Читать книгу Jeet Kune Do Basics - David Cheng - Страница 8

part 1

introduction

THERE IS A JOKE that says, “If you ask ten different Jeet Kune Do instructors what Jeet Kune Do is, you will get ten different answers.” Another joke in the same vein asks, “How many Jeet Kune Do instructors does it take to screw in a light bulb?” Answer: “Five—one to screw in the light bulb, and four to tell him that he’s doing it wrong.”

What these bits of humor tell us is that there is wide disagreement about the nature of Jeet Kune Do. Some believe that it is basically a system with certain techniques and principles. Others think it is a philosophy, an approach to martial arts that helps each person develop his or her own style of fighting. As with many things, each interpretation has some truth to it.

However, to truly understand Jeet Kune Do, we must examine its roots; we must observe where it has been, as well as where it is today. In these beginning chapters, we will look at how Jeet Kune Do originated and developed. To assist us in our understanding, we will also examine the basic principles that constitute the framework of the art. Finally, we will consider the state of Jeet Kune Do today, in terms of some of the most prominent interpretations. Having this background will give us a good start in appreciating the different elements that make up Jeet Kune Do.