Dr. Z's
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Monthly article will be featured which includes JKD training, intercepting drills and excercises, Chinese philosophies, cinematic choreography and movie production.
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Click here to view new JKD Articles:

1. Is JKD for You?

2. JKD Comparison of Techniques


Common JKD Terminology and Drills

EnEeeEEnglish - Cantonese                         English - Cantonese

Hand positioning - Sao Fa                                   To Hit - Da

Palm hand - Tan Sao                                       Fist - Kune

Resting hand - Fok Sao                          Finger Jab - Bil Jee

Wing hand - Bong Sao                   Straight punch - Jik Kune

Jerk hand - Jat Sao                Straight Blast - Jik Chon Choy

Grab hand - Lap Sao                              To Intercept - Jeet

Circle hand - Hieu Sao                         Sticky Hand - Chi Sao

Slap hand - Pak Sao                     Immobilize hand - Fon Sao

 

THE JEET KUNE DO TRAINING SCHEDULE

The backbone of JKD is the Lead Straight Punch - Jik Kune, it is:

Economy tight, non-telegraphic, explosive & utilizes reverse body mechanics.

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Economy tight: ready stance, elusive footwork and effective covering.

Non-telegraphic: simple, direct, non-recoiling with great speed.

Explosive: acelerate towards target and punch through with knock out power.

Reverse body mechanics: lead weapons launch first follow with body torque.(comparing with the conventional way of telegraph body mechanics follow with launching of rear weapons)

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Training consists of broken rhythm, auditory, isometric and kinesthetic drills making use of the focus mitts, double end speed bag, square sand bag, heavy bag and the wooden dummy.

The training of the Lead Straight Punch - Jik Kune is featured in JKD video Vol. 1A, 3 & 4

 

Focus mitts hand drills:

The aims of the focus mitt training are to improve focus, coordination and to minimize telegraphic movements.

 

Focus mitts hand drills:

1)Lead Straight Punch(Jik Kune)

- mitt stationary

- mitt stationary, trainer move

- trainer brings mitt out randomly

- trainer moves mitt away as soon as student moves

 

2)Comibination punching(Jik Chon Choy)

- mitt stationary

- mitt stationary, trainer move

- trainer brings mitt out randomly

- fix combination, trainer swings, student counters

- random combination, trainer swings, student counters

 

3)Three man drill

First man holds mitt, drops mitt as second man throws rear or front punch, third man intercepts second man's punch without making conntact. Three man rotate clockwise.

 

Article #3       The Original JKD & JKD Concepts Training Regimen:

I first started my training in the Jeet Kune Do concept class in the early 80's and simultaneously participated in the Escrima class, which I will not cover.

The JKD concepts class curriculum mainly consisted of basic stretching to music, leg lockouts, focus mitt training, football shield kicking, sparring and culminated with conditioning exercises. There were also different phases of training depending on an individuals’ level. Some of the techniques consisted of Jun Fan Kung Fu and Western boxing which made use of deflecting, the four corners as well as counter attacks. We also practiced leg locks, takedowns and ground fighting. Leg checking and destruction techniques were also applied. The Muay Thai techniques were taught later on by other instructors but was not part of the class curriculum. The class heavily emphasized on full contact sparring, using protective equipment. Some of the training equipment included: mouth guard, shin pads, finger gloves, hockey gloves, head gear, knee and elbow protectors. A typical sparring day could be a grueling workout which included: punching, kicking, trapping, grappling, ground sparring and two or more persons against one with all out sparring. Bleeding noses, broken teeth and groin kicks were not uncommon during sparring sessions, even if they were unintentional. The sparring sessions would typically end with conditioning exercises such as, solid punches to the stomach, shin kicks to the thighs, neck bridges and finger push ups. Some of the students, like myself, also competed in full contact tournaments. Nevertheless, the concept class gave one a sense of self-confidence in the use of all techniques with full contact. Some of my former concepts classmates were Jeff Imada, Paul Vunak, Cass Magda and the late Brandon Lee.

