Why Martial Arts Are Great pt.2

Let's get into my next stage of my own journey in martial arts and the wonderful world of Jeet Kune Do Concepts or JKD. The philosophy founded by Bruce Lee, which is not bound by rigid techniques or styles, but instead, it is a principle-driven approach that emphasises efficiency, directness, and adaptability to both opponent and environment.

What took me ages to get my head around was that there is no JKD, there's just my JKD and your JKD. Typically then we start by learning Bruce Lee's first stab at creating an art - Jun Fam Gung Fu, but and then as he instructed to his students and in particular Dan Inosanto (his student, training partner and protege) that we research our own experience and add distinctly that which is our own.

Following the lineage of Guro Dan Inosanto, I was exposed to training in multiple arts such as boxing, jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and the Filipino Martial Arts initially by the legendary Bob Breen under whom I was lucky enough to receive my black belt in 2007.

So what was I looking for? Security. A feeling that I could defend myself or my family should the need arise, something I didn't look for on my Karate path. This was another stage of my life and the intrigue of JKD was huge. It shares many virtues with Karate, like mental focus, strenuous training regimes and a great social network. But it is primarily focussed on what works functionally for self-defence.

JKD as a Sport?

While JKD does not have a structured sporting scene like Karate or BJJ, its concepts have greatly influenced modern combat sports, including MMA. The emphasis on fluid movement, striking efficiency, and realistic application means that JKD practitioners can adapt to competitive fighting formats. The attributes needed to excel at a sport at an elite level, are the same that are needed to be able to fight effectively. Bruce Lee was very much focussed on physical development.

JKD as an Art?

JKD is about personal expression in combat. As Bruce Lee famously said, "Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless, and add what is specifically your own." This means that training in JKD is not about memorising forms but about creativity in combat. Live sparring, live resistance and problem solving are the corner stone of skill development, and should be what all JKD practitioners seek. Sadly this is not always the case, and many instructors become enraptured by form, sequence and pattern over the art of self expression. The philosophy of JKD extends beyond fighting—it’s a mindset that applies to life.

JKD for Self-Defence

Jeet Kune Do was built for real-world combat. Its no-nonsense approach to self-defence involves intercepting attacks before they fully develop, using economy of motion, and using techniques from any art that fits your personal makeup to overcome an opponent. Whether dealing with a single attacker or multiple assailants, JKD training emphasises situational awareness and practicality. At Can Do Martial Arts we have created a unique syllabus that explores all these elements, and provides an outlet for personal development and growth to suit anyone.

We have an amazing JKD beginner's programme starting on the 4th March, click here to find out more