Jeet Kune Do Skills and Workouts

Jeet Kune Do means Way of the Intercepting Fist, and is the martial arts style that Bruce Lee developed to combine what he had discovered after spending years studying every popular fighting style available to him. Although his background was in kung-fu (Tai Chi, Wing Chun) he studied high kicking styles, wrestling, Western boxing, karate, Jujitu, fencing and many others. So, what is Jeet Kune Do, if not just a mish mash of all martial arts?

Bruce Lee actually said the following about Jeet Kune Do, mostly to quell the increasing attacks on the system (many thought he was arrogant to develop “his own” style:

“I have not invented a “new style,” composite, modified or otherwise, that is set within distinct form as apart from “this” method or “that” method. On the contrary, I hope to free my followers from clinging to styles, patterns, or moulds. My movements are simple, direct and non-classical. The extraordinary part of it lies in its simplicity. I always believe that the easy way is the right way. Jeet Kune-Do is simply the direct expression of one’s feelings with the minimum of movements and energy. The closer to the true way of Kung Fu, the less wastage of expression there is. Finally, a Jeet Kune Do man who says Jeet Kune Do is exclusively Jeet Kune Do is simply not with it. Again let me remind you Jeet Kune Do is just a name used, a boat to get one across, and once across it is to be discarded and not to be carried on one’s back.” – Bruce Lee, 1971

So, it is clear then, that Jeet Kune Do is simply everything, and at the same time nothing. Some would say that it is the root of the MMA (mixed martial arts) philosophy. Breaking down the barriers between martial arts styles. MMA fighters are possibly the most serious martial artists today. Rather than dwell on the childish “my style is better than your style” attitude, they go out, and tackle all styles, and determine first hand which parts of which styles work against an opponent who is training and learning in the same way. Style is not important, winning is. To win, you have to be the best, and be able to fight against anything.


So, what are the core philosophies of Jeet Kune Do?

  • The fighting concepts of Wing Chun are followed, i.e. the centerline, gates, vertical punching
  • For speed and stability, Western Boxing stances are used
  • A fighter should do whatever is necessary to defend himself
  • Stronger striking hand in the lead, with his weaker hand back
  • Apart from the boxing stance, no others are consciously used – let the training guide your instinct
  • Learn to adapt to the constant changes and fluctuations of real combat – not forms

The Principals of Jeet Kune Do

  • The best defense is a strong offense
  • The principal of interception
  • Learning to intercept by learning to understand an opponents body language, predict his movements. This is taken from Japanese sword fighting training
  • “Absorb what is useful; Disregard that which is useless”
  • Economy of motion – waste no time with fancy moves

The Techniques of Jeet Kune Do

  • Stop hits & stop kicks – this means to never block an attack. Always aim to strike your opponent. Some kung-fu systems, such as Southern Praying Mantis, use this method.
  • Simultaneous parrying & punching – In addition to stop hits, never just parry, always strike at the same time. This is fast and takes your opponent by surprise. Waste no time
  • No high kicks – many styles teach high kicking. However, in a real fight it is very dangerous. You are off balance, and invariably leave your groin undefended. A sure way to lose a fight.
  • Learn the 4 ranges of combat:
    • Punching
    • Kicking
    • Trapping
    • Grappling

Jeet Kune Do’s Five Ways Of Attack

  1. Single Angular Attack (SAA) and its converse Single Direct Attack (SDA).
  2. Hand Immobilization Attack (HIA) and its counterpart Foot Immobilization attack, which make use of “trapping” to limit the opponent to strike again with that arm or leg.
  3. Progressive Indirect Attack (PIA). Attacking one part of the opponent’s body followed by attacking another part as a means of creating an opening.
  4. Attack By Combinations (ABC). This is using multiple rapid attacks as a means of using volume of attack to overcoming the opponent.
  5. Attack By Drawing (ABD). This is creating an opening with positioning as a means of counter attacking.

Three Parts of Jeet Kune Do

  • Efficiency – An attack that reaches its mark without detour
  • Directness – Straight to the point
  • Simplicity – Thinking in an uncomplicated manner, flowing like water.

