can o' worms
(because it's been a few days since i've seen a post in jkd)
I'm currently training in a small school that focuses
on a mish-mash of jkd/jf/wc/shaolin with a bunch of
outside influences. (some of our students have had
training in other forms; jiujitsu, tkd/hapkido, kempo,
etc.)
Up to now, I've never really bothered looking into
Bruce Lee's life, but as I'm trying to learn, I've been
reading as much about what we're practicing as
possible. Many people seem to have opinions on
whether JKD is a separate art or if it's merely an
extension of WC. Mabe it's just the way we're being
taught, but it does seem that much of the mechanics
of what we're learning as "jkd" as compared to
what we learn as "wing chun" leans more towards
the "jkd is an extension of wc" idea.
Reading what of Lee's writings I've been able to
(Tao of Gung Fu, various biographies, etc.), it seems
that the essence of JKD was in the application
of "whatever works for the situation". His writings
on the concept of "non-stickiness"
(off the top of my head) I thought backed up that
sentiment... The phrase "there's nothing to it, really"
kept coming up. It seemed to me that the main focus
of JKD was "here's how you analyze your current situation
with what you have and apply what's best" rather
than reliance on a "formal" style of MA.
I've read here that there's mixed feelings about
"cross training" in styles; my question for the group
is: For those who practice JKD: *is* there a "pure"
style of JKD, or is it more of an enhancement of
WC as it seems (with Lee taking what he liked of
other styles that he came across and modifying
his own style in response)?
Any personal insights or opinions welcomed.
-andreux
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