Bruce Lee's Fighting Method
BASIC TRAINING
Introduction
This book was in the making in 1966 and most of the photographs were shot then. The
late Bruce Lee intended to publish this book years ago but decided against it when he
learned that martial arts instructors were using his name to promote themselves. It
was quite common to hear comments like: "I taught Bruce Lee" or "Bruce Lee taught
me jeet kune do." And Bruce may never have seen or known these martial artists.
Bruce didn't want people to use his name to promote themselves or their schools with
false pretenses. He didn't want them to attract students this way, especially the young
teens.
But after his death, his widow, Linda, felt that Bruce had contributed so much in the
world of the martial arts that it would be a great loss if the knowledge of Bruce would
die with him. Although the book can never replace the actual teaching and knowledge
that Bruce Lee possessed, it will enhance you, the serious martial artist, in developing
your skill in fighting.
Bruce always belived that all martial artists train diligently for one single purpose -
defend themselves. Whether we are in judo, karate, aikido, kung fu, etcetera, our
ultimate goal is to prepare ourselves for any situation.
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do was founded by Bruce Lee
because he felt
the martial arts were too confined.
You can't fight in pattern he used to say
because an attack
can be baffling and not refined.
Jeet Kune Do was created by Bruce Lee
to show us
that an old art must transform.
Like the day turns to night and
night, to day
the way of fighting must also reform.
Bruce Lee developed Jeet Kune Do
but wished
he didn't have a name for it!
Because the very words, Jeet Kune Do,
already indicate
that it's another martial arts form.
Any form or style does restrict
and his belief is now in conflict.
CHAPTER 1 : The Fighting Man Exercise
Stamina Exercise
Although you have the right attitude,
It's not enough to avoid a strife.
Although you have a heart of fortitude,
It's no assurance of saving your life.
You may have spent years in training
In the art of fighting you love so much.
But if you are winded in a sparring,
It proves that your condition is such
You need plenty of workout on the road,
Running two, three or more miles a day
Until your body can take more load.
Then comes a day you see the light,
You look up at the sky and then replay:
"Skill in performance is all right,
But it's not enough to prove you might."
Aerobic Exercises
One of the most neglected elements of martial artists is the physical workout. Too
much time is spent in developing skill in techniques and not enough in physical
participation.
Practicing your skill in fighting is important, but so is maintaining your overall
physical condition. Actually both are needed to be successful in a real fight.
Training is a skill of disciplining your mind, developing your power and supplying
BASIC TRAINING
Introduction
This book was in the making in 1966 and most of the photographs were shot then. The
late Bruce Lee intended to publish this book years ago but decided against it when he
learned that martial arts instructors were using his name to promote themselves. It
was quite common to hear comments like: "I taught Bruce Lee" or "Bruce Lee taught
me jeet kune do." And Bruce may never have seen or known these martial artists.
Bruce didn't want people to use his name to promote themselves or their schools with
false pretenses. He didn't want them to attract students this way, especially the young
teens.
But after his death, his widow, Linda, felt that Bruce had contributed so much in the
world of the martial arts that it would be a great loss if the knowledge of Bruce would
die with him. Although the book can never replace the actual teaching and knowledge
that Bruce Lee possessed, it will enhance you, the serious martial artist, in developing
your skill in fighting.
Bruce always belived that all martial artists train diligently for one single purpose -
defend themselves. Whether we are in judo, karate, aikido, kung fu, etcetera, our
ultimate goal is to prepare ourselves for any situation.
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do was founded by Bruce Lee
because he felt
the martial arts were too confined.
You can't fight in pattern he used to say
because an attack
can be baffling and not refined.
Jeet Kune Do was created by Bruce Lee
to show us
that an old art must transform.
Like the day turns to night and
night, to day
the way of fighting must also reform.
Bruce Lee developed Jeet Kune Do
but wished
he didn't have a name for it!
Because the very words, Jeet Kune Do,
already indicate
that it's another martial arts form.
Any form or style does restrict
and his belief is now in conflict.
CHAPTER 1 : The Fighting Man Exercise
Stamina Exercise
Although you have the right attitude,
It's not enough to avoid a strife.
Although you have a heart of fortitude,
It's no assurance of saving your life.
You may have spent years in training
In the art of fighting you love so much.
But if you are winded in a sparring,
It proves that your condition is such
You need plenty of workout on the road,
Running two, three or more miles a day
Until your body can take more load.
Then comes a day you see the light,
You look up at the sky and then replay:
"Skill in performance is all right,
But it's not enough to prove you might."
Aerobic Exercises
One of the most neglected elements of martial artists is the physical workout. Too
much time is spent in developing skill in techniques and not enough in physical
participation.
Practicing your skill in fighting is important, but so is maintaining your overall
physical condition. Actually both are needed to be successful in a real fight.
Training is a skill of disciplining your mind, developing your power and supplying
