes taken from Bruce Lee’s article entitled “Liberate Yourself From Classical Karate” published in an issue of Black Belt in 1971 which give his own opinion on the subject: “Let it be understood once and for all that I have not invented a new style, composite, or modification. I have in no way set JKD within a distinct for governed by laws that distinguish it from “this” style or “that” method. On the contrary, I hope to free my comrades from bondage to styles, patterns and doctrines” Do remember, however, that “jeet kune do” is merely a convenient name. I am not interested in the term itself; I am interested in its effect of liberation when JKD is used as a mirror for self-examination.” “There is no series of rules or classification of technique that constitutes a distinct “jeet kune do” method of fighting. JKD is not a form of special conditioning with its own rigid philosophy. It looks at combat not from a single angle, but from all possible angles. While JKD use all ways and means to serve its end, it is bound by none and therefore free. In other words, JKD possesses everything but is in itself possessed by nothing.” Therefore, any attempt to define JKD in terms of a distinct style - be it gung fu, karate, street fighting, or Bruce Lee’s martial art -- is to completely miss its meaning. Its teaching simply cannot be confined within a system. Since JKD is at once “this” and Not this”, it neither opposes nor adheres to any style” A JKD man who says JKD is exclusively JKD is simply not in with it.” JKD is merely just a name used; a boat to get across, and once across, it is to be discarded, and not carried on one’s back.” As you can see, Lee’s whole idea wasn’t to create a melting pot of different styles, his idea was to do away with styles and even the names of styles completely. Everything depends on what a person’s point of view and understanding is with regard to Jeet Kune Do, If, for example, a person views JKD simply as another of the plethora of martial arts that exist in the world today, then it is understandable that they would say such things as “I practice JKD as well as such-and-such, and also…” because to them, JKD would be nothing more than a bunch of physical techniques that some famous martial artist did at one time. If a person’s point of view is that they see JKD as an open invitation to accumulate an eclectic assortment of techniques from various arts such as boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu and Muay Thai boxing, gung fu, and whatever, then of course it would be very easy for them to perceive JKD as another form of “mixed martial arts.” JKD has often been referred to as simply a bunch of elements drawn from various sources, an eclectic mix. It’s easy to see how that perception exists and has some validity. But it is a partial truth. Yes, Lee did investigate all types of combative arts, Western, Eastern, ancient and modern; and yes, he did incorporate principles and techniques from boxing, fencing, judo, wing chun gung fu, and wrestling, etc. But that is only part of the overall equation. JKD is based on certain principles that Bruce Lee found to be universal to all human beings with two arm and two legs. For a technique or action to become part of Lee’s personal martial expression it had to fit the parameters of the fundamental principles (JKD is a principle-centered art vs. technique-centered art). This process of absorbing was not merely done by whim but given profound deliberation through research and investigation and putting material to the test. If a person considers JKD as the sole property of its originator and something that can never be changed, then the moment they make one adjustment or change, they have violated their own belief. In addition, then only the originator would be able to perform it. While there exists a “non-fixed” body of technical and philosophical knowledge which was studied and taught by Bruce Lee, clearly the essential element of JKD is that it is not a thing, rather it is an individual process of evolving to the greatest heights of self-actualization. While it is true that JKD became the personal martial expression of Bruce Lee, the amalgamation of his mind and body, it is equally true that ideally, everyone who understands JKD should end up expressing himself uniquely. That doesn’t mean completely differently than everyone else (see my article on “Becoming an Artist of Self-Expression”). Allow me to use the example given by Dan Inosanto in the article “Jeet Kune Do is Fast, Powerful, Deceptive” (Karate Illustrated): “In boxing, everyone can’t be a Marciano (world heavyweight boxing champion Rocky Marciano) because everyone doesn’t have the rugged build needed to wade in and take a punch or have the ability to give one. Not everyone can be a Muhammad Ali because they don’t have his speed or his deceptive coordination.” So, for me, what it boils down to is this. If I am following, for the want of a better word, JKD “protocol”, then I should be “find the cause of my ignorance” and correct it by investigating the roots of efficient combative motions in all elements (striking, grappling, etc.). I am also free to “absorb” what I find to be useful for me into my own structure, to incorporate it into my own personal method of self-defense and self-expression so that it becomes a part of me. But, and the this is the important point, I should not be concerned about calling what I learn from my investigations by particular names, such as Brazilian jiu jitsu, Judo, Thai boxing, etc. This is not a lack of respect for those arts. It is simply my point of view as a JKD practitioner. As I have said before, one of the first maxims concerning JKD was “If you understand it and can use it, it belongs to no one; it’s yours.” And again, I am free to use something or not use depending on the situation. That is one of the reasons I like Gene LaBell. He simply calls what he does “grappling.” No one can doubt that he is one of the most knowledgeable people in the world when it comes to the subject of grappling, but he doesn’t separate it in to a bunch of different categories and say, “This is Greco-Roman wrestling, this is Russian Sambo, this is Brazilian jiu jitsu, etc.” Conclusion It’s important to understand that the ultimate goal in JKD is not to perpetuate a martial art, but to actualize one’s own potential, not only in martial art, but in life as well. JKD becomes your own personal form of evolution. The final aim of JKD was, and still remains personal liberation. It’s not about building your “own style” or going from style to style. It’s about removing the whole notion of “style” and becoming not only a fully developed martial artist, but also a fully developed human being. It’s not an easy path and it requires a lot of research and an on-going process of self-knowledge. To me, when it comes to JKD, in the end you either get it or you don’t. You either understand what Bruce Lee was doing and see the truth that he was pointing at -- or you don’t.

