JKD Concepts / R.A.T.
We adhere closely to the original JKD method, aka Jun Fan Gung Fu (Seattle School circa 1963), we focus on and express Jeet Kune Do's concepts (see below) utilizing Ip Man's Wing Chun. But we won't say we teach Jun Fan JKD, as Jun Fan is Bruce Lee's Cantonese name, because it was Bruce Lee's personal honest expression of the principles and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do.
​In all honesty Jeet Kune Do is not a formalized style. Rather, it is a philosophy/framework that is meant to be applied by the individual to gain martial self-expression and core principles of Jeet Kune Do that were expounded to us by its founder the late great Bruce Lee.
It is under this concept that JKD was never meant to be a static art but rather an ongoing personal evolution.
Train with us you will soon find out that we never use the words "must" or "have to". The concepts that are utilized for self-defense are meant to flow and thus be totally dynamic in approach. And the words "must" or "have to" are static in nature; which are in effect the very antithesis of the reality of an actual physical altercation.
The Core:
Simplicity - doing only what is necessary to complete a task as quickly and efficiently as possible. "Jeet Kune Do does not beat around the bush. It does not take winding detours. It follows a straight line to the objective. Simplicity is the shortest distance between two points." - Bruce Lee -
Directness- to follow the shortest and safest possible route to an opponent, typically a straight line, using non-telegraphic motions and attempting to do maximum damage. Also, it states that one should use his longest weapon, typically the lead hand or leg, versus the opponent's nearest target on his body.
Non-Classical- all techniques are designed to be delivered in a practical manner, unlike many of the fancy and flashy techniques that are often taught in traditional martial arts schools. Likewise, one should use adaptation (flow) & intuitive spontaneity over conscious thought when fighting.
The Process:
Partiality- "Sharpening the Tool", here the student learns the fundamentals of both form and structure. IE: Sil Lum Tao, Mook Jong, Trapping Progressions, Don Chi Sao etc...
Fluidity - "Utilizing the Tool", here the student actual works the tool which he had previously been sharpening. ie: Sparring, Progressively Resistant Partner Training, etc...
Emptiness - "Dissolving the Tool", here the student has surpassed the limitations of the previously learned forms and actually becomes truly formless. This is the highest goal of a Jeet Kune Do practitioner.
Five Ways of Attack:
SDA = Single Direct Attack - SDA is a single attack(Punch or Kick) which moves directly to the target using the most economical route possible.
HIA/FIA = Hand Immobilization Attack/Foot Immobilization Attack -HIA utilizes trapping to remove "obstructions" from our line of attack and parrying in such a way as to limit the opponent's action/reaction so that we can maintain control of the fight. FIA utilizes constant leg pressure with the aim of hindering the opponent's footwork and effectively immobilizing him in place.
ABC = Attack by Combination - ABC utilizes multiple rapid attacks as a means of overcoming the opponent and con-firing maximum damage.
PIA = Progressive Indirect Attack - Related to ABC but instead one starts by attacking a particular location on the opponent's body followed by attacking a different location as a means to create an opening.
ABD = Attack by Drawing - ABD is by far the hardest of all five ways to employ safely and efficiently. ABD is employed to "draw" (bait) the opponent into a committed attack into what looks like an exposed target then "intercept" his motion.
Economy of Motion:
Simultaneous Defense & Offense - Borrowed from the Wing Chun system is the method of utilizing defense and offense simultaneously. The defense can either be a block or a parry. Blocking is stopping the incoming attack with force on force (Yang vs Yang). Parrying on the other hand uses yielding motions as to dissolve the attack away (Yin vs Yang). Utilizing simultaneous defense and offense helps speed up our combat speed into half beats and we aren't looking into engaging our opponent in a tit-for-tat exchange.
Interception - The highest ideal in Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist) is the concept of "interception". The theory is that blocking or even parrying is a wasted movement if one can "intercept" an opponent's attack before it even poses a threat. In this sense your attack will both serve as a means of defense and offense. Both the "Stop Hit/Stop Kick" as well as "Cutting" an opponent's tool with sliding leverage are useful means for accomplishing interception.
Low Line Kicks - Again borrowed from the Wing Chun system is the basic theory that all kicks should be aimed at the opponent's waste or lower. On the whole low, line kicks are very hard to perceive; especially by an opponent whose focus is too high.
Immovable Elbow Theory - Again borrowed from the Wing Chun system, the elbows are to be placed a fist distance away from the ribs. Most of the blocks and parries performed by the arms are to be made without moving the elbow from its location; this can be done using elbow as a hinge. Besides serving economy of motion it also serves to keep some of the gates closed during movement.
Centerline Theory:
Centerline Theory- Borrowed from the Wing Chun system the theory states that one should maintain the structural integrity of their centerline (an imaginary line running vertically down the center of one's body) and to control the centerline of the opponent. How one physically orients themself relative to their opponent's centerline is critical in achieving proper leverage in traps, strikes & defense.