Jim Kelly talks about Bruce Lee's Sparring Ability

[@gim6176]

The only martial artist from Bruce Lee time who really told the truth about him. To me that say's a lot. R.I.P Grandmaster Kelly.

[@68bobba2]

"I've never seen anyone like Bruce Lee,I 've met and sparred many karate,but Bruce was the only one who baffled me completely.I am in awe when I fight with him." -Louis Delgado(the last man to beat Chuck Norris in competition)...Black Belt magazine..Nov 1969. "I will say this..I'd pick Bruce in any street situation....he had the knowledge and the attitude to take him through anything" -Louis Ray,"Skipper",Mullins..7 times world Champ,and 1966 US Karate fighter of the year. Jim Kelly(RIP) wasn't the only one to tell it like it was.

[@josephperkins4080]

@Master Ding Dong i see why u call yourself Master Dingding cause u have the mentality of a dingding

[@mikeyu5769]

@THE Don Spaghetti & Ravioli Louise Delgado made that statement before Bruce died and it was published in Black Belt magazine in 1969. Bruce died in 1973.

[@mikeyu5769]

@Master Ding Dong I'm sure you know that Jim Kelly was more than just an extra in Bruce Lee's movie.

[@mikeyu5769]

@THE Don Spaghetti & Ravioli It was the opposite. He detested non contact sparring. He called it dust waving action. He mostly sparred in full contact. Bruce actually trained and sparred full contact with heavyweight kickboxing champion Joe Lewis.

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

When it come to judging Bruce Lee's fighting ability, I think I'll listen to people like Jim Kelly, Joe Lewis, Dan Insanto and others, who actually fought and sparred with Bruce Lee, instead of people my age and younger, who never even MET him.

[@Sazerrider]

Exactly, everybody has a right to it’s opinion but you got to give credit where the credit is due.

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

Exactly

[@49bullet64]

FAXXXXX THANK YOUUUUUU

[@Newengland1966]

Well said my friend 100% TRUE

[@cuzz63]

Joe Lewis stated Bruce wasnt a fighter.

[@sanekabc]

What Kelly meant was that unless you actually witnessed Bruce Lee sparring live, you didn't really know how good he actually was.

[@Mrfake-bt5qp]

Yeah, I am a brucelee fan from China, there r also a lot of people who don’t believe how great bruce Lee was, and I was even misled by them for a quite long time, but growing older, and after all those martial artists and UFC fighters I saw and analyzed, Bruce Lee just shows himself in my mind, he just like gradually shining up and it gets brighter and brighter, it is like the feeling that the truth finally surfaced. And when it hits the threshold of my attention, suddenly I realize how great and unbelievable Bruce lee was. I doubted it a lot before, I thought he was much more an actor than a real martial artists, but after all those sayings and video clips, and even the arrogant chuck Norris once said how strong bruce Lee was that he could stretch out his arm with 75 pounds in each hand or something like that. I don’t think anyone could take his six inch hit.... it is just too much for human body... I remember Jackie Chan described how he literally kicked another guy and that guy just flew away onto the bed.... Bruce lee, with his skills, his philosophy, his understanding of being a martial artist, being human, just certifies all that... He is the grand master of all time, no one I ever saw was as stubborn and persistent as him, he is just an over-advanced human...

[@loganriki2625]

What he meant was, there were famous martial artists in America during that era of whom Bruce whooped. Mr. Kelly doesn't mentioned their names out of respect for those individuals. That was what he meant.

[@alexchen5811]

Don’t twist what Jim said. His exact words - Bruce Lee was untouchable.

[@loganriki2625]

I don't need to twist words, especially from someone as respectable as Mr. Kelly. Mr. Kelly did say that Bruce was untouchable but he also said what I had previously mentioned.

[@loganriki2625]

@Master Ding Dong ?

[@justmedick]

I hate when people meet him and they only ask about BL and not ask him about his work. JK was a badass in his own right

[@dianathompson7597]

If he did not have something to offer in Bruce Lee movies he would not be in those movies back then.

[@monzoorchowdhury5313]

Because Jim was one of Bruce Lee's best students........that's why he was asked about Lee........

[@RazorEdge2006]

To be fair, I saw a Jackie Chan interview (I think it was on The Breakfast Club) where they just kept asking him questions about Bruce Lee. This is frickin' Jackie Chan we're talking about! Yet much of the interview was just talking about Bruce Lee. Similarly, I've seen quite a few interviews with George Foreman where they just ask him about his loss to Muhammad Ali. Foreman is an all-time great boxer and successful grill-selling businessman, yet his interviews are more often about "The Rumble in the Jungle" fight where he lost to Muhammad Ali.

[@thedarksideoftheforce6658]

He was a true martial artist that's why Bruce respected Jim. He actually fought real tournaments also. He was very strong from what I heard. I heard that Bruce and him were planning to do a film together when he finished up game of death. That would have been dope!

[@jamescolby7125]

@@monzoorchowdhury5313 dude Jim Kelly wasn't one of Bruce Lee students what are you talking about? Jim Kelly was one of the few African-American martial artist who received recognition from not only the martial arts Community but also the film industry. Jim Kelly should be honored a lot more than he is but he doesn't get the same type of love and respect for people that he should.

[@recognize8971]

People STILL want to discredit Bruce. It's unreal.

[@inquisitive.lurker]

discredit how?

[@truthhitman7473]

Chuck Norris , Joe Lewis, and Mike Stone were all professional fighters, but they were all STUDENTS of Bruce Lee. Bruce was beyond just a professional fighter. He is the inventor of Jeet Kune Do. Name one pro who invented their own form of martial arts ? Bruce Lee will always be a legend and the greatest. Nobody has surpassed him yet.

[@eobardthawne6921]

fred kramer he was already training before he came to America

[@tonytonypoponybananananafo3875]

Those who "fight professionally" RARELY retire undefeated and with brains, to say nothing of a broken body. They're no "better" just because the get their brains beat out regularly... Bruce could fight but was smart enough to not subject himself to unlimited trauma, for money and fame - leaving himself alive and healthy enough to REALLY fight when it was REALLY necessary... EVERY fighter gets beat AND get beat up even when they win... SMART fighters choose their battles wisely!

