Today we will talk about Bruce Lee and his unusual mixed martial art Jeet Kune Do, and also continue to discuss the styles, types and types of the best and most effective martial arts in history.

And if you haven’t forgotten in the last article, we talked about the Brazilian Vale Tudo and the American MMA that came from it. And also that one of the prototypes of the best mixed style fighter is considered and in fact is the legendary Bruce Lee, and at the same time, in parallel, the creator of one of the wisest and most effective martial arts styles, but not many people know what it is innovative and interesting.

The style developed by Bruce Lee for half of his life and described in some detail by him is called "Jeet Kune Do"(Jeet Kune-Do) what does what mean in translation? "the path of the leading fist".

Jeet Kune Do Bruce Lee style

At the same time, Bruce Lee himself really called it and considered it not a separate style of martial art or martial arts, but rather method of studying and the logic of behavior during a real battle, and even attention to social life.

But at the same time, naturally, this style was initially developed specifically for the conditions of a real street fight, including with a large number of opponents and the use of weapons.

Bruce Lee himself explained his style using examples of techniques from Wushu ( Wing Chun, Tai chi and others), English boxing, Jiu Jitsu and other effective fighting styles.

Naturally, at the same time, he thoroughly reworked techniques from all these styles, basically simplifying them as much as possible, basing this on the fact that in battle, the effectiveness and simplicity of techniques are more important than their beauty.

He himself said that the simplest path is usually always the most correct, because The fewer empty movements and wasted energy, the closer to the goal.

What is the difference between Jeet Kune Do and other types of martial arts?

Most of all, Jeet Kune Do differs from the styles of other martial arts in that there are practically no straight blows hitting the enemy who is ready to repel them.

After all, it is natural that a blow will be repulsed with the least degree of probability after some kind of deceptive movement or when the enemy himself opens up while delivering his blow or attempting to deliver one.

In addition, he removed almost all hard fighting stances, because a fighter must be like water and be able to adapt on the fly to any fighting style of the enemy.

In general, Bruce cultivated the idea that the “fittest” always survives a person, and not the strongest, fastest and most agile. Although everything else will of course only help.

Although Bruce, if you look at it, did not promote martial arts at all, but more like a truly wise master tried to explain the essence of nature "Tao"(there is such a religion) and life, which cannot be explained in words, but must be felt.

Philosophy of Jeet Kune Do

The main useful skills that the Jeet Kund Do philosophy and Bruce personally offer are: the ability to adapt to any situation and environment, and the second is to learn to use what was once useful to you for other purposes and in another form. Then you can achieve success in many areas using the same correct logic and methods.

Just like in other eastern practices, a person needs to be constantly aware both in battle and in life.

After all, if there is awareness and understanding, the mind will not be distracted and inattentive, fears will not constrain the heart and body, then internal energy will be able to awaken from sleep, and you will feel the emotions and energy of others, and you yourself will feel the necessary form of movement.

Then, according to the philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, with the help of your mind, you will become like water, you will be able to adapt and make the right movements.

And the main thing in martial arts is the ability to express yourself spiritually and internal work on yourself. After all, the goal of Eastern BI is to give the student the ability to understand that he cannot be either a “winner” or a “loser” forever. Therefore, the main thing is to start learning the true essence which says that:

Bruce Lee's fighting philosophy

The enemy is not your real enemy, the real enemy is your Self.. After all, when you fight, the enemy becomes you. And in battle you confront your fears, weaknesses and your life in general.

And as Bruce Lee himself said, “ I've been in thousands of battles, so I know very well what it's like to feel like that. You know you have to win, but winning means winning yourself.” “Martial art is like a mirror you look into before washing your face. You see yourself exactly as you are.”

Unfortunately, it would take a very long time to explain this philosophy of Bruce in detail within our modest framework, but the main point is to realize that by overcoming your fears and internal problems you can defeat anyone. Well, as the sages of the east said “if you can overcome and know yourself” you will no longer have worthy opponents.

But unfortunately, it was precisely such a deep understanding of the essence of this super effective spontaneous martial art of getting ahead of the enemy at the moment, as soon as he thinks about his blow or twitches, that was available only to its creator and chief master. And in fact, just like aikido, it is more a style of one master than a fully developed martial arts style for any person.

