“Kick too good for a boxer, throw too good for a karate man, punch too good for a judo man.” — Bruce Lee

Original video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C28F2LgRqAF/?igsh=ZGZveGFlOTgwcjhh

Game of Death is an extended video essay about the philosophy and principles of Jeet Kune Do. As Billy Lo ascends the tower, he faces masters of different martial disciplines. Each is skilled but predictable — limited by the structure of the style they represent. Lo, on the other hand, has no style (signaled to us by the style-agnostic and now iconic yellow jumpsuit). The formlessness and aliveness of his movement allow him to “fit in” with each discipline he comes up against, to “respond like an echo” and beat each master by exposing their weaknesses.

Bruce Lee, Ji Han Jae - The Game Of Death (1972)

Years ago, I wrote that MMA is traditional martial arts distilled for a specific purpose. I still believe it to be true — and today I came across a mind-blowing example of why that is.

The first picture is an engraving in the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. Over 1,000-years-old, it depicts a rear naked choke and body triangle.

Even the defense in the engraving is in line with contemporary wisdom: The man defending the choke is pulling down in the crosswise arm, and pushing up on the arm behind his head.

It’s another reminder that the evolution of martial arts is a process of rediscovery. As long as we have two arms and two legs, there are only so many ways we can move.

Jiang Yuhuan 😍

(vía (23) Pinterest)

New gay knight just dropped, courtesy of Linda Lithén.

D.W. Winnicott

(Personal details redacted 😛) I reached advanced level in our JKD/IGS & Muay Thai program a few days ago. That’s one rank shy of apprentice instructor. 😁

Check out my latest training highlights 🤙

Fireman’s carry from freestyle wrestling. 🧑‍🚒

Learned some new freestyle wrestling takedowns tonight: head and arm throw to a potential straight-arm lock. 🤼‍♂️

Larry Hartsell (front left) and my teacher (front right)

Hartsell was one of Bruce Lee’s original students, a black belt under Ed Parker, an army veteran — and a pioneer in Shoot Wrestling, Catch, Judo, and Jiu Jitsu.

In this photo, Hartsell demonstrates knife work he learned from Guros Dan Inosanto and Edgar Sulite.

Training in the Red Room. 🕷 🔻

Here’s your inspiration to train today. Be like Robin. 🦇🐦

Robin #2-5 variant cover - Raptor, Ravager, and Flatline by Francis Manapul *