A beginning student is throwing side kicks against a kicking shield being held by his training partner. He is well-muscled and looks in good shape, but after throwing twenty kicks he is tired out, breathing hard, and his kick have diminished to lightweight taps against the shield. Forgetting that he currently runs two miles three times each week and spends thirty minutes on a stationary bike another two times per week, he glances over at a skinny student who, now on his fiftieth kick, is kicking easily and powerfully and thinks, “Man, I thought I was in good shape, but my endurance is crap. I’ve gotta improve my cardio.” Such is not the case. In reality it is a matter of skill conditioning rather than physical conditioning. While a person’s level of physical condition may be an integral component in their overall martial art training, martial art training is primarily neural -- how to do the techniques or actions correctly, how to move, etc. “Laying down a neural groove” so to speak.

When people ask me what I think of the new, re-published version of the Tao of Jeet Kune Do, I tell them that I like it, and that I think the company did an admirable job on it. What surprises many of them is that when they ask me what my favorite part of the book is, I tell them that it is, and always has been, the “Introductions” written by Linda Lee Cadwell and my friend and training partner, the late Gil Johnson.

It is amazing to me how some people expect extraordinary results in their martial art training but are not willing to put forth the time and energy necessary to achieve even ordinary results. They approach their training in a random, hit-or-miss fashion.

The following transcript came from The Bruce Lee Memorial Issue magazine published by Black Belt magazine -- © 1974 by Rainbow Publications

Bruce Lee as seen through the eyes of students of Jeet Kune Do

DAN INOSANTO

My relationship with Bruce was as a friend and an instructor. As a friend, I don't think I've had anyone who has helped me as much as Bruce has. As an instruc­tor, I feel I am very fortunate to have trained under him.

To say that Bruce Lee was the most influential martial artist of the twentieth century is an understatement. At the time of his death, Lee was considered by many to be the premier martial artist of the day. While this is a compliment to say the least, in reality, Bruce Lee’s physical abilities were only the tip of the iceberg. In addition to being one of the world’s top martial artists, Lee was also a philosopher and one of the original champions of self-actualization and human achievement. Even today, over three decades since his untimely passing, Lee continues to be an inspirational force motivating people to care for and nurture their bodies and souls and bring out the best they have within themselves.

The dictionary defines technique as: “Any method or manner of accomplishing something… the method or procedure (with reference to practical or formal details) or way of using basic skills in rendering an artistic work or carrying out a mechanical operation.” Techniques are the “what” and “how to do’s”. They are specific applications that fit specific circumstances. In Jeet Kune Do, techniques

include such things as the proper fighting stance or ready position, the mechanics of a particular punch or kick, the various types of footwork used, etc.

With over 35 years experience, Chris Kent is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading authorities on Jeet Kune Do. A full-time, professional martial art instructor, educator, author, and public speaker, he has gained international recognition for his knowledge and leadership in disseminating the art and philosophy developed by Bruce Lee, and is considered one of the few individuals in the world having total comprehension of all facets of Lee’s martial art.

Some of his accomplishments include:

• Youngest and final member admitted into Dan Inosanto’s fabled “Backyard JKD” group during Bruce Lee’s lifetime.
• One of the first students to be awarded the title of Full Instructor in the Jun Fan Martial Arts (Jeet Kune Do) by Dan Inosanto.
• Author / Co-author of 4 of the highest rated books on Jeet Kune Do.
• Featured in such books as “Jeet Kune Do Conversations”, “Jeet Kune – The Art and Philosophy of Bruce Lee” and “Filipino Fighting Arts – Theory and Practice.”
• Co-founded and for 5 years served as a Board of Directors member of the “The Bruce Lee Educational Foundation”.

With over 35 year’s experience, Chris Kent was the youngest and final member admitted into Dan Inosanto’s fabled “Backyard JKD” group during Bruce Lee’s lifetime, and was one of the first students to be awarded the title of Full Instructor in the Jun Fan Martial Arts (Jeet Kune Do) and the Filipino Martial Arts by Guro Dan Inosanto.

A full-time, professional martial art instructor and author/ co-author of 4 of the highest rated books on Jeet Kune Do, he has written and produced 2 series of training videotapes and DVDs which remain the standard of the industry. Plus he has been featured in such books as “Jeet Kune Do Conversations” and “Jeet Kune Do – The Art and Philosophy of Bruce Lee”, and co-founded and served on the Board of Directors for the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation for 5 years. Due to his exceptional background he has gained international recognition for his knowledge and leadership in disseminating the art and philosophy developed by Bruce Lee, and is considered one of the few individuals in the world having total comprehension of all facets of Lee’s martial art. He is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading authorities on the art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do.

The following are excerpts  from the article:

“Chris Kent – Living La Vida JKD”

(Bruce Lee Magazine – CFW Enterprises – 2001)