The John McNabney Interview
Conducted by Paul Bax

When and how did you first start your training in martial arts?
John McNabney: I think it was my destiny, as I was born in the year of the dragon. I was around five years old, almost six years. I was always jumping around the house as a little boy, throwing side kicks and punches. I was always watching “Kato Man” (aka “The Green Hornet”). Then I started training in 1970, old school karate and boxing.

How did you first hear about Bruce Lee and his art of Jeet Kune Do?
JM: Watching “Kato Man”, which was my super hero back in the day! The funny thing is, I was into Bruce Lee before I even knew of Jeet Kune Do. The first time I heard of the word Jeet Kune Do was around 1971.

What was it about JKD that led you away from traditional martial arts?
JM: I was always searching for something that I knew was out there, but couldn’t put my finger on it. JKD and the other arts that I have trained in, has helped me grow into the person I’m today. But, once I started to “see sort of speak.” I knew that I had ability, but not the freedom to move my way within my own personal art. Because of these styles which I was a part of, they were keeping me from truly expressing myself as a living human being in the moment!

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?
JM: I don’t believe in those terms. I think they were created after Bruce Lee’s death. My take is there is only one Jeet Kune Do period and if you are so enlightened by “IT”, it will be the same base principles with a different out come with everyone. It’s just a name by the way. The name of a person is no greater then the person them self, just so we know who we are talking to, that’s what we call them. I guess you get my point.

You have trained with several original Bruce Lee students. Please list your instructors in JKD and what you have learned from each of them and some of the differences in their teaching styles and their application and interpretations of Jeet Kune Do.
JM: That’s for another book Paul, laughing. I will say I’ve trained with six Original Bruce Lee students. This next year coming up, I’m making an effort to train with three more, if it’s possible. I would suggest that if you want to train in Jeet Kune Do to seek out all of Bruce Lee’s Original Student while you still have time to! They all have something to offer. I personally try to get my students to come with me anytime I’m training with an Original Bruce Lee Student. This will only make Jeet Kune Do stronger for future generations to come.

You were once an instructor under Jerry Poteet. Explain your relationship with him from beginning to end and why your no longer on good terms with him or Fran Joseph.