Will the "real" Jeet Kune Do please stand up?

Jeet Kune Do in Chinese Characters

Jeet Kune Do was the name Bruce Lee gave to his martial art.  The English translation of Jeet Kune Do is "The Way of the Intercepting Fist." Lee developed Jeet Kune Do after years of training, studying, and observation.  His magnum opus on his martial art is the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do."

There are two versions of Jeet Kune Do taught today.  One is called "Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do" (Ted Wong lineage) and the other is called "Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts" (Dan Inosanto lineage).   Of the two versions taught, "Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts" is by far the most widely-practiced.  However, the family of Bruce Lee endorses the "Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do" version.  This blog highlights the main differences between the two versions of Jeet Kune Do ("JKD").

Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do 

Ted Wong and Teri Tom

Jun Fan JKD is based on techniques taught directly by Bruce Lee during the latter stages of his life.  It is primarily a stand-up, striking art.  It is heavily influenced by Western Boxing and Fencing. While there is Wing Chun trapping in this version of JKD, there are no forms or Chi Sao.  In addition, there is very little emphasis on grappling.

One of the main characteristics of this version of JKD is that you always fight in a stance with your dominant hand forward.  Therefore, a right-handed person would fight from a southpaw stance.  This is opposite of Western Boxing, but consistent with Fencing.

Priority is given to the use of stop-hits (punches or kicks) to intercept attacks.  The concept of intercepting attacks using stop-hits is based on Fencing strategy.  The straight lead punch is the foundational strike in this version of JKD.  The straight lead is not a boxing jab, but a power shot delivered with a vertical fist.  For a typical boxing jab, you step and punch simultaneously.  However, for the straight lead, the punch lands before the lead foot touches the ground.  It is a momentum-driven punch that is somewhat analogous to a fencer's lunge. The punch is used offensively or as a stop-hit.  One of the primary kicks in this version of JKD is the side kick.  It is used offensively or as a stop-kick. When used as a stop-kick, the side kick is usually aimed low to your opponent's lead knee.

The curriculum is fairly compact with a focus on repetition and intense training of techniques taught directly by Bruce Lee.  Full-contact sparring is often used during training.  Simplicity is the mantra for this version of JKD.  A good source on this version of JKD is Teri Tom's book "Jeet Kune Do:  The Arsenal of Self-Expression."

Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts

Dan Inosanto

Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD Concepts is a martial art with two parts.  "Jun Fan Gung Fu" represents the physical component of the art, while "JKD Concepts" is the philosophical component.  This version of JKD holds true to Bruce Lee's original teachings, but includes modifications and enhancements.

The curriculum for the Jun Fan Gung Fu component is designed to give practitioners a basic foundation on how to fight in the various ranges of combat, i.e., kicking range, punching range (Boxing), trapping range (Wing Chun), and grappling range (Take-downs/Submissions).  The curriculum may include striking techniques from Muay Thai and/or take-downs from Silat.  In addition, concepts from Filipino Martial Arts, such as fighting from both leads, may be incorporated into this version of JKD.

The philosophical component of the art, JKD Concepts, makes it customizable to individuals.  Each practitioner is free to use whatever techniques work for them after learning the physical component of the art, i.e., Jun Fan Gung Fu.  This flexibility and adaptability is a distinguishing characteristic of this version of JKD.  A practitioner can derive their own personal expression of JKD.  A good source on this version of JKD is Dan Inosanto's book "Jeet Kune Do:  The Art & Philosophy of Bruce Lee."

Final Thoughts

Since Sijo (founder) Bruce Lee is no longer with us, we will never know what direction he would have taken JKD.  There are some martial arts styles that have changed significantly since their creation.  On the other hand, there are many martial arts styles that have remained essentially the same for decades.  It is impossible to know if Lee would have changed JKD or kept it the same.  Therefore, I do not take sides in the "Jun Fan JKD" versus "Jun Fan Gung Fu/JKD Concepts" debate.  My goal is simply to learn as much as I can from both versions of Bruce Lee's incredible martial art.