Jeet Kune Do in Sri Lanka
Nandana Dharmasena (centre in both pictures) roams around the country, training locals
Having undergone training under world renown Jeet Kune Do (JKD) coach and instructor Joaquim Marcelo and with the experience gained by participating and coaching gained in foreign lands, a youth hailing from Embilipitiya, Nandana Dinesh Dharmasena has taken steps to popularise Jeet Kune Do, a sport lesser known in Sri Lanka.
Dharmasena already conducting training classes in cities- Dehiwala, Maharagama, Ratmalana, Avissawella, Negombo, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. According to Dharmasena the participation is increasing every month in these classes.
The art of Jeet Kune Do was first introduced by Bruce Lee in between 1963 and 67 in the name of Jun Fan Gunfu. This art is a modernised version of strong fighting arts in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chinese Boxing, Karate, Judo, Muthai Boxing, Ikeedo, Gigiysu Phillipine Kali, Tae Kung Do and Lubert Lubert. Lee started teaching this art in 1963 to 67 and instructors in the calibre of Japanese Taki Chinura, Jerry Petate, Larry Hasalt, Richard Bistiyo Dani Lasantho, Jessi Jowa were among the outstanding pupils of Lee.
In 1964 Bruce Lee added new techniques to this art of defence and attack with lighter movements. Later Lee followed the boxing techniques of Cassius Clay and once considering the techniques of world famous boxing champ John Visge Lee further modernised the art with new footwork styles and introduced the new version of Jeet Kune Do.
The new version concentrates mostly on direct attack, which Lee recognised as avoiding a direct attack. From the last quarter of 1967 Lee practised this art until his demise.
A pupil of Bruce Lee, Chun Fan continued Jeet Kune Do in a broad scale and took this art forward and introduced to the world. Joaquim Marcelo, a leading pupil of Lee was outstanding in this art. He was the only player to receive certificates out side America.
Dharmasena revealed that he was fortunate to undergo training under Marcelo. He paid a glowing tribute to M.K. Ratnayake (Chief Instructor of JKD art in Sri Lanka). At the moment Dharmasena undergoing further training under Ratnayake.
This Sri Lankan is involved in this art from the age of 15. He participated Jeet Kune Do Marshal Art Association training in Nepal in this year. Dharmasena is also a qualified instructor of the Jeet Kune Do Association of Sri Lanka.
Dharmasena is confidant that this art of defence and attack will be a popular art among the Karate players and among youngsters in the near future.