The
World Jeet Kune Do Federation was born of the idea to bring the authentic teachings
of Bruce Lee to the public in a way that was unprededented. The way we invisioned
was on a massive scale where no one was excluded, more teachers were trained,
and real JKD would be availalbe in every corner of the world. To make this possible
boundries had to be broken, technology had to be developed, and prejudice and
ignorance had to be disbursed. When JKD was developed Bruce Lee had to break down
many barriers just to be able to teach at his schools. For us to take the lead
in a martial art system that was taken over since the death of Bruce Lee by infighting
between instructors and students would certainly be a painful and daunting task.
Our founder Sifu (teacher) Carter Hargrave felt that since he had been given so
much from Lee's teachings that he would spearhead the effort to do the seemingly
impossible, bring authentic original JKD to general public on a global scale,
and at the same time try to "be like water" and spread calm and understanding
in the arts teachers and students. "Jeet Kune Do should be the most popular
martial art in the world, and if I have my way it will be." (WJKDF President
Carter Hargrave)
Hargrave
received multiple martial arts system training from instructors located throughout
the United States, and currently holds black belts in seven styles. In 1993 he
received the Instructor of the Year award for his teaching in the art of Jeet
Kune Do, the style founded by Bruce Lee, and was also inducted into the Martial
Arts Hall of Fame. In 1995 Hargrave was the youngest person to be promoted Professor
of martial arts, and he received the Instructor of the Year award for his teaching
in Karate. In 1996 he received the award for Best Martial Arts School in the United
States, and was recognized by U.S. Congress, the United States Senate, and the
Governor of Oklahoma for this achievement.
Hargrave
holds instructor / black belt level rankings in Kempo Karate, Kung Fu, Goshin
Jutsu, Jeet Kune Do, Aiki Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and Escrima, as well as the author
of three martial arts books, two on Japanese Kempo Karate and The Original Jeet
Kune Do Training Manual which contain Bruce Lee's techniques from the Oakland
and Los Angeles schools.. Hargrave is the founder of the style known as American
Combat kempo which he introduced in 1992, and in 2000 was presented the International
Founders Award by Dr. E.A. Moore (President of the World Martial Arts hall of
Fame) for the defense system. This system is used by the United States Marines
as the basis for their training since 2000. Hargrave has been inducted into numerous
martial arts hall of fame's and was Grandmaster of the Year in the United States
Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
The
late G.W Dill Presenting Professor Hargrave with Outstanding Jeet Kune Do Instructor
of the Year Award Just before Hargrave resigned from his association to form a
non political positive organization.
Martial
Arts Resume:
First Martial Arts
Training in 1968 with Hanshi Lou Angel in Goju Karate
Authored Original
Jeet Kune Do Training Manual
Second Generation Jeet Kune Do Instructor
Certified JKD Instructor 1992, Jeet Kune Do Association
Founding
Board Member 1992, Jeet Kune Do Association
Authored Combat Martial Arts
Kempo Karate Manual 1993
G.W Dill Presenting Professor Hargrave with
Outstanding Jeet Kune Do Instructor of the Year Award See
Photo
Instructor of the Year JKD, World Martial Arts
Hall of Fame, Presented by G. W. Dill and Jeet Kune Do Association See
Certificate -- Photo
Certified JKD Instructor FJKD Association 1993 See
Certificate
Certified Black Belt Aiki Jitsu, Promoted Dr. Farenelli -- See
Certificate
Certified National
College of Martial Arts, Instructor JKD, Black Belt Bushido Kempo, Black Belt
Aiki Jitsu, Certified Lou Angel and G. W. Dill -- See
Certificate
Executive
Director World Jeet Kune Do Federation 1992
Certified Black Belt 2nd
Dan Kempo, Promoted by Toma Soke Okinawa and Japan, and Rod Sacharnoski -- See
Certificate
Certified Black
Belt 2nd Dan Jujitsu, Promoted by Toma Soke Okinawa and Japan, and Rod Sacharnoski
-- See Certificate
Certified Black Belt 3nd Dan Kempo, Promoted by Toma
Soke Okinawa and Japan, and Rod Sacharnoski -- See
Certificate
Certified Black Belt 3rd Dan Jujitsu,
Promoted by Toma Soke Okinawa and Japan, and Rod Sacharnoski -- See
Certificate
Executive
Director American Combat Kempo Association 1992
Certified Sifu Kung Fu
4th Degree Black Sash
Certified 4th Dan Black Belt Aiki Jujitsu
Instructor
Headmaster Juko Kai Kokusai Remnei 1994
Certified 3rd Dan Black Belt
Goshin Jutsu
Combat Martial Arts system featured on local newscasts.
