This thread is for people without instructors to let them know if they have a bad habit or not.
It's very simple.
If you know how to do the technique but just can't tell if your doing it right, then video tape yourself, you'll be surprised.
Even more surprising, video tape yourself while your SPARRING with someone. You'll be shocked at how you may notice you drop your guard or look away etc.
I video tape myself about once every 2 months or so. I look back on my old ones for inspiration to show myself how much I've improved.
speaking of people with no instructors, I have no instructors and have no sparing patner either, so natrally i'm fed up. Do you think it would be better if I gave up because both sparring and an instructor is massively important.
if you want to continue then just spend your time doing fitness exercises or strength until you find an instructor or sparring partner, then start doing skill.
Jiyasa, I would like to continue but lack of equipment\instructor\sparing patner means I basically wont get too far.I can either air punch\kick or kick the striking shield.
If I went out and have fights (with bad people) then that might make me a better fighter but then I could be in alot of bother if they are insane, but i'm ready to die young by the sword.
Blade, Have you joined an organization that can give you some support, guidance etc.?
Fortunately for me, I live in Southern California and as a result, since 1976, I have been able to train extensively with many of Bruce Lee's original students, Including:
Jerry Poteet
Ted Wong
Pat Strong
Larry Hartsell
Joe Lewis
Dan Lee
Richard Bustillo
Dan Inosanto
Joe Lewis
Bob Bremer
Steve Johnson
The JKD Nucleus (Bruce Lee Educational Foundation) was a great thing for a while but is no longer in existence. However, Others exist that might help.
I have formed the International Jeet Kune Do Alliance which enables me to pass on what I have learned about JKD sinc e9176 from over 10 of Bruces students and many other 2nd generation BL students.
Training with so many JKD people has given me a very unique insight and comprehensiveness in my teaching.
I will soon be producing a Phase by Phase Video series to help those like yurself to at least get some insight and exposure to Bruces fighting system and philosphy.
Other options are for you to attend seminars in the UK. I know that Larry Hartsell, Jerry Potett, Dan Inosanto and Tim Tackett to to the UK every year to conduct seminars.
I don't like videotaping myself for a couple of reasons. For one, I'm so fast that it rarely registers on film. And the few times that it does, I spend way way too much time admiring my own skill. So much so that I often miss my favorite programs on tv. Then I'll often get too cocky about my superior skill level that I decide not to train as hard during my next workout. It's tough being a JKD badass! It really is. Joking - I don't own a video camera.
This message has been edited by ElMastero on Jun 3, 2004 3:08 PM
It is hard to learn JKD without a instructor. Sure you can buy videos And try to gain knowledge there. But I think at least you need to have prior M/A training . Befor you try solo . That way you have a foundation. The mistakes you do not see and understand. Will make bad habits. But JKD has grown to the point it is spread to many countries now. seminars have been a place many have started there training. And a place others have improved there understanding. Sounds like you need to research where JKD is taught in your area. And See if you can locate a seminar perhaps. Nothing beats hands on training. Sure spars help you get better at what you do. But will it be JKD. Or perhaps ?
For the moment the best instruction is listen to the body, what muscle is tight, do you see progress in easy of execution of techinique. Footwork, bobbing and weaving and shadow boxing, can you do combination of techinique, while imaginary sparring. Work on reflex of defense, from various angles, iron any problems with combination. Bong sau to uppercut, to head lock, try different hooks punches, work lead shin kick to be evaside and angulated, check tao of jeet kune do for proper form. Give it a little while until find instructor most of all enjoy exploring own response and reflex and angles of attack.
I often use the video taping method. Also working infront of mirrors is good (get a couple of full body sized mirrors).
I hate not having an instructor, and I have people to spar with, but they all suck :P. I'm glad they are willing to spar with me, but they aren't much help because none of them know an organised fighting style, so generally even with my lack of experience they can't lay a finger on me.
If anyone in melbourne, australia does JKD and wants a sparring partner. :D
Robert Parmakovski
Full Instructor
Jeet Kune Do Academy
4 Ryland Place Thomastown 3074
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
web: www.fighting.net/robert/index.html
email: pfsjkd@primus.com.au
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Here is a link to a whole list of webpages for people teaching JKD in England. Maybe some of them are in your area, or at least close enough for you to visit for some instruction?
Sometimes a seminar or session with an instructor is enough to inspire you and get you back on track in terms of practicing on your own!
Effeciancy is what matters. I train alone, but i get my friends to help me every now and then, and i find that it helps a lot. For instance, with my focus mitts, it helps with my speed. I discoved that i dont bob and weave enough during attacks when i was caught upside the head when my friend lashed out while i was hitting th mitts. So i worked on this. I was also insecure about my hooks and whether they were strong enough, until actually hit a pad my friend was holding. I tell my friends to keep an open mouth: say faster if its too slow, or say "that was good" during a drill to let me know if i should keep doing it that way. Keep commenting. Just use ur friends as dummies lol. Trust me, it helps a lot more than u may think. Be creative....
Joking - I don't own a video camera.