Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is a philosophical martial arts approach developed by Bruce Lee, aiming to transcend the boundaries of traditional martial arts. The term “Jeet Kune Do” means “The Way of the Intercepting Fist” in Chinese. However, according to Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune Do is not a style, but a method that aims to go beyond style.^【1】 In this respect, JKD is not only about physical techniques, but also represents a way of thinking, aiming to show that a large part of combat and fighting situations ends in the mind.

Historical Background and Emergence

In 1954, Bruce Lee became acquainted with the Wing Chun system as a student of the renowned Kung Fu Master Yip Man and developed himself.^【2】 After receiving traditional Wing Chun training, he moved to America and became acquainted with different martial arts disciplines. He realized that the rigid patterns of Wing Chun forms and arts were not sufficient for a real street fight or instantaneous reactions. Therefore, he introduced Jeet Kune Do in 1967.^【3】 Bruce Lee's main goal was to create an effective, flexible, and individually tailored fighting system.

Philosophical Foundations

One of the most important aspects of Jeet Kune Do is its philosophical dimension. Bruce Lee is known for his saying, “Be like water, my friend.” This statement reflects the essence of JKD: Not to be confined by forms, to adapt to circumstances, and to be able to change when necessary.^【4】  , in Lee's words:

“True martial art is an expression that flows freely without being bound by shape and form.”

In light of these views, he also combined them with the idea of "Art of fighting without fighting" to establish a philosophical foundation. It is also possible to understand from its fundamental principles that the matter is part of a larger picture rather than a physical concept. The four basic principles of Jeet Kune Do are:

• Simplicity
• Directness
• Economy of Motion
• Adaptability

Technical Structure

JKD aims to bring together elements from many systems such as Wing Chun, boxing, fencing, savate, judo, and jiu-jitsu under one roof.^【5】 The goal is to discard what is ineffective, retain what is effective, and create what is unique to the individual. The biggest factor in Bruce Lee's adoption of this view was the different martial arts he encountered when he moved to America. Bruce Lee opposed fixed forms and argued that fighting should be personal, spontaneous, and fluid.

Some prominent JKD techniques include:

• Lead punch (sudden attack with the lead punch)
• Intercepting fist (fist that intercepts the opponent's movement)
• Low-line kicks (low kicks)
• Trapping (techniques for locking the opponent's arms)

Impact on Modern Martial Arts

Jeet Kune Do has left an impact on today's mixed martial arts (MMA). ^【6】 Today, many MMA athletes create their fighting styles in a flexible and mixed way, similar to Bruce Lee's "style of no style" philosophy. JKD aims to reveal how important not only physical but also mental agility is in combat. It argues that the human mind is as valuable for martial arts as the body.