Modern Jeet Kune Do

Although in fairness it is worth noting that this martial art, despite all this, is still one of the most effective combat systems today and has trained several excellent martial artists and is successfully taught in many countries of the CIS and the world.

The most famous master is Dan Inosanto, to whom owns the right to use this name officially, and who supplemented Jeet Kune Do with striking techniques at his discretion Muay Thai and wrestling techniques from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

And later he further improved the technique of the ancient Filipino martial art "Cali"(also called Arnis) which involves fighting with sticks, a knife or other improvised objects.

There is another more "traditional" school of Jeet Kune Do, which uses more traditional techniques instead of Filipino fighting techniques. wing chun, karate, and other Asian styles. Such schools are usually called "Zhenfan Jeet Kune Do" (Zhenfan - Bruce Lee's Chinese name given to him at birth), that is, simply translated as “Bruce Lee Jeet Kune Do”.

There is a school in Croatia Tommy Caruthers where this fighting style is studied in complexes that are given the names of the animals: Crane, Monkey, Snake, Tiger, Dragon, Leopard, Deer, Eagle, Mantis and Bear.

So if you really really want to try to study the super effective spontaneous combat system of Jeet Kune Do, which involves instinctive combat using techniques from almost any known style of martial arts, the ability to use any items for defense if they suddenly come to hand.

And of course, with Eastern philosophy worthy of the best and wisest martial arts masters, while you are not afraid of a possibly perverted understanding of its essence coming not from the greatest master himself, then you have the opportunity to train with enthusiasts who practice it in Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries and peace.

Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940, San Francisco - July 20, 1973, Hong Kong) - martial artist, American and Hong Kong film actor, as well as film director, producer and screenwriter.

He began acting in films since childhood and appeared in 36 films in total. Short in stature and not naturally athletic, he subsequently managed to achieve extraordinary speed of movement and develop phenomenal coordination, and began to have excellent control of his body.

It was he who popularized eastern martial arts in Western countries in the second half of the 20th century. He became a legend in the field of martial arts and inspired many imitators in film and television. About 30 films have been made around the world about the life and work of Bruce Lee, which claims to be an absolute record.

Books (7)

Bruce Lee's Combat School. Book 1. Self-defense techniques

Bruce Lee's Combat School. Book 2. Basic training course

Bruce Lee began his martial arts training with Wing Chun. Perhaps because in his training he almost reached the point of fanaticism, he was able to turn into a philosopher, a master of his craft and an innovator. Lee developed his own concept of martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, or 'The Way of the Leading Fist'.

This book in the series, prepared by his friend and student M. Uehara, uses photographs from Lee's personal album.

Bruce Lee's Combat School. Book 3. Improving technology

Bruce Lee began his martial arts training with Wing Chun. Perhaps because in his training he almost reached the point of fanaticism, he was able to turn into a philosopher, a master of his craft and an innovator. Lee developed his own concept of martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, or 'The Way of the Leading Fist'.

This book in the series, prepared by his friend and student M. Uehara, uses photographs from Lee's personal album.

Bruce Lee's Combat School. Book 4. Mastering techniques for the master

Bruce Lee began his martial arts training with Wing Chun. Perhaps because in his training he almost reached the point of fanaticism, he was able to turn into a philosopher, a master of his craft and an innovator. Lee developed his own concept of martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, or 'The Way of the Leading Fist'.

This book in the series, prepared by his friend and student M. Uehara, uses photographs from Lee's personal album.

Fighting technique. Higher technology

This manual is not related to the training methods of any particular type of wrestling, although Bruce Lee created his own style of kung fu, which was called Jeet Kune Do. The exercises that are described in it are useful for any athlete, but especially for those who practice martial arts.

Although this manual cannot in any way replace a real, live teacher and give you the art that Bruce Lee mastered, it will help you improve and enhance your fighting art.

The path of the leading fist

This book is the most complete collection of the creative heritage of the legendary martial arts master Bruce Lee. The style he created - Jeet Kune Do, the Way of the Leading Fist, Bruce Lee himself called - a style without style. He has absorbed all the best from different types and styles of martial arts.

