Jun Fan

Jun Fan Gung Fu, originally the name given by Bruce Lee to his first kwoon (equivalent of a Japanese dojo, a training hall), came to describe the original style of martial art created by Bruce Lee from which grew his later concept Jeet Kune Do. In simple terms, the former was more clearly defined in terms of technique than the latter JKD. Schools were opened in Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles during Bruce’s early adulthood. Jun Fan Gung Fu was heavily based upon Wing Chun kung fu but at the same time incorporated longer range kicking techniques not seen in the original form. Bruce had trained in Wing Chun from his teenage years, being a student of the famous Yip Man. The short, close range style of Bruce’s primary art was supplemented by longer range techniques that he learned from training in and observing other kung fu styles.

Jun Fan signaled an early move away from traditional fighting systems. This appealed to some, but left other traditionalists dismayed and upset. On at least one occasion Bruce was challenged by a staunch defender of karate, though the resulting fight was short and resulted in the defeat of the challenger.

On the other hand, one young man, James Lee (no relation), a classically trained martial artist, recognized the skill of Bruce and the two formed a strong friendship. Together they decided to admit trainees of all races to their training hall. Again, this upset Chinese traditionalists in the community. This led to at least one well-documented challenge match with a high-ranking opponent. On this occasion Bruce fought a kung fu expert to a draw, learning two things that would be forever reflected in his approach to training: the need for a high level of physical fitness and the limitations of Wing Chun. Lee’s opponent employed a longer range fighting style and both fighters found it difficult to close with the other and bring their arsenal into play.

It was in 1964, while still developing the style of Jun Fan Gung Fu, that Bruce got his first big break. That same year there was an International Karate Championship. Bruce, though not a karate practitioner, gave a stunning demonstration. Film of this can be seen today. Witnessing it was a man named Ed Parker, a central martial arts figure in the United States and a man ready to lend support to Bruce. It was Parker that played a leading role in getting Lee the part of Kato in the Green Hornet TV series, the first step to bringing international fame to the Chinese-American youngster and to the art of kung fu.

Training in Jun Fan concentrates on physical conditioning and developing speed and sensitivity so that any stimuli can be reacted to immediately with overpowering techniques fired in rapid succession. Bruce himself was highly innovative in the use of training aids and students follow in his footsteps. Kicking techniques are also emphasized, but Jun Fan, though a step away from Wing Chun, still lacked the grappling moves that would have made it a truly rounded fighting style.

In combat the Jun Fan expert is comfortable fighting with kicks, punches and elbow strikes and traps. A primary tactic is to close quickly, using kicks, then execute powerful fist and elbow strikes in rapid succession while controlling the limbs of the opponent. As such, it is vital that strength be developed in both arms as early as possible.

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