[@paulmichael2589]

Nonsense. Bruce could have competed in MMA and dominated.

[@mtmatt6111]

You can look at Bruce Lee's first audition / interview to play Kato on the Green Hornet to know he was the real deal. (I think he was in his early 20's in that video.) I have been involved in martial arts for over 30 years, represented the US in international competition and met and worked out with some of the best martial artists in the world. I have never seen anyone move like Bruce Lee and remain in awe of his ability. His high side kick in the video previously referenced was the fastest side kick I have ever seen and he was just screwing around and not yet at the peak of his speed and power. People that are disrespectful of Lee don't understand that he was training for an all out fight to the death against any person of any size with absolutely no rules. What he was doing doesn't translate well to any type of formal competition. May Bruce Lee and Jim Kelly Rest In Peace.

[@corneilmadison9436]

Don't say nothing to these people, they don't understand how dangerous and at the same time incredible Bruce was, he wasn't your average Joe kungfu star, he was a genius and a man who took his craft serious, yet Michael jai white says he'd beat Bruce because he was smaller

[@carmanyeung9030]

respect sir, u know the stuff

[@matteobonomi9306]

@@corneilmadison9436 buakaw go to the pet cemetary bruce lee whit you r lgs

[@corneilmadison9436]

@@matteobonomi9306 speak English

[@matteobonomi9306]

@@corneilmadison9436 if you see a power kick really see buakaw

[@DingKong]

Jim Kelly, a top martial artist and a top fella too. Gone far too young. RIP.

[@callithowiseeit5806]

@Brick Schitthouse The fact you got one like against the number the comment you were responding to got shows the level of delusion out there

[@EVEROSFP1]

@Brick Schitthouse Eat your hamburger and go to sleep...And dream of tennis. TENNIS.

[@prmisgrptech4481]

I would say too young 😂, but we gone mourn him and his humbleness and truthfulness most of all greatness

[@shadowman2192]

R.I.P Black Belt Jones.

[@edwardtang1977]

I didn't understand what "larger than life" meant. My English teacher said, "Um...like Bruce Lee, ya know?" Then I got it.

[@foreveragainOK]

+Truthseeker I think it was one of the Golden Harvest film executives who said that when BL was in the room, it was like he was floating in the air, bigger than anyone else. I think that's one definition of 'larger than life.' Of course, it had to do with both her personal magnetism that he always had plus the aura of being the biggest (or becoming) star in the world, AND the 'fastest gun in the West.' (btw, that's also American slang for a gunslinger in old cowboy movies who is the best in the world, etc.... for example, Clint Eastwood played characters like that.)

[@edwardtang1977]

foreveragainOK he has balance. Anymore confidence, it would be arrogant, any less, he wouldn't be Bruce Lee. When a person reaches a balance in life. His "Chi"/life force/charisma/ presence will be "bigger" than someone else.

[@AlphaSuperior]

Jim Kelly is a well respected martial artist be has nothing to gain from embellishing Bruce Lee's abilities.

[@postersandstuff]

Michael Chan knew Lee for 2 yrs and was *very* impressed by his talent and so were the stuntmen (Jackie , Sammo , Yuen Wah etc)

[@ncairguner]

I went to grocery store the other day and I saw Bruce Lee on the cover of magazine . After 46 years of his death he is still the king of martial art.

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

nc airguner I saw that too! It's amazing! What a legacy!

[@afronovaable]

At last, an honest martial artist has left his ego-complexes aside (IF he ever had them) and speaks from the heart. His spontaneity speaks volumes. May you rest in peace Jim!

[@rw7269]

Bruce lee was the ultimate martial arts phenomenon none of the top martial artists could touch him numerous world champions were in awe of him.

[@sanekabc]

When Jim Kelly said that no one really realized how good Bruce Lee was, he meant that you had to actually witness him spar and move in person, and also, perhaps, because no one could actually test Bruce, that no one actually knew how good Bruce was. The other guy didn't get it.

[@razorsharpsmile]

Jim Kelly would gain nothing from praising someone who has long died. Kelly simply could not get over Bruce Lee. That's how great Bruce Lee was, is and will be. Live with it.

[@ianbishop2553]

Hello there my friends im ian bishop world record holder for fastest power puncher of all time and founder of the transporter mixed martial arts system that runs parallel with Bruce Lees jeet kune do, i have just won the martial arts world hall of fame award for best overseas martial artist 2015, i say this for my credentials, what a fantastic interview!! Jim Kelly one of the few great champions with the integrity and honesty to say it like it really is, god bless his memory, and god bless the greatest of all time BRUCE LEE

[@marshiamacy4409]

Ian Bishop This coming from another real martial artist accomplished in the field just as champion Jim Kelly was, rather than these sad couch potatoes.. Thank you Ian.

[@burningknuckle26]

you can tell from his face that he really isnt lying about it at all. he speaks the truth.

[@Monstermack40]

Jim Kelly a true gentleman, Jim Kelly was the second best Martial artist.

[@jedidiah570]

@Shawn Gilmore Bruh

[@stevo62ful]

How do you rate him as the second best ? Because he speaks highly of Bruce !!

[@boonee8279]

Bruce lee will always be the greatest martial artists ever

[@karlgallet4689]

Chuck Norris was one of those fighters that got his ass handed to him by Bruce Lee!! RIP Bruce Lee and Jim Kelly

[@karlgallet4689]

Seriously ok inform me because you obviously know Travis? Because if you don't then stop wasting my fucking time

[@karlgallet4689]

Travis Rigg well I can't prove it as much as you can but what I can say is that Bruce Lee didn't believe nor did he compete in regulated combative arts he only trained to disable his adversarie quickly and promptly. Also how many testimonies are there supporting Chuck Norris compared to Bruce Lee. This will be my last response because I've actually wasted enough time on your bullshit comment. Now as we say in Australia... Fuck off

[@karlgallet4689]

Disabling and silencing go hand in hand you fucking idiot

[@karlgallet4689]

Are you some american Fat piece of shit gamer? I hope you're not from Australia

[@karlgallet4689]

Go eat another Donut you fucking idiot I'm no longer wasting my time with some hypocrite that doesn't no shit about Martial Arts Or Bruce Lee

[@Ninjajohn1]

I like the way Jim Kelly speaks of Bruce. You can tell he has a lot of humility and integrity. A real classy guy.

