Tao Of Jeet Kune Do - Bruce Lee > Reviews (6)

Before I begin, I'd just like to say that it was quite hard in which catagory to put this book. Tao of Jeet Kune Do is a book by Bruce Lee. Although Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is another form of martial arts developed by Bruce Lee, so it can be clasified as a sport, as I read it was very closely linked to Bruce Lee's philosphy, aswell as lifestyle. Choosing between these catagories I have eventually submitted it to Ciao for review in the Sports catagory. I hope this will suffice.

History.
To be able to appreciate this book, you should understand some of the history. I'm almost 17 and I barely know much about Bruce Lee. The older ones of you out there might know a bit more, and feel free to correct me. All I have seen of him is from his films that he made during his life time (which sadly prematurely ended in some peoples opinion when he was in his 40s.) Bruce Lee was recognised world wide as one of the, if not thee best martial artist. His 'lightning' speeds and ability to attack and defend was unseen before in the 20th Century. He began making films involving his Kung Fu skills, and for some reason (I'm not too clear about this) he moved to the US and continued his on-screen fame. This was where he met his wife Linda. Bruce Lee had many philosophies and began to compile and write notes when he was constrained on a bed for about 6 months for a back injury. In his 40s, he mysteriously passed away, and his death was mourned world wide. (It was also quite tragic to see his son, Brandon Lee, lose his life during filming of The Crow).

Bruce Lee may not be with us anymore, but the legend still goes on. He is still remembered for his wonderful skills and also his philosophies. One of the reasons Bruce Lee is still very much 'alive' is because of this book that has been a best-seller since its release. This book is not strictly a book written by Bruce Lee, but it contains Bruce Lee's notes during his life. It was not complete when he passed away, but his notes were carefully compiled by his wife Linda, and other experts; giving the Tao Of Jeet Kune Do.

JKD was developed by Bruce Lee, building on his philosophies.
"Take what is useful, and develop from there," - a short snip from this book. Basically this means, to take only the useful forms of martail arts and to develop it, leaving out the parts that just give the decoration.

How many Kung-Fu movies have you seen with too much movement and fancy footwork? Bruce Lee's philosophy was to remove those and only develop the techniques that were useful; how to maximise defensive and attacking positions at the same time.

He describes how to stand in a combat situation, how to kick, punch, and disable an opponent effectively. These includes his actual diagrams he made including annotations. Some parts include a snap shot of a page in chinese text, but the main section includes a translation in english. It is not an easy read, and you can even think of this book just a compilation of Bruce Lee's notes with no specific order. Although this seems the case, as it does not really give clear instructions such as First, place left feet with heel slighly raised...

The introduction by Linda Lee also says that this is not a book where you will learn Kung Fu in 10 easy steps. It is merely intended as a record of Bruce Lee's thinking and as a guide for someone practising martial arts. I think Bruce Lee's intentions were to aid a future thinker into developing his techniques further.

Throughout, there are short sentences saying one of Bruce Lee's philosophy on martial arts. All very meaningful if you think while you read, and make notes if you want to. I have certainly thought about certain ways of movement and how I stand. I myself don't practice any form of martial arts. I would like to however I don't. So this book is not just a read for the "Karate-Kid" or Kung-Fu Master. Bruce Lee relates many styles and from western to eastern, taking only the best and most effective stances/moves/etc and to build on them. One shocking thing I find about Bruce Lee's philosophy although it is logically correct, attack the opponent whilst he is down, especially a detailed page on kicking someone's head! Ok, ethically I would stop in such situation (I wouldn't be in this situation in the first place bty), but if you read into it, it shows meaning and you will begin to understand how Bruce Lee became so skilled. Bruce Lee seemed gifted with a wonderful body, and he nurtured it well, thinking all the time - although he does point out that thinking takes time, and time is against you. His intensive training grants hims such amazing reflexes.

This book has some organisation as in there are sections. Beginning with the introduction. Following sections include preliminaries - training, warm-up, on-guard position etc.; followed by more detailed sections on Bruce Lee's techniques on JKD, such as 'tools', defending, attacking and immobilising the opponent.

The diagrams in this book though not perfect are amazingling detailed. The annotations also give some extra clarification. To be able to read this book, I think you must have some interest in it whether for philosophical reviews or for improving your skills. According to Bruce Lee's reasoning, I have seen how JKD can be a very effective 'weapon'. To be honest you'd have to read it several times, not from front to back, but focusing on sections where you need to understand (should you want to understand), as if like a reference book or "text book" (dare I say).

I think this is a great read for the budding martial artist who wants to expand on their current knowledge, or just for someone like me, who is merely curious but not knowing anything about martial arts. Although previous knowledge of martial arts would help in your understanding the actual "combat" here, I feel, is not the only aspect that Bruce Lee is trying to focus on.

Some details if you want to find a copy:

Tao of Jeet Kune Do - by Bruce Lee.
Paperback - 208 pages Reprint (December 1975). Ohara Publications, Incorporated;
ISBN: 0897500482

This is my version, obtained from www.amazon.co.uk for only £12.50.
If you find this an excellent book there are also several volumes and books from or related to Bruce Lee.

This book itself is a "best-seller" 750,000 copies, and in 9 languages. Not bad if I must say, but overall highly recommended.

Thanks for reading :D