The book was published in a total circulation of over 750,000 copies in 9 languages, 50 copies were published in the USA! It is addressed to all martial arts fans seeking real progress.

Reader comments

Arthur/ 11.11.2018 Bruce Lee is a legend of our time and I have been practicing according to his method all my life

Mongol/ 02/23/2018 An unsurpassed athlete to this day!

Nick/ 09/12/2017 in China he is respected as an actor who has done little to make him a god

Edward/ 07/18/2017 Bruce Lee developed his own system and called it Jeet Kune Do, he always worked ahead of the enemy, and delivered short blows, in physics it is called reactive force, the stance and movement in the stance were “borrowed” from fencing, .

Victor/ 04/15/2017 Bruce Lee is a man who does not need any praise, he proved his self-respect to the whole World and no matter what religion he was, the main thing is that he was Great

Alex/ 03/30/2017 Guys, when talking about the “philosophy of Bruce Lee,” we are talking about the philosophy of D. Krishnamurti. His favorite thinker. But Bruce’s skill is of course super!

Boogeyman/ 03.23.2017 Those who were interested in the biography of Ip Man know that the Master gave nicknames to his students. This one received the nickname “upstart” from Ip Man, so I have nothing to say about him, because Ip Man already said everything about him.

Igor/ 03/9/2017 Dagestani, Google - DIM MAK.. The art of delayed death.. Death can occur in 2 weeks, or maybe in the morning. Depending on what the task is, how the blow is delivered.. One missed blow from a monk could well cost him his life.. Even if a person is just practicing wushu, he could deliver such a blow unintentionally.. The chance is scanty, but it is there..

Igor/ 03/09/2017 edilkhanov musa. gentlemen, this is a legend and there is no need to prove it, it’s a pity that he is not a Muslim
---
only a Muslim is able to stick his religion everywhere.. there is nothing more for people to think about..

kashchey77/ 03/6/2017 Bruce was a good athlete. Still, he can be considered a master of wushu! His films were very different from that time, he showed the realism of wushu in the movies. His fighting method is really applicable in practice. Bruce practiced boxing and performed in competitions and he was not afraid to enter the ring who challenged him. His speed and strength are amazing. Eternal memory to him!

sanek/ 04/08/2016 King of Kung Fu and all martial arts

/ 02/26/2016 edilkhanov musa. gentlemen, this is a legend and there is no need to prove it, it’s a pity that he is not a Muslim

Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do is a method of effective self-defense developed by martial arts master and world-famous film actor Bruce Lee.

In Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee included the most effective techniques of various martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Taijiquan, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, English boxing, as well as the Filipino martial art - Bicolano, which is an improved style of Chinese Kung Fu .

The Jeet Kune Do technique is as unified as possible in such a way as to make the transition from one technique to another as easy as possible.

For example, the Wing Chun techniques used in Jeet Kune Do have lost the classic “solid” defensive stances, while retaining the basic sequences of attacking and counterattacking strikes, which are performed dynamically in the Bruce Lee style, with minimal effort and with the simplification of striking techniques, blocks and interceptions.

In addition, Jeet Kune Do included its own philosophy, the essence of which can be expressed in principle " survival of the fittest".

The power of Jeet Kune Do, according to the creator of the style, lies in confidence, honed skills and accurate calculations,allowing no empty movements and wasted energyachieve the goal.

Bruce Lee believed that Jeet Kune Do - The Way of the Leading Fist, this is “style without style”, which is based on ideas and principles of the Tao, Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Krishnamurti.

Bruce Lee said that Jeet Kune Do is The path leading to the heart of the item.

Jeet Kune Do - The path of self-knowledge and self-realization through understanding oneself, the world around us, through awareness of ancient Taoist principles and applying them in practice.

Bruce Lee believed that:

"You will only truly begin to understand yourself when you try to follow your own path!"

Bruce Lee's Kung Fu

You can understand the essence of the style created by Bruce Lee only by understanding the essence of the basis of this style, which undoubtedly is Kung Fu.

According to Bruce Lee - Kung Fu should not be considered as a set of physical exercises, Kung Fu is a specific art of expressing the activity of the brain through the performance of certain techniques.