Jeet Kune Do Workouts

Martial arts training is the workout in itself. However, Bruce Lee trained extensively in addition to his many martial arts classes. Jeet Kune Do, like mixed martial arts, requires function training, including bodyweight circuit training, functional strength training (compound exercises, power-lifting techniques), kicking drills, punching and boxing drills, bag work, ground work, running, sprinting, endurance training, and flexibility training.

To “do Jeet Kune Do” today, you simply need to attend an MMA class, or learn several styles and focus on what works for you. Jeet Kune Do is about breaking down barriers, not creating new ones. So called Jeet Kune Do schools are teaching a system now. Students need to remember that they have to break away from all systems, and find what works, and what fails, for them. Be like water my friends, flow! Or as the Gallagher brothers said, “You gotta roll with it, You gotta take your time, You gotta say what you say, Don’t let anybody get in your way”. I am sure that this lyric is in reference to the Way of the Intercepting Fist.

Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method: The Complete Edition – Book Review

Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method is an excellent illustration of the various techniques and skills that Bruce Lee mastered. Originally this was released as a series of books, but now it is available in one handy volume. It also features updated photographs, a new chapter written by Ted Wong (one of Bruce’s students) and a new introduction by Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee.


Bruce Lee was a legendary martial artist, both on screen and off. Unlike many martial artists that appear on screen today, his was a trained fighter, not just a choreographer. He believed in removing form from martial arts, and to use any techniques that worked, and this is the basis of his method, Jeet Kune Do. This book covers all aspects of journey, from his martial arts workouts, his complimentary weight training, research, and his philosophy.

The four individual volumes are:

  • Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, Vol. 1: Self-Defense Techniques
  • Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, Vol. 2: Basic Training
  • Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, Vol. 3: Skill in Techniques
  • Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, Vol. 4: Advanced Techniques

One of the best features of this new hardback version is that the photographs have been restored to such a great level of detail. The book looks fresh, as if it was written this year, and not in the late 1970’s. The publishers have created a new layout and positioned illustrations and text in such a way that it is easier to follow Bruce’s line of thought and understand his principals and techniques than it was in the first editions. Although Bruce Lee’s methods have not been changed, the quality of the publishing industry has. This is what makes this new hardback edition such a treat. It is now even easier to learn Bruce Lee’s methods from his writings and illustrations than ever before!

This book is essential in any martial artists collection. Just as Bruce Lee combined the best parts of many different systems to create his own, his methods and understanding of human anatomy and fighting can benefit all martial artists.

From Amazon.com: Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method: The Complete Edition by Bruce Lee.

Also available in other bookshops.

70 Comments on “Jeet Kune Do Skills and Workouts”

  1. I would like learn Jeet Kune Do but I dont know where, there any place in Virginia?

    Thanks

  2. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Ernesto, I did a search for you and came up with Trident Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Woodbridge, Virginia. Hope that is in the right part of the State for you.

  3. ive always wanted to learn martial arts and i love bruce lees style and im takeing taekwondo now and i love it but its the only kind of martial arts that i have near me i would love to learn bruces style what should i do?

  4. MotleyHealth says:

    You may have to look further afield. Check the martial arts magazines, maybe go to martial art forums and ask if people know of an instructor in your area.

    But, the key of Jeet Kune Do is that it is about no style, using different systems. So really, to embrace the philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, learn as many different styles as possible, without spreading yourself too thin, and and decide what works best for you in different situations.

  5. ok thanks!

  6. Hi my name is josh and I am really really interested in learning Jeet Kune do, just Bruce lee’s way of fighting. I want to know how. I live in New Mexico, is their anyway I can learn?

  7. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Josh, you could contact the World Jeet Kune Do Federation and ask them. On their website they have nothing for New Mexico, but they may know some other groups that operate there. Plus the website may not be up to date. Worth a try.

  8. I am in Kenya, Africa and would like to learn JKD ,cant afford fare to oversees please advise me

  9. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Ken. The main philosophy of Jeet Kune Do is to practice what works and to not restrict yourself to any single system. So long as you keep this in mind when learning any martial art you are essentially following Bruce Lee’s principals. Do find a martial club and learn, but always be ask yourself “is this the most effective way?”. But, learning the only system available no matter what it is, is still better than learning nothing at all.

