JKD questions I have answered

[Roy Harris]

Hello,

My name is Roy Harris. I was recently asked to transfer all of the JKD questions I answered on the Vale Tudo and Grappling Forum over to this forum. I hope you do not mind.

I will be answering questions for the next four days. So, if you have questions, please ask.


ElCativo asked:

1.) What do you think about JKD-Training-Videos ? F.e. I have a big mirror and a TV in my Trainingroom. Do you think it´s possible to get trained good?

2.) In "Freefighting", how often do you use Kicks (from distance) ? 20 % or more ? Because I think high kicks are more "Show" and not as effective as they look. So.. what do you think about kicks ?

Thanks
Alex "ElCativo" Koenig

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My response:

Alex,

1) I think training videos can be a great resource to one's training regiment. I have over 400 instructional videos myself. I have learned a great deal from them. The most important elements for video training are personal discipline and perserverance. Without these two elements, it will be hard to progress and stay motivated.

Additionally, you must always look for ways to become more efficient with your training and use of time.

2) I use kicks a lot while sparring. However, I rarely kick above the stomach or kidney line. Now, high kicks can be used. However, they should really only be used by fanatical kicker. When I write fanatical, I mean someone who has put in a minimum of 2000-3000 hours on high kicks alone, someone who has phenominal speed, power, accuracy and control, someone who has great endurance, someone that has dedicated themselves to the development of high kicks. Unless a person is willing to put in this amount of time, or more, I recommend sticking with the los line kicks.

Kicks can be used to punish, probe, push or as a ploy. They can also be used as an entry method for closing the gap. Kicks are great. But care must be taken not to over emphasize them. Kicks must be used in combination with punches and takedowns.

Good training to you,

Roy Harris

[Roy Harris]

Sebastian asked:

Dear Roy,

What do you think about using JKD abilities in Freefights? During your Freefight sparring, how much do you use your JKD abilities such as trapping, intercepting, and so on? Is it useful or does the freefight reduces the JKD repertoire to some kickboxing and thai technics additional to the grappling part? What's your opinion?

Best Regards

Sebastian

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My response:

Sebastian,

In my opinion, JKD is a training method, not a style. Yes, I know there are those who would disagree. However, after experiencing all that I have experienced, I would state that JKD is a training method designed to teach each practitioner to adapt their training to their own purposes.

With that said, JKD can be very useful in Freefights. I use my varied skills in the various ranges to mix things up. It is difficult to intercept or trap someone who is experienced and knows your game, but it is possible to do these things against someone who is not accustomed to them.

Because I have trained all of the ranges of combat, because I have trained and sparred in 25 different styles, because I have pitted the different training methods against each other, because I have combined the different training methods into a synthesis, and because I've asked the hard questions (like "What are the strengths of this system and what are the weaknesses of this systems as compared to..."), I have a unique perspective on fighting. I can adapt my techniques and tactics to the person in front of me. My JKD training has been very useful.

Good training to you,

Roy Harris

[Roy Harris]

No questions? :(

I asked if you guys had questions to inspire all of you to write a question or two so I could help you. Keep in mind that I am donating my time here. I thought for sure that someone would take advantage of my background and training and ask several questions.

I am a resource with thousands of hours of disciplined training in JKD, Filipino Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I also have a heart that truly wants to give and give. I have trained extensively with JKD and FMA Sifu's Dan Inosanto, Richard Bustillo, Larry Hartsell, Salem Assli and Paul Vunak. I have also trained extensively with FMA Guro's Tony Diego and Romy Macapagal (Kalis Ilustrisimo), Michaelangelo Buot (Balintawak Eskrima) and Rick Faye (Inosanto Blend of Kali). Finally, I have trained in BJJ with the Gracie brothers (Rorion, Rickson, Royler and Royce), the Machado brothers (Rigan, Jean Jacques, John, Roger and Carlos), Nelson Monteiro and Joe Moreira. I have committed over $30,000 in group and private lessons, 10,000 + hours to my personal training and have driven more 200,000 miles on my cars just for the sake of my martial arts education. As you can tell, I have taken martial arts training very seriously!

I was hoping to have answered a few questions for all of you to help you in your martial arts training. However, it is now Sunday morning and I have to work all day. Tomorrow I have to go back to the grind of teaching all week and will not have time to answer questions :rolleyes:

Until next time,

Roy Harris

www.royharris.com

pfs@sprintmail.com

[Roy Harris]

Do you have any questions?

[smash]

I have some questions:

1) Do you think it´s useful to learn VingTsun and something like Muay Thai and mix both styles if there is no jkd school availaible in your environment?

2) What do you do for your physical conditioning? Do you also lift weights or do you only do bodyweight exercises? What are your most loved exercises, why do you like them so much and how to perform them?

3) Can you recommend a martial arts book you learned most from?

thx a lot :)

smash

[Roy Harris]

smash,

To answer your questions:

1) I think it is a great idea to mix VingTsun with Muay Thai. Both have something good to offer you!

2) Right now, I am in the worst shape of my life. My business is doing great, but my conditioning is not what it used to be because I am behind a computer screen for several hours each day. However, when I used to be in shape, I did the following to keep in shape:

A) I ran three times per week. I ran until exhaustion. I did not run for a specific period of time. Rather, I ran until my lungs and legs burned.

B) I lifted weight twice a week.

C) I performed body weight exercises almost every day.

D) I sparred almost every day. Nothing too heavy, just hard enough to respect each other's distance and power.

E) I performed all of my exercises specific to the style I was training for. For example, in JKD, we did a lot of kickboxing and trapping. Therefore, I ran hills, hit a heavy bag and worked the wooden dummy. When I trained for Jiu Jitsu, I performed a lot of isometric exercises, as well as a ton of other unique exercises that emphasized movement on an arc (because all athletics moves on an arc). When I trained for Filipino Martial Arts, I trained with one or two sticks in my hands or with weights on my wrists and ankles. My footwork and body angulation were most important. So, I trained the middle and lower portions of my body first!

When I had more time on my hands, I was in good shape. However, since I have been working on the business side of things, I have not stayed in good shape. I still have good timing because I spar two to three times per week, but I do not have competition conditioning.

3) The two books that made teh most impact on my martial arts training in my beginning years were:

A) Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 2: Basic Training by Bruce Lee, Mitoshi Uyehara, and,

B) Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do: The Textbook by Chris Kent, Jim Tackett and Tim Tackett.

I took these two books and studied them. I read them over and over again. I trained the content in them, asked myself if there was a more efficient way for me to do the things mentioned in both books and came up with some of my own discoveries.

My all time favorite martial arts book is "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 2." Reading that book gave me a lot of insight into what mattered most to Bruce.

Just so you know, my personal library is filled with over 600 books on a wide variety of books. Bruce's book is one of my favorite!

If you have more questions, please ask.

Roy Harris

[smash]

thanx a lot for the fast answer!

But I think (coz the reason: time), I´m only able to take one of the both classes (VingTsun or MT).

Have a nice day!

smash