"When there is no obstruction whatsoever,movements are like flashes of lightning or the reflecting images in a mirror" (empty your mind)

"Jeet Kune Do is the art to freedom and enlightenment. It is not founded on technique or doctrine. -- Hey if you answer me instantaneously , good enough
Bruce Lee

What do all of you think about these quotes?

sounds about right to me, neither for or against - Just what is :-)



Keeping "IT" Real,
John McNabney

I think the first one means that whenever you see an opening (or feel one) , go ahead and strike. Let your strikes come out unhindered by thought or hesitation, and they should be like flashes of lightning, allowing you to strike possibly several times.

I think the second one is refering to the spontaniety of JKD. It should be as uncontrived as a street fight. Hit from wherever the hand (or foot) is. It shouldn't be as formal as other traditional arts, where you bow to each other. When fighting a traditional martial artist, kick him in the knee as he as he assumes his elegant "horse stance"! Less formal street fights often start with a lot of intimidation and trash-talking, so rather than arguing with a belligerant who is yelling/raising his voice to you, give him a stamp kick to the stomach if he approaches. I think that would be an instantaneous answer.


Not that I claim to know what Bruce thought. I came to the conclusion on the first one from watching Sifu demonstrate chi-sao and trapping.