[@tri-unetrl3966]

Man I literally get goosebumps the way Jim said how Bruce Lee was untouchable. 1:44 The expression and look in his eyes. 💯💪🏽

[@888LDN]

Bruce Lee inspired so many fighters around the World including me!! 💪⚡️

[@matthewwood7245]

I truly believe Every word this man is saying! Jim was a great fighter and person. Bruce has been my idol since a child and 1 the main reasons I earned my Blackbelt at age 16. Always a Legend for many more years to come. Ufc fighters should also agree.

[@King4x4Country]

Jim Kelly, thank you for being humble, you trully were beside Bruce Lee as Great to me. Thank you. Will never forget you.

[@antokindness]

...he was untouchable...

[@rambusumba1840]

👏💙💙💙💛💛💛❤❤❤

[@freddiereagan6705]

Agree

[@stewsretroreviews]

A genuine nice bloke and class fighter himself, who really spoke from the heart about Bruce. R.I.P. Jim Kelly👊🏻

[@chinito77777]

JIM KELLY REALLY IS HONEST ABOUT BRUCE LEE -HE TOLD THE TRUTH, SPEED TECHNIQUE AND SKILL

[@dragonman9736]

You’re the real man. Hope people can learn from you. It is not about respect others mainly is respect you own self.

[@22soldier22]

Much respect for the love and admiration he still has for his old friend. Unlike some who didnt after his passing.. just imagine how women felt to be around Bruce lee what a pressence he was..

[@eddiehernandez3281]

Wow and this coming from Jim Kelly folks.a well known and respected martial artist.

[@georgemallon5228]

Jim Kelly was truth, his not lie.

[@jeramiahjohnson7967]

@Gaming Addiction True.

[@freddiereagan6705]

Agree

[@KenjiMapes]

Jim Kelly as “Williams” in ‘Enter the Dragon’ “I don’t waste my time with it. When it comes I won’t even notice … I’ll be too busy lookin’ good.” Jim Kelly is a badass. Period. Love the respect he gives Bruce.” Bruce was an entertainer but he was primarily an athlete and martial artist. He was other worldly in these arenas. RIP Bruce.

[@blackace5167]

The 3 words (timing, speed, technique) that really tell us how good Bruce Lee really was in martial arts. I wouldn't mind listening to Jim Kelly, Dan Inosanto, and Howard Williams talk about Bruce Lee all day, man.

[@rajendraprasad8334]

Honest words from the great jimm Kelly about the greatest legend Bruce lee

[@robdcollector2808]

rajendra prasad ....Jim Kelly was cool...but i dont undersand why he didnt just tell every story he knew...he preferred to keep things secret to himself. He knew a lot of things that well never know.

[@markuscamenzind5510]

He never told because there was nothing to tell. Jim knew Bruce for six weeks. Nobody would know Jim if it wasn't for his appearance in the movie. His whole career is based on Bruce Lee's fame.

[@eastside0434]

Thanks for the truth about your best friend beyond Grand Master Lee Mr Jim Kelly Grandmaster yourself. Yukon James

[@walteralexander1794]

Bruce was way before his time....

[@tayyebshabir177]

his speed and strength speaks for itself.

[@princeali1786]

RIP Jim Kelly- This is to sum up Bruce Lee in his own WORDS back in the late 60's . You know, the time when all the greats were around and who, if they had the balls to take him up on it, but obviously choose not to/ wise choice, I would say ! Bruce Lee interview Question posed to Bruce Lee- Mr Lee- do you claim that you can beat all the guys out there or anyone for that matter in the world Bruce Lee response- Well, I will tell you this, I will NEVER EVER CLAIM TO BE NUMBER ONE. But I WILL NEVER EVER CLAIM TO BE NUMBER TWO EITHER ! Suck on that BRUCE LEE = LEGEND - RIP BRUCE- NOW YOU CAN BE LIKE WATER !!!

[@valeriejohnson4204]

Favorite all time line, "Can you be like water!! Thanks for bringing back the memories!!! Bruce is the Greatest!!!!😜

[@steelcrtn588]

Talking truth, 'cause WE REALLY don't know how great Bruce was, JK knew, trained and sparred with Bruce and says himself that Bruce was untouchable. R.I.P. JK

[@jazzpianoman01]

That’s why it’s always good to listen to guys who actually met Bruce and witnessed what he did, first hand.

[@waltervai1401]

Bruce Lee was unbelievable! And Kelly was very great.

[@LargestClassifieds]

Jim Kelly, Dan Inosanto, Joe Lewis are among others have spoke very consistently about greatest of Bruce Lee.

[@guillaumenoname9709]

Do you have sources about Dan? Because I never heard him about how good was Bruce Lee in sparring or fighting. And about Joe Lewis who spared with Bruce, he also never mentioned who was better than the other one.

[@maximelauj7064]

Would you rather listen to keyboard warriors who say Bruce Lee was just an actor, or Jim Kelly, a 5th degree black belt, who personally trained and sparred with him?

[@jaimealvarado4421]

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. He was definitely more than an actor, but neither, as many claim, could he beat anybody and everybody. And people do claim that, don't say they don't.

[@evalex71]

Jim Kelly was a class act -- a role model and an inspiration.

[@rubenmejias7302]

for Jim Kelly to come out and say that. speaks volumes, he himself being one of the martial arts legends himself, my hats off to jim

[@MrReav13]

In real fighting, technique is everything. And you have to learn a lot of that. But the skeleton that technique/skill is built on is pure speed and power. Bruce Lee's speed and power were incredible for any time, not just his time. Therefore, if Bruce had really studied MMA like it is today, and had all the scientific knowledge and equipment available, he would definitely be a great competitive fighter in any style, whether boxing, muay thai, kickboxing, or MMA.

[@regkray9872]

Bro Bruce studied every style that's in mma and then some. He had a ground game cause he studied Japanese ju jitzu. That's why Dana white called Bruce the grandfather of mma. Weight training, conditioning ect

[@MrReav13]

Yes of course. Bruce Lee would have adapted his game and training to fit the sport. Even then, a late 1960s version of Bruce Lee is still the best striker who ever lived.

