How tough was Bruce Lee?

[taoistscholar]

Who else here felt bruce lee did the opposite of what he preached?

[Justthefacts]

Specifics

I'm assuming that you're referring to Bruce Lee's quote about swimming on dry land as it pertains to the alleged martial arts masters of his era. I see nothing contradictory about Lee's decision to not compete in tournaments, while criticizing teachers for being out of shape and refusing to "prove" themselves by getting on the mat with their students.

It was clear to anyone who knew him that Lee was in superb physical condition and that he regularly sparred with his students. This included sparring with the likes of Larry Hartsell, Dan Inosanto, Dan Lee, and James DeMile. Lee also sparred with tournament champions Louis Delgado and Chuck Norris, so one could hardly accuse Lee of not practicing what he preached.

In addition, Lee's philosophy of adapting himself to the opponent and evolving as a martial artist was applied in many different ways. For example, the straight blast was Lee's bread and butter technique, yet the nuances of the technique were ever changing. Lee wasn't just a martial arts icon of his time, but of all-time.

Justthefacts

[Joe Hubbard]

According to Tim Tackett, Bruce never really managed to retain that many students because he was so hard-core and consistently “hands on” with his guys. You also have to remember that the majority of Bruce’s students were all black belts in other systems. This is not to confuse this with his “celebrity students”, I recently saw one of Bruce’s business cards where he was charging these guys $1000 per day way back then. Tackett went on to say that it wasn’t until Bruce died and Dan restarted his backyard JKD group that the JKD student cadre started to build in significant numbers. The story of Bruce breaking Daniel Lee’s jaw rejuvenates Bruce’s hard-core approach and quick temper.

Out

Joe

[taoistscholar]

but he spoke so much about the internal aspect of martial arts when he was obviously strictly external in practice. Do you know what i'm saying?

But no doubt he was an AMAZING martial artist. i'm just startin discussion

Anybody feel how i feel?

[jubaji]

I think you are too hung up over the whole 'internal' 'external' thing...

[Joe Hubbard]

Toaistscholar

In retrospect Bruce was an inspired athlete that was way ahead of his time in the application of developing what the Zen masters would call “no mind.” In order to be fully present in each and every moment, not just when you are feeling your best, you have to develop the ability to focus your full attention to what is happening right now- this very crystal moment; see that- it’s gone, so pay close attention. These are the exact same philosophical concepts that have enlightened the world of professional sports years after Bruce experimented with it. Bruce was an athlete, not a monk who sat under a waterfall. He dealt with both the internal and the external; he just didn’t put a form to it.

Out

Joe

[taoistscholar]

you guys are right. Thanks

[Larsson]

I think you just got to look at the guys stats, strength, speed (both physical, neuro) and his experience in street fighting. Nobody was training like he did back in the 70's, you look at the UFC champs and their regimes they are only nearing Lee's, he was way ahead of his time.

[nathan rd]

Comparison to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. here

[Semper Fi]

Bruce Lee was tougher then Walker Texas Ranger!

[peppi]

For a deceased person say only good things or say nothing.

[soulja_girl]

want some bruce lee wanna be?

Bruce lee is a very good martial artist,, he's an icon right? This guy want to be bruce lee,, see this video and tell me what you think about his move!! can he be the next bruce lee?

[Guest]

For a deceased person say only good things or say nothing.

What a load of garbage.

So according to your philosophy, the history books would show that mankind has led a perfect existence? Odd, considering how fucked up the world is.

A balanced, unbias view of every individuals strengths and weaknesses is how you learn from the example of others, good and bad. Bruce Lee was the first to criticize the beliefs and teachings of martial artists that went before him, and hated the practice of blind devotion. If the man had something to say, he said it. I'm sure he'd have no problem with open minded discussion beyond his years.

[peppi]

Quote:
Originally Posted by peppi View Post
For a deceased person say only good things or say nothing.
What a load of garbage.

Thank you for being so polite. No further comment needed.

So according to your philosophy, the history books would show that mankind has led a perfect existence?

No. According to my philosophy for a master of that rank that has passed away show respect first.

I'm sure he'd have no problem with open minded discussion beyond his years.

Yes I am sure you known him so well by so many personal meetings with him

[Guest]

There is nothing inpolite about a frank disagreement of someone's view. This is a forum of debate, I'm not here to wrap my opinions up in cotton wool.

Showing respect is not what you wrote in your post, you wrote that only good must be spoken of the dead. The two are completely different statements, so don't try to retrofit your context to prove a point.

And so, please do share your experiences of all your personal meetings with Bruce Lee....