It is impossible to understand the essence of Kung Fu by studying martial techniques as a scientific discipline by obtaining facts of facts and analyzing them.

You can understand the principle of Kung Fu only spontaneously, at the moment of insight that occurs in a mind freed from emotions and desires.

Taoist philosophers and Kung Fu masters call this phenomenon " Tao-spontaneity", through which the essence of all things and phenomena occurring in the Universe is manifested.

Basic principle of Kung Fu" The principle of softness“, which makes it possible to neutralize the enemy’s efforts with minimal expenditure of one’s own energy, was revealed to Bruce only after several years of hard training, as Bruce writes about in his book “The Way of the Leading Fist”:

Remembering the words of the great teacher - Grand Master Ip Man about relaxation, calmness, the need to forget about yourself and follow the movements of the enemy, so as to allow the mind to make all counterattack movements without hesitation or doubt, Bruce realized that the basis of an effective fight is the art of relaxation in any phase of the fight.

Ip Man said that:

Only by following the natural course of things and without interfering with it can you save yourself.

You cannot oppose yourself to the natural course of events, you cannot meet problems head-on, but you must take control of them by moving in contact with them.

The basis of the principle of Jeet Kune Do was Bruce's understanding and expression in practice that in order to gain control over one's actions, one must first learn to follow one's nature, and not resist it.

Kung Fu techniques are so perfect that a human life is not enough to fully understand them, much less master them and put them into practice.

But there is another way, and it is to penetrate the inner spirit of martial art, take it into your heart, so that it becomes a part of you, and you become a part of it, and then the technique will become obvious and natural.

But this path is only available if the mind is in complete harmony with the surrounding world.

Be like water...

In his book "The Way of the Leading Fist" Bruce Lee describes how he discovered the essence of Kung Fu, which later became basis of Jeet Kune Do:

After long and grueling training and meditation, Bruce went to the sea, where he again remembered his training and was overwhelmed by a feeling of dissatisfaction, which drove him crazy and hit the water with his hand with all his might.

There was no damage to the water. Then he struck again, squeezed the water with his fingers, trying to grab it and hold it in his clenched fist, but this was an impossible task. At that moment, according to Bruce himself, he understood the essence of Kung Fu.

Water is the basis of everything on earth. Water is the softest substance that can fill any form, yet water can pass through the hardest substance in the world.

"You need to be like water!"

At the moment of this revelation, a bird flew over Bruce's head, casting a shadow on the water.

And at that moment, Bruce had another insight -

"the emotions and thoughts of my opponent should flash through my mind like the reflection of a bird on the water"

It was then, according to Bruce himself, that he understood what his great teacher Ip Man meant when he said: " don't try to control your actions, learn to follow your nature and not resist it".

At this moment, as Bruce himself said, he felt oneness with Tao, and at the same time with its nature.

At that moment I felt state of mental harmony- that state in which everything that previously caused confrontation was reunited with him, and in his mind there was no longer any room for conflict, the whole world became native to him.

Basics of Jeet Kune Do

Bruce Lee called the essence of Jeet Kune Do movements " fluid continuity".

Each movement, as soon as it ends, smoothly transitions into another, which is the basis for the fact that movements are perceived as faster compared to movements of other types of martial arts.

This is especially important when interacting with an enemy, when you should not interrupt or resist the flow of the enemy’s movements, you should not stop his strength.

Instead it is necessary to follow the enemy, by directing and complementing his movements, you simply help him destroy himself.

Another important aspect of Jeet Kune Do practice, especially in the higher stages of training, is connection of imagination, or, as the ancient Kung Fu masters said - “movements of the spirit” with every physical movement, which allows you to bring almost to perfection every technique performed.

Jeet Kune Do training

The basis of the training process, according to Bruce Lee, is bringing the individual into a state of readiness for intense nervous and muscular stress in such a way that make the whole body work harmoniously.

Bruce's minimum daily training program consisted of the following exercises:

1. Stretching exercises (alternating splits).

2. Push-ups.

3. Running in place.

4. Shoulder rotation.

5. High kicks.

b. Deep knee bends.

