The Eyal Koren Interview
Interview Conducted by Paul Bax

When and how did you first start your training in martial arts?
Eyal Koren: In 1974 I learned some Israeli Krav Maga moves from my older brother, who learnt them in a summer course. I was very enthusiastic about it, but started training only a year later thanks to my younger brother, who convinced me to join his Gojo Riu Karate lessons. Than I moved on to the Shaolin Five Animals system - and in 1985 I discovered Wu Wei Gung Fu, and abandoned all that I’ve learned until that day. I haven’t regretted it for a single day since.

How did you first hear about Bruce Lee and his art of Jeet Kune Do?
EK: As a child I’ve watched Bruce Lee’s films many times, but I came to understand his true greatness only when training with my Sifu, Joseph Cowles, who introduced me to a tremendous person with an extraordinary mind.

What was it about JKD that led you away from traditional martial arts?
EK: I think it was the purposefulness of the training, of the fighting and of the thought. The concept of handling whatever situations in the most effective way simply amazed me. It was a way of thought I’ve never encountered before. I’d like to stress the fact that I believe that most of the world’s martial arts are noteworthy and worthwhile when properly used and practiced, but I also believe that each of us must find a system that befits him or her - and that not every system fits every person. My way of self-expression is that of JKD and Wu Wei.

JKD has gone through a lot of phases over the years due to different theories on how the art should be taught. Were you ever a student of "JKD Concepts"?
EK: The only concept I find fit when it comes to JKD is that of Bruce Lee and of my Sifu, who wished to pass it on to his own students as it was handed down to him. Many wish to utilize the system, the way and the original way of thinking developed by Bruce Lee, each with their own considerations and gains, but we mustn’t forget they’re not the origin of it. I often wonder what would have happened with those who develop various theories regarding the teachings of JKD and the actual ways of teaching it if Bruce Lee hadn’t existed, or if he’d lived to that day. I believe that had he been alive today, we wouldn’t have been witnessing a lot of this tumult.
As for teaching, this is something you have to live and develop. There is no one true way of teaching and one who doesn’t live JKD can’t teach JKD. The only student of Bruce Lee I’ve trained under is my teacher, Sifu Joseph Cowles.

You are a student of Joe Cowles. How did you two meet?
EK: Our meeting, to me, was truly an act of God. My father is a tourist guide in Israel. One day, a tourist from Dallas told me about someone in Dallas who was one of Bruce Lee’s students. I was very excited, of course, and wished to contact him, which I did. Later, when I finished my army service, I left Israel and went training under him. His name, of course, is Sifu Joseph Cowles.

How long did your physical training last with him in Dallas?
EK:

Describe your training under him.
EK: It’s hard for me to put it to words. Training with Sifu Cowles is still a moving experience for me. He showed me a world of martial arts I never knew existed. He’s one of those teachers who give their students all they have. My Sifu gave me ways of thinking and of training, and made me the man I am today. Such a thing is impossible to forget. Thank you, Sifu.

How is Joe Cowles Wu Wei different then what you have experienced from Lee's other students?
EK: I’ve never trained under any other teachers who trained under Bruce Lee.

How has your friendship with Joe Cowles affected your life?