Eric Carr Jeet Kune Do

I write this review not as a student of Sifu Eric Carr, but as the wife of a student! My husband has been practicing Jeet Kune Do with Sifu Eric Since August 2014. In the last five months I have watched a transformation in my husband that I had not seen in our twelve years together. In the past we have taken Krav Maga and Ninjitsu together, and my husband has always been drawn to martial arts. However, none of them created as much change in his personality and his physical well being as learning with Sifu Eric. It has strengthened his will power, his perseverance, his endurance and his overall physical strength. Sifu Eric is a Sifu in the most elemental sense in that he teaches you how to direct your potential energy into a proactive and positive direction. All of us have potential energy every day which gets wasted or misused. The way Sifu Eric transforms my husband’s energy during his class is amazing. Our work lives can be quite stressful and sometimes anxiety and stress can really harm your health, self-​worth and general well being. When he comes back from class its like that is ALL ERASED. Class is in the park, which is fantastic, because we all don’t spend enough time outside. Sifu Eric has changed my husband’s life in such a positive way, and for that I am incredibly grateful. If you are looking for a great discipline, for your mind, body and soul, I highly recommend Sifu Eric’s Jeet Kune Do Class.

I never write Unilocal reviews but I feel I owe Eric this (he never asked me) since I had accidentally stumbled across these reviews just under 2 years ago when I decided to give his class a go.
Let’s start with this, it has changed my life for the better in more ways than just learning how to fight. Eric’s teacher, the late Jerry Poteet, was once called by Black Belt Magazine the #1 JKD instructor in the world. I would put money on Eric being the #1 now. He is the most modest guy with no ego. He listens, lets you talk and adds his two cents in as it pertains to helping you grow. Our whole class stems from that attitude in that there is no attitude while everyone is trying to be a better person. He is not a guy in a Tapout tshirt, bragging about his latest bar fight to pick up girls. For a German LA native, you can tell he’s the real deal just by how fluent he can speak Chinese (he spent a decade in China learning Chinese medicine and Qigong), plus he has a background in other arts such as Wing Chun and Shaolin Kung Fu but he stays true to Bruce Lee’s art, teaching Jeet Kune Do EXACTLY the way Bruce taught it («no extra cool moves for show»).
So let’s talk about how this has helped me. For one, I mainly joined because I was losing my mind and going through a divorce. I didn’t know what to do and asked to join his class. From here I made some genuine friends and a nice support group. I learned how to breath and focus. I learned how to see the positivity in little things (it helps that we train in parks). At one hopeless point in my life, I turned to sifu and said this is the only thing I have worth living for, and I meant it. I know I would never be able to learn this art like this (or even hear about personal Bruce Lee stories or meet his family) like I was getting from Eric if I moved back to NYC or Toronto. Before Eric’s class I took Karate as a kid but found that when I was in a fight, a lot of it went out the window due to (as Bruce Lee put it) «dry land swimming». Yes, I was a kid in Junior High who came third in a sparring tournament but yet when I was in a real fight at school a lot of it went out the window because I wasn’t used to being hit in the face. With Eric’s class, you have real hands on sparring (in later levels). Then, right before Eric’s class, I started training in Hapkido. Even though it was cool (seemed more effective than Karate), I had a teacher that was really trying to show off and get laid. Mind you, he was a good fighter, I don’t think he took the time out to teach us properly («here’s a tornado kick, now you try it»). I’m sure at this point, he’s a UFC fighter but what good does that do me? I needed to calm my thoughts, not grow more frustrated.
Once I started training in Jeet Kune Do, I realized just how great a fighter Bruce Lee really was. This was the first style of fighting where you really think on your feet «to fit in» to the other fighter’s style. Bruce Lee was definitely a genius in figuring out what an opponent is doing wrong and how to beat them. This is what Jeet Kune Do is all about and I love the fact that we don’t wait for them to strike, we act first. This is to me why Jeet Kune Do is the best style of fighting in the world. Unfortunately, I had a confrontation in Toronto with a loud angry drunk who picked a fight with me. Before I knew it, I leveled him out with a kick I learned from class. The shock in his eyes told me «damn, this really works!» It gave me the confidence to know I’ll be alright in any confrontation, that size doesn’t matter. Then one day I was driving and I would have been side-​swiped but I moved like it was nothing (from our energy drills). So, JKD even made me a much better driver. Lastly, I checked out the mirror the other day and I went from a 160-​pound skinny ex-​goth kid (of 41) to a 189-​pound guy with muscles (a friend said I looked like a bouncer). The funny thing is I don’t do weights, just go to class twice/​week. I never got this look from all the gyms I was once in. I also have a 100-​lb punching bag that I could barely move when I started but now it almost flies off the handle when I punch or kick it. All in under 2 years!
I strongly suggest Eric to anyone who wants to get a focus in life, become healthier and gain confidence. These days, from his teachings, I have the confidence to say I don’t want to fight, I’m fine. ;)
— Mars
P. S. I was one of the 2 students from his class that competed in the first ever international JKD Comparison in Long Beach. I came third and the other guy came second – the first guy was a professional kick boxer from Europe. Pretty good for under 2 years and never doing this before. All owed to sifu Eric Carr (who by the way, is against tournaments or showing off)…

