Jeet Kune Do -截拳道-
～The Way of the Intercepting Fist～
What is Jeet Kune Do？
Jeet Kune Do is an empty-handed martial art founded by martial artist Bruce Lee.
In 1964, Bruce Lee experienced a no-rule fight which took a surprisingly long time for him to win. This experience motivated Bruce Lee to re-examine his own martial arts. In 1967, as a result of Bruce Lee’s continuous research and experimentation, he named his style of martial arts “Jeet Kune Do”.
To become more efficient, Bruce Lee had continually modified and evolved Jeet Kune Do with workout-partner Ted Wong until he passed away suddenly in 1973.
Jeet Kune Do has a unique technical system. The system’s foundation consists of not only Bruce Lee’s analysis of eastern techniques but also extends to his study of boxing and fencing history. Those particular structures, principles, tactics, etc., allowed Bruce Lee to draw from a great number of inspirations.
In other words, Bruce Lee pursued “the best method” to exercise two sets of arms and legs.
This style of martial arts is established based on scientific principles and applied physical laws.
This is also a non-classical martial art which is called the “Scientific Street Fighting”.
Si-Jo Bruce Lee：Founder of Jeet Kune Do
The History of Jeet Kune Do《Late 1964》
■The origin of Jeet Kune Do
·Bruce Lee held a no-rule fight with Fujian White Crane master Wong Jack Man at the Jun Fan Gun Fu Institute in Oakland.
·The fight was expected to end instantly, but it took 3 minutes because Bruce Lee’s opponent fled from place to place.
·After the fight, a doubt of traditional Wing Chun’s practicability and adequacy of physical agility and cardiorespiratory-function emerged.
·Bruce Lee then began to study martial-arts/combative-sports from all ages and countries.
Fencing that affected the Jeet Kune Do
Boxing that affected the Jeet Kune Do
The History of Jeet Kune Do《1967～1970》
■Establishment of Complete Jeet Kune Do Techniques
·Bruce Lee began to use the name “Jeet Kune Do” from July 1967.
·Further considerations of the scientific principles of fighting:
“The human body, body weight, techniques/tactics, physical laws, and philosophical principles/rules are the elements of fighting. The question is how to adopt these elements in the real live fighting most effectively and efficiently.”
·Bruce Lee then accumulated the technique experiments with Ted Wong who was both a private student and a workout/sparring partner from August 1967.
The History of Jeet Kune Do《1971～1973》
■Establishment of 90% of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do
·In 1971, Bruce Lee, who returned to Hong Kong for movie production and appearances, continued the experiments by himself. Despite being extremely busy, he trained hard to develop Jeet Kune Do further.
·Bruce Lee aimed for the highest stage of Jeet Kune Do.
It is the ultimate simplicity that boils down to only the true nature of fighting.
·By the beginning of 1973, 90% of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do was developed/established.
·On 20 July 1973, Bruce Lee passed away. Ted Wong succeeded the further development and completion of Jeet Kune Do.
The History of Jeet Kune Do《1965～1966》
■Establishment of Basic Jeet Kune Do Techniques
·Bruce Lee exchanged ideas with various martial-arts/combative-sports practitioners while gathering materials for the study.
Researched for the most effective and efficient methods which are applicable to a real fight.
(such as other styles’ principles or tactics)
·Focused attention on the principles of Fencing and Boxing.
(scientific overview, agility, tactics, etc.,)
·Integrated Fencing (long range), Boxing (middle range) and Wing Chun (close range).
※Focused maximum attention on the counter technique
“STOP Thrust” of Fencing, and put its principle and method in practice in this martial art. This later became the theory of “Jeet=Intercept”.
※At this time, “Jeet Kune Do” was not its official name.
It was just an evolved form of Jun Fan Gung Fu.
※As for the kicking techniques, by exchanging ideas with
Taekwondo master Jhoon Rhee, Taekwondo’ s techniques
have been refined and adopted.
By studying books of French Boxing “Savate”, boxing/kicking
combined techniques and footwork techniques also have
been adopted.
Si-Jo Bruce Lee＆Si-Fu Ted Wong
Si-Jo Bruce Lee＆Si-Fu Ted Wong
Then rest of the story
Ted Wong, who was the last private student and sparring partner of Bruce Lee, continued to research and train with extraordinary determination on what had been taught to him from Bruce Lee.
He mastered the last stage of Jeet Kune Do by making painstaking efforts for 15 years.
Thereafter, he held seminars worldwide to guide future generations exactly the same way Bruce Lee had taught him. Ted Wong spent his life preserving Bruce Lee’s legacy and protecting his honor.
Si-Fu Ted Wong
