A Brief Guide to Jeet Kune Do

Great numbers of people have been inspired by the martial arts movies featuring Bruce Lee. They are eager to learn the kind of moves this Chinese legend showcased in movies such as Fist of Fury and The Way Of The Dragon. However, even enthusiastic students can be taken aback by the amount of dedication and effort necessary for the perfection of Lee's techniques. Some have opted to try alternative disciplines such as Judo and Karate, while others have embraced the ultimate challenge of Jeet Kune Do. In Fairfax world-renowned instructors can set you on a path to excellence in this difficult discipline.

An Overview of the Discipline

It is well known that Bruce Lee studied a wide range of martial arts disciplines during his life. However, he became increasingly frustrated with the rigidness of the classical disciplines and decided to draw upon a variety of inspirations in the creation of a new style that allowed more freedom and flexibility. Lee called this new style Jeet Kune Do. Interestingly, he revealed the name had little significance - it was merely a label for the choices that he had made.

The Three Key Principles

Bruce Lee chose to base this new discipline upon the essential principles of simplicity, directness and a non-classical attitude. He believed the most basic moves could be ultimately effective, if practiced to perfection. He also believed that warriors who acted with the greatest speed and efficiency would defeat their enemies. The individuals who practice this particular branch of the arts are expected to focus directly upon their opponent's weaknesses. They have to perform the most direct attacks to ensure that fights are ended swiftly, with the minimum effort. Lee believed it was important to adapt and perform beyond the restrictions of classical methods. It is for this reason that the expert instructors take a flexible approach when teaching Jeet Kune Do in Fairfax.

The Style

Bruce Lee was convinced the fighting stance was of the utmost importance. He claimed that the "on-guard" stance was suitable in the great majority of fighting scenarios. Martial artists who adopt this stance have the best chance of executing attacks and defensive maneuvers. Fighters are also required to move quickly between different ranges during combat. They may ascertain the strengths and vulnerabilities of their opponents at long range. It is only when the fighter feels inner confidence that they should perform grappling moves, punches and kicks. Students who are studying Jeet Kune Do in Fairfax may gain a greater insight by watching famous fight scenes featuring Bruce Lee.

Perfecting the Art

Bruce Lee emphasized that it was always possible to improve the different elements of his new discipline. He was always open to the integration of proven techniques from the diverse range of martial arts. Lee also realized the importance of cross training and continued to strive for physical perfection with the aim of maintaining ultimate levels of performance.

If you’re looking to learn Martial Arts, Pat Tray is chief instructor at the Trident Academy of Mixed Martial Arts, the premier training and instruction center in the region. For Karate, Filipino Martial Arts, Combat Submission Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Jeet Kune Do in Fairfax, Trident is an ideal place to study under the best martial arts instructors from across the NOVA and DC area.

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