[@zzzthaoster]

Bruce knows his stuff because he has a personal library about martial art!!! He eats, breathe, lived martial art. He was a natural fighter too, that's why he became so good. To be a good Fighter or athlete, you have to combine the mental with the physical into one...Bruce harnished this idea and practice down to the teeth.

[@rokyericksonroks]

peaceful harmony I dig what you're saying.

+tyjghjghhh stfu

[@MrJoker-rv2cy]

RIP BRUCE LEE JOHN SAXON JIM KELLY

[@hirobrin5436]

After this testimony made by one who met Bruce personally, the verdict is obvious bruce lee is the Goat marcial arts.

[@VoodooUprising]

Bruce Lee was a true martial artist: mental, physical, and spiritual. Jim Kelly, Joe Lewis, Jack Chang and countless greats can attest to it. “Bruce was unbelievable.” -Jim Kelly

[@vincentvin4345]

this is the answers to all who have doubts about Bruce skills thnx Jimm

[@isaiahlewis5260]

he is and always. will be great much love to the Lee family

[@dragonvue09]

when someone lies or tells the truth you would just know and Jim Kelly did not lie or exaggerate in his interview. He was very honest about his experience with Lee. RIP master kelly..

[@guestguest5300]

I've never seen this interview of Jim Kelly before. He played a cool character in Enter The Dragon.

[@rlam86]

Despite people complaining about how Bruce Lee haven't proved himself to be the greatest in tournaments, if Jim and other great fighters at that time said he was that great, I'm sure he was at that era. And even if he were to be in our time in the MMA era, I am sure with his amazing talent he would be at least amongst the greats

[@mfuji02]

bruce lee is the father of mma. dana white

[@elixonlopez6492]

+mfuji02 mma came from Brazil, it was called vale Tudo.

[@bottlebrusher]

elixon lopez mma was around many years before Vale Tudo ever existed and it didn't come from Brazil. Do the research; Pankration, Greek Olympics. Bruce Lee's approach and philosophy on fighting is much more in line with today's mma than Vale Tudo was. Bruce Lee incorporated a much, much wider variety of martial arts styles/techniques into his arsenal than Vale Tudo. In addition to martial arts/fight training he also focused on physiology, the importance of a healthy regimen, proper nutrition, strength/cardio/endurance/speed training to name a few. He stressed the importance of being in the best shape possible. Vale Tudo was much less complex and focused. Bruce Lee obviously didn't invent mma, but he is definitely the the main catalyst for the development of modern mma and the biggest influence in martial arts. Many martial artists were about styles and theirs being the best. He didn't believe in that. His philosophy was simple and about being well rounded and to be able to adapt to any situation a fight takes you; take the best of what works for you from all the different styles available and make it your own. Nobody was really stressing all that until he came along. I think that's why many consider him the Father of mma.

[@elixonlopez6492]

+bottlebrusher yes I am aware of that. The debate of should I train my soldiers in tactical combat or brutal sport fighting goes back to Alexander the Great. Bruce Lee claims he leaned more towards street tactics but non of jkd has simplicity as done in Krav maga. Imi Lichtenfeld had a better aproach.

[@romeosilva7609]

Rober Arnis

[@efistofelico3270]

Jim Kelly was incredible too, for him to acknowledge Bruce Lee that way its because he mean it....Jim was a MASTER... perhaps more than chuck Norris, but because he was black wasn't recognized....obvious!

[@GerardFreeman]

Me as a kid seeing Kato perform his magic while his partner stood back and watched, told me this Kato man is bad ass. The show should be renamed "KATO & the Green Hornet"

[@earlmartin1030]

Black Belt Jones Enter the Dragon rest in peace Jim Kelly.

[@battongeor227]

Why is it so hard for you all to believe that Bruce Lee was a great fighter and martial artist? "oh my god he never competed therefore he sucks blah blah blah." There are tons of amazing fighters out there that never competed in tournaments. If the tournament fighters sparred with bruce and said he's amazing then why does he have to compete to prove it to the world? Jim Kelly sounds honest enough in this interview. I can tell when someone is just bs'ing but this interview sounds genuine. Why would Jim make this up? What does he have to gain lying? He's tipping his hat to Bruce unlike some others that like to tarnish his name after he's dead and no longer able to defend himself. Who's paying him to make up lies? I know its short and just a demonstration but watch his sparring at the Long Beach tournament. The grainy black and white video. If you know anything about fighting you can watch the way he moves and tell he's the real deal.

[@rickocconnell9056]

battongeor227 I dont think anyone genuinely thinks Jim Kelly is making things up. Its just some or even many people are jealous of how much praise he gets. It makes them angry that is obvious.So they will be spiteful towards bruce lee. Because If Jim is lying, then so must Delgado be. And Bob Wall, and Skipper Mullins, not to mention Mike Stone and everyone else. Since when did anyone do bruce lee any favours? There comes to a point where you are going to just have to accept maybe they are saying how great he was, simply because he was damn great, is that so hard to understand and believe? Hollywood hardly gave him a break, he missed the kung fu series part because of racism.Bruce lee worked hard to get the credit coming to him.It is a waste of time discussing it even.

[@IlianNachev]

Rick Occonnell Respect to you for these words! I am a tennis player and know for a fact that if you wanted to play in a movie and portray a tennis professional, for example, you cannot do it without actually being as good as a professional. Either that, or everyone who knows about tennis would be able to tell that you do not have the skill... One really needs to be blind not to realize that Bruce was the real deal, after watching him perform! On top of that, there are all these great martial artists who took classes with him or/and sparred with him, that publicly state how great Bruce was, and still some people would say all kind of trash about him... All I can say to these people is that jealousy is a sign of weakness! Keep that in mind when you are posting next time, you trash talkers!

