Jeet Kune Do - Kali/Escrima

I began my martial arts journey back in 1974 by studying Ed Parker’s KenPo Karate. After some years in that system, I eventually earned a black belt. At this point, I chose to spend some time away from KenPo to look at other arts, seeing what they had to offer. While researching different systems I found Jeet Kune Do (JKD). I started my JKD training in 1987 with Sifu Steve Grody (Originally under Guro Dan Inosanto, 1st generation student of Bruce Lee) and studied with him privately for 5 years. At this point I began to work with Sifu Chris Kent (Also originally under Guro Dan Inosanto) and studied with him until he left Los Angeles in 1997, at which time I received my instructorship from him in JKD and Kali/Escrima .

Around this same time a small informal group consisting of students from Sifu Chris’s advanced class was formed. We met twice weekly to train, experiment, research and test theories. Since most of the group had studied various arts over the years, we all brought something different to look at and play with. Sifu Chris occasionally came back over the years to visit, train and frequently would put on a 1 or 2 day seminar for the group and our students.

In early 1999 I was invited into a small group headed by Sifu Pete Jacobs (1st Generation student of Bruce Lee) and still continue to train with him today.

Over the years since I began my JKD training I’ve had the great fortune to have been able to study with many of Bruce Lee’s 1st and 2nd generation students, each representing either the Seattle, Oakland or LA Chinatown School eras. They all have different pieces of the puzzle to offer.

With 35+ years of martial arts training experience I bring an approach that is based on the most simple, direct and economical way to deal with a situation. I believe the training methodology must closely represent realistic circumstances. My main interest is in the practical application of JKD principles.

Listed below are some of the Magazine Articles, Books and Videos that I’ve been involved with over the past years.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Jeff Scharlin