Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee (27 November 1940 – 20 July 1973) was a Hong Kong and American actor, director, martial artist, martial arts instructor, and philosopher. He was the founder of Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial arts philosophy drawing from different combat disciplines that is often credited with paving the way for modern mixed martial arts (MMA). Lee is considered by many as one of the most influential martial artists of all time and a pop culture icon of the 20th century who bridged the gap between East and West. He is often credited with changing the way Asians were presented in American films.

Early Life

Bruce Lee was born Lee Jun-fan in the Chinatown area of San Francisco, California, on 27 November 1940, to parents from Hong Kong and was raised in Kowloon with his family until his late teens. He was introduced to the film industry by his father and appeared in several films as a child actor. Lee moved to the United States at the age of 18 to receive his higher education at the University of Washington in Seattle, and it was during this time that he began teaching martial arts.

Martial Arts Career

His Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, sparking a surge of interest in Chinese martial arts in the West in the 1970s. The direction and tone of his films dramatically influenced and changed martial arts and martial arts films worldwide. He is noted for his roles in five feature-length films: The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972, which he wrote, directed and starred in), Enter the Dragon (1973), and The Game of Death (1978).

Philosophy

Lee's philosophy was influenced by the teachings of Wing Chun, Taoism, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Buddhism, among others. He believed in the importance of adapting to circumstances in combat and in life, famously quoting, "Be water, my friend."

Death

Bruce Lee died on 20 July 1973 in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, at the age of 32. The cause of his death was officially ruled as a cerebral edema caused by a reaction to prescription painkillers.

Legacy

Lee's influence on martial arts is still felt today. He is remembered not only for his skills in martial arts and his films but also for his contribution to the philosophy of martial arts. He broke down racial barriers in Hollywood and in martial arts, showing that art knows no race or nationality.