Paul Vunak

The Kali Academy was the laboratory in which the art that we learn now was developed. When the Academy closed and I started PFS, I needed bodies to teach, in order for me to personally continue growing. The only way I know how to teach is to get my students to a particular level and then allow them to take the concepts and principles and teach students of their own. By the process of teaching Jeet Kune Do Concepts, my students are accelerating their personal growth tenfold. After roughly ten hours of very intense one-on-one training with me, I usually award an apprentice instructorship. This does not mean that these individuals are qualified Jeet Kune Do instructors! It simply means one has our blessing to teach what he or she knows, and to grow from the experience. (Hence the term "apprentice.") After roughly fifty hours of private instruction with me (or 2-5 years of training in a group setting, and depending on skill and other factors), an apprentice will receive the first official rank of instructorship, Phase One Instructor. At this point, after several years of dedication to learning, to Dan lnosanto and to PFS, a Full instructorship is awarded. All of my full instructors must not only have the physical side of the art groomed well, but the mental and emotional sides as well.

Full instructors can make their own apprentice instructors. Finally, we have the rank of Senior Instructor. All of our Senior Instructors have been around for ten years or more. They must exhibit not only all the attributes of the full instructors, but also have a solid belief system. Our Senior instructors have evolved to the point where they are exploring the spiritual side of the art.

It takes absolute determination and persistence to achieve this level, the highest attainable in PFS. Seniors can make apprentice and Phase One instructors.

PFS: When did you start your Jiu Jitsu training?

PV: June of '88 was when I had my first taste of Jiu Jitsu. I was studying with Rorion (Gracie) in his garage.

PFS: What do you remember most about training with the Gracies?

PV: I guess it would be that wonderful feeling of training your whole life standing up, and then having someone completely play with you on the ground. Not to sound like a fanatic or anything, but I was reborn! I consider myself to this day, after ten years, still a baby on the ground. I get to be a student for the rest of my life.