The original JKD classes were taught in a private and semi-private backyard setting. My own backyard was employed for a year in Monterey Park, California. There were no advertisements and the students as well as the visitors were a selected few. These classes were taught by first generation students, namely Sifu Herb Jackson and Sifu Ted Wong, being directly connected with Grand Master Lee. The emphases in the original JKD class were on the lead punch and the side kick. Footwork was also an important part of training. In fact, I have never studied footwork like the JKD footwork which served to break ground from danger and close tremendously with the sidekick, in a split second. It takes footwork to accomplish with perfection the Bruce Lee sidekick. We also worked on modified trappings. We worked on some of the old training equipment such as the giant kicking shield, modified wooden dummy and steel dummy. We learned to generate speed, timing and power of the lead punch, from an extended and one inch position. We learned to recognize telegraphic movements, regardless of style, intercept them with our lead hand and lead foot. We learned to keep techniques simple, effective and direct as well as chisel away the unessential body movements. We also employed broken rhythm, changing cadences and first timing. In this class we learn to “Intercept”. Subsequently, I became the first student that was certified by Sifu Ted Wong in the art of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, back in January of 1990.

I can only give you my interpretation of the different classes. The concept class taught me the different styles, techniques and offered me physical conditioning while training with a lot of individuals. The original class offered me a unique way of fighting, to “Jeet” or to “Intercept”. Both classes were valuable in helping me shape my growth as a martial artist.

Dr. Z

Article #4        A once-fluid man, cramped and distorted by the Hollywood mess

Year after year aspiring actors and actresses from around the world come to the mecca of film making seeking stardom only to endure the pain of starvation and rejection. If they wait long enough, they might get their big break. But in reality, few ever reach stardom, and most fall by the wayside. The consensus is that to succeed, you must first suffer. Sigung Bruce Lee was no exception. He was typecast, but refused to play stereotypical roles. He made sacrifices and finally became a world superstar... it was a pity he did not live long enough to enjoy the success.

Decades later, the Hollywood scene hasn't changed much. All aspiring actors still go to auditions, cattlecalls and parties, hoping to climb the ladder of fame and fortune, mesmerized by the glamorous life. Within the acting community, tight-knit circles have developed to restrict the roles to a limited few. This exclusive mentality pervades the industry from the extras all the way up to the studio heads. I've seen the lives of martial arts colleagues destroyed by the allure of starring roles and false promises. Sadly, they have missed the true spirit of the martial way, allowing the temptations of stardom to drain their inner strength and soul.

A once-fluid man, cramped and distorted by the Hollywood mess. In order to succeed in Hollywood, one must set aside all distractions and negativity. Focus on every task at hand, leaving no stone unturned... as always, private victory precedes public victory.

Dr. Z

 

Article #6        Jeet Kune Do fills the shoes

       In these highly evolved, and often volatile times in the world of martial arts, the practioner of any style eventually finds themselves at a curious, and often baffling, crossroads. During an individuals training, they find themselves questioning many principles which may not have presented themselves at the beginning of commitment to training. Unfortunately these days the idea "commitment" often involves a hefty amount of monetary investment, with the promise that a certain level of mastership will be achieved over a set lenght of time.

       "Three thousand dollars and you'll have a black belt in three to five years." To the beginner, a promise of the almost immortal feeling of having attained the rank of "elite" in any discipline is more than sufficient incentive to eagerly hand over hard earned savings to any school or gym willing to accept students. With that black belt or sash hanging in one's closet, one will not only constantly be reminded of the great achievement he or she has worked so hard for, but will have cultivated a new sense of security as well. It is that sense of security Grand Master Bruce Lee, and his lineage of students questioned, and still question today. What good is a belt, or medal, or rank, if one can not efficiently defend themselves or loved ones when the moment presents itself?

