The Tao of Jeet Kune Do
A couple of years ago I came across the book Tao of Jeet Kune Do. This is the book that was put together from Bruce Lee’s notes while he was on his back for a couple of months due to a severe back injury.
When I read this, I was quite younger, and perhaps it’s a good thing I picked up the book again a few nights ago to read through. It’s amazing how many of the words I read still seem so familiar, but what’s more amazing is that reading it this time around it makes more sense to me. Perhaps it’s because I’m a bit more older or wiser, who knows.
It’s not a book in the traditional sense of a book, but rather just a compilation of notes that Bruce Lee called the concept of Jeet Kune Do. Jeet Kune Do roughly translates to Intercepting Fist.
He really is brilliant if you sit down and read how his mind was working. What Jeet Kune Do is all about is that in order for you to really be a martial artist, you need break away from any form or techniques that you’ve learned. Don’t just do the moves and techniques because you’re copying them from someone else, rather understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. That way you make it YOUR style. This is what I take away from it anyways.
There are various principles that I’ll write about later. But for now, if you want to get this awesome book why not check out Loot.co.za. I don’t think it will just apply to “fighters”, but also to people that want to understand themselves a bit better. Even if you’re just curious about Bruce Lee as philosopher and not as a fighter as we always see him, it’s worth the read.