What Is Jeet Kune Do?

A resident of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, Adam Porcher takes classes at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) in West Windsor, NJ. Outside of school, Adam Porcher studies Jeet Kune Do (JKD).

Created by martial artist Bruce Lee in the 1960s, JKD is a way to develop the martial body and mind. Lee borrowed the premise of JKD from other kung fu styles, including fencing, wrestling, and taekwondo. People who practice JKD focus on perfecting the physical speed, footwork, coordination, and timing of the methodology. Some well-known celebrities, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Steve McQueen, and James Garner, have practiced JKD, adding to its popularity.

Before he died in 1973, Lee saw JKD as lacking specific rules, but participants need to constantly adapt to their environment. JKD training consists of punching, grappling, kicking, and trapping. Participants use fluid movements with efficient and direct purpose.

Some popular punches include a straight hand punch, with the hand building speed before it makes contact. Kicks occur below the waist, as these areas are closer to the foot and reduce the distance and time to make contact.