1995
Awarded Karate Instructor of the Year, Inducted Martial Arts Hall
of Fame 1995
Certified Shihan 5th Dan Kempo World Certified Instructor,
Promoted by Dr. E. A Moore, Prof. Thomas Burdine, Prof. John Willaims, Prof. Ed
Gross, Prof. Ray Gunther, Prof. Pelligrini. -- See
Certificate
Certified Professor of Martial Arts 1995
Appointed Executive Director World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Board Member
1995 -- See Certificate
Appointed a Director United Kung Fu Federation of North America 1995
-- See Certificate
Certified Professor 7th Dan Kempo Ryu Karate. --
See Certificate
Certified
Professor 7th Dan Combat Kempo Karate, American Kenpo Bu-Jutsu Karate -- See
Certificate
Awarded Governors Comendation for
best martial arts school -- See
Certificate
Certified Hanshi 8th Dan Kempo Ryu
Karate, 2000 -- See
Certificate
Released Top Selling Original JKD
Training and Ranking Video Series
Certified Soke Head Founder of a new
Martial Art Style. Father of Combat Martial Arts. 2000 Certified by World Martial
Arts Hall of Fame Sokeship Council, Board of Directors. -- See
Certificate
Certified 10th Dan Kempo -- Multiple
Certificates
Released American Combat kempo Training and Ranking Videos
Director World Kempo Association.
JKD Division Director World
Budo Alliance
Certified Master Instructor Romania JKD Association
Inducted
United States Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame 2001
Grandmaster
of the Year United States Martial Arts Association. 2001 -- See
Certificate
World Budo Alliance Grading Board
Chairman
World Soke Council Member
Chief Instructor Air Martial
Anti Terrorist Flight Crew Training
Developed system adapted for training
United States Marines
Member of many martial arts associations, federations,
and organizations, also many organizations cerfifying the same ranks. This is
a work in progress over the years. For the Masters and Grandmasters we may have
left out we only have the greatest amount of love and respect and we hope to add
everyone.
1. Side Kick 2. Front snap kick to throat
Video Clip of Professor teaching how to enter
when fighting. (Video from class session)
JKD
is a combat modified Gung Fu (Kung Fu) system designed by Bruce Lee to eliminate
the effectiveness of other martial arts in a fight. It is made up with elements
from Wing Chun kung fu, American Boxing, and French Fencing for the footwork aspects.
Are
there any other arts in JKD
No. Lee studied various systems to
find weaknesses he could exploit. So if he was taking a lesson in, or working
with another teacher that was what he was up to.
Is JKD a style,
Lee always said JKD was not a style in his books to the public.
JKD
is a style. This is in print in the training manuals that were available only
to his personal students; in it he states "Style of Jeet Kune Do", not
to mention on his grave marker it says founder of Jeet Kune Do.
Do
you have proof of this and do you have a copy.
Yes
Is
JKD the most effective style for self defense
It is definably at
the top of the list for sure. JKD was the first mixed martial art, but it was
organized unlike what you see today. It takes discipline to learn as it is so
far away from the thinking of most martial art styles that we have come in contact
with. Its great for small people and you don't have to be strong to be effective.
You
have to have prior martial arts experience to do Jeet Kune Do
No
not at all. Actually as a teacher it is easier for me because I don't have to
correct bad habits. Also you don't have to be in great shape to start.
Can
you use it in tournaments
JKD has no rules. It does not translate
well to the ring. We do whatever it takes to win. So you would get disqualified
pretty quickly.
Why isn't there JKD schools on every corner like
tae kwon do.
That is the big question isn't it. The most effective
martial art from the most famous martial artist. It should be shouldn't it. Basically
it comes down to the ugly side of human nature. You have ego and you have greed
and you have envy. All of these things have reared their head in Jeet Kune Do.
The original students of Lee could not get along with one another nor with the
family. There are exceptions of course, but the failures are many and could have
been avoided for the good of the art and out of respect of the founder. Our goal
was to change all of that and avoid the fighting and politics for the good of
the art and the founder. We have done a good job so far. We get attacked by those
same people that kept the art down, but we always take the higher road and stay
out of the in fighting.
Are there uniforms in JKD
No.
Although Lee usually wore a Kung Fu uniform.
Are there rank belts
in JKD
No.
Are there rankings in JKD
Yes.
Lee had a rank system of levels 1,2,3 and rumored to have a level 4
Did
Bruce Lee issue Rank Certificates
Yes
Can you learn
JKD from a book.
That is very hard, probably the hardest method
of all.
Why are there so few JKD teachers
Bruce Lee
had very few students in his 3 different schools.
Is there only one JKD
No
there is two. You have the original that we teach, and you have what is called
JKD Concepts which is mainly Filipino arts.
Is one better than the
other
We get this question quite a bit. The original is what Lee
taught, Concepts is related but does not have to be what Lee taught. I like to
answer like this since I have training in Filipino arts as well. Original is what
Lee taught and Concepts is not. One is no better that the other just different.
