What is Jeet Kune Do?

The Philosophy of JKD

Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is more than just a martial art—it's a philosophy of combat and personal expression created by Bruce Lee. At its core, JKD represents the constant evolution of the martial artist, emphasizing adaptability, efficiency, and individual development over rigid adherence to traditional forms.

"Creating is active, not finished. Evolving: refining into something more efficient, direct."

Bruce Lee challenged the traditional notion of martial arts styles, emphasizing that true combat effectiveness comes from understanding universal principles rather than memorizing specific techniques. JKD practitioners are encouraged to discover their own path while maintaining the core principles of efficiency and directness.

Contrary to some perspectives, Jeet Kune Do is not simply adding techniques you like from other systems, mixing them into your own, and then calling it JKD.

Jeet Kune Do, as put forth by Bruce Lee, was his personal growth and expression in the combative arts based on his own research and development.

It was his effort to achieve his most truthful, relevant, physical expression in combat.

It was a living process of paring down—not adding—of techniques and methodologies for training for function.

This meant he had to get rid of those things that were an impediment to this goal—including systems and the dogma associated with them.

Generally, there were two versions of Bruce Lee the world saw. One was his Hollywood presentation. The other was his deep involvement as an innovator in the philosophy of training and fighting.

He had the double-edged sword of presenting to a large audience flashy techniques and movements that he personally understood were not, perhaps, practical in fighting encounters.

The theatrical versions of Bruce Lee led some to take his personal development as a martial arts innovator less seriously.

But there were others who did understand his greater depth and bold genius. And, for the most part, his legacy in this area continues. Thanks to the efforts of people like Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee’s spirit lives.

Core Principles

Key Aspects of JKD:

Simplicity and Directness
Economy of Motion
Non-Classical Approach
Adaptability to Change
Personal Expression

The misconception that JKD is defined by a specific set of techniques misses the point entirely. As Bruce Lee emphasized, JKD is about honest self-expression in combat, adapting and evolving based on what works best for the individual in any given situation.

Beyond Style

JKD transcends the conventional notion of style, focusing instead on optimum functionality against resistance. It's not about mimicking Bruce Lee's techniques, but about understanding and applying the principles he discovered through his research and experience.

"Man, the living creature, the creating individual, is always more important than any established style or system." - Bruce Lee

Whether through traditional JKD or Core JKD, the goal remains the same: to develop effective, adaptable martial artists who can express themselves honestly in combat while continuing to grow and evolve in their training.

Evolution Through Core JKD

Core JKD continues an evolutionary process by providing a methodology for training individuals to defend themselves effectively. It maintains emphasis on functionality while offering a structured approach to skill development and elevation.

Core JKD's Implementation:

Focus on universal principles of combat
Adaptation to individual attributes
Integration of various ranges and weapons
Emphasis on practical application
Progressive skill development

"Core JKD helps practitioners reach their full potential in expressing themselves in that moment-to-moment flow of survival against threats."