First and foremost, you must forgive the author for using such terms as "styles", "techniques", or "systems" to describe Jeet Kune Do(JKD). Bruce Lee refrained from using such terms as it did not capture the essence of Jeet Kune Do. However, for the layman martial artist, these terms help those new to JKD begin to grasp the all encompassing concepts of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do

Bruce Lee was born November 27, 1940, in San Francisco, CA. Lee passed away at age 32 on July 20, 1973, the result of hypersensitivity to a pain medication he had taken to alleviate a headache. Lee published his first book in 1963, "Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense". At 23, he was well on his way to becoming one of the most prominent martial arts figures in history.

JKD's roots can be traced to Bruce Lee's first martial art style of Wing chun Kung fu. Lee adopted many facets of the Wing Chun style. However, Lee made so many modifications over the years, it is sometimes difficult to see the similarities between the two systems.

Literally, Jeet Kune Do means "The Way of The Intercepting Fist". Jeet Kune Do was formally named as such in the Late 60's. It was the culminaton of years of study, by Bruce Lee, in science (phsysiology), philosophy, and theology.

Bruce Lee's evaluation of existing martial art styles found that they were not practical in actual combat. This was the inspiration for the concept of Jeet June Do. It was designed to be applicable to real life situations. JKD revolves around the central theme that there are no techniques or styles, only expressions that you yourself define from the basic tenets of Jeet Kune do. Everyone has their own interpretation of the concepts illustrated in Jeet Kune Do. Use what works for you, throw away what doesn't. There is a definite distinction between Jeet Kune do itself and a students own personal exploration of martial arts. In fact, a true student of JKD could not truly call themselves such as their journey will be different than any others.

JKD does not try to mold or train the student to a specific system. The ultimate goal of Jeet Kune Do is not attaining mastery of the concepts held within, but to modify, adjust, and transform JKD conecpts until JKD or any style, system or technique is dissolved and there is no system at all.