Is Jeet Kune Do a Dirty Name?

In my experience, whenever Jeet Kune Do is mentioned, it's met with alienation, or assumption - alienation because, honestly, some just don't know what it is; or its history.  Most of the time, it's assumption born of decades of bad education regarding these topics in question.  But, sometimes, it's both.

When I mention Jeet Kune Do (JKD) to some, I've met assumptions pertaining to Bruce Lee's choice of armed, and unarmed weaponry - nunchaku, and flying side kicks are famous examples.  Or, people have often equated JKD to simply doing your own thing, by virtue of quoting the infamous "Using No Way As Way," and "Having No Limitation As Limitation."  I've also met some alienation in the form of correcting the way unarmed tools of the trade are being delivered since it doesn't fit the mechanical paradigm of modern Boxing; or most martial arts in general. Such instances are fine; I harbor no sour grapes over it.

What's more intriguing is this love/hate relationship with the art when it comes to others.  When they hear it, sometimes they'll know, and say, "Oh, Bruce Lee's style."  But, because they haven't seen real; or solid representations of it, things get seemingly get lost in translation.  Sometimes, I've debated whether or not to mention I do JKD, and just stick to using a euphemism: Boxing, Kickboxing; or dare I say, Scientific Streetfighting (I'm not fond of that term, personally).  Also, I've debated whether or not I should say I even have some experience; I don't mind being a totally empty cup, at times.  I did toss out most of what I was taught before, settling into the material shown to me in 2005 - and I think I was better for it.  The only supposed danger in doing that is probably wasting my time in learning extremely rudimentary movements.  At the same time, I don't want the issue of being dishonest hanging over my head.  

I'm a willing sponge, to a point.  I started working out at this MMA gym in February, and I love it.  Because I have no real grappling, or "MMA" experience, I'm willing to absorb all there is to offer.  Not to mention, I did pick up a few pointers while working out at a TKD school, briefly; I still remain good friends with the people there.  Aside from this, I, and others know what I do is slightly different - yet, somewhat noticeably so.  I thought this difference would have been respected to a fair degree.  Further, I would think this difference would have been welcomed, as well. At this point, I think it's fair to say, I might as well just shut up, and color my coloring book.

It's weird because I'm proud of the art I've been doing for six years, and counting.  Those who know me well, know I have my criticisms regarding it, however.  At the same time, I feel like there's an uphill battle to prove its merits - theoretically, and empirically.

For more information on JKD, checkout this website when time allows.  More later.