[@comicbookal]

battongeor227 Totally agree with you on many points and just to let you know that there is a much better quality video of the black and white sparring/demonstration video that you mentioned (in color too!) of Bruce sparring full contact with one of his students from the Long Beach Tournament sponsored by Mr.Ed Parker of Kempo Karate fame. In addition, here are some names of the various martial artist who have trained/sparred and/or became students of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune do fighting skills and concepts during the 1960's and very early '70's until he left the U.S. (for his cinematic screen adventures that have become classics in their own right) as follows: Leo T. Fong, Jeff Smith, Chuck Norris, Mike Stone, Jhoon Rhee, Eric Lee, Steve Sanders, Benny Urquidez, Darnell Garcia, Bob Wall, John Natividad, Howard Jackson, Louis Delgado, Ed Parker, Bill Ryusaki, Dan Inosanto, James Lee, and Joe Lewis....

[@MysticNinjaJay]

battongeor227 I respect Jim Kelly as a Martial Artist who dared to speak out and defend Bruce Lee. He was in a position to witness Bruce Lee train and possibly spar with talented Martial Artists. He had credibility as a world Karate champion himself. He doesn't name names but given what we know about who Bruce Lee trained with there is a high probability Jim Kelly told the truth about Bruce Lee's sparring sessions. That being said he must have exaggerated Bruce Lee's fighting ability because no one is untouchable and calling him the Michael Jordan (or beyond Jordan) of sparring sounds like hyperbole. Bruce Lee was a man and he could be beaten just like everyone else. Also it is possible to look good in sparring and not be that great in a real fight. I think Bruce Lee was a competent fighter for his time but he wouldn't beat world class Boxers and Mixed Martial Artists who compete today. He had zero professional fights. He might have had the potential to be a great fighter as he was a high level Martial Artist in great athletic condition but he needed the experience training for and competing in real fights to be great.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

MysticNinjaJay You give credit and then taketh away, sound like a bit of a hater to me.Jim Kelly was there and has spoken to people who sparred with Bruce lee that is obvious. When he says Lee was untouchable that is not Jim Kelly exaggerating Bruce lees fighting ability, that is the actual feedback he is getting back from peoples experiences with bruce lee ie nobody could touch him in sparring sessions with him.Bruce lee could be beaten, but youd put your money on him, that's what Jim Kelly is saying. Just like many who met Bruce lee say.Anyone who encountered Bruce lee they felt like the inexperienced ones, so you are going off on a tangent and sounding clichéd, but has no relevance to Bruce lee. Because Bruce lee was a great fighter. Genius is hard to overcome, so the guys you are claiming are experience, it wont overcome genius.

[@tonypeter8209]

GM Kelly is a nice humble man who respects his Sifu in the proper place.

[@mjt11860]

i've been looking for something like this to verify what i & others have suspected when it comes to how great bruce was & how even bigger the egos r of the martial artists that knew him & couldn't admit that he was better than them. would love to read jim kelly's book if it ever comes out, not just cuz of bruce but also cuz jim was such a champ & a gentleman. rip jim.

[@imdr911]

so many people today want to down play how great bruce lee was. They did it is in Era too.... but he was able to disprove them..... What put him above everyone was his elite athleticism coupled with his genius iq. Being blessed with both of those attributes is astronomical. I don't think ANYONE even today could touch him. When he says no one could touch him... he literaly means touch.... No one could lay a glove on him...

[@imdr911]

mjt11860.... nice comments on Jim K...... I had the opp. to meet him.... He was such a nice nice man! He came straight out of a comic book:O)

[@mjt11860]

Robert Matthews ha ha! but he was no paper tiger! lol.

[@danielcromarty8700]

Truly miss Jim. He was one cool cat. Whatever he did he always looked good. RIP.

[@NinjaKu23]

Wrong. Whatever he did, he was "too busy looking good" lol

[@jordanglasper1064]

I've never heard anothervman more honarable speak so highly of the Late Great Bruce Lee. When someone constantly pauses. Or has a lose for words, you know whoever they were talkin about was the real deal. Thanks Jim Kelly, RIP.

[@Shadowrulzalways]

Jim Kelly is an honest man and he was a martial arts champion once. And a black belt. He saw and watched Bruce Lee's fights or spars. Even Bob Wall and Chuck Norris. They all admitted Bruce was too much for them. End of story now I'm gonna go back to my life. And if you comment I will block you all. Unless there agreements I will block you all.

[@bruceleeisoverrated2621]

John Reeves honest LOL dumb kid

[@Shadowrulzalways]

Oh yea do you have proof smart mouth? Yea I didn't think so. Unless you have hard concrete evidence you can't prove me wrong.

[@Shadowrulzalways]

You're just a troll.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

+BRUCE LEE IS OVERRATED Really?, you made an account with that name!!!! COUGH!!! biased........fallacies......idiot....

[@real8098]

+Tbonyandsteak HATERS GONNA HATE Im sure Bruce had allot of those in life and even more in death, people like them are the norm....when you reach heights such as Bruce did with his way of fighting and physical ability,..... making big or overwhelming accomplishments in general and setting yourself apart or standing out like no other with unmatched abilities ...jealous HATERS come with the territory ....and you know they hating hard when people are hating on him even in death 40 something years later lol

[@zzzthaoster]

one thing's for sure, back when Bruce first came out, we didn't need to see him in a real fight to believe he was good in real life and not just in the movie, that's how good he was. He's to a point where he didn't need to actually fight to prove he was good. If he wasn't that good he wouldn't be so confident with himself. Think about that last statement I said. Being so confident, I'm sure Bruce was ready to take anyone who dare challenge him.

[@michaelsmiley2828]

And I bet that you would have said the same thing about Van Damme prior to the UFC...

[@zzzthaoster]

@@michaelsmiley2828 How are you going touch Bruce when he's too quick for you? Many of those MMA fighters are clumsy, with little skills. MMA fighters only look good when they're up against another clumsy fighters. I'm not saying Bruce was unbeatable but he was good. Why is he good? Because he trains very hard to possesses all the essentials to be a good fighter. If he was just a joke, he wouldn't have people wanting to learn from him. People wouldn't still be learning jeet kune do. By the way, van dam movies are for kids, his fight choergraphies are a joke. Only kids could watch blood sport.