When I began training in JKD in Dan Inosanto’s backyard in 1973, a great deal of emphasis was placed upon the cultivation and development of our lead side tools, both in training on equipment and also in sparring. I’m sure that most people have read Bruce Lee’s notes about the use of the lead side; that the dominant side is better coordinated, that it’s closer to the opponent therefore is faster and can be used with greater frequency, etc. But it goes further than that. It’s about the attitude one takes towards developing those lead side tools. When I asked Dan about the stress on the lead side weapons when so many other arts put the emphasis on the rear side tools (in boxing, the lead jab is used primarily as a ‘distance gauge’ or ‘probe.’ Rarely do boxers knock an opponent out with a lead straight) he explained to me that Bruce’s attitude toward developing the lead side kicking tools was, “See that guy’s rear hook ki? Well, I’m going to train my lead hook kick until it’s stronger than his rear hook kick.” It was the same with regard to the hands. “See that guy’s rear cross? Well, I’m going to train my lead straight punch until it’s stronger than his rear cross.” Then he went out and did the work necessary to achieve it. That work included developing his body and the muscles that were involved in that kick or punch to the maximum, and doing thousands of repetitions of the movement to develop the neuromuscular coordination to deliver the blow with maximum speed and power. The ultimate goal in cultivating your lead side tools is to develop the ability to literally “tear up an opponent” with those weapons. Then, if and when you want to, you can bring rear side tools into play as well. Now the opponent isn’t just concerned mainly with your rear side tools. He has to worry about your lead side inflicting great damage as well. Every lead side weapon in your arsenal should be trained from that perspective -- the side kick, hook kick, inverted hook kick, straight kick, the finger jab, the straight punch, the backfist, hook, and uppercut. Training a weapon in this way gives you options. The lead straight punch, for example, can not only be used as a probe or to set up different attacks, but it can also be used to “take the opponent out” if an opportunity presents itself or is created. The lead side tools are closer to the opponent, yes. But they can and will only be able to “tear up an opponent” if they have been developed to do so. And if that’s your goal then you need to cultivate each lead weapon with that perspective in mind. You should develop the ability to use your lead side tools while moving forward, stationary, following or while retreating, and moving laterally or circling. Finally, developing your lead side tools doesn’t mean that you should forsake the cultivation of your rear side tools. You need to develop all of the tools in your combative arsenal. What you choose to develop and when will be your choice. (NOTE) – Many people mistakenly assume that all JKD practitioners will fight in a right lead forward position. Such is not the case. There were specific reasons as to why Bruce Lee chose a right lead for himself (which I have discussed in other blogs), and some people may choose to fight from a left lead position. In either case, you should be able to fight from the opposite lead with a good level of competency should the need arise.

