JEETKUNEDO

Principles of Jeetkunedo - Guru Bee

Guru Bee with Dan Inosanto

Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is the way of the intercepting fist or kick. This is the style Bruce Lee developed as a fighting form for self-defense. JKD is not merely a hybrid martial art but an eclectic philosophy of life. JKD is a non-classical style with simple, direct, and straightforward movements and techniques. Its key features are economy of movement with maximum effect and lightning fast execution of technique.

Guru Bee with Ted Wong

The principle of JKD states that offense is the best defense. When the opponent is about to attack, one must be able to reflect the attack, much like a mirror. Here, the JKD trainee applies the principle of an intercepting fist in his attacking movement. There is no particular memorization of any form, kata or poomsae, no series of blocks, punches or kicks arranged like a choreographed dance as in other forms of martial arts. JKD espouses none of that, rather it consists of straightforward core training with an opponent. The student should be able to adapt to the changing environment of live combat, compared to which the repetition of a certain routine would be like attempting to swim on dry land.

Mixed martial arts, more popularly referred to as MMA, has become world renowned as a fighting sport. As a result, many martial arts students pursue training in various styles or ranges to become a complete fighter and prove their abilities in the cage or Octagon. Training for MMA competition now must include a well-rounded curriculum of boxing, kicking, trapping and grappling.

Cage fighting is unique among combat sports for several reasons. You must have a good knowledge of the full range of fighting styles to survive and even defeat your opponents. Anything less and you will be as helpless as a rat in the claws of a cat. When we look at the history of JKD, we can identify that the above-mentioned principles are represented in the core training techniques used, proving that JKD was well ahead of its time in the modern world of martial arts.

Guru Bee at Bruce Lee's resting place, Seattle