Bruce Lee

Teacher, Philosopher, Warrior, Legend

Bruce Lee changed worlds – the world of martial arts, the worlds of Asian and American cinema, and the personal worlds of countless individuals who have in some way been affected by his martial art, his movies, or his writings. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist of the twentieth century, Lee created one of the most revolutionary martial arts of all time – JEET KUNE DO. “Revolutionary” because it was the first martial art that advanced the principles of “totality” in martial art training, “realistic” and scientific training methods, and “complete freedom” for the individual practitioner. “Revolutionary” because it was the first martial art that encompassed far more than simply fighting.

However, Bruce Lee’s physical abilities were only the tip of the iceberg -- What many people are only now discovering is that besides being one of the world’s top martial artists, Lee was not only a philosopher, but also one of the original champions of self-help and human achievement -- As Lee evolved his “non-restrictive” approach to martial art training and combat, he simultaneously evolved a unique, non-restrictive philosophy toward life and living built around the same fundamental principle he applied to his martial art, “Using No Way as Way; Having No Limitation as Limitation.” The central theme of this philosophy is “Personal Liberation” – liberation of body, mind, and spirit through greater self-knowledge. In the final years of his life, the whole thrust of his teaching shifted to reflect the power of martial art as a “liberating agent”.

Interest in Lee’s thought is on the rise and many regard him as a contemporary philosopher and visionary – His work has already impacted the lives of countless individuals and shows no sign of abating – Over the last three decades, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people claimed to have been influenced by what they refer to as “Bruce Lee’s philosophy” –--

I understand that there may be some people who disagree with the idea that Bruce Lee was a philosopher --But the fact that Lee’s words and influence have been felt by millions of people and his books have sold well over a million copies make him one of the most widely read philosophers of the twentieth century -- According to his widow, Linda Lee Cadwell, “Bruce Lee continues to be an inspirational force motivating people to care for and nurture their bodies and souls and bring our the best that they have within themselves” --

The life philosophy espoused by Bruce Lee is non-restrictive -- As opposed to offering a rigid, one-size-fits-all philosophy, it instead offers a flexible, highly adaptable attitude towards living -- Both highly integrated and free-form, it provides an individual with a set of consistent fundamental principles which they are free to adapt to their own life situation without being bound by them -- It is a fluid, all-encompassing philosophy of living which can help you to liberate yourself and actualize your full potential -- In so doing, you can raise your level of living to an art form and live your life at the pinnacle of developed potential.