searched and experimented with other forms of combat. As a result, the
techniques typically performed in JKD are simple, direct, and nonclassical.
The primary sources for Lee’s art are from three disciplines: “I’m hav-
ing a gung fu system drawn up—this system is a combination of chiefly
Wing Chun, fencing and boxing” (Little 1998b, 60). On the other hand,
Jeet Kune Do was not simply a combination of all three. Bruce Lee did not
fight like a typical boxer, fencer, or yongchun (wing chun) fighter. He tran-
scended these foundations and made the fusion naturally fit his way of
fighting. Furthermore, there are only a few techniques in the basic JKD ar-
senal. Since a large number of techniques only serve to confuse and clog up
the mind, the JKD man learns to fully utilize a small, functional arsenal by
adapting it to any situation.
Scientific street fightingis a term Lee informally used to describe his art.
By applying sciences like physics, kinesiology, and psychology (to name a
few), he was able to develop his legendary fighting skill. Bruce Lee said that
Jeet Kune Do was a devastating combination of speed, power, and broken
rhythm. Although one understands why speed and power are important to
combat, broken rhythm is not as obvious. Instead of always performing tech-
niques fluidly, the seasoned fighter uses broken rhythm to throw off his op-
ponent. (In the same way, clumsy and uncoordinated students may beat those
with more experience because of the inherent unpredictability of their awk-
ward rhythm.) Thus JKD is geared to prepare the student for all-out combat.
Realistic Training
Bruce Lee emphasized hard physical training in Jeet Kune Do. He was one
of the first martial artists to utilize training from various physical disciplines
(cross-training, if you will) to enhance his skill. Since he found boxing to be
practical, Lee used a lot of the training from it. And he trained like a pro-
fessional prizefighter, working out from four to eight hours a day. In addi-
tion, his regime was prototypical for many of the best athletes today: run-
ning, weight training, calisthenics, isometrics, flexibility, and so on. He was
always willing to try something new to improve himself.
More importantly, Bruce Lee advocated heavy doses of realism in his
training. Since he wanted his students to cultivate their strikes and kick for
function, they would not pull their punches and kicks or strike into the air
(as in kata training). Instead, Lee had them actually hitting targets (heavy
bag, focus mitts, kicking shield) with full power and speed when practic-
ing. Lee believed that if one pulled his punches in practice, that was the way
one would punch for real.
To further increase realism in sparring, Lee advocated the use of safety
equipment (gloves, headgear, shin pads, chest protector) so his students
could go all-out. This approach was to prepare them to hit and be hit, so
Jeet Kune Do 205