  10. Is there someone with the will of Bruce to teach some one, who lacks money, but has the passion?

  11. MotleyHealth says:

    There are some teachers out there who only teach for free, their philosophy being that you should not make martial arts a commercial venture. Some just charge the cost of hiring a room to teach in. I know of at least one that provides lessons at very reduced rates (or at least used to) to unemployed. Search and you will find (hopefully).

  12. Hi i live in Reading, UK and have wanted to learn Jeet Kune Do but i can’t find anywhere to learn. I have looked online to find lessons or teachers but can’t anything.

  13. MotleyHealth says:

    Have you contacted Team Wing Chun? They are in Reading and teach Wing Chun and some other styles. They may also teach some elements of JKD.

  14. Thanks for the website it was great but they said they only teach adults, I’m 14

  15. MotleyHealth says:

    That’s a shame. If you really want to learn the JKD way then spend the next couple of years learning a few different styles, do some taekwondo, judo, karate etc. and then when you are old enough (I assume 16) you can learn from them, and you will have a solid introduction to different systems too which will really help.

  16. Joe Melton says:

    I read your article and think that require a better understanding of Jeet Kune Do as there were some basic mistakes about Jeet Kune Do in your article. Just to point out one, The boxing stance is not a part of Jeet Kune Do. The stance that is primary is called the Bia Jong stance.

  17. MotleyHealth says:

    Thanks Joe, that is much appreciated. What else needs correcting? Do you train JKD in a club? If so, in exchange for correcting our errors we can give your club a mention if you like.

  18. paul bakeer says:

    I’m 18 live in USA. Is there anyone that could teach me JKD in La. Shreveport?

  19. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Paul, have you heard of these people:

    Close Quarter Combatives (CQC Unlimited)
    1020 Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy, Suite 140
    Shreveport, Louisiana 71105
    (Inside the Kenpo School)
    http://cqcunlimited.com/index.cfm

    From their website:

    “Close Quarter Combatives Unlimited (CQC Unlimited) Martial Arts Academy offers private and group training in a unique blend of martial arts and combat sciences. The focus at CQC Unlimited is on realistic martial skills for the street. Our training incorporates elements similar to today’s sport MMA, like Muay Thai, Brazilian Jui-jitsu (BJJ), Western Boxing, Wrestling and Kickboxing. In addition, other elements come from martial arts like Jeet Kune Do (JKD), Filipino Kali/Arnis/Eskrima, Pencak Silat, Filipino Boxing & Kickboxing, Kenpo and more.”

  20. paul bakeer says:

    thanks for the site i hope i can help the people who i care about thanks again

  21. Do you know where I could go in Toronto on the cheap? Money is tight but I have a passion for this.

  22. MotleyHealth says:

    Have you phoned around? Several places come up in google maps.

  23. Hey, I’m very interested in the whole philosophy of JKD. I understand that it is probably better to have started in some other type of fighting style prior to going to be instructed in JKD, which do you recommend? I really want to start with something practical and branch out once i get a grasp so that i can collect the most important elements from each of the different styles i eventually learn, Where should i start? I’m 5’11 , and i weigh 140.

  24. MotleyHealth says:

    The best thing to do it just go out and try whatever is available. Find all the clubs that are local to you and then try them all for a few weeks at a time if possible. Get a feel for the class and ask about the style. Really the instructor and class atmosphere are always more important than the style, that is true for any martial art. I have gone to classes in the past that I was really keen to learn but the teaching methods just did not suit my style of learning. As Bruce said, “Don’t think, feel”.

  25. randy hongisto says:

    Use what you have but do it to the best that you can.
    There is a wonderful book called ” Striking Thoughts” Bruce Lee’s wisdom for daily living, Published by Tuttle.
    Wisdom does not come from martial arts,
    martial arts comes from wisdom.
    Read. Then Do and always remember! Give time time.

  26. I want to get trained in jeet kune do. Is there any institute in India?

  27. MotleyHealth says:

    There must be one somewhere. Have you searched Google? I just searched Google for “Jeet kune do in India” and a few places came up.

