This is a very interesting video of Ted Wong. In it he talks about some of his views on Jeet Kune Do, how he started training at Bruce Lee’s Los Angeles school, and some keen insights into his personal teaching philosophy.
There is also some nice footage of Mr. Wong working the heavy bag and focus pads.
You don’t get to see much footage of Ted Wong, so this is a real treat!
Ted Wong Jeet Kune Do Seminar
Dates: July 5th & 6th, 2008
Location: Netherlands (Europe)
For information on times, exact location, seminar fees, etc., please contact:
George Sirag: info@jfjkd.nl
Ted Wong will be conducting a Jeet Kune Do seminar in Fishkill, NY on October 11th & 12th, 2008.
Location:
Jeet Kune Do Martial Arts Institute
37 Elm St. Plaza #8
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845)897-2049
Contact:
Richard Torres
JeetKuneDoMA@msn.com
www.jkdmartialarts.com
Disciples of the Dragon Seminar
The First Student/Last Student Seminar
Two legends…
Two days only…
A once in a life time experience…
Jesse Glover and Ted Wong
August 2nd & 3rd, 2008
Double Tree Inn
Chesterfield, Missouri
Please visit:
The JKD Brotherhood Website
for more information
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Fancy Footwork ‘Which Way is Best?’
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We’ve all heard that footwork is “everything” in JKD.
Right?
But what kind of footwork?
Obviously there are many types. Footwork that’s,
- smooth & dance-like
- explosive
- plodding
- bouncing & Muhammad Ali-like
just to name a few.
One of my all-time favorite boxers is Sugar Ray Robinson.
He had the best footwork, by far, of any boxer I’ve seen,
in my opinion.
He bounced and used rhythm when on the outside, gliding
in and out with that lightning jab.
But on the inside, he settled down and delivered powerful
punches.
He had a combination of footwork that served his style
of boxing well.
I’d like to examine 2 well-known JKD personalities and
the styles of footwork they use. They’re very different in
their approach and movement, which makes for a great
comparison and contrast.
Ted Wong, Bruce Lee’s last major private student and
considered by many to teach the purest strain of JKD
as taught by Bruce Lee before his death.
And Joe Lewis, the heavyweight kickboxing champion
and owner of Joe Lewis Karate Systems, who was also a
private student of Bruce Lee.
First, let’s look at Ted Wong.
Ted Wong’s footwork is smooth as silk, almost
dance-like. Although there is explosiveness and speed
involved, there is an obvious lack of ‘jerky-ness’ to his
movements.
He has some of the best footwork I’ve ever seen. It is,
quite frankly, a beautiful thing to watch.
At nearly 65 years of age, he moves with the grace and
speed of someone a third of his age, but who has also
spent 30 or more years honing his skills.
Joe Lewis’s footwork, on the other hand, is explosive.
Almost the complete opposite of Ted Wong’s footwork.
The emphasis is the blast of power to quickly bridge the
gap with power and ferocity.
The power in Joe Lewis’s movements are clearly evident.
Joe Lewis is a heavyweight, but his movements are
quick as a lightweight. Of course, with heavyweight
power!
Which is the best way to train?
Well… I don’t know.
I don’t like the “this is better than that” type of
approach to martial arts.
It may be more appropriate to say, “this is better for
me than that.” At least, as it pertains to each
individual’s goals, body type, personal style, etc.
In my own training, being an avid student of Ted
Wong, I try to emulate his footwork. I work on the
smoothness of movement that he exhibits.
I also incorporate the explosiveness and many of the
drills that Joe Lewis teaches.
I don’t have the same body type or fighting style that
either of these gentlemen have, so I try to adapt their
teachings to fit me.
I strive to find the balance that Sugar Ray Robinson
possessed. But always with Kip Brockett in mind! 
Copyright 2003
Kip Brockett
All Rights Reserved
(This article originally appeared in the JKD101 Newsletter: Vol. 1, Issue 3)
Teri Tom has written an excellent book on the Straight Lead punch. She’s a long-time student of Ted Wong and it shows in this book.
Those familiar with Ted Wong’s teachings will find a most valuable resource and study guide. Those unfamiliar with his teachings will find a great introduction to the principles & techniques that Bruce Lee was working on near the end of his life.
Bottom line…
Teri Tom has done her research. And she has documented the resources every step of the way.