       In my personal experience with martial arts, I found myself grappling with the question during my second year of training in a striking style of traditional Kung Fu. My uncertainty was nurtured mainly from watching my own personal videotaped full contact sparring sessions. During these sessions I saw, to my dismay, many higher ranking students and even black belts pummeled by students with less experience, including myself. To me, the hierarchy and regimented structure, which most students rely upon for validation of skill, just didn't make sense. It was during this time which I found Jeet Kune Do.

       During my very first class I was introduced to fundamentals in footwork, coordination, and movement, which immediately improved my sparring. Later, philosophies of timing, interception, and fluidity, were introduced. Sensitivity, reaction, and preception drills were all intertwined during the ciriculum as I saw each individual progress at their own pace. Under the careful watch of Dr. Z, a former NCAA boxing champion, a former full contact fighter, and second generation practitioner of Jeet Kune Do, I saw my sparring scutinized and studied. Not only were the mechanical aspects of how I performed in a conflict improved, but my whole approach and philosophy of action during conflict was changed

       Jeet Kune Do practitioners are taught to engage and end a physical confrontation in the quickest way possible. It is the precursor to what is now regarded as "mixed martial arts". The four ranges of fighting, from kicking, to punching, to trapping, to grappling are all covered. Most importantly, the students are taught how to efficiently react in actual conflict, which is the essence of every martial art. After a core of techniques and fundamentals are learned, the next step is continual exploration though individual study and application. To have an authentic and qualified instructor willing to take you along that path is a privelage, and Dr. Z fills the shoes.

M. Sotto
Green Sash .

Article #7       The Jeet Kune Do Experience

       I have studied Jeet Kune Do with Dr. Z for over 3 months. I met him through a friend of mine who highly recommended Dr. Z. I knew almost nothing of JKD except that the late Bruce Lee had founded it.

       As I began the class I noticed that JKD was different from any martial art I've seen before. Dr. Z explained to me that 80 percent of JKD's fighting weapon is the lead punch and the lead leg. I asked why this was and he told me that JKD emphasized intercepting fist techniques. To be able to beat your attackers punch your counter-attack must be faster and travel the least distance possible. JKD's straight blast is one such counter-attack. JKD has given me a new confidence in my physical skill as a fighter, not only in the ring, but also in my every day life. Many martial arts have to be adapted to be used in self defense, but Dr. Z teaches many techniques that are very effective in all circumstances.

       The physical aspects of JKD is not the only reason this martial art is right for me. The philosophies of Bruce Lee and Dr. Z have given me a new aspect on life. I have never seen an instructor as didicated to his student's development in the martial arts as Dr. Z. Even during my first classes Dr. Z took me under his wing and enlightened me to every thing JKD. The senior students of Dr. Z have also influenced my development. They never hesitated to make sure my form and techniques were correct.

       I would recommend Jeet Kune Do to any one looking to study a martial art that is effective in all aspects. Dr. Z gives his students an unmatched dedication. I do not think there is anything I can do to repay him for what he has taught me.

Brandon Kissinger
Green Sash .

Article #8       Do The Right Thing

       Year after year the subject of Si-Gung Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do have hardly diminshed. There have been countless articles, videos, books and movies produced saying the same thing "Bruce is this,.....Bruce is that"
There also have been numerous imitators of his face and likeness, actors naming themselves, Bruce Li, Bruce Le, Bruce Ly, Bruce Lie,.........The Bruce Lee image has been exploited mostly by non-martial artists who are mainly doing it to make a fast buck, individuals and movie studios alike.

       It is known that Si-Gung Bruce Lee did not want to openly teach in a tangible way or to commercialize his art of Jeet Kune Do. However, the world will not let it happen.

       So what do the followers of Bruce Lee do?

       There are many controversies on the teachings of Jeet Kune Do. Some say it is only a set of ideas and so it can not be taught. Others say that it is tangible but every one's path is different. I keep my physical training and teachings as close to Si-Gung's as possible when he was alive.

