The internet is an amazing tool that has brought within grasp, information that has been otherwise nearly impossible to obtain.  With this unrestrained access to electronic resources, however, there are those with questionable intent who muddle the free flow of thought inspiring information.

More specifically, I am referring to DVD based Jeet Kune Do certification programs being promoted via the internet.  I regularly receive questions regarding my thoughts on these programs.  Jeet Kune Do is not an easy martial art in which to receive training given the lack of qualified instructors, so I can certainly understand the attraction of a DVD program.  Instruction through electronic and paper media are powerful supplements, but they are exactly that — supplements.

Self taught martial artists with extraordinary skills and understanding do exist, Bruce Lee being one of the more obvious examples, but they are the minority and even these martial artists had mentors and teachers.

Jeet Kune Do simply cannot be learned without human interaction and some level of personalized guidance.

What is the purpose of a DVD JKD certification anyway?  Is it for teaching credibility?  I certainly hope not, as this would be a truly sad blow to the founder’s legacy.

Jeet Kune Do is not about accumulation of techniques and strategies as a training video might imply, but rather about personal growth and liberation over a foundation of phsyical, mental, and spiritual development expressed in combative form.

So, the take home message:  Learn what you can from videos and books, be critical of the information and its sources, and seek out a qualified mentor/teacher.

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Nhan-Esteban Khuong, L.Ac.
www.SGVJeetKuneDo.com