  28. can you give me any feedback on the Martial Arts program run by Guy Chase in Greenland, NH? This spring/summer, I will be looking forward to training there, for now it is all on my own!

  29. MotleyHealth says:

    Sorry Ninja, but I have no information on that. I am sure you will have a great time, any training with an instructor is better than learning on your own. Look for MMA or kickboxing clubs in your area also, JKD from a book/video will never match learning a martial art in a class.

  30. Muhammed habib says:

    I’m a very big fan of Bruce Lee, I love his martial arts and I really want one of Bruce Lee’s book to read and learn from, but I don’t know where to get it from (the cover of Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method – The Complete Edition. isbn- 0837501705. Please help me get this book, I really want to learn. thanx

  31. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Muhammed,

    You can order it here: Amazon.com: Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method: The Complete Edition.

    Or in the UK, Amazon.co.uk: Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method: The Complete Edition.

    Looks like you can only get used copies in the USA, but the descriptions suggest that some are in very good condition. Amazon UK seems to have new copies.

  32. MotleyHealth you know so much about (JKD) the concept of learning it is getting the basics, but thats not way i came to see this website, i have to ask you how far into (JKD) do you know?

  33. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Wade, this is just some information that we have put together here. I have only studied Shaolin Hung Kuen and Southern Mantis styles (plus some Tai Chi and kickboxing, and a few other things) but never JKD. The article is really to compliment the other Bruce Lee training workouts that we have talked about. Do you do JKD?

  34. I love Bruce Lee. I love jeet kune do. It is a human best health .

  35. In order for anyone to learn JKD you must find a qualified instructor. Good ones to search for are Tim Tackett, Bob Bremer, Jeremy Lynch, Jerry Poteet, Lamar Davis, Chris Kent

    If you can’t find a JKD place then look for a place that teaches Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun. Wing chun was the nucleus for JKD and a lot of the principles and techniques for JKD were taken right from wing chun. Wong Shun Leung actually taught Bruce Lee most of his wing chun, more than Ip Man.

    If you are looking to practise JKD as Bruce Lee practised then try to find people that teach original JKD. Don’t get caught up in Bruce’s philosophical quotes, research about what he actually did and not what he said because he often contradicted himself.

    Find an instructor that can teach you things that comprise Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do (JKD as the way Bruce practised in his life):
    Bai Jong stance (means “on guard” stance that was modified from wing chun by raising the rear heel and having the power side forward which came from fencing)
    power side forward
    longest weapon to nearest target
    economy of motion
    Emphasis on interception such as stop hits, stop kicks etc. (JKD means “Way of INTERCEPTING Fist”
    5 ways of attack
    3 ranges of combat (not 4, Bruce only talked about 3 ranges. The 4 ranges of attack are categories of techniques since they can be interchanged i.e. short range kicks, punching while grappling someone etc.)
    Trapping that comes from wing chun primarily (Bruce never practised other kinds of trapping such as hubud lubud etc. these were added after his death)
    No stick or knife fighting training

    I’m not against other martial arts/training but I want to clear up any confusion about what JKD actually is.

    Here’s a quote from a letter Bruce Lee wrote to his student Jerry Poteet when Jerry asked him if he could mix JKD with Kenpo Karate:

    X is Jeet Kune Do
    Y is the style you will represent

    To represent and teach Y one
    should drill its members according
    to the preaching of Y.

    This is the same with anyone
    who is qualified and has been
    approved to represent X.

    To justify by interfusing X and Y
    is basically the denying of
    Y ———– but still calling
    it Y.

    A man, as you put it, is one
    who is noble to stick to the
    road he has chosen.

    A garden of rose will yield
    rose and a garden of violets
    will yield violets.

    JKD is NOT about mixing arts, if you mix arts then you call it what it is, but JKD is JKD anything else is not.

  36. Ridha Abdellaoui says:

    I am a 40-year old male. I love martial arts. However, I was not able to practise any because of financial difficulties and absence of clubs in my area. Now, circumstances have changed. So,is it possible for me to start any martial art?