       It is my opinion that in order to study and excel in the Art of Jeet Kune Do, one should follow the path of Si Gung Bruce Lee. He started studying various Kung Fu systems, namely the Wing Chun system. So studying Wing Chun is a good start, but is not the end. The end product is Jeet Kune Do, and beyond. Often Wing Chun practitioners will argue that Si-Gung was not knowledgable enough in Wing Chun but I disagree. I too have studied Wing Chun for 4 years as a teenager before embarking on the path of Jeet Kune Do. I know that he was very knowledgable in Wing Chun before founding Jeet Kune Do. He was also a Philosophy major in college. To arrive at the same place where Si Gung left off, one needs to trace closely the evolution of his martial arts development. For example, one can not be proficeint in English by studying Latin, even though English came from Latin. By the same token, one can not be proficient in Jeet Kune Do if one just studies Wing Chun, and vice versa. Si-Gung used to re-inforce this concept by saying "if you want to swim, get in the water!"

       Some of the important ingredients in Jeet Kune Do are agility, mobility, explosiveness, broken rhythm, speed, non-telegraphic executions, sticky hands, trapping and intercepting skills, which we practice daily in our classes. Some of these ingredients are also similar in Wing Chun and other styles.

       There are also many controversies around Jeet Kune Do practitioners today, part of the reason is that Jeet Kune Do is not standardized. Jeet Kune Do is freely evolving and changing. However, some evolve and change slower than others due to individual characters and attributes. For this reason few practitioners teach alike and at the same pace. My only wish is that more Jeet Kune Do practitioners would get together with the common objectives of contributing to the art and respecting the founder.

       Lots of people only talk about how great Si-Gung was, but as a dedicated martial artist, do not put Si-Gung Bruce Lee on a pedestal and worship him as a God! He was a normal human being who became extraordinary through hard work and tenacity. One need not talk so much how great Si-Gung was, but rather practice what he preached so that one can also become great. As Si-Gung use to say "Willing is not enough, One must do. Knowing is not enough, one must apply" We need to honor his teachings and philosophies through action and not just celebrate his birthdays with feasts and banquets. If JKD is to have respect from the world at large, and withstand the test of time, it must continue to forge ahead. JKD needs to be put to the test of present fighting systems, to accept challenge and defeat, continue to grow and refine to where the founder left off, and beyond.

       The way of Jeet Kune Do is in the doing, and being.

Dr. Z

Article #9 The Boxer, The Fencer, and the Jeet Kune Do Fighter

       Prior to studying Jeet Kune Do, it was my impression that the lead punching techniques came from Western Boxing. Having studied a little boxing, I had initally thought that JKD punching was the same as boxing. I now see it quite differently.

       The punching stretegy I was taught in boxing consist of using the lead hand (usually the left) to distract the opponent while setting the stage for a powerful rear punch ( from the right). The lead hand, called a jab, is tossed out lightly from the shoulder, and the fight conserves energy by not putting their full weight into the strike. The full weight and power is used only on the rear punch

       When you first come to class, it may seen like we are doing the same Western style - jab. I can assure you that is not the case. In JKD training, the lead hand strike is a power punch, accomplished through proper body mechanics. All the power and weight is behind it, one moves forward and twist the hips with the punch. It is a full body motion, more similar to Western fencing than to any other style of fighting. As in fencing, the lead hand moves forward slightly ahead of the feet, thus leading the strike just before the front foot hits the ground. This adds weight to the strike.

       Consequently, JKD punching is not Western boxing, though, to the untrained eye - it can look similar. The same is true for JKD kicking, which some might confuse with kickboxing or Muay Thai, and of JKD grappling, which could be likended to Jujitsu. Although JKD evolved from all of these different martial arts, it is something quite different - different because JKD is not a modern sport, nor an ancient tradition, but rather, as the GrandMaster puts it "Scientific street fighting" in other words, it takes, from various martial sources, elements that are useful for self defense, and disregards the rest.

       If you have studied other fighting arts, and then decide to take up JKD, the old adage of "emptying your cup" should guide you along the first steps on your new path. Unlearn and forget, for the moment, what you have been taught, and allow yourself to evolve into a different kind of fighter.

Tim Dymond
Brown Sash .

         

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