7. Side kicks.

8. Rotations in squats - straightening.

9. Bends and rotations of the lower back.

10. Keeping your legs suspended and swinging.

11. Bend forward.

Bruce Lee called the basis of Jeet Kune Do technique coordination, accuracy, power, endurance and balance.

Coordination

Coordination training in Jeet Kune Do is more than just muscle training. Development of coordination is a practice that involves the process of forming connections in the nervous system. At the same time, each action performed strengthens the established connections and makes the next execution easier and more prepared.

Accuracy

Developing precision is based on improving control over your body movements. Ultimately, these movements must be performed with minimal force and tension while still achieving the desired result.

To develop accuracy, a significant number of exercises are required, performed with maximum care, and only after the technique has been fully mastered and polished should strength and speed be added to it.

Power

The increase in power is facilitated by the precision of the blows, which must come from the torso, which must have enough stability to maintain balance during the action. At the same time, a powerful fighter, according to Bruce, is not a strong fighter, but one who can show his strength quickly.

Power is force multiplied by speed. Increasing power invariably requires learning to make quick movements, combining all the individual movements into a single whole, directing nerve impulses to the working muscles, while simultaneously reducing impulses directed to the antagonist muscles.

Endurance

The development of endurance is achieved through heavy and prolonged exercise that exceeds the normal physiological state, and significant stress must be placed on both the respiratory and muscular systems.

According to Bruce, the best form of training endurance is participation in fights, while the importance of other forms of endurance training, such as running and shadowboxing, should not be reduced.

Equilibrium

The secret of balance, according to Bruce, is maintaining the correct body position, the basis of which is the correct stance.

The legs should be kept directly under the body, at an average distance from each other, the weight should be either distributed evenly on both legs, or (as in English boxing) slightly forward on the leading one.

This position allows you to achieve relaxation, speed and ease of movement, as well as, if necessary, colossal power.

When choosing a position in the rack, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. Lower the center of gravity.

2. Keep your base shoulder-width apart.

3. Keep your weight on the balls of your toes.

4. Keep your knees slightly bent, even while running. The center of gravity should be moved with light and quick movements.

Harmonious interaction between body and spirit

Bruce Lee considered the most important element of Jeet Kune Do to be the harmonious interaction of body and spirit, to achieve which the master recommended adhering to the following rules:

Jeet Kune Do(literally - “the path of the leading fist”) was conceived by Bruce Lee in 1967. Unlike many other martial arts, Jeet Kune Do (JKD) does not have a strictly defined set of rules unique to this style, nor a set of techniques that would be characteristic only of JKD. He is independent, he is free. Having absorbed the spirit of all martial arts, this style has not become a prisoner of any of them. To those who understand the essence of DKD, it gives the power of liberation, becoming a mirror of their self-knowledge.

Many tried to describe DKD as an original style using familiar terms: it was called “Bruce Lee’s kung fu”, and “Bruce Lee’s karate”, and “Bruce Lee’s kickboxing”, and “Bruce Lee’s street fighting system”... Attempts to bring together DKD to “the martial art of Bruce Lee” show a complete misunderstanding of the essence of this style and what guided its creator. The DKD concept simply cannot be revised within the framework of one system. To understand this, the student of martial arts must be able to rise above the pros and cons, realizing that at some level they are in fact indistinguishable from each other. Understanding DKD is an intuitive comprehension of this unity. Bruce Lee said that knowledge of martial arts ultimately means self-knowledge.

Jeet Kune Do is not a new style of kung fu or karate, nor is it a modified old one given a new name. Bruce Lee did not invent or create a new style. He saw his task as freeing his followers from blind dependence on any style, any models or systems.

Jeet Kune Do, being merely a mirror that reflects back to its students, is the key to the correct approach to JKD training, but as Lee noted, “creating a method of fighting is like pouring a pound of water into wrapping paper and trying to mold it.” In essence, many perceive DKD as a composite style of martial art due to its versatility and effectiveness. At some point, the fight of DKD masters may resemble Thai boxing or Wing Chun, wrestling or karate. Some fighting techniques are reminiscent of Filipino eskrima and kali, while at close range JKD is similar to northern Chinese kung fu or sawat.

Jeet Kune Do is a style and not a style. We can say that it is as detached from existing combat systems as it is internally connected to them. Since DKD does not synthesize all the methods and techniques used into a single style, some believe that it is neutral, “amorphous”. Again, this is both true and false regarding DKD.

