Jeet Kune Do: The Arsenal of Self-Expression

Jeet Kune Do: The Arsenal of Self-Expression by Teri Tom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and I think there are many things to learn from it. However the mark of a really good book like this is it really did get me excited to try out some of the techniques highlighted or used in this book. Either to use as they are or to put my spin on them.

Coming from a different martial art (kickboxing), I notice as many differences, right from the stance, as I do similarities, in the actual striking. There is only so much of a martial art that can be learned from a book, much must be done practically/physically. Like I said I a excited to see what works for me. As Bruce Lee said:

“Take what is useful and disregarded what is not.”

I really do like the technical aspects of the science behind the art. This definitely lives up the Bruce’s principal of knowing why you do something one way rather than another.

Going back to the stance it is a “Strong side forward” style. Meaning right hands will have their right leg and hand forward. This is a big difference to what I am used to. I am amazed by how much turn and power Teri Tom is able to generate from her front leg. This is something I will definitely need to look into learning. Though one criticism I do have is a good as the picture are a lot of the are demonstrating the same techniques. Though this could be explained in the minimalist principle of JKD. Having fewer techniques but mastering each of these. To pulling off the right technique quickly, effortlessly, efficiently and at the right moment.

One thing I do think because Ted Wong, being a true disciple of Bruce Lee, he still see JKD as Bruce’s art (which it is), but it does not seem like he want people to put there own spin on the techniques. He says himself he is always thinking:

“How would Bruce do this, or what would Bruce think of this?”

Thus has been passed on to on to Teri Tom as well. Now I definitely to understand the anger and frustration of sub par trainers teaching watered down versions of any martial arts. Yes here I have no problem enacting the tradition approaches of trial by combat on these charlatans. However if someone has adapted the art or techniques to suit them and their body, and mind I (the same way Bruce Lee did). From what I have read of Bruce’s other book I think he would have approved of this.

There is a great deal of research of not only Bruce’s writing and ideas, but from sports science today. One thing the book tries to get across is we might not all be blessed with Bruce Lee’s physical and mental faculties but we can train to emulate, I would add “adapt” to improve.

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