Take two individuals who are both learning to play the guitar. Person A takes one lesson once a week, and does nothing with the guitar the rest of the time. Person B takes a lesson, and then also spends 10-15 minutes everyday playing around on the guitar, going over what they learned in the lesson and experimenting on their own. Now putting aside individual differences, which person do you think is going to make better progress and develop their guitar-playing skills faster? The answer is obvious. The same is true with regard to martial art training. Class training combined with personal training will give you much better results than class training by itself. While taking classes will supply you with the foundations you need and provide many benefits, it is when you start to practice on your own that the real insights occur. In class, you follow the teacher’s instructions and move at the pace the teacher sets for you. And this is as it should be. When you are training on your own (or with as training partner), you move at your own pace, listening to your body and learning to focus your mind as you practice your movements, techniques, etc., This will allow you to feel, observe, and be present with all your senses, which in turn will develop your intuition about how to train. People who do not practice on their own will often simply try to fit their bodies and actions into the teacher’s instructions as if they were following orders and are mainly concerned about whether or not they are doing something “right.” People who practice on their own, on the other hand, are inquisitive about what they are learning and experiment with what they learned in class by asking themselves questions such as, “How does this feel to me?” -- “What effect is the technique or action I am practicing having on me?” -- “What effect is it having on my training partner?” Sometimes it is difficult for people who are used to taking classes to begin practicing on their own as well. The following three things can help you in this: 1) create an training attitude of “playful seriousness” and acceptance 2) approach your practice with a sense of curiosity rather than self-judgment or competitiveness 3) be creative and spontaneous To truly understand JKD and develop your skills and capacities to their highest level, in addition to training either in a group class or one-on-one with and instructor, you have to do your own homework.

An essential element in our process of personal liberation is that of seeking and discovering truth for ourselves. However, in our search, if we’re not careful and attentive, we can be susceptible to a tricky little problem known as a “confirmation bias” (also known as “confirmatory bias”), which refers to a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions, previously existing beliefs, ideals, or biases. If we fall prey to confirmation bias we pay attention to information that upholds our ideas and beliefs and ignore information that challenges them. (Example) -- For example, imagine that you hold a belief that left-handed people are more creative than right-handed people. Whenever you encounter a person that is both left-handed and creative, you place greater importance on this "evidence" supporting your already existing belief. You might even seek out "proof" that further backs up this belief, while discounting examples that do not support this idea. Confirmation biases impact not only how we gather information, but they also influence how we interpret and recall information. For example, people who support or oppose a particular issue will not only seek information that supports their beliefs, they will also interpret news stories about that issue in a way that upholds their existing ideas and remember things in a way that also reinforces these attitudes. Unfortunately, this type of bias can prevent us from looking at situations objectively, can influence the decisions we make, and can lead to poor or faulty choices. The world of politics offers a shining example of how confirmation bias works. During an election season, people affected by confirmation bias will tend to seek out positive information that paints their favored candidates in a good light while looking for information that casts the opposing candidates in a negative light. By not seeking out objective facts, interpreting information in a way that only supports their existing beliefs, and only remembering details that uphold these beliefs, they often miss or ignore important information that might have otherwise influenced their decision on which candidate to support. It’s like the person who says, “My grandfather voted Republican and my father voted Republican, so I am going to vote Republican as well,” and does so without even studying the any of the other candidate’s platforms and positions on various issues. Their attitude is basically one of, “My mind is made up already, so don’t try to confuse me with facts or evidence.” Some people look at things with their mind already made up on what they think or hope they will find. In other words, they see only what they are looking to find, what fits in with their own beliefs, etc. and they search for confirming, positive evidence that supports their belief. One sees this all the time in the world of organized religion. A person takes a particular doctrine or belief and then searches their religious texts for anything and everything that supports that doctrine or belief, deliberately avoiding, ignoring or omitting anything that conflicts with it. If our mind is already made up about something beforehand we can either fail (or refuse) to acknowledge evidence that is contrary to our belief or theory, or look at it in a highly selective and distorted fashion that explains away anything that does not correspond with our belief. Everything that does not fit will be denied or reasoned away, either consciously or subconsciously . Things such as preconceived notions, prejudices, ideology and beliefs can result in confirmation bias. Some people, for example, will automatically reject truth simply because it comes from a different religion than they belong to, or because the carrier is of a different ethnicity or part of a different social group. “To bring the mind into sharp focus and to make it alert so that it can immediately intuit truth… the mind must be emancipated from old habits, prejudices, restrictive thought processes…” - Bruce Lee Confirmation bias can be a stumbling block in our search for truth and understanding. If you are searching for truth, start with curiosity, not belief. And when you look for truth, make sure you are looking from an unbiased perspective as opposed to from a particular point of view or frame of reference, (ethnicity, nationality, religious or political affiliation, lens of conditioning, ideology, etc.) that will lead you to a “partialized” view of truth. Strive to keep any sort of confirmation bias at bay. In the words of Bruce Lee – “Above all, don’t start from a conclusion.”