[@zzzthaoster]

@@michaelsmiley2828 Bruce train to be able to fight and defend himself out on the street, out in the real world. He wasn't t training to compete with a modern MMA fighter, so you can't compare him to a modern MMA fighter. It wouldn't be unfair to compare him to modern MMA now 40 years later but if he had to fight a MMA fighting, I'm sure he could stand up to it because he did he trained vigorously in all sorts of ways and constantly sparring too. Remember this about Bruce... He was 5,7...he wasn't just training to beat another 5,7 of his weigh class. He was training to beat anybody, even bigger and stronger than him. That's why he did a lot of strength training and was very strong for his size. Watch Joe Lewis talk about how strong Bruce Was. Bruce's understanding of the essence of martial art and philosophy behind it are all very real, nothing fake about it.

[@michaelsmiley2828]

@@zzzthaoster They ALL train to defend themselves in a street fight !

[@michaelsmiley2828]

@@zzzthaoster The fact that he trained to the extremes to fight doesnt make him an actual fighter. MMA is the closest thing we have , or kickboxers such as Benny the Jet .

[@dissolvegaming2033]

listen to what jim kelly said bruce lee is untouchable with speed and power and he was step ahead of everybody .i just watched bruce lee exposed that those dickheads making fun out of bruce lee saying he was fake which i find totally untrue and totally disrectpectfull

[@banga786]

Haha that doc was funny

[@themacocko6311]

Bruce was awesome for sure but he is definitely a lot of Hollywood hype. I'm not saying that to be a troll I'm saying that cuz I honestly believe it. Bruce was a hothead and an egomaniac we know that for sure. the thing that gets me the most though is Bruce's story of the Wong Jackman fight. It's just obvious b*******.

[@michaeljones-um8sn]

"Hollywood" doesn't just mean Hollywood California. Most of the stories on Bruce Lee including this nonsense from Jim Kelly is just more fairy tale stories. Bruce Lee wasn't fake but he's way overrated

[@HDsharp]

Hollywood hype?? he was rejected by hollywood for must of his life you twit. He was already infamous before hollywood came calling.

[@themacocko6311]

+HDsharp Ignorant statement.

[@darrenthomas601]

this guy is telling the truth Bruce was the greatest martial artist ever. It's a shame that all the other martial artists in the world who knew Bruce Lee and worked with him especially Chuck Norris runs him down because they can never make a film and the fight scenes so skilful and are very jealous. Chuck Norris has Bruce to thank for opening up the doors to his movie career without Bruce Lee Chuck Norris would not be where he is today. Nobody would beat Bruce Lee in a real fight that man was a very dangerous and deadly martial artist.why is it when you mention Bruce Lee to chuck Norris he always involves himself saying that he was the real world champion in karate but deep down behind closed doors chuck knows that he would never beat Bruce in a real fight!!

[@themacocko6311]

Proof of any of that crap you just wrote? BL fanboys are the most dilusional people on earth.

[@coolcat7429]

TheMacocko Witnesses r the best proof: why would Jim Kelly lie for him? and jacky chan and sammo Hung admitted that his kicks were too fast for them to realize that they had been kicked

[@brentonhobson]

TheMacocko go ask chuck norris if Bruce was a joke then...

[@patricklee8900]

In a real street fight scenario, none of the guys mentioned above including Chuck Norris and all those unknown guys who just empty talk about Bruce can beat Bruce LEE... Bruce LEE is the greatest martial artist and knight on earth so far Bruce LEE’s philosophy follower in Hong Kong-Patrick On LEE

[@stevemclendsy9478]

Jim Kelly met Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee. He said no-one can beat Bruce Lee in a real fight. Did you hear the man? He said I know who Bruce sparred with and what happened. What does that tell you if got common sense. He's telling you Chuck Norris is no match for Bruce Lee in a real fight. Bruce lee beat grandmaster Wong Jackamn in a full contact fight.,not some point tournament. Jim Kelly just telling the truth,that's all.

[@vibesgabby]

Bruce is a legend, I miss him Kelly too, he fighting skills is awesome, I've seen some of his movies my dude can fight.

[@loulou253]

Thank you Jim Kelly......people like to Say Bruce Lee was just a good art martial actor!!!

[@jaimealvarado4421]

And on the opposite end of the spectrum, people like to say that Bruce Lee can defeat any man who has ever lived in the history of all fighting. Both are fucking idiots.

[@TheWeazel80]

Jim Kelly was also a great fighter! That's why he was in the Enter the Dragon! Rip Kelly Rip Lee

[@deandaley8601]

I never pay attention to complaints about Bruce Lee "never competing". We know that he fought a lot. We also know he did not fight for points but for respect. Points was what competing was about back in those days. By the way, Bruce Lee is the father of Mixed Martial Arts. Jeet Kune Do is the beginning of MMA.

[@elixonlopez6492]

Dean Daley mma started with two guys really trying to hurt each other, not demonstrstions, tricks, or movies. you know how many founders of martial arts styles started mixing styles way before bruce lee?

[@Khorney]

+Dean Daley: Joe Rogan, expert commentator for UFC and highly skilled martial artist made some interesting points about that while watching some scenes from Bruce Lee movies on his podcast. Obviously there was no "MMA" competitions back then, but Rogan a commented on the Chuck Norris fight with Lee and said that Lee's choreography and technique showed he knew fighting very well and obviously did tough sparring alot because Lee seems to know what would and what wouldn't work in a real fight. Although some of the moves are a bit silly (to make battle scenes more fancy) Rogan said alot of it is very realistic fighting, more so than movies today. Another Rogan quote scene from watching the Chineese Connection: "His technique is really fucking good. It's really good! To this day. I mean it's hard to see someone from back then do Martial arts and compare it to what you see today, but Bruce Lee compares. It's really good kicking technique man".

[@BrooklynDodgers1]

+Khorney UFC came from Vale Tudo in Brazil which existed before Bruce Lee was even born. Pankration the earliest MMA system which existed before Christ. Bruce Lee is overrated and only an actor

[@Khorney]

BrooklynDodgers1 You're bending the truth very hard right now. You know as well as I do Vale Tudo wasn't even close to be a system for the first decades. It was originally a circus act that turned into a tv show which got canceled. By the time Lee had started demonstrating ideas to the martial arts world, vale tudo was still a tiny underground subculture. Yes, one of the Gracies helped found the UFC but that was 20 years after Lee died and already became a Legend. Bruce Lee was good enough at martial arts that he started teaching Marts in 59, he didnt participate in any major movies until 71. To call him only an actor, when he was teaching 3 martial arts world champions and they all said Lee was incredible, is ridiculous and insulting.

