As our first featured Martial Artist, it is really fitting and a real honour to present the legend that is Lee Jun Fan or Bruce Lee as he is better known.
Bruce Lee embodies the pursuit of the highest limits of human potential. He was a prolific Martial Artist who ultimately opened-up Martial Arts to the world through his iconic movies, demonstrations and philosophy.
Bruce Lee embodies the pursuit of the highest limits of human potential. He was a prolific Martial Artist who ultimately opened-up Martial Arts to the world through his iconic movies, demonstrations and philosophy.
Bruce Lee began his Martial Arts journey in Wing Chun Kung fu under the guidance of Sifu Ip Man. The style of Wing Chun is characterised by short and efficient movements and requires core, wrist and forearm strength. Bruce became a proficient practitioner and began teaching the Martial Art in Seattle, United States whilst pursuing a tertiary education in Philosophy.
As you can see, nothing was wasted on this “larger than life” individual who put his philosophy to work on the academic study of Martial Arts.
His Martial Arts knowledge was later tested by a challenge from the Chinese community which forbade the teaching of Chinese Martial Arts to foreigners. Lee, being a thought leader, a man of principle and one who did not subscribe to racist ideals, accepted the challenge. It was an excellent opportunity for him to test his Martial Arts skills.
Bruce Lee won the fight, but he did not overcome his opponent with the ease that he had expected.
A real Warrior!
It was at this point that he questioned all that he knew about Martial Arts and confrontation. He began to explore other Martial Arts and made detailed notes about the perceived strengths and weaknesses of each. He trained relentlessly and immersed himself into the pursuit of superior speed, strength and stamina.
This introspection and exploration gave rise to his very own Martial Art – Jeet Kune Do which was documented in his book - Tao of Jeet Kune Do.
This Martial Art was seen as a combination of the best parts of the Martial Arts that Lee had explored. It was much more than this. Lee developed a fighting system that was based on individualism and the honest expression of the practitioner. It was a system that could evolve and be tailored to the uniqueness of each martial artist.
Bruce Lee was an asset to the world of Martial Arts! An incredible human being possessing an incredible spirit who was lost all too soon.
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