When I met Sifu Eric for the first time, it became apparent that he was well-​versed in the history of Bruce Lee and in eastern philosophy. It wasn’t until the first lesson however, that I realized the importance of having a great teacher help interpret the high skill-​level involved with learning and training Jeet Kune Do. Over the following months, Sifu Eric demonstrated that he had indeed mastered these skills, and was willing to teach me the best way possible. Although his approach of integrating history and philosophy to a curriculum that builds strong technique and stresses «real world» application are enough to keep every lesson a refreshingly inspiring experience, his compassion, understanding of others and individual attention to students is what sets him apart from all other instructors. Even though I did not have the chance to meet Sigung Jerry before he passed, I am certain that he and Sijo Bruce are smiling down on those of us who strive to become the next wave of «Keepers of the Flame.» For over two years I have been fortunate to train with Sifu Eric and I am grateful for every last second. If you’re interested in learning Jeet Kune Do, Qigong, Wing Chun, or simply wish to improve upon your health and self-​defense skills, Eric Carr is the person to contact in Los Angeles.

If you’ve been searching for legitimate martial arts in the LA area, look no further. Here you will find the most badass art created by the best fighter who ever lived, Master Bruce Lee. It helps that Sifu Eric Carr (a star student of one of Master Bruce’s closest students, Jerry Poteet) is likely the best teacher in the country. Seriously, he is unreal. Sifu Eric is always helpful and kind (not to mention extremely patient), and he exudes wisdom even when he isn’t trying to. Shortly after you begin, you will want to absorb every ounce of knowledge that he presents you with. He is the glue that is keeping me in Los Angeles more than anything else.
You will come to class at LA High Memorial Park — a peaceful, shaded area off Olympic Boulevard. The group lessons are filled with passionate, kind, modest people who are all there to simply learn and help others learn. There is no pressure, no expectations, no competition. New students are always welcomed, and rarely only visit once. Come and be amazed!

Eric Carr’s Jeet Kune Do classes are excellent. Eric is an amazing person and instructor. The students who attend classes are very supportive and positive. I feel very fortunate to study Jeet Kune Do with Sifu Eric.

Jeet Kune Do is amazing in its simplicity and practicality in real world combat. Having a bit of a martial arts background prior to studying under Sifu Eric Carr I know personally how impractical other «styles» can be when faced with closed quarters, real world combat. The most common scenarios where you may be unfortunate enough to find yourself having to defend yourself or a loved one in a street fight, what you sometimes learn from other «styles» can actually put you at a disadvantage in a real world brawl.
Needless to say, it’s very difficult to find the right master to study under in a day and age where various forms of martial arts have been watered down or overly commercialized. It’s more or less the reason I have been out of training for so long. You would be hard spent trying to find a more humble, knowledgeable, and patient Sifu as I have found in Sifu Eric Carr.
I have been taking lessons for a month, and have learned so much while making a startling amount of progress, mentally, emotionally, and physically speaking. I started off at one session a week, have already bumped it up to two sessions a week, and money permitting, would like to start private sessions soon as well. I can’t even begin to put in words how grateful I am for having found such an amazing Sifu to study under as well as how much I look forward to my sessions with Sifu Eric Carr every week.
So come on by, check your ego at the door, empty your cup, and be prepared to learn an art form that seeks to transcend traditional martial arts and aid it’s most dedicated practitioners in their journey of self discovery and self expression in the martial way.

I can not say how much I enjoy training with Eric. He has taken my love for Kung Fu and showed my how to incorporate it into my everyday life. The training itself is top notch with alot of one-​one attention. He also gives you great reading suggestions so that you can get more out of the philosophy of Kung Fu. I highly suggest you try his class out. It is great for beginners and more advanced practitioners. Believe me you wont be disappointed!

Eric Carr Jeet Kune Do is simply THE BEST! I’ve been studying true Jeet Kune Do from Sifu Eric Carr for nearly 7months now and cannot express enough how grateful I am for finding such a amazing teacher and martial art. Here you will learn Brue Lee’s art as he taught it in Chinatown, not some concepts base on different statements from Bruce. Sifu Eric is a 2^nd generation Jeet Kune Do instructor. Bruce Lee — Sifu Jerry Poteet — Sifu Eric Carr.
I personally study both privately and attend a group class. I love doing both. I get the intense one on one training with Sifu Eric and the benefits of working with different students. Learning from them and experiencing their different energies and friendships.
Sifu Eric is a very supportive and kind teacher, as well as a very skilled practitioner. I learn so much from him each time. One of the things I am truly grateful for is Sifu’s skill in teaching the «Art» of Jeet Kune Do. Many instructors who teach more of the «hard» technics of Jeet Kune Do, don’t or cannot teaching the advanced «soft» trapping technics that Sifu Eric can. Which is why many don’t. This one of the reasons why I am so thankful to have him as a teacher. It has taken me a while to get to the point of learning these «soft» technics. Building a strong foundation first is important in any art. He has inspired me to have the patience as I strengthn my foundation and build on my skill bit by bit.
Jeet Kune Do is nothing like you think and more than you’d ever image. I would encourage anyone to come and work with Sifu Eric. Come with an empty cup. You will learn a truly great martial art.

