Challenging the Mind Through Jeet Kune Do
by Tom Barell
Jeet kune do challenges the student to discover the great inner force which exists within all of us.
Among the many training methods within jeet kune do lies a unique concept that pushes the student's
ability above and beyond the call of duty. This concept is simple, straightfoward, and effective.
This concept is the ability to develop and enhance the neurological system of an individual as it
relates to combat. And it is similiar to many training methods employed by the United States military
and other hard-core instructional camps.
The objective is to prepare the student for combat by subjecting him to conditions that border on the
realm of reality for the purpose of enhancing skill. It would be similiar to subjecting a person who
wants to be an outstanding swimmer to forces and conditions far beyond the bounds of probability.
For example, try placing a blindfold on the individual or changing the lighting conditions repeatedly
and rapidly, forcing the person to swim with heavy cumbersome clothing, subjecting that individual to
loud disruptive noises, or altering the physical state of the water in which he is forced to swim.
By handicapping the individual in a way that will enhance his skill or by altering the environment to
which he is subjected, you'll force the neurological system of the individual to adjust to the rigorous
training as if it were the norm and not the exception.
Amplification
It is the intention of a good jeet kune do instructor not only to convey concepts and techniques to his
students, but to present them in a way that will enable that individual to expand and improve upon
them. Thus, the techniques and concepts are taught to the student in several different phases of
instruction-fundamental phase, an integration phase, a functionalization phase, and finally, an
amplification phase.
In the fundamental phase (usually the first phase), the student is taught the technique with the
intention of developing the fundamental attributes necessary for that technique to work.
Concentrated on are such attributes as form, body mechanics, footwork, coordination, power, speed,
rhythm, and timing. Without these fundamental attributes, the technique will become a weak link in
the chain of techniques that make up the structure of jeet kune do.
The integration phase is where the technique is introduced in a new light. In this phase the technique
is blended with other fundamental techniques from the various styles that encompass JKD, which
will breed a new, stronger technique. It is a technique that can now flow more smoothly and blend
together well with other techniques.
It is then that the technique, in its transformation, is brought into the functionalization phase to test its
validity. This is the phase where reality enters the classroom and fair-play rules are left at the door.
Techniques and attributes are put to the test to further enhance skill and style. This phase also allows
the student to develop key attributes such as killer instinct and broken rhythm. It is also a phase
where strategy and economy of motion are explored and developed. Safety, however, remains a
primary concern, therefore the instructor should use his discretion where applicable.
It is usually after this phase or in conjunction with this phase that an amplification process is
introduced. This amplification phase excels the scope of the technique and of the individual's
attributes beyond the bounds of probability. It borders on the realm of practicality for the purposes of
enhancing skill. This is where that swimmer earns his certificate of merit.
One method used in this amplification phase is called "filling the gaps". Every technique, whether
offensive or defensive, has what we call "gaps". It is also sometimes referred to as "dead space". It
is the space before, after, and in conjunction with the technique that make up these gaps. It is here
that we fill those gaps for the purpose of amplifying technique.
For example, there is a technique in jeet kune do called "pak sao". This is an elementary technique
originating from wing chun and refined and reformed in JKD. Now to further amplify this technique,
it is surrounded and compounded with other techniques to make it difficult to execute. The student is
called upon to execute this compounded pak sao in the same time span it took prior to its
amplification. Once that level is reached, the technique is brought back to its original form, so now
that when the student is simply asked to do a pak sao, it is as though the technique were elementary
and second nature. It would be similiar to you being asked to run 50 yards, except you're wearing
only one sneaker, while carrying a bowling ball in one hand and a pool cue in the other. Eventually
you would become proficient at it. However, remove those handicaps, and expect a significant
improvement.
Remember, the student is merely filling the gaps for the purpose of amplifying technique. Since it is
going to be removed from the technique anyway, it really doesn't matter what technique was added
for this purpose. However, keep in mind, the added technique shouldn't in any way drastically effect
the proper execution of the original technique. Therefore, it would be best to fill gaps with low line
kicks, knees, and footstomps.
Attribute Enhancenent
As you know, attributes-more so than technique-are what ultimately determine the outcome of a
fight. Therefore it is essential that attributes are developed, refined, and enhanced. There are
methods within jeet kune do (through its amplification process) that dramatically enhance attributes.
One way of enhancing key attributes, such as timing and comprehensive speed, would be to
introduce kali into jeet kune do. Kali is an art from the Philippines that has its origins and foundation
in weaponry. Through the use of its two main weapons-the straight stick and knife-certain
neurological elements can be ascertained to enhance attributes.
There are several drills in kali that involve the tracking and disarming of the opponent's weapon. Two
major elements are spotlighted during these drills. One is the obvious danger involved whenever a
weapon is introduced. This compounded danger promotes an adrenaline flow which can greatly
enhance other attributes. The other element involved is the knowledge that a weapon such as the
straight stick can travel four or five times faster than the quickest empty-hand technique. This forces
your neurological system to adjust to the amplified pace. This factor is similiar to a race car driver
who is used to driving a car 200 mph or more around a crowded oval. When that individual now
drives on the highway doing 55 or 60 mph, it seems to him as if he is crawling. Therefore, if someone
were to cut him off, he should be able to respond with relative ease.
Intensity
Throughout the development of both the functionalization and amplification phases of JKD, the
student must maintain a certain level of intensity. Intensity is the ability to remain focused on the task
at hand and ignore outside influences. It is the ability to transform yourself from the friendly
environment inside the school to the life-threatening street environment.
To promote confidence, pain tolerance, and killer instinct, the student of JKD must rely on a strong
intensity level. Imagination and visualization help to promote and develop a strong intensity level. The
student of jeet kune do must be able to wear two hats: one signifies a friendly, easy-going pre-class
atmosphere while the other carries the aggression needed for class.
It is through concepts and training methods such as these that the JKD student can expand upon his
individual skills. To personify jeet kune do is to understand jeet kune do.