# The name of the school: Ekata Martial Arts and Fitness
# Location; Valencia, CA
# What they teach: Jeet Kune Do, Savate, Muay Thai
# Instructors: Ed Monaghan, JoAnn Wabisca
# Class information; contact school for current schedule and pricing
1. Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist) places strong emphasis on awareness and the interception of an opponent's attack. Jeet Kune Do takes into account an individual’s body type and disposition to structure a self-defense system unique to each person. In Jeet Kune Do students train in the original format that Sifu Lee developed in the early 1970s, but also cross-train in Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Savate and other arts to determine what works best for their particular needs. Rooted in Taoist and Buddhist thought, Jeet Kune Do does not forsake the philosophical tradition, since Bruce felt that creating a balanced, serene life and uncovering the source of our own ignorance leads to the ultimate pursuit of truth – self awareness and harmony with nature and the universe.
2. Boxe Francaise Savate is a sophisticated form of French kickboxing that originated in the late 18th century. The unique attributes of Savate attracted the attention of Bruce Lee, who studied elements of the style and integrated components into his art, Jeet Kune Do.
Savate’s application of timing, rhythm and control of distance stemming from western fencing all serve to make this one of the most unusual forms of martial arts available. In Savate, rank is awarded by way of a thoughtfully organized system from the French Federation in Paris called “Glove Rank”. A patch worn over the heart signifies gradient designation that changes color according to level as the student progresses through various phases of proficiency. Because of its dynamic movement, grace and precision, Savate students gain flexibility, strength and develop tremendous cardiovascular capacity.
3. Muay Thai hails from historical origins that reach back 500 years. It’s parent art, Krabi Krabong, was Siam’s comprehensive martial art that included weapons training for the battlefield. Tried and tested on the fields of battle with Siam’s nemesis, Burma, Muay Thai was designated as the official sport of Thailand, where it is practiced in every corner of the country.
A deadly and dangerous form of kickboxing that allows hand, elbow, knee, and kick strikes to the head, body and legs, Muay Thai is practiced in nearly all mixed martial arts gyms because of its practicality. Thai kickboxing is known for its hard-core conditioning. Those not interested in competing gain the tangible benefits of high-level cardiovascular and strength conditioning from training with kicking pads, sparring drills and intense calisthenics.
# Website link:
Ekata: Martial Arts and Fitness