[@BrooklynDodgers1]

Khorney Bruce Lee's father was an actor. Bruce Lee was a child star actor. Bruce Lee never completed Wing Chun. Fake master! Bruce Lee teaching world champions as phony as Steven Seagal teaching Anderson Silva. Also Russian Sambo system existed before overrated Bruce Lee was born

[@badcoach2000]

hold on, when all the fighters back in the day, say Bruce was the best they have ever seen. Where is the doubt? These guys were the best in the world back in the day!

[@JohnDoe-pt6iu]

+badcoach2000 Bruce Lee was the best fighter ever without any fight records. It's just myth and hearsay.

[@badcoach2000]

+John Doe I hear what you are saying. But too many say different from back in the day. I understand your argument. No tournaments and he challenged everyone's style. I have never seen anyone better on film, but then, your argument, it is just film. I guess I get why people don't believe. But, I have heard too much by people that have seen him and sparred with him. They say he was too damn fast and powerful. I wish we had MMA back in the day. the argument would be solved.

[@JohnDoe-pt6iu]

badcoach2000 Jim Kelly claimed that Bruce Lee could spar anybody no matter the size, didn't he? Read Bruce Lee's notice about an hypothetical fight against Ali : s31.photobucket.com/user/Cero666/media/scan0049.jpg.html Bruce Lee is quoted to have stated : "Look at my hand", he said. "That's a little Chinese hand. He'd kill me." Bruce Lee hinted that the difference of size would be too much for him. It contradicts Kelly's bold claim, doesn't it?

[@badcoach2000]

And john, all things constant, the only one that you can see is for real is the person who fought. I coach, so I get it! I do know Lee was fascinated with Ali.

[@koreancowboy42]

You don't need to be in tournaments or earn things to show that your great or whatever. Even the lowest of ppls can rise to the riches without being famous or popular. I'm really good at playing certain games, even my friends tell me so but that ain't gonna mean I'm gonna need to win a tournament just to show how good I am. Or when I'm playing soccer with my cousins and uncles (uncles who were really good at playing soccer back in the day), I was pretty decent at my age but I had to learn from their ways. I got better (not right now anymore due to work and virus...) I played good and was on par with my two other cousins who played soccer more than me. We didn't need to go to tournaments or matches in order for others to know we are better or the best. We know we are the best in our own ways. Because win or lose, good or bad we don't care about ppls judgement about us as long as we do something we like. Martial arts Bruce Lee must've done what he liked doesn't matter if he's acting. Jackie chan for example, martial artists and actor. Very passionate in his movies and the work. I'll never see another actor like him again. Serious his movies are just comedy for me. He's really good he just does what he likes to do! Doing stunts, making the movie good, etc. He's my idol

[@monzoorchowdhury5313]

Thanks you so much Jim..........I understand your emotions!..Jim miss you man.....

[@ryosakamoto0828]

R.I.P Jim KellyThank you for your great story of Bruce Lee.

[@brucelee8338]

True friends stay loyal to the end respect!

[@فطومةحقاالله]

Every people at his time said that he was incredible and good martial artists

[@derothop]

Wow I have even more respect for Jim after watching this!

[@wolflike24124]

This is coming from someone who just knew him only during filming Enter the dragon and not really as close like Dan Inosanto...but he knew he saw a legend right in front of him. I could be wrong but I really admire how honest and appreciative he is to the man.

[@777yojoe]

He’s talking about chuck Norris who was way to slow to touch Bruce, and Norris slipped and admitted in an interview that he couldn’t touch Bruce.

[@guillaumenoname9709]

I also remember this fact. But can we find it again now on internet ? If you have a link I'd like it much.

[@djxchen]

Ok, guys. For all of you who say that Bruce was crap, just look at his moves in slo mo. Chuck, Bob, Jim, Sammo, whoever, they all looked sloppy. But, Bruce was perfectly smooth. Flawless. And, to do it at ungodly speed.....

[@dannygjk]

Chuck Norris was a point fighter. Listen to Joe Lewis who was a real fighter. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWjSkpKGg7iteac

[@TuanVan-ne1fg]

Jim Kelly in his prime was tall fast and strong he could hold his own. To say all this just tells ya about Bruce.

[@marvinhagler4721]

Jim Kelly.. the truth. next to Bruce..my opinion

[@jhaibennett2057]

RIP Jim Kelly 🙏 To this day I'll still watch your movies...!!💯.

[@umojainternational8541]

Bruce Lee and Jim Kelley...Gone too soon. Two great Sifus. REST IN POWER GUYS. WE WHO KNOW, WILL CONTINUE YOUR LEGACIES.AMI TABA!

[@eventu08]

i think Jim Kelly was top ...very humble man.

[@LightLegion]

RIP Jim Kelly

[@Monstermack40]

Jim was second best.

[@victorree7489]

like it or not to some people Bruce Lee was,is and will be the best martial artist of all the time ,nobody like him,he is unique and nobody could beat him in any way

[@lenkonwashington1041]

Agreed

[@jordanbyrd9821]

We love you Jim Kelly we're so sad you had to go, but you will always be remembered like Bruce Lee your one true martial artist not just because of your skill but your honor, respect, and the heart of the martial arts 🥋 .

[@zakkrick]

I've been to Bruce Lee grave site back in 2004, its something I will never forget as a fan because that was the last time I've been there.

[@crosamirrigole3535]

bruce lee the best

[@Dayoung1s5933]

Simply...

[@chadstone1806]

Reuterss nah

[@menniq]

Reuterss I've wondered how Conor would match up against Bruce myself. Both of them are capable of changing up their approach in the middle of a fight.

[@cliffordhill2365]

people don't fully realize what type of guy Jim kelly was. First of all he himself won the world championship in 1971 and guys on that level aren;t going to exalt guys who never competed over themselves because they have egos. Jim also turned down varios film opportunities in hollywood for alot of money because he didn't like the image it projected. Here he's showing honor in protecting the legacy and image of certain well known fighters in not mentioninng their names (that;s class). If you listen carefully you'll understand thru inference who he saw Bruce beat in sparring when he says " size didn't matter" he said Bruce would spar "John Doe" world champion hands and feet or just hands. Let's keep it real, Jim was referring to Chuck Norris, Bob Wall, Joe Lewis, and others....end of mystery.

