These are some of the most frequently asked questions we get here at the Chinese Boxing Institute. If the answer needs more clarity, please contact us and ask for more information.
Are your classes open to anyone?
Yes, anyone with a positive attitude who is willing to learn and wants to have training. However, you must be 18 years of age to join the class (16 years of age with parental consent).
Do your classes include WEAPONS TRAINING??
Yes and no. The Jeet Kuen Chinese Boxing classes do occasionally include some weapons training to help us familiarize ourselves with both blunt impact and edged weapons.
Do you use Asian terminology in classes?
In our classes, we occasionally use Chinese terminology (typically from Wing Chun). However, we try to keep the Chinese terminology to a minimum.
Do your classes include GRAPPLING?
Yes, but the focus is on getting back to your feet. We rarely grapple as you might do in a Judo or BJJ class for example. However, you will experience some two-person application drills and counter-grappling techniques (on the ground).
Do you wear uniforms?
In our classes, we typically wear dark sweat pants (karate / gung fu pants) or shorts and a T-shirt. (please ask the instructor for details).
Do you wear belts or receive ranks?
We do not wear belts in our classes. However, you can receive rank in both Jeet Kuen - Chinese Boxing and in Chinatown Jeet Kune Do.
Will your material work in the ring or the cage?
The curriculum is not designed for competition, however many of the techniques and principles taught in Jeet Kune Do and Chinese Boxing classes can translate to Kickboxing and MMA.
What equipment do I need?
All students should own a mouth guard and a groin protector. Groin protector should be worn at all times. Female students ought to also consider investing in a chest protector.
While we have loaner gear, we recommend that you eventually invest in some equipment. For the Jeet Kuen - Chinese Boxing class we recommend MMA gloves, soft shin guards and boxing gloves (16oz) . Please ask the instructor for more information.
All equipment can be purchased through the school.
Do you teach "Original" JKD or JKD Concepts
The simple answer is that in our emphasis on applied principles of Bruce Lee's fighting methods. However, much of what we do comes from original Jeet Kune Do from the Los Angeles Chinatown-era.
Do you spar in classes?
All of our training sessions are tailored to the students in attendance. However, because we believe that you must be able to apply the techniques against resistance, a lot of our training is performed against "progressive resistance" (very lightly at first).
Why?
Because training using progressive resistance through the use of “sparring games” allows you the opportunity to begin training against unrehearsed attacks fairly early on… much like a laboratory type experience in school. We start with simple isolation sparring games where defensive skills are taught, and we are careful not to let it get too intense and always strive to keep things playful. As you get better, the intensity will gradually increase.