I’ve been taking JKD lessons from Sifu Eric for about 5 months now. My weekly lesson is the one constant keeping me grounded during a particularly eventful period in my life.
Sifu Eric is a generous, patient, and extremely skilled teacher. The best thing I can say is that he’s not teaching for himself, but for his students – and that comes across immediately.

Background:
I searched 2 and a half years for a martial arts that had the brains behind the movements. All I found were schools that were too big and commercialized (All they really want is money). After reading about how to properly find a JKD instructor on the Bruce Lee Foundation’s website, I actually found Sifu Eric on the late Sifu Jerry Poteet’s website. Sifu Eric is a direct lineage instructor to Sifu Jerry Poteet who studied personally under Bruce Lee.
Review of Sifu Eric:
I’ve been training with Sifu Eric for 3 months now and I don’t have any complaints about Sifu Eric. He is a great individual who is truly passionate about martial arts, specifically JKD. His instruction is not about the money, it is truly about the art itself and the philosophy behind JKD. The training is hard, but it is a lot fun and so rewarding.
Review of the class and overall environment:
Classes really can’t be better. We usually train at the park in Chinatown when the weather is good or at Sifu Eric’s place when it’s raining. Class sizes are small and Sifu Eric arranges classes based on RSVP basis. Sifu Eric is a serious instructor but also a genuinely nice guy. The class environment is very friendly and really supportive. You will never feel like you’re treated below anyone. I met students who have been training with Sifu Eric for over 6 – 7 months and not a single time do they treat me differently than as an equal.
Overall recommendation:
Give Sifu Eric a call. Seriously. It is a path of philosophical knowledge and also physical enlightenment. It will surprise you. I wish I can tell you more but this review would just get way too long if I did. I’m glad I found Sifu Eric and JKD. This is a path I won’t be turning back on.

After conducting a large amount of research for a teacher who can truly teach the unadulterated art of Jeet Kune Do (JKD), I am very grateful that I found Sifu Eric Carr. A humble, genuine, knowledgeable, humorous, passionate and insightful teacher, he does not judge, never says anything negative, and is honored in being able to help others down their particular paths as a guide.
Having learned from the late Sifu Jerry Poteet, Sifu Carr shares insight that he acquired from Sifu Poteet, be it philosophy or life stories that are both humorous and serious in nature. Sifu Carr has the ability to translate JKD applications and philosophy into modern-​day life, which aids me in understanding why certain approaches are being taught. Sifu Carr also takes great pride in teaching JKD as it was taught to him.
In addition to JKD, I am also studying, separate from JKD, Qigong, which aids me greatly in balancing my internal energy, or chi. Sifu Carr also very openly shares knowledge about Feng Shui, as well as life knowledge. Believe me, I am a very inquisitive individual and Sifu Carr’s patience and willingness to answer my questions, or take time to research answers, is indicative of his honest care about his students.
I recently earned a Black belt in Hapkido, in which I am greatly proud, but the simplicity of JKD sometimes causes me to be humorously humbled as well as greatly enlightened. I have full confidence that JKD will improve my martial arts ability, as well as my overall mental, physical and spiritual health.
If you have a true interest or passion in learning Jeet Kune Do and /​or Qigong, I greatly recommend Sifu Eric Carr. Check your ego at the door, empty your cup, and be willing to fill that empty cup with the knowledge Sifu Carr is willing to divulge.

A truly gifted martial arts teacher. His passion and dignity precedes all expectations. I cannot express how grateful I am to have found his noble teaching right in downtown L.A. Sifu Eric not only holds direct lineage to Bruce Lee’s JKD but he is a breed apart in being genuine, modest, and for a white boy he sure does generate incredible speed and the power which I too hope to achieve one day. One thing I quickly learned is that JKD is about precision movements and direct motion. It isn’t only about brute force of kicking and punching but the «economy of motion». It is based on philosophies — Bruce Lee’s legendary philosophies passed direct from the lineage holder. I feel that JKD is very much the martial art for a thinking individual. Learning Bruce Lee’s philosophies and the authentic ways of Jeet Kune Do, the mental discipline, the physical training, it is my honor to recommend Sifu Eric.

Eric Carr is awesome! I have taken 4 lessons so far and I feel more confident walking around downtown where I work. Bruce lee’s self defense and philosophy is also really embedded into my weekly sessions so that’s a plus! I am not just learning how to generate a lot of power out of my mini body, but I am also learning to be intuitive and be aware of my surroundings. To always react in a subconscious fashion. Thanks Unilocal for helping me find such a great teacher!

Sifu Eric Carr is an excellent mentor for anyone who wants to learn Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do. As a second generation student, he offers keen insight to the philosophies and techniques of Jeet Kune Do. A serious instructor for the serious student.
So, have some tea, punch the bag, and learn the «Way of The Intercepting Fist»…