A good practicing DKD fighter is guided in battle only by the prompting of his own intuition. According to Lee's concept, the fighting style should not be like science, whose principles and laws cannot be violated anywhere and never. There are always differences between the personalities of fighters, their levels of physical and spiritual preparation, training, ability to navigate the environment, their likes and dislikes. According to Bruce, just as the truth is “a road without direction,” the DDC is not an organization or a society that one can join. “Either you understand or you don’t—and that’s all,” he said.

When Bruce taught the Chinese system of kung fu (this was shortly after his arrival in the United States), he used generally accepted systems. Lee said that someone for whom the number of students is important could go the route of creating a school or organization, but for himself he does not see the need for this. In such schools, with an ever-increasing number of students, strictly enclosed sets of mandatory rules would be established, replacing individual work with students. As a result, most students would be forced into a strictly defined system and their level of mastery would be too dependent on systematic training.

That is why Lee considered it advisable to teach only a few students at a time. Such a method would require constant monitoring of each student by the teacher, so as not to lose the “teacher-student” connection. As Lee often said, "A good teacher is like an arrow pointing to the truth. Knowing the weak points of the student, the teacher encourages him to external and internal self-examination, so that ultimately the student can achieve inner perfection."

Martial arts (like life itself) exist in a flow, in movement, constantly changing. Staying on top of these changes is very important. And ultimately, the JKD fighter who says that JKD is just a martial art does not really feel the inner essence of it. He is still afraid to enter it, to merge with it, trying to hold on to rote patterns and techniques, he is a prisoner of his own limitations. Such a person is unable to recognize the simple fact that truth exists beyond all ideas or patterns. The search for truth cannot end. “Jeet Kune Do is just a name, just a boat on which you can cross the river. On the other side it is useless, and you shouldn’t carry it further on your own back,” said Bruce.

In 1981, JKD was taught in only three places: the Kali Philippine Academy in Torrance, California, Charlotte, North Carolina (where Larry Hartsell taught a select few), and Seattle, Washington, under the direction of Taki Kimura. DKD is studied most comprehensively in Torrance, at the school run by Richard Bustillo and myself. Teaching is conducted on the basis that the student of DKD should gain experience in other martial arts. For example, in Phase 1 and 2 classes at the Philippine Cali Academy, students learn Western boxing and Bruce Lee Yun Fan kickboxing.

I strongly believe that students should not only learn the technique, but also have a variety of experiences. In other words, a karate fighter who has never boxed must spar with a boxer. What he gets from this experience depends only on him. According to Bruce Lee, the teacher does not give ready-made truth, he only gives direction to the truth, which each student must find for himself.

This is the main idea that Lee wanted to convey to his students: above all, each student must find his own path to the truth. He never hesitated to say: “Your truth is not my truth, my truth is not yours.”

Bruce had no "general methodology", only a set of guiding principles to help guide the student to mastery. Using training equipment and a systematic approach, the student could develop speed, strength, coordination, timing, endurance, footwork, and distance.

But Jeet Kune Do was not an end in itself for Bruce. It is simply a by-product of his own martial arts training, his own means of self-discovery. DKD was the basis for the growth of his personal skill, his personal comprehension of inner freedom, allowing him to act in the only way expedient and effective not only in battle, but also in life. We take from life what is useful, discard what is useless, forming and enriching our unique life experience. Bruce Lee always encouraged his followers to study judo, jujutsu, aikido, Western boxing, he advised them to explore Chinese systems of self-development like Wing Chun, add to their experience the elements of kali, eskrima, arnis, the characteristics of pencak silat, Thai boxing, savat. He wanted the student to understand for himself the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

No art can be higher or lower than any other. This is the objective experience of Jeet Kune Do: to be free from attachments, to be free in battle to use “no style” as a style, “no path” as a path, so that the only limitation is the absence of any limitations. Not style, and not “not style” - this is Jeet Kune Do.

Speaking from a Zen point of view, "there cannot be anything better or worse in a spring landscape. Some flowering branches grow longer, others shorter."

