The Frank Burczynski Interview
Conducted by Paul Bax

When and how did you first start your training in martial arts?
Frank Burczynski: I started with Wrestling at the age of 6 years. It was my first sport anyhow and my start into martial arts as well. The wrestling club was the only sport school around so it was my luck my parents brought me there when my interest in picking up a sport arose.

How did you first hear about Bruce Lee and his art of Jeet Kune Do?
FB: Well, it was when his movies hit the cinema over here in Germany (usually this happened 2 – 3 years after they came out in the US at that time). But I wasn’t interested that much. I actually thought Bruce Lee did some form of Karate and I was already playing soccer at that time. It was much later, when I was back to martial art training, that I really recognized that he was actually doing not Karate but called his art Jeet Kune Do.

What was it about JKD that led you away from traditional martial arts?
FB At the time when I started JKD I was in some form of Kung Fu and had tried several other styles and systems on my search. Actually I was working at some doors and was looking for something that would fit my needs. I came across a Dan Inosanto Seminar and my training partner (and team member at the door) Peter and me went there. I was hooked right away. Not only was the material practical, it also stuck with me. I later set out for he next seminar on JKD, this was with Sifu Larry Hartsell and it was the starting point of my JKD journey.

JKD has gone through a lot of phases over the years due to different theories on how the art should be taught. What is your take on the “Concepts” vs. “Original” controversy?