Here's a breakdown of the influences:
Traditional Martial Arts:
* Wing Chun: The foundation of JKD. It emphasizes the use of structure, angles, and trapping to counter an opponent.
* Boxing: The focus on footwork, punches, and head movement is prominent in JKD.
* Western Boxing: Bruce Lee studied Western boxing to gain an understanding of its footwork, head movement, and striking techniques.
* Kung Fu: JKD draws on the principles of other Kung Fu styles like Northern Shaolin, Choy Lay Fut, and Hung Gar.
* Judo and Wrestling: JKD incorporates throws, takedowns, and grappling techniques for close-quarters combat.
Beyond Traditional Styles:
* Fencing: Lee studied fencing to understand the importance of timing, distance, and reflexes.
* Dance and Gymnastics: The fluidity and efficiency of movement seen in JKD are influenced by these disciplines.
* Western Boxing and Fencing: Bruce Lee studied Western boxing to learn about footwork, head movement, and striking, and fencing for timing, distance, and reflexes.
What makes JKD unique:
* No rigid forms: JKD avoids set forms, encouraging improvisation and adaptability to any situation.
* Emphasis on personal expression: It encourages students to find their own unique approach to fighting based on their physical abilities and personality.
* Constant evolution: JKD is not static. It's a philosophy of continuous learning and improvement, always evolving with the practitioner's experience.
Think of JKD as a melting pot of techniques and principles, blended together to create a dynamic and personalized fighting style. It's about adapting to the opponent and the situation, rather than relying on pre-determined movements.