Bruce
Lee taught for free why do you charge money
Bruce Lee was one of
the highest paid martial art teachers to date. He did not teach for free and in
the 1970's he charged $1000 for an hour long private lesson. In today's money
that would be what.... a new car.
Why did Bruce Lee order his schools
closed.
He came home from filming a movie and witnessed one of
his classes and he did not recognize any of the techniques being taught as JKD.
He order all of them closed. There were other issues involved but this remained
in the forefront.
How many schools did he have.
Three
schools, Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles.
In Dragon the Bruce Lee
Story he was hurt in a fight is that true.
No. He hurt his back
lifting weights. Gotta love the movies.
Why is there so much controversy
in JKD
Bruce Lee was a very philosophical man with many sides and
many contradictions. He had a public face and a private face that his private
students witnessed. While I think he would be dismayed at his students lack of
compassion toward one another, he would rather enjoy the confusion that keeps
people thinking about martial arts. Its my hope that his 1st generation students
the will make amends.
Do you support any kind of regulation or oversite
in the martial arts?
Yes. Today there is so much misrepresentation
of rankings and skills that I fully support governmental regulation of the martial
arts systems and styles.
Do you get allot of questions and emails
Yes.
We get around 400 emails each day. Its very hard to get through. We get many questions,
people thanking us for what we have done. Some are from those who love our program
and the way we teach. Then you have those who hate us for bringing JKD to the
public.
Is being the president of the WJKDF all you do or do you
have a regular job.
I am a full time martial arts teacher. So I
teach exclusive private lessons and I am also head of the World Kempo Karate Association.
From
your resume it looks like you have several black belts. How many do you have.
I
have seven black belt level certifications.
Seven Black Belts,?
No way, you would have to be a hundred years old to do that. That's impossible.
Well
I like doing the impossible. You noticed my earlier answer that I am a full time
martial artist. Well I was a full time martial art student doing at least four
arts at the same time. I do not recommend this for anyone. It was probably the
most difficult way of learning. Most cannot do it as you have to keep the systems
completely separate to pass your tests. We have also placed links to where you
can see some of the certificates. This is the first time any Grandmaster has ever
put their credentials online for all to see. Hey mabe I will start a trend.
I
see you are a founder of a martial arts style American Combat Kempo also known
as Combat Martial Arts . There seems to be more and more founders out there, what
makes your system stand out.
Well yes I am the Grandmaster of a
new combat system. The thing that I feel makes my system so outstanding is that
there is actually something new, not just some master taking two or three systems
and patching them together and abra cadabra its a new style and they call themselves
Grandmaster. I brought the old and the new together, changed the philosophy one
hundred eighty degrees, added a new approach to defense, then invented new techniques
that my system alone has. Many of the philosophies are very radical and I took
some heat from the established masters on what I was teaching, why I was teaching
it, and how it was being presented. Its also the only system I know of that allows
under black belts to fully train with weapons, and black belts to advance must
be proficient with various firearms, and a select few with fully automatic weapons.
Ok
you have taken a giant step forward with your system in the self defense world.
What would keep someone from taking your system and adding or changing a few things
and they are Grandmaster of a new style?
Unlike founders in the
past, my system is fully documented and copyrighted in multiple ways so it belongs
to me, although I can license or allow governmental agencies certain privileges.
Why
doesn't the WJKDF have a Forum or Chat area.
Many companies have
found, most recently Apple Computer, that these forums are a breeding ground for
bad behavior, slandering people they have never met or know nothing about, lies
and misinformation that do nothing to help those interested in legitimate information.
Have you seen some of the pictures of internet posters? Its like they are all
fat and out of shape. Guys that burning orb in the sky is the Sun. Get moving
and go outside.
You have taken a lot of heat over the years when
you said that JKD was made of only three styles, and that it was an actual style
with specific techniques. Now the Bruce Lee Family has released confirmation to
the fact that you were correct. How does this make you feel.
Its
always good to be right. But what good is it if no one knows it or agrees. Now
everyone knows we were right all along. We have always tried to stay true to the
founders teachings.
Unlike Sifu Hargrave why are so many teachers
in JKD fat and out of shape.
I believe in setting a good example
by staying in fighting shape and working out . My guess is they spend too much
time on the internet and not enough time moving. Martial Arts are moving meditation.
Maybe they forgot that part.
What is the future of JKD
The
WJDKF has been on the cutting edge of teaching. Our DVD training program has been
so much more successful than I imagined. The test videos that I receive are of
such high skill quality even from those who have had no training. We have taken
allot of heat for offering instruction in this manner, but I have taught more
students than any other teacher in the history of Jeet Kune Do, and it works.
You would not believe all of the letters and emails thanking me for what we have
done that has changed their lives, and empowered them and their families. That
makes you feel good that you are helping so many people that otherwise would not
have been helped.
" My heartfelt thanks to
all the instructors and students who have made my goals and dreams possible.
No one man achieves great things alone. God bless".
