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The 2004 seminar took place at Parque Colón in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. And as the norm in
December on the island of Puerto Rico, we were blessed with beautiful weather. Ted Wong
began the seminar by talking about the philosophy and scientific approach that went into the
evolution of Jeet Kune DoTM, as well as Bruce Lee’sTM personal views. In consideration for the
diverse group of martial artists attending the seminar he explained the JKD symbol, in
particular, the meaning of the phrases that surrounds it. I couldn’t help but think of the many
conversations Ted Wong and Bruce LeeTM must of had in the 60s as they practiced, ate, and
shared each other’s company. The non-traditional, scientific approach to martial arts was not
well received by the martial arts community of the time. And to this day, most are still slow in
grasping what Jeet Kune DoTM is, or perhaps better said, letting go to free their minds and
selves without restrictions.
Ted Wong explained in his own way, that people must adapt to change. Even one of the most
traditional places in the world (China) is beginning to evolve in the area of martial arts. This is
evident in San Shou. But as Ted Wong said, Bruce LeeTM was doing that in the 50s.
Perhaps in the future I will sit down and organize my notes of that day and write out a full
depiction of events. But for now, I have posted bullets of some of the things that Ted Wong said
and explained. I enjoyed being back in Puerto Rico and training with my JKD brothers and
sisters. It was one of the best days of training that I can remember. Since I left my Sifu and JKD
family in Puerto Rico I have done much thinking. Absorbing everything I could from my Sifu and
training companions throughout the years has been my privilege. I feel as if I have a duty to
share my knowledge and I think that is part of the motivation behind this web site. This I owe to
my JKD brothers and sisters, my Sifu Albert Grajales, Ted Wong, Bruce LeeTM, and the art of
Jun Fan Jeet Kune DoTM.
Ted Wong Bullets:
- The essence of fighting is the art of moving
- Front hand lead, 1st half from fencing, 2nd from boxing
- JKD is scientific, with physical motion
- Only 1 in 10,000 understands
- JKD is based on simplicity, but is very difficult to learn
- Maintain what you learn, but find a better way
- Three prong test: simple, direct, and non-classical
- Refine your work, and you will achieve simplicity
- Find the quickest way, and you will be direct
- Do not confine yourself, and you will be non-traditional
- Even the most traditional of martial arts places (China) is evolving. This is evident in San
Shou; Bruce Lee was doing this in the 50s
- Western boxing formed part of the basis of JKD, but much of JKD is the opposite of
boxing
- JKD uses a fencer’s mentality, however JKD is neither fencing nor boxing
- Since Bruce Lee passed away, JKD has been getting messed up, 95% do not practice or
teach JKD. They do not teach Bruce’s art
- The Bruce Lee Foundation was created to preserve the legacy and art of Bruce Lee. To
bring back Bruce's art
- The power of books: Books can go anywhere and reach everybody, books can last
forever
- JKD is like fencing without the sword
- The foundation = Stance – effects mobility, power and speed. Footwork – the essence of
fighting is the art of moving
- Action/reaction
- Your Structure - If it is incorrect, the structure will collapse
- Power is affected by how fast or much goes forward with least return
- Vertical lead hand punch proper alignment is solid, strong impact
- Straight line = solid
- Alignment of feet, rear heel up, look for the line for power
- The lead hand and the lead foot are already half way to the target
- Three types of force = vertical force, rotational force, and lineal force
- For more power in your hook use vertical force with rotational
- Or turn moving back is the most powerful hook of all
- Keep alignment toward opponent for power
- Linear body force takes advantage of body weight
- The arm is the delivery mechanism, the force comes form the body
- Hip rotation on impact gives extra strength
- Hands before feet
- The lead hand is the backbone of JKD punches
- Footwork penetrates
- Gage distance to for maximum speed – power to maintain leverage
- Contact about 3”s before full extension of arm
- Three point landing = 1) hand 2) lead foot 3) rear foot
- The better stance uses the triangle, the triangle is the strongest structure
- The hook punch has linear and rotational forces
- The hand cannot overtake the hip
- Hip ahead of hand, shoulder and arm stays behind for power
- Rotational hook, short and compact
- The power source is the rear foot when using push forward footwork
- Compact is speed, which equals more power
- How fast you punch depends on how fast you move your feet
- The power generated from your rear foot is propelled through your target
- When punching if you retreat (cock) your punch you become telegraphic
- Why retreat your punch when you can hit your target
- When looking for the angle, line on opponent, pivot your lead foot before it hits the ground
- It is always best to maintain the on guard; the best kicks and punches are thrown from
there
- Stealing a step – zigzag, ½ beat, fake, faint, broken rhythm
- Stay alive and look for the opportunity – react when opportunity is present
Thank you for taking the time to read this document. I hope that everyone that reads it is
able to take something positive away, as all of us fortunate enough to attend the seminar
surely did. Free your mind -your body will follow.
Victor C. Colón
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