[@tonyjones1560]

Now if an experienced tournament champion like the late, great Jim Kelly---who, it can be safely said, would be a credible source for evaluating a fighter's skills---speaks so highly of Bruce Lee's martial arts skills, is it reasonable to say that Bruce Lee was, at least, among the greatest?

[@misterguy2329]

+Tony Jones "Now if an experienced tournament champion like the late, great Jim Kelly---who, it can be safely said, would be a credible source for evaluating a fighter's skills---speaks so highly of Bruce Lee's martial arts skills, is it reasonable to say that Bruce Lee was, at least, among the greatest?" It's reasonable to say Lee was great at martial arts because we have film of him doing martial arts, he taught martial arts, he trained a lot, etc. It's not reasonable to say he was a great fighter (compared to champion fighters) because he didn't prove that. It is reasonable to say a normal guy wouldn't stand a chance against him in a fight, because that's true of any half-decent trained martial artist. It's not reasonable to trust guys like Jim Kelly completely, because Jim Kelly, one, made a lot of money and career advancement by being associated with Bruce Lee, and two, would look like a total scumbag if he had said anything negative about Lee, especially if he did it after Lee died. So while Kelly may be telling the truth, he also has a double-incentive to lie. There are other experienced, champion fighters, like Joe Lewis, who say that Lee was an exceptional martial artist and a really great teacher and thinker, but that Lee was not a fighter. This isn't really an opinion - Lewis' statement is fact. Lee did not, as far as we have records to show, do any (or much) actual fighting.

[@tonyjones1560]

Mister Guy OK...you've made some very reasonable points here and given me some stuff to think about. Sincere thanks for the education!

[@foreveragainOK]

+68bobba 2 For the record, some credible eyewitnesses said they did see Lee and Lewis spar, and that it was strictly 'no contest,' that Lewis was completely dominated. Dan Inosanto, one of the true gentlemen of martial arts said that people he trusted told him that, so I will accept that statement. You can also find interviews with guys in those Hong Kong days.

[@maaartin]

+Tony Jones And another experienced tournament champions from the same era, namely Chuck Norris, said in an interview that he basically didn't even want to talk about Lee as a REAL fighter. Fact is: 1) The reason why there is such a mystery surrounding Lees abilitets as a fighter is because he never fought for real. All the stories that confirms his skills are told by close friends, old students or "a friend of a friend of a friend", and it always refers to how Lee was in sparring. Not in a real fight but in sparring. Why? Because noone saw him fight=) Just scroll down this very comment field. Everyone here who hold Lee as the greatest fighter of all time keep referring to the testimonies from "credible witnesses and experts" but noone seem to be able to provide sources who actually said these things. 2) Fighting today compared to fighting in the 60s is something else entirely. Just watch some youtube clips from Karate tournaments from that period of time. It looks ridiculous compared to UFC 2016. I mean Dolph Lungren was also a karate champ during the 80s. 3) Dont you find it strange that this Kelly, who first of all owed alot of his career to Lee, during this whole interview avoids to talk about specifics. He talks in terms of vague and imprecise adjectives. Just think about it. If he REALLY thought Lee was unbeatable in real fights, why cant he just say it straight up. I think its obvious he just wanna maintain the myth about him.

[@tonyjones1560]

Babbedi-boopi Good points, actually, especially your second point. On a somewhat related track, I'm thinking of Jimi Hendrix---someone whom I totally think deserves his status as a guitarist as a standout for his times but probably would be totally gobsmacked if he saw one of today's top-tier shredders play (Yngwie comes to mind, or that Guinness world record holder who played "Flight of the Bumblebee" at 220 bpm a few years back). I actually doubt that Bruce Lee (or Chuck Norris, for that matter) would last very long against, say, Connor McGregor or Jon "Bones" Jones without a serious updating of their training methods if we could go back in time and bring their "prime selves" up to our times. I still think that Bruce Lee had major skills, even if those skills involved a degree of marketing hype---I would say that had there never been a Bruce Lee there would not have been MMA or UFC, at least not as we know them. I personally can only put "so much" weight on Lee's lack of a tournament record, simply because I grew up around a few martial artists who never fought in tournaments but whose idea of a fun weekend was to destroy folks on Friday and Saturday nights---in biker joints, old-school blues or hip-hop spots where one can get cut (or shot) quickly for any slight, real or imagined. But still, you made solid points. Guess this is what happens when folks start digging around for the facts behind the legend (and not just Bruce Lee's either)---not that this shouldn't be done, because the truth does matter.

[@jeffhickey8]

Both Jim Kelly and Joe Lewis have said how good he was untouchable.

[@koreancowboy42]

Cuz they actually sparred with him and actually face to face unlike most of these internet peeps who only watches the movies and search up very old ass info that isnt even valid.

[@robertgillette4015]

Bruce trained for survival on the streets, not competition.

[@seadawg93]

As a legit, proven, expert; this is very convincing praise.

[@jrock51079]

Rest in peace Jim Kelly AKA Black Belt Jones

[@jamesho9670]

1:48 bruce lee is untouchable

[@Carlparishhonda]

I have been following Bruce Lee since the 1960s. There’s no one with Bruce Lee hand & foot speed and timing. His skills is from the spirit world.

[@impettus]

I met Jim Kelly around this time though I hadn't seen this video at the time and he knew his stuff. His assessment of fighting skills was top notch. I wish I had thought to ask him about Bruce because he might've told me on an off the record basis who he was hinting about in the video. I think we all know. Bruce had many challenges and if you see others' recollections of what happened Bruce asked them to keep what happened to themselves. Champion fighters wouldn't have been training with him if he wasn't extremely impressive to them.

[@ericcooper627]

THIS WAS DIRECTED AT CHUCK NORRIS MOSTLY JIM KELLY IS JUST BEING RESPECTFUL AND NOT WANTING TO THROW HIM UNDER THE BUS!!!!!

[@jeramiahjohnson7967]

Kelly has no proof about what he is saying. If he named names he may have to face a lawsuit. So, he is really just talking out his backside.