Considered by some to be the modern originator of mixed martial arts, Bruce Lee (1940-1973) would've been 73-years old today had he not unexpectedly passed from problems stemming from cerebral œdema at only 32-years old. Lee's fighting system and philosophy known as Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist) was the first modern martial arts style to incorporate striking, trapping (clinch), and grappling. JKD is essentially mixed martial arts in that it has no distinct form or style of it's own and is an amalgam of useful techniques. Most traditional martial arts (TMA) shunned Western influence. Lee's training philosophy has also become common practice. Lee recommended using weight training (high repetition, low weight) and suggested only training weights every other day (a style that has now become widespread). Lee was also one of the first martial artists to cross-train, incorporating stretching, sprinting, and endurance training along with time in the dojo and the weight room. Most professional athletes and serious martial artists cross-train. Lee's most important quote regarding martial arts and training might be this: 'Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.' Basically Lee's idea is to try most styles and exercises in order to find what works for you and is most useful. The simplification of training and fighting flows into lifestyle--valuing utility and personal taste above outside influences and appearances. [video=youtube;U8CtOqJy6xM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8CtOqJy6xM[/video]
