Chris Kent

In the world of martial arts, Chris has earned international recognition and acclaim as a teacher, educator, professional consultant, public speaker, and author. For over 35 years, Chris has been intimately involved in Jeet Kune Do, the revolutionary martial art and self-discovery process created by the legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee, and is recognized as one of the few people in the world who has total comprehension of Lee’s art and philosophy, including what is referred to as the “style-less style”.

At the age of 17, he became the final (and youngest) member admitted into Dan Inosanto’s now legendary “Backyard JKD” group during Bruce Lee’s lifetime. He studied with and assisted Inosanto for over 13 years, mastering his skills and traveling extensively both nationally and internationally while serving as Inosanto’s personal assistant for seminars and public exhibitions. In recognition of his efforts, he was one of the first students to be awarded the prestigious title of Full Instructor in both the Jun Fan Martial Arts the Filipino Martial Arts by Inosanto.

In the over three decades that he has been intimately involved in the martial arts education founded by the late Bruce Lee, Chris has performed extensive research into the foundations of Jeet Kune Do from a technical, philosophical, and spiritual perspective, as well as educating himself in the fields of exercise physiology, kinesiology, and human performance. This commitment to continuous improvement has made Chris one of the most sought after instructors on Jeet Kune Do and its applications.

As one of the pre-eminent torchbearers of Lee’s martial legacy, Chris remains at the forefront in perpetuating not only the martial aspects of Jeet Kune Do, but also the much broader application of the philosophical material into the fields of human endeavor and self-actualization. Never allowing himself to be categorized as simply “a martial art instructor”, Chris has used many avenues to help people train their body and educate their mind, including:

• Instructor/Performance Specialist
• Training Consultant
• Seminar Instruction
• Writer
• Public Speaker

Refusing to allow himself to be categorized as a member of any of the various JKD “camps” or “sects” that exist today, Chris serves as a “link” between the various generations of JKD practitioners, and functions as a “bridge-builder” between the various groups-

 

In addition to his expertise in Jeet Kune Do, he is also a highly respected instructor of the Filipino Martial Arts known as Kali – Escrima- Arnis, and holds the title of “Escrimador.” He also holds a Moniteur Certificate (Teaching credential), Silver Glove (Technical), and Bronze Glove (Competition) rankings in the French kickboxing sport of Boxe Francaise/Savate.

Personal Accomplishments:

• One of the first students to be awarded the title of Full Instructor in both the Jun Fan Martial Arts the Filipino Martial Arts by Dan Inosanto.
• One of the first students awarded the title of “Escrimador” by Dan Inosanto
• Authored 3 of the highest rated books on Jeet Kune Do.
• Written and produced 2 series of training videotape and DVDs which remain the standard of the industry.
• Both written for and appeared in countless martial art publications both nationally and internationally, including Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Martial Art Masters, Budo International, Martial Arts Illustrated, and Cinturon Negro.
• Featured in such books as “Jeet Kune Do Conversations”, “Jeet Kune – The Art and Philosophy of Bruce Lee”and “Filipino Fighting Arts – Theory and Practice.”
• Co-founded and for 5 years served as a Board of Directors member of the “The Bruce Lee Educational Foundation”.
• Created “S.A.V.E.” (Safety Against Violence Education) a personal safety awareness training program which teaches personal safety education and self-protection skills to women and children as well as businesses and corporations.
• Served as a Technical Advisor and Fight Action Choreographer for both television and feature films. “Miami Vice “creator/producer Anthony Yerkovich, “Pink Panther” film director/producer Blake Edwards, and The Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno are among the elite Hollywood clientele who have sought Mr. Kent out for his technical assistance and training expertise.
• Worked as a training consultant to professional sports teams including San Francisco 49er’s
• Has been involved extensively in the field of executive security. For three years served as Director of Security for Santa Monica’s “Buffalo Club”, an exclusive, private supper-club catering to high-profile members of Hollywood’s entertainment industry.