  37. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Ridha, I saw your note on Facebook and replied there. Really you want to look for something like Jeet Kune Do, a short style with no high kicking and little throwing. Wing chun, krav mada, Filipino stick fighting, Tai Chi and boxing or even kickboxing would all be good options. Styles like judo and jujitsu may be a little hard on you, especially if you are not used to them. Although maybe that is just my opinion! I am 37 and started Shaolin kung-fu when I was 18 so a high kicking style was easy then. I have never liked being thrown to the ground.

  38. So you know of any place in Louisiana (Baton Rouge/New Orleans) that teaches this discipline or one like it?

  39. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi, did you see my reply on FB? There is one club that I found that may suitable, World Competitive Martial Arts which teaches Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu, Shuai Chiao, Olympic Style Sparring at 12131 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, La 70815 USA, tel. 225-272-4444, contact: DeAnna Charett. Source:

  40. Nice place, people are good against each other and answer if someone asks a question. nice community keep it up people. love Yamada from Asia.

  41. Sourojit Bhattacharya says:

    I know Jeet Kune Do and I have all the 4 volumes of ” Bruce Lee’s Fighting Methods “.It is just as Lee says,very simple and easy to learn,even by self.You really do not need a tutor or join a club to learn JKD.I myself have mastered the techniques of JKD myself by reading the books.The basic exercises to increase strength,speed and flexibility are very simple and easy but more effective than all the techniques that you are taught in a gym by an “expert”.
    Believe me,I did not know anything about martial arts before I read Lee’s books.I started 2 years ago.I am 20 now.I now know the weaknesses of martial arts like Karate.The “Side-Kick” on the knee,as taught by Bruce Lee,is more effective than the high-kicks taught in Karate or Kung-Fu;it is powerful and takes much less time than a high-kick and keeps your balance..and protects your groin.
    I beat a few boys in my college 1st year who were trained in Karate.I am in the 2nd year now.JKD also teaches you to fold your fingers properly into a fist while punching.All of us do that wrong.
    So don’t be disheartened if there is no club teaching JKD at your vicinity.Because,you don’t need teaching.That’s the BRILLIANCE of Bruce Lee.
    And here is a tip for all of you budding fighters:
    To increase the strength of your fist(and thereby your punch),do regular push-ups on your knuckles(i.e.,on your folded fist).Remember to do it on the hard ground,preferably your home floor(not on a carpet or cloth,mind you),or else it will be of no use.
    Good Luck !!

  42. MotleyHealth says:

    Knuckle push ups on carpet are very useful too. And a book can teach a lot, but it can never teach you to fight properly, you need sparring practice for that.

  43. hi i am laksh . I wanted to know the workouts or method bruce lee did to strengthen his knuckles and knife hands

  44. MotleyHealth says:

    Hi Laksh, Bruce did many exercises in his training. Knuckle and finger tip push-ups were used, as were grip strength exercises. Knife hands are conditioned through repeated strikes and a wooden-dummy can be used for this.

  45. but heard that he would punch the gravel in a bucket…is that true?

  46. MotleyHealth says:

    Probably, and beans, rice etc. There are many ways to toughen the hands. All are designed to either increase bone density, sometimes by building up bone scar tissue over time, and to also reduce sensitivity. Some people also punch sand bags. Part of the training is to toughen the skin as well as the bones though as ripped and torn skin can quickly distract and reduce your power in a fight.

    Bear in mind that all of this training poses a risk to the long term health of your hands. Some martial artists do not train like this at all, instead rely on regular bag work (with gloves) and strengthening the muscles with weight training exercises and grip strength exercises (squeezing a tennis ball, wringing towels, pulls ups etc). Be careful with any traditional training – it is not always the best way to treat your hands.

    Such training may have been useful for soldiers who had a short life-span, but not so good for people who plan to still use their hands for every day tasks when they reach their 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond!

  47. okay thank you for the quick guidance …….

  48. hi can you please mention the way of 1 inch punching?….

  49. and the exercises for improving the fastness like Bruce lee did……..

  50. MotleyHealth says:

    That is not something that we can teach on the Internet. Any martial artist can do it if they train with an emphasis on rooting and developing power from the root – Bruce Lee may have been the first to demonstrate it to a western audience but was by no means the only martial artist to do it.

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