| Classical Martial Arts Mess | | | | culture. |
| Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bruce Lee | | | | To add to this progressively-classical mix, after |
| kept talking about the "classical mess." He criticized | | | | Bruce Lee died, a lot of JKD schools sprang up. |
| the fossilized styles. | | | | (Many still exist today.) |
| In fact, he had list after list of all the problems | | | | Weak Jeet Kune Do Schools |
| inherent in those "clunky" systems of martial arts. | | | | Some of the bigger schools have slipped... they |
| Have you noticed that, for the last decade, I | | | | now, as a group, commit the same errors that |
| have not picked on any one style relentlessly in | | | | Bruce accused the classical practitioners of |
| my articles and books? | | | | committing 40 years ago. |
| I mention techniques found in a variety of styles, | | | | Some schools progress, but unfortunately, some |
| and while I do mention styles by name, I don't | | | | get sloppy. Some individuals progress, but some |
| criticize the entire style, just the particular move | | | | regress. I think what I am trying to say is that |
| or strategy. (And I am also free with my | | | | we have moved beyond the need to 'condemn' |
| compliments on their treatments of particular | | | | entire styles. |
| aspects of the arts.) | | | | Note: We can still learn by analyzing individual |
| I never completely "trash" a style as being | | | | martial-arts systems, in the sense that |
| useless because it has been labeled classical. | | | | stereotyping does have its uses. Still, always keep |
| This is an important distinction. I really do feel that | | | | in mind the dangers also associated with |
| all styles have worth, and conversely, all have | | | | stereotyping. Don't assume, especially in this |
| some aspects that could be improved. | | | | modern world of mixed styles of martial arts. |
| (I think this attitude is what makes me unique as | | | | Don't Criticize the Martial Arts Style |
| a martial arts writer.) | | | | This is why you can't criticize by style. It depends |
| Beyond Bruce Lee | | | | on a number of factors of both the individual, the |
| Bruce Lee's way to consider the classical arts | | | | school, and the style. |
| worked back then. Now, in the 21st century, that | | | | A much better way to approach analyzing martial |
| way of style categorization has become obsolete. | | | | arts is by principle. If you notice someone |
| Ironically, this is partly because of Bruce Lee. | | | | predominantly kicking forward with the rear leg, |
| Why? | | | | that says something. Punching before blocking or |
| Well, his more efficient martial philosophy made | | | | parrying says something else. |
| sense to almost all progressive martial artists and | | | | Make mental notes... quick ones... that can help you |
| to some of the more classically trained, as well. | | | | be more efficient in practical situations. Contrast |
| People adapted and incorporated. | | | | convoluted, less-than-practical moves with |
| Now, years later, you can't say that 100% of one | | | | efficient techniques. |
| style does this or that. There are factions of each | | | | A good place to start would be by examining |
| style that have... progressed, both intentionally and | | | | what Bruce Lee was avoiding in "the classical |
| unintentionally. | | | | mess." But don't stop there. This is almost 40 |
| Bruce Lee's philosophy, through his own and | | | | years later. |
| others' writings, has permeated the martial arts | | | | |