Over the past 31 years, we have helped tens of thousands of people achieve their martial arts, fitness, and personal development goals. I'm sure you have a ton of questions about how the program works and you want the info quickly so I'll keep it nice and short.
FAQs about our adult program
1. What is the structure of a class like?
Every class begins with a dynamic warm-up. This includes calisthenics and active movement stretching. Then we get into the skill portion of the class. This may include the proper technique for punching, kicking, trapping, weapons training and grappling. Then we usually end with some fitness exercises the will push your body but will also teach you to perform when you're a bit fatigued.
2. If I'm out of shape will I be able to handle the class?
There are no absolutes in this world but all I can give you is data. One out about every 250 people are physically incapable of handling the physical portion of the class. That's a fraction of one percent. Obviously, we have students of all different fitness levels. We've had students train in their sixties. Many students have pre-existing injuries and muscle imbalances. Small group classes and one on one lessons give the instructions the ability to learn about each student. If you have an injury it's usually best to avoid certain motions. If your cardio isn't where it needs to be yet we will steadily work on it. If you're not strong enough to perform at your best we will give you exercises to do at home and will alter some of the exercises for you in the classes.
3. I've never trained before. Will I feel left back in class?
There are certain advantages to having never trained in martial arts. First, you don't have any bad habits to relearn. You have an "empty glass." The main thing to take into consideration when you first start training is to learn the stance and get a proper balance. After that everything is exponentially easier than if you just start punching and kicking without good footwork. The good news is if and when you feel a bit lost in class we encourage you to ask questions.
Our instructors have over a decade of experience and the head instructor, Sifu Dino Orfanos, has 45 years of experience. He has two direct lines back to Bruce Lee. One is Sifu Ted Wong and the other of Sifu Chris Kent. Most importantly, the instructors are here to guide and help you. Use our expertise to expedite your learning and to help you reach your potential.
4. If I have previous martial arts experience will I feel awkward because it's different?
The good thing about having experience is you have an understanding of timing and distance. Some of the technique may be different but some of it is the same. No other art besides Jeet Kune Do uses the straight lead. This is a special punch because it generates real power of the lead hand. It also gives you more length than the traditional jab.
We throw punches and kicks that you're also familiar with like a hook, uppercut, cross, hook kick, front kick and side kick (if you came from a traditional kicking art). We also throw elbow and knees in close range.
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Training in group classes
Training in the basic JKD classes gives you an overall picture of the art. We cover a wide variety of topics including the different aspects of combat and the philosophical elements of the art. Specialty classes are much more specific and focus one or two aspects of combat. This gives the instructor more time to go over the details of the topic of that class.
Private Lessons (one on one)
This is for the most serious students who want one on one attention. The instructor gives you his full attention for the entire hour. You can ask the instructor to work on specific weaknesses in your arsenal and how to bring out your strengths as well. Privates are also good for students with hectic schedules.
Solo training
Solo training is great when hitting a specific point in your training that you conceptually understand the tools. At this point, you can work some whole part whole training.
Research and development
Reading Bruce's notes gives you insight into the various parts of the art. It opens your mind to all that is possible and helps you train smarter. If your body is overworked reading the JKD books is a great way to stay connected to the art while you recover.
The bottom line is training in JKD is more than punching and kicking. The lessons you learn on the floor will translate into your daily living. I hope the art can be as beneficial to your life as it has been for mine.
"The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering."
-Bruce Lee
Sincerely,
Sifu James