Bruce Lee’s Greatest Fights: On & Off the Screen

 

HISTORY

Bruce Lee, born in 1940, was a martial artist, actor, and filmmaker who became a global icon. Raised in Hong Kong, he began acting as a child and later trained in kung fu under Sifu Yip Man. After moving to the U.S., Lee opened kung fu schools and developed his own martial arts philosophy, Jeet Kune Do, a martial arts philosophy blending fighting techniques and Zen Buddhist and Taoist principles. Lee is considered the first global Chinese film star and one of the most influential martial artists in cinema, known for his roles in five martial arts films and his impact on popularizing martial arts films and Hong Kong action cinema.

Introduced to the entertainment industry early, he appeared in films as a child. As a teenager, he joined local gangs and learned kung fu for self-defense. He also took dance lessons, winning the Hong Kong cha-cha championship in 1958, which improved his footwork and balance.

 He gained fame with TV roles, including The Green Hornet (1966), and later starred in hit films like The Big Boss (1971) and Fist of Fury (1972). Lee’s success revolutionized martial arts cinema worldwide. He died suddenly in 1973 at age 32 from a cerebral edema. His legacy continues to influence films, martial arts, and popular culture.

 

EARLY LIFE

Birth Name: Lee Jun-fan; born in San Francisco in 1940, moved to Hong Kong at 4 months old.

Early Life: Child actor in about 20 films, often cast as a street urchin or juvenile delinquent.

Martial Arts: Studied kung fu under Master Yip Man, created Jeet Kune Do, known for his one-inch punch and speed.

Daily Routine: Included 2,000 kicks, 5,000 punches, and various other exercises.

Celebrity Students: Taught martial arts to stars like Chuck Norris.

Favorite Colors: Yellow and black.

House: His Kowloon Tong house was called “The Crane’s Nest.”

College: Dropped out to focus on his martial arts school.

 

INTERESTING FACTS

• Child star: Bruce Lee began martial arts at 13 and acted in over 20 Hong Kong films before moving to the U.S. at 18. His first screen appearance was at just 3 months old.

• A good hair day: Bruce Lee was discovered at the 1964 Long Beach Karate Championships by hairstylist Jay Sebring, who connected him with producer William Dozier, launching his Hollywood career.

• Eyes on the prize: Bruce Lee had poor eyesight and wore glasses throughout his life. He was also among the first to try contact lenses.

• Humble beginnings: Bruce Lee originally aimed to open martial arts schools, not act. His first school, the Jun Fan Gung-Fu Institute, started in a Seattle parking garage, later inspiring his Jeet Kune Do philosophy.

• A rebel with a Cause: Bruce Lee challenged traditional martial arts by criticizing outdated methods and promoting inclusivity. He pioneered open teaching, welcoming students of all races, ages, and genders.

• A boundary-breaking love: In 1963, Bruce Lee met Linda Emery in his Gung Fu class and took her on a date to the Seattle Space Needle. They married a year later despite societal disapproval of their interracial marriage.

• A boundary-breaking love: In 1963, Bruce Lee met Linda Emery in his Gung Fu class and took her to the Seattle Space Needle for their first date. They married a year later despite societal disapproval.

• Bruce Lee: the… designer?: Bruce Lee designed innovative training equipment that mimicked real combat by being less rigid and more unpredictable.

• A man of many talents: In 1961, Bruce Lee enrolled at the University of Washington, majoring in philosophy. A scholar and artist, he applied his studies to developing Jeet Kune Do, drawing from martial arts, biomechanics, boxing, fencing, and philosophy.

• Trainer to the stars: Bruce Lee taught private martial arts lessons at high fees to emphasize dedication. His celebrity students included Steve McQueen, James Coburn, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. McQueen and Coburn were pallbearers at his funeral.