How to Get Started Training as a Beginner in Jeet Kune Do
So you are looking for practical self-defense training, but where do you start?
Here are 7 things you should consider to help you decide:
- Customization
- Safety
- Schedule
- Budget
- Privacy vs. Camaraderie
- Just the Basics vs. Life-Long Warrior
- In a Hurry
Once you have an understanding of these things you have a better idea of what to look for.
Let’s break down each of those 7 items and compare the Jeet Kune Do classes to Private Instruction to help you decide which is ideal for you.
#1 – Customization
Jeet Kune Do Classes
The JKD classes are group training and we start everyone from the same base. Over time however each person will customize what they do to meet their own unique traits (size, strength, situations they find themselves in, level of damage acceptable, LEOs, CCW, FFDO, security guards, regular guy or gal just trying to protect themselves, etc.)
Private Self-Defense Instruction
Private instruction wins when it comes to customization. I have worked with all types of individuals and teams with special considerations, such as:
- Airline Pilots / Flight Crew – for flight deck defense (both FFDO and non-FFDO)
- Vision Impaired / Blind
- Law Enforcement & Corrections Officers – the Jeet Kune Do class is fine for LEOs and COs
- Security Guards
If you aren’t sure if you need the customization that private training provides vs. the Jeet Kune Do classes just ask Brian.
#2 – Safety
Jeet Kune Do Classes
Everyone in our classes was new at one time. No one likes to feel like they are a slow learner, out of place, or worse yet have senior students beating them up. Our classes are not like this at all. If you are struggling with something the person you are working with will slow down and help you correct your movements so that you walk away feeling successful not frustrated.
Nobody leaves with a black eye or busted nose. So for JKD classes vs. private instruction it is a tie.
Private Self-Defense Instruction
I don’t shame people into performing well, I coach them. If you make an incorrect movement we will slow things down, make the correction, and get reps of perfect technique before increasing the speed. You will not get beat up and you will not be made to feel ashamed if you make mistakes. Heck, I made tons of mistakes when I was starting martial arts.
So for JKD classes vs. private instruction it is a tie.
#3 – Schedule
Jeet Kune Do Classes
Classes have a set timeframe. To see those times click here and scroll to the bottom.
Private Self-Defense Instruction
I typically do private instruction Monday – Saturday afternoons and some evenings. In some cases I may not have any time open but there are often other individuals who are willing to share their time with one other person for a semi-private session.
#4 – Budget
Jeet Kune Do Classes
Contact Brian for current prices but classes are always going to be cheaper than private instruction.
Private Self-Defense Instruction
Private training is VIP and thus will cost more, but it is not unreasonable. Contact Brian for current prices. There are often packages that make private sessions cheaper.
#5 – Camaraderie vs. Privacy
Jeet Kune Do Classes
Class sizes usually range from about 5 – 10 people. A mix of men and women. Ages range from 20s – 60s. We have lots of camaraderie, joke, have fun, and most become friends outside of the class.
Private Self-Defense Instruction
Some people prefer private instruction because they learn faster, feel more comfortable, or simply want to get the basics down before joining the Jeet Kune Do class.
#6 – Just the Basics vs. Life-Long Warrior
Jeet Kune Do Classes
The Jeet Kune Classes are designed to help you build up skills each each area of fighting (stand up, ground, weapons, multiple attackers, scenarios, etc.). The idea is that you will be coming regularly for a while and thus will get lots of practice. If you are only going to take a small handful of sessions to learn the basics then private instruction is the way to go.
Private Self-Defense Instruction
Private training is designed more along the lines of Step 1, Step 2, Step 3. So it starts with the basics and builds each session.
So if you are only interested in “just the basics” of self-defense where I will have a fixed number of sessions with you then private training is better than the classes.
#7 – In a Hurry to Learn, Time Deadline
Jeet Kune Do Classes
Each Jeet Kune Do class is different. We might focus on ground fighting in one class and do gun disarms and stand up fighting in the next. You would eventually learn everything you need to know in the JKD class but it might not be in time for when you leave. Private training is a better option as we can make sure we cover everything you need before you leave.
Private Self-Defense Instruction
If you are leaving the country, going off to college, or something similar in the next month or two then private training will get you up to speed quicker than classes. The primary reason is that we will focus exactly on what you need to learn to be prepared.
Feel free to contact Brian with any questions