Unique and effective Jeet Kune Do system(Chinese - “the way of the leading fist”) was proposed in 1967 by the master and popularizer of martial arts in cinema, Bruce Lee. This style of martial arts is not characterized by either a strict set of rules or a specific set of techniques.

The founder himself called Jeet Kune Do not a “style” of martial arts, but a “method”, since, according to the philosophy of Bruce Lee, this method can be used in any type of martial arts.

Video: “Golden Dragon” - Jeet Kune Do, lesson one

According to Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do was not a new style of karate or Kung Fu and not a modified old one that was given a new name. Bruce Lee saw his task only as freeing his followers from blind dependence on any style, any systems or models. He decided to create this method after professionally mastering Wing Chun, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu and boxing, combining all the elements of these styles. There are almost no straight punches in Jeet Kune Do. When attacking, blows are delivered only after making a feint movement or after a counterattack.

The speed of Bruce Lee's punches did not allow them to be filmed, so during filming he deliberately punched slower

Bruce Lee(real name Li Jan Feng) was born on November 27, 1940 in San Francisco, California, into the family of an actress and opera singer. He first appeared in a film at the age of three months. At the age of 6 he played the main role in the film “The Origin of Humanity.” He lived most of his life in Hong Kong. Graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in philosophy. There he met his future wife Linda Emery. In 1965, his son was born. He created his own martial arts school, where he trained his students, which he later called “Jeet Kune Do.” Throughout his life he actively acted in films and by the end of 1972 he became a cinema star. He founded his own film company and managed to release his first film, “The Way of the Dragon.” But just one month before the film's premiere, Bruce Lee died suddenly at the age of 32 from cerebral edema.

Sparring in Jeet Kune Do

When teaching at his own school, Bruce Lee considered it advisable to teach only a few students at a time. This method made it possible to constantly monitor each student so as not to lose the connection between the teacher and the student and help develop their internal abilities. He also believed that a true Jeet Kune Do fighter is one who understands the essence of this method, and only such people will be able to comprehend the power of liberation, thereby becoming a mirror of self-knowledge. The best practicing fighter should always be guided in battle only by his own intuition. According to Lee's teachings, fighting style should never be similar to science, in which there are strict laws and principles that can never be violated. Among fighters, there are always differences between their personalities, their levels of training, physical and mental fitness, ability to navigate any environment, and their likes and dislikes.

Bruce Lee with his young son Brandon Lee 25 years before his death

Jeet Kune Do was originally intended for successful self-defense in street fights. The fighting techniques of this method include English and Filipino boxing, as well as such styles of martial arts as Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, Tai Chi with a generalized use of all techniques, but with their own specific specifics. For example, from a Kung Fu fight, Bruce Lee removed all standard responses and counterattacks, as well as “solid” defensive stances, but retained all blocks and interceptions, striking techniques, only with their simplified use.

Young Jeet Kune Do fighters at the Tula Open Championship

Bruce Lee did not have a general teaching methodology, he used only guiding principles that would help him guide the student to the highest level of excellence. By consistently using sports equipment and a personalized approach during training, the student was able to develop punching power, speed, coordination, as well as footwork and strong endurance. Jeet Kune Do was not Bruce's end goal. This method was a by-product of his personal martial arts training and served as the basis for increasing the level of skill. In the 80s Jeet Kune Do was taught in only three institutions: the Philippine Academy in Cali, Torrance, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Seattle, Washington.

Submission to the Jeet Kune Do belt in Russia, 2013

The most complete training was conducted at the Philippine Academy, where in addition to studying Jeet Kune Do, students also gained experience in other martial arts: Western boxing, kickboxing, judo, etc. Now this method is popular all over the world thanks to Bruce Lee's student Dan Inosanto. He is the successor of Bruce Lee's idea at the Academy of Martial Arts of the Philippines - Cali, where during a fight one or two wooden sticks, a knife or some other object that happens to be at hand are used. Other schools of Jeet Kune Do do not use Filipino techniques, but use techniques from karate, Wing Chun, Kung Fu and many other styles. The program for studying the Jeet Kune Do method includes 10 training and the same number of combat complexes, as well as various tests to determine and improve the strength and frequency of blows, speed, breaking various objects, fights with one or several opponents.