Origins of Jeet Kune Do (JKD)
This year, we are proud to once again host a very special event; the return of Fran Poteet-Joseph to the UK for our annual Jeet Kune Do seminar in Bury St. Edmunds.
But first, what is Jeet Kune Do and why is it so important?
The origins of JKD: Bruce Lee, first mixed Martial Art
Jeet Kune Do, meaning ‘‘The Way of the Intercepting Fist” was created by Bruce Lee in the late 1960’s. More than just a fighting style, JKD is a philosophy that gets rid of the unnecessary allowing fighters to move freely and fight with directness and efficiency.
Bruce Lee’s journey began in Hong Kong, where he trained Wing Chun under his teacher Ip Man. While Wing Chun laid a foundation Bruce Lee believed that traditional martial arts were often too rigid and stylised.
His solution?
To create something with no limitations – a style that had no style – Jeet Kune Do.
Philosophy behind the Jeet Kune Do logo
These three logos represent philosophical stages of martial and personal development inspired by Bruce Lee’s teachings, as explained by his daughter Shannon Lee in her book “Be Water, My Friend.” Each stage reflects an evolving relationship to the “tool” — metaphorically representing techniques, methods, or the self.
Partiality
Learning and developing technique. You’re building up your skills, knowledge, and understanding. At this level, the practitioner is often rigid, focused on right and wrong, and still very attached to forms and structure. This is the beginning of mastery, where you are learning the foundational elements.
Fluidity
You are no longer bound by rigid forms. Flowing from one technique to another, adapting as needed. This is about freedom in performance, a state where form serves function. You are using what you’ve learned, adapting much like water adapting to its container.
Emptiness
This is the highest stage, where you transcend technique altogether. You act without attachment or deliberate thought. It’s a state of emptiness, total presence, and flow. This parallels the Zen concept of “no-mind”.
These stages mirror Bruce Lee’s own philosophy of personal expression and growth:
“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”
Jerry Poteet: A first Generation Bruce Lee student
Later, Jerry established the Jerry Poteet Jeet Kune Do Association, with the goal of passing on JKD across the globe. Through private instruction, seminars, videos and film sets, Jerry influenced a generation of Martial Artists committed to Bruce Lee’s vision.
Carrying the Flame – Fran Poteet-Joseph
After Jerry’s passing, his wife Fran Poteet-Joseph stepped forward to continue Bruce Lee’s legacy. Fran trained extensively with Jerry and today stands as a leading authority on authentic Jeet Kune Do. Her teaching preserves the integrity of Bruce Lee’s methods, passed down directly from Bruce to Jerry and now to Sifu Fran.
Photo of Sifu Jerry Poteet and Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph. Fran is President of the JPJKD Association™, Fran is dedicated to preserving and continuing the legacy of Sifu Jerry Poteet and the JPJKD Association™
JKD Seminar 2025!
We are honoured to welcome back Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph back to Zen Combat Academy for our Annual UK JKD seminar, Bury St Edmunds. This is a rare opportunity to train with someone directly connected to Bruce Lee’s lineage.
To book your place at our JKD seminar, please contact Head Coach and 3rd Generation Bruce Lee JKD Instructor Norm Willis on 07720 651 200 or email zencombatfitness@gmail.com
To find out more about the JKD seminar please click here.
