First Night of JKD

[Dazed and Confused]

Just had my first ever JKD session and I couldn't be happier! Have finally found a style where I feel I belong! Just wanted to post some thought for others (particularly the Baron, who I see has recently started JKD also) to comment on.

Firstly, the style of teaching was excellent. I know kata have their place and I don't want to get into an argument on the merits thereof, but I really enjoyed going straight into body mechanics, fighting stance and weapons of the style straight away. for the first time I feel I've left a class with the beginnings of effective self defence.

Secondly the practical applications of everything were covered. I wasn't shown anything that wasn't related back to the dreaded "street", or to competition (one of the guys I was training with is an aspiring MMA fighter). My only reservation was that the legality of some techniques were not mentioned until I brought it up. It was only when I asked whether a strike to the throat in a particular context was really advisable from a legal point of view that it was even mentioned!

Thirdly this was all done in the spiritual, philosophical context I have been searching for. I spent time in between beating up focus pads and heavy bags discussing the body of work of Bruce Lee and Cass Magda, and how it all fitted in with what we were doing. This laid to rest a couple of my misgivings. I have read the Tao of Jeet Kune Do and couldn't see how it could be taught as one style. The simple answer is that at this school it isn't. Apparently (please correct me if I've got this wrong) Jun Fan is considered to be a style combining western boxing, wrestling and wing chun (among other things) which at this schoolare learned at the outset, with training in Silat and Kali introduced as well as some aspects of Savate and Muay Thai at the higher levels, to allow the more experienced students to form their own styles. Those who want to can supplement this with BJJ training. This has greatly put my mind at ease with the idea of studying JKD.

Finally, as a school of the Magda Institute I can train in the same syllabus wherever my travels take me.

This may sound like I'm gloating, and maybe I am! I'm just very excited that after trying many, many different schools I have found one that fits! Only minor problem is that I seem to have quite seriously hurt my thumb drilling uppercuts on a focus pad, but other than that I am delighted!

[bushido_man96]

That sounds great, man! I am glad to here that you have found where you feel that you belong.

I have read the Tao of Jeet Kune Do and couldn't see how it could be taught as one style.

On your comment here, I would say that JKD is never taught as a style, but as a set of philosophies and methods. In the book, Lee actually states that you can apply the concepts (better word) to any style that you study.

Anyhow, perhaps you won't be "Dazed and Confused" any longer!

[Bolverk]

Welcome to Jeet Kune Do. I enjoy the classes and I really like the application of what we learn.

Oh, and get used to the sore thumbs.

[bushido_man96]

I have jammed my thumb, and I think I did it punching in sparring, and I am not for sure exactly why. But boy, was it tender!!

[french fri25]

i took JKD for a little while and the school lacked the philosophy that your school seems to include. im glad you found what you were looking for. keep training!!

[Sensei Rick]

Anyhow, perhaps you won't be "Dazed and Confused" any longer!

Hey, i'm excited to see a good JKD school out there. The rep of this style needs a boost from a school like yours. Good luck!

[ps1]

Congrats!! It's always good to hear when someone finds a school they like.

[baronbvp]

Dazed and Confused, congrats and welcome! I found the same thing with JKD and am hooked for life. I found it to encompass all the training I had ever taken and my own philosophy about fighting. I also found it to be very tailored to older fighters - effectiveness, efficiency, and intelligent application of force combined with savvy about fighting situations overall. Enough brute bashing - this is a style - or non-style - that I plan to keep for life.

Even though I have had to stop formal training due to my professional schedule, the JKD mindset is with me to stay. I hope to find a JKD school in Berlin if I can find the time to train. If not - maybe I can just look in the window...

[Robert75]

b]

Welcome to the JKD family...

I offer a few words of advice to help you on your path to self discovery:

#1: Try not to get too involved in the politics that tend to lurk around the art (Original JKD camp Vs. JKD Concepts etc Vs. Functional JKD). It all has merit of some sort. Learn from each school of thought and decide for yourself.

#2: If you want to ensure that you are truly learning what is commonly accepted as JKD, always make sure you check the lineage of the instructor. There are alot of instructors out there who throw the word JKD on the end of their list of programs offered and their lineage goes straight back to Barnes and Nobles sports section. A TKD guy who read a few books or attended a seminar is not going to be able to give you what you want.

#3: Learn the difference between Self-Preservation Training and Self Perfection Training, as this will greatly enhance your understanding of how to fight and how the various drills that you are training fit into your overall fighting strategy.

#4: Don't be afraid to put on a protective gear and try out the techniques full speed and full power against a resisting opponent. This will expedite your self discovery of what techniques work for you and which ones need to be flushed.

#5: Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey.

-Robert[/b]

[baronbvp]

their lineage goes straight back to Barnes and Nobles sports section.

Classic!