INTERVIEW WITH AN ORIGINAL STUDENT OF BRUCE LEE- SIFU JERRY POTEET.
- How did you get to meet Bruce Lee?
I first met Bruce in the early 60's at James Lee's house in Oakland, California.
I was in San Francisco with Ed Parker, helping to set up the first International Karate Championships up in San Francisco.
- What was the training like at chinatown?
The training was PRECISE, unlike what passes as most "JKD" today. We covered kicking, striking, Bruce's modified boxing and Bruce's modified Wing Chun.We sparred full contact, and were expected to do supplemental training away from class on our own. I had a full gym, with heavy bags, top and bottom bag, speed bag, wing chun dummy, bean bags, a reverse roman chair, etc. Of course, training with Bruce in the private class at his house was really intense! The focus there was on energy training, which is the core of Jeet Kune Do. It holds everything together.
- What are the qualities you look for in a student?
Character and commitment, and like Bruce, punctuality. A sense of humor helps, too! Most people do not know that when Bruce trained or taught, he was dead serious about his training, but not serious about himself. He giggled with glee, and urged us to have a sense of "play," or fun when we worked out.
- What is your forte in jeet kune do?
In all humility, I do it all. I am well-rounded, and excel in every facet of the art.
- What is a typical day for you?
I don't have a typical day, since I have students coming in from all over the world. I am also opening a studio soon in the Los Angeles area, and working on a new book and DVD series. So much for relaxing!
- Please define jeet kune do?
Easy. It's the martial art that has these underlying principles which, unlike "concepts," are always true):Simplicity, Economy, Longest weapon to the nearest target, and always think of hitting. If you are not doing this, you are not doing JKD.
- Did your training change after Bruce Lee's death?
No, I followed his teachings to the letter. I can still hear his voice encouraging me to be better than I was, in every sense of the word.
- Do you think it is good for JKD students to cross train in other arts?
You should be true to the path that you have chosen. That was Bruce's statement when someone wanted to explore other martial arts. I believe he was right. Today, "jkd" students are beginners in every martial art, they know a little about many things. But they have no proficiency in Jeet Kune Do, let alone mastery of the one art. On the other hand, I don't care if my students or Instructors study or teach other arts. It's their choice. As long as they don't call the other arts Jeet Kune Do.
- What motivates you after all these years?
What motivates me is my teacher, Bruce Lee. I still feel his presence and hear his voice. For years, I thought his art had been lost, but I realized I could contribute, give something back to him, by teaching again. That's my inspiration. That was my guide to train Jason Scott Lee to portray Bruce in DRAGON, THE BRUCE LEE STORY.
- What are your future goals and aspirations?
To continue to spread Bruce's art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. It is a noble pursuit, and I hope I have given something back to my teacher.
Jerry Poteet can be reached at : www.jerrypoteet.com
Original Soure : http://www.combat-journal.com
