Many people view the quality of personal
greatness as a moral dilemma. In witnessing the greatness of our teachers and peers, many of us recognize admirable characteristics we may lack. We may then decide to choose a path that strives to emulate our mentors and elevate ourselves to a higher level, or we may allow jealousy; envy
and ignorance to create a barrier to achieving our own greatness. In creating a barrier, we also prevent our understanding of such a level of personal growth and achievement. No one within the world of martial arts better illustrates the ideal of personal greatness than
Sifu Dan Inosanto. For the past several years, I have had the honor of assisting Sifu
Dan Inosanto in his seminars across the United States, as well as in many foreign countries. Although I have learned a great deal regarding the martial arts from this man, these lessons are secondary to a greater knowledge that he has presented to me. As a mentor, teacher and
friend, Sifu Inosanto has served as a living example of the impact that true grace, honor, dedication, and wisdom can have upon life. For myself and all of those whom he touches, he is one of the finest and most humble souls encountered. Yet, many have chosen to assault his reputation rather than embrace the
knowledge and wisdom
that he has attained and shares with such dedication
and humility. |
It has been stated, for example, that Sifu Inosanto does not teach Jun Fan Gung Fu, which is the genesis and base method of Si
Gung Bruce Lee's personal expression of Jeet Kune Do. As a current
student and certified instructor of the only remaining authentic line of Jeet Kune Do, I believe the erroneous nature of this statement is quite staggering.
Another claim has been made that Sifu Inosanto is altering Jun Fan Gung Fu via the influence of techniques derived from various other methods. Bruce Lee states in his book
Tao of
Jeet Kune Do that "Jeet Kune Do favors formlessness so that it can assume all forms and since Jeet
Kune Do has no style, it can fit in with all styles. As a result, Jeet Kune Do utilizes all ways and is
bound by none and, likewise, uses any techniques or means which serve its end." This passage illustrates the eclectic nature of the founder's
ideology and represents the adaptive and evolutionary spirit of his art. In combat situations, it is necessary to utilize that which is
useful and available, and that germinates from functionality regardless of style or method; therefore,
Sifu Inosanto's cross referencing of various methods with those of Jun Fan Gung Fu is in direct correlation with the heart and spirit
of Jeet Kune Do. In addition, Sifu Inosanto, out of his respect for the base method of Jun Fan
Gung Fu, allocates many classes each week to a study of this art at the Inosanto Academy. In
fact he has often said that one could appreciate Jun Fan Gung Fu without an under standing of Jeet Kune Do, but one could not truly embrace Jeer Kune Do
without expanding upon the foundations - physically, mentally and spiritually- of Jun Fan Gung
Fu.
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 In mentioning combat, I am reminded of a quote from a
'Jeet Kune Do enthusiast" who had never met Sifu Inosanto, but felt
strongly that although an excellent instructor in an academic sense, Sifu Inosanto was not a fighter. Having received the energy that emanates from this man
countless times, I can only take pity on such an ignorant misrepresentation. The kindness of a
man's nature should never be confused with the humble power of his skill.
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Speaking of ignorance and misrepresentation, there also exists a great deal of discrepancy with respect to the Jun Fan Gung Fu Chinatown School. This
facility was founded by Si Gung Bruce Lee in 1967. During that time, and for the three years to follow, this school was run by one
individual. Si Gung Bruce Lee personally chose Sifu Dan Inosanto as the school's head instructor
(below documentation clearly validates
this fact). Ninety-five percent of the classes were taught by Sifu Inosanto, with Si Gung Lee providing instruction on a periodic basis. |
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| Actual cover
of Chinatown school's lesson plan issued by and written in Si
Gung Bruce Lee's own handwriting. |
These are but a few of the examples illustrating how those motivated by envy and ignorance have attempted to malign the reputation of
Sifu Dan Inosanto. The informed need not hear any rebuttal:
they axe well aware of Sifu's honorable character and his immeasurable contributions to the world of martial arts. The ignorant -especially those with less-than-honorable intent- will choose to ignore the facts and continue to spread false information. Yet I and others believe such malicious tongues will eventually be
silenced ... the lies serving to high light the ignorance of those who speak them.
Sifu Inosanto refuses to dignify such comments with a response; although I admire this and all elements of his
nature, out of love and respect for him I feel
certain truths should be made very clear. He has long shed light onto the path toward spiritual
growth, and as a true mentor to many students, his quiet manner and inner strength should he recognized for what they
are: personal greatness.
| Dan Inosanto -
Head Instructor of Los Angeles Branch |
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