Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners | Martial Artists



Beginners

What is Jeet Kune Do?

Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is an art, science, and philosophy of fighting, established by the late Bruce Lee. It means “The Way of the Intercepting Fist”, and combines the most potent fighting principles from Wing Chun Gung Fu, fencing, and western boxing. It covers the four ranges of combat: punching, kicking, trapping, and grappling.

It is a simple, direct, non-classical style which avoids training with patterned forms. The motto developed by the founder ("using no way as way, having no limitation as limitation") exemplifies JKD’s unique, open-minded approach towards incorporating the best fighting principles of other older styles.

What are JKD’s cultural origins?

The mother art of Jeet Kune Do is Wing Chun Gung Fu, which was the founder’s foundational training and the source of many vital principles of combat efficiency. Lee absorbed much useful knowledge from a variety of martial arts that he researched during his lifetime. Lee grew his knowledge with a scientific method of inquiry, while retaining a deep appreciation of martial arts’ magnificent heritage. Lee's impact as a cultural icon also transcended cultures. For all these reasons, the origin and expression of Jeet Kune Do cannot be confined to any cultural category.

What kind of training can I expect?

When you become a student at NEJKD, you will join scheduled small-group classes, where an instructor will share techniques and coordinate your practice. At NEJKD, one technique mastered is better than a thousand learned. We want each student to make solid progress on his/her own terms, and to move his/her body in a fluid, natural way for the most effective self-defense.

There will be occasional physical contact in practice sessions. It is an essential part of martial arts training. That said, we increase the intensity very gradually, with consideration for safety and the student’s readiness. We are ‘old-school’ and set high standards, but we care most for our students’ safety.

We also hold physical conditioning classes separately, for those who need more support in building a solid physical foundation. The three pillars of physical fitness are muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. We provide space and equipment to further your training.

What are the benefits of Jeet Kune Do training?

From our years of teaching experience, the benefits of training can be summed up as follows.

First, you learn to defend yourself. This is the number one yardstick by which all martial arts training should be measured. If you are in a situation where you or your loved ones are threatened, we want you to handle the situation with confidence, decisiveness, and efficiency. We train you to survive the encounter and prevail.

Second, you become physically fitter. JKD demands ongoing improvement in the three pillars of physical fitness: muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. It is a natural consequence of continued practice, as well as the supplementary training you undergo to become even more proficient. Beginning students make great strides as their bodies become more capable. Even advanced students can keep pushing frontiers, to strive for the founder’s documented standards (such as the ability to perform pushups on two fingertips). You achieve a superior body of work.

Third, you have a lot of fun. If we weren’t having fun, we wouldn’t teach Jeet Kune Do. Modern life contains stresses and challenges for all of us, whether we are students, professionals, parents, or dealing with life transitions. Jeet Kune Do gives you an opportunity to test yourself, work up a good sweat, and ventilate your inner rage, while being part of a special lineage and motivated community.
© 2008-2021 All Rights Reserved. New England Jeet Kune Do.
All content and images on this website may not be copied nor reproduced in any form without written permission
from Sifu Sean R. Glynn, Alan Mazzone or Lu-Fong Chua.