Lee Jun Fan

Jun Fan Gung Fu is the martial art system Bruce Lee developed before creating Jeet Kune Do. It represents an important transitional stage in his evolution as a martial artist. Let’s break it down:

What is Jun Fan Gung Fu?

• "Jun Fan" is Bruce Lee’s Chinese given name (李振藩 – Lee Jun Fan).

• "Gung Fu" (Kung Fu) refers to Chinese martial arts.

• So, Jun Fan Gung Fu means: Bruce Lee’s personal expression of Chinese martial arts.

It was not meant to be a final style, but rather a foundation—a springboard toward the more fluid, adaptable philosophy of Jeet Kune Do.

Core Structure of Jun Fan Gung Fu

1. Wing Chun Influence

• Bruce’s first formal training was in Wing Chun, under Ip Man.

• Jun Fan Gung Fu incorporates:

  • Centerline theory

  • Trapping hands (Chi Sao)

  • Straight punches

  • Economy of motion

2. Western Boxing & Fencing

• Lee integrated:

  • Footwork from boxing and fencing

  • Jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts

  • Concepts like interception, timing, and angles

3. Kicking Range

• Included high and low kicks from:

  • Northern Shaolin

  • Savate

  • Taekwondo (influences from Korean stylists in the U.S. like Chuck Norris)

• Emphasis on stop-kicks and mobility

Key Concepts in Jun Fan Gung Fu

Principle & Description

Economy of Motion: No wasted movement. Every action must serve a purpose.

Interception: Attack the attacker; intercept before their strike lands.

Five Ways of Attack:

1. Single Direct Attack
2. Attack by Combination
3. Progressive Indirect Attack
4. Hand Immobilization Attack
5. Attack by Drawing

Broken Rhythm: Don’t be predictable—disrupt the opponent’s timing.

Non-telegraphic Movement: Hide your intentions; no wind-up, no “tells.”

Centerline Control: Dominate the central path between you and your opponent.

Jun Fan Gung Fu vs. Jeet Kune Do

Jun Fan Gung Fu:

Structured, with defined techniques

Rooted in Wing Chun

Curriculum-based

Early expression

Jeet Kune Do:

Philosophical and formless, style of non style

Draws from many arts (Boxing, Fencing, etc.)

Concept-based; adaptive

Mature evolution

Bruce eventually moved away from Jun Fan Gung Fu because he felt it became too rigid. This led to his famous insight:

“Man, the living creature, the creating individual, is always more important than any established style or system.”

Final Thought

Jun Fan Gung Fu is not obsolete—many schools like Strickland’s still teach it as a base. It represents Bruce Lee’s scientific, critical approach to martial arts, where tradition was respected but not worshipped.