The Wisdom of Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee almost single handedly revolutionized the martial arts around the world and brought it to the forefront in North America. I can remember as a kid going to see Fists of Fury (The Big Boss) at a local theater. I was mesmerized! This movie was quickly followed by The Chinese Connection (Fist of Fury). Finally Enter The Dragon found it’s way to North America, but it was too late. Bruce Lee was gone.
Bruce Lee was an amazing man. He only formally studied the martial arts in Hong Kong for 5 years. He studies Wing Chun under the legendary Yip Man. He stopped to move to the USA to claim his citizenship.
Much legend and folklore surround the life of Lee. The movie Dragon was a good example. The movie was interesting, but not at all factual. Bruce Lee was not well liked when he came to the USA, especially by the martial art community. He was chastised for teaching whites and blacks, giving away ancient secrets to non Chinese. Bruce did not care. Bruce Lee is still a force in the martial arts 38 years after his death.
I think one of the greatest contributions Bruce made to the arts itself in his short life was the idea that tradition need to be changed. In the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s competition between schools for students was fierce. Bruce believed in working with other martial artists, studying their art and incorporating what worked and eliminating what did not. Today the barriers are falling and local schools are working together toward a greater good.
I often wonder what he would be like today at age 70. But that question will never be answered. I thank his wife Linda and daughter Shannon for keeping the memories alive. If you have never seen his movies definitely check them out. Below is a link to one of the only English interview done with him by CBC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=somo_-oW3N0
Tags: Art Mason, Black Belt, Bruce Lee, Hapkido, karate, Martial Arts, Octagon, Peaceful Warriors, Self Defense
