To be formless we must have something to hack away at, we can very easily try to avoid the actual principles that are used and applied to make Jkd what it is today. Without those principles and techniques that are taking away from Siu Leem tau or Wooden Dummy to teach the proper structure and when they are used in real fighting many these principles are modified to fit in a Jkd structure. once those principle understood and applied to fit one individual, the form is no longer a form it is part of you it becomes part every move and every part of you to create the art of ‘It”, it is like trying to build a beautiful house without any foundation and the proper tools to be used to build such a thing, those tools are used in many actual applications during intercepting or parrying. These tools and principles have been used for thousands of years for a good reason, because they work, but as Jkd Practitioners we modify these tools to fit us as individuals not as a rehearsed routine.

I stole this from my book!!!!! I must believe in the same stuff to build a good foundation.


JKD FOUNDATION AND DEVELOPMENT/SIU LEEM TAU
Siu Leem Tau (the little idea) - before we start, it is good to understand the origins and development of
Jeet Kune Do. While there may be many explanations, the best way to explain it is to say that JKD is
formless, meaning no katas or forms are performed; they are classical martial arts. I try to follow every
aspect of the teachings of JKD, but in order to follow someone in their footsteps; we must go back to their
origins. We must understand what he trained in and what he studied. In addition, we must understand how
he became so skillful. As we all know, Bruce Lee trained in Wing Chun Gung Fu, from which his foundation
originated. We also know that he knew Siu Leem Tau (the little idea), and the Wooden Dummy. I am sure
he learned many forms before realizing that not all forms work in real life situations. This is when he
changed to Jeet Kune Do, in which many train diligently, following his teachings as he intended. By
performing this form, you are not a bad JKD practitioner, since even the founder of the system has done it.
After many years of practice and research, I came to realize that the way to build a very strong student is by
teaching them proper structure as well as a good, solid foundation. Otherwise, all the techniques will be
sloppy, and there will be no power generated from your movements. After developing the proper structure
by performing Siu Leem Tau for a long time, and feeling confident with your technique, you can start to pull
away from this form, because it is then that you will have developed the internal and external powers.
Wing Chun Gung Fu First Form
Siu Leem Tau (The Little Idea)
The Siu Leem Tau form consists of 108 motions. Like other forms in Wing Chun Gung Fu, the Wooden
Dummy, Chum-Q, and Biu-Jee, all consist of exactly 108 motions. The number 108 represents 108 little
ideas. Because it has significance in the Chinese lunar/stars, mathematics, superstitions, and religion, the
Chinese people also prefer it. The 108 motions are divided into three parts. The first part must be performed
very slowly to build internal energy or Hay Gong. By performing the first part very slowly, the proper
timing, and structure are developed. The combination of the two will develop power. This will also promote
a relaxed atmosphere, having the practitioner’s mind clear, and feeling a source of power flowing through the
body. The practitioner must keep the lower body sunk throughout this form, remaining in a calm state for the
entirety. The second and third parts will develop external powers by executing the techniques with speed,
power, and snap. You must maintain proper position in relation to the centerline. The practitioner must
remain in the Yee Jee keem Yin Ma, the mother stance of Wing Chun, or the goat-restraining stance. This is
not a fighting stance, but a foundation stance. It builds a very good base and foundation from standing still in
the same position for a long time. The completion of this depends entirely on the practitioner; it can last as
long as one hour or as little as one minute. By combining internal and external powers, the completion of this
form will generate speed, as well as growing the ability for blocking, striking, and whipping from a short
distance. This form also consists of Three Family blocks, the Bong Family, the Tun Family, and the Fook
Family. They’re also known as the three poisons of Wing Chun Gung Fu. The Bong family blocks use the
outer edge of the arm, the Tun family blocks use the outside of the hand, and the Fook family blocks use the
inside of the hand. The economy of this form is very important. It teaches the student to learn almost every
hand block and strike, and to maintain the centerline, which is crucial in JKD. It also teaches
The Immovable Elbow Moving Line. In the end, this teaches the student every aspect of correct structure
and gives a good, solid foundation.

Hi George!

Great post, and so very true! It is nice to see that I have a brother in Jeet Kune Do who believes as I do! Keep up the good work!

Keep Blasting!
Sifu Lamar M. Davis II
Senior Instructor
Hardcore Jeet Kune Do
Sifu@HardcoreJKD.com
http://www.HardcoreJKD.com
Kwoon (205) 274-9011

"Hit Hard, Hit Fast, Hit First - ALWAYS!"

"What is Jeet Kune Do (JKD)? Chinese martial art, definitely! It is a kind of Chinese martial art that does away with the distinction of branches, an art that rejects formality, an art that is liberated from tradition." __Bruce Lee

I hear wingchun came from gung fu and that all wingchun men are now practicing that in order to strenghten their wingchun.........not aaah LOL

Plus I hear and dont quote me on this as im not 100% but walking came from crawling and I hear some are now......... ;-)

I just love being controversial LOL ;-)

me I will sometimes practice it, sometimes not, its nice to have the choice...and that is what Lamar gives people.

LMAO

Sifu Lamar gives you a choice; since when? Have you been to the Monday night class? He is ruthless with those sticks. Nah just kidding Sifu. We do "drill" in the wing chun neutral postion and it has helped me with my on guard stance for JKD. The man (Sifu Lamar) has patience and will show you the correct way thus building a good foundation. Hope to see/meet ya'll at the conferance this week.

George I read your post and it is right on the money. Did you read my post further down "another view from a new student"? I haven't read your book but funny how great minds think alike.

Kent

Yes I did .I thought it was great, you have the best teacher around, I have been around believe me when I tell you, Lamar got what it takes to teach you JKD, and that's no ass kissing, only I speak the truth and truth lies in front of you. Not only in knowledge, but in skills and determination, Lamar shows that he does not take no **** from no one and he puts his money where his mouth is and he does not tip toe around others, to make them feel good, and worried about offending them. He tells you straight, and that’s what I like about him, some day I like to meet him and exchange knowledge.


Peace, love JKD

George
I really enjoyed reading your post.
I have heard that there are special breathing exercises which can be performed during the form do you know any thing about these?
thanks
Martin