Mid-1960s, author Tom Bleecker befriends Bruce Lee

[@jeffpowell4125]

Love your stories ! Plz turn up volume !

[@SecretsOfMartialArts]

Great insight. Thank you.

[@paulcanchola6377]

I love your sharing of the history of what started something special that would later affect so many lives, and save mine on more than one occasion.

[@1994cargo]

Great stuff, these stories will be timeless.

[@glynhannaford7332]

I am so glad to have seen some of your videos today, for the first time. Your knowledge and experiences are very impressive and entertaining too. I salute your candour Sir. Especially in this day and age, when honesty and humility seem such rare commodities.

[@TomBleecker]

Thank you.

[@dfreeman120]

100%

[@manueldelapena7431]

Loving the history and the talks, Sifu!! Thank you so much for sharing’! Aloha! 🙏🥋🤙🏽

[@mkskenpo]

Thank you for sharing our history and events of our past...Respect sir

[@springsoflifeministries6113]

There are those who just have skills that are unattainable, others may try and train and practice very hard but can never reach the level some are simply born with, like Bruce Lee was. His speed and power was unheard of back in his day, martial artists are much better today because of people like Bruce.

[@RamasamyArumugam1927]

Sir, thank you for sharing your thoughts and impressions with us. Your writing skills are as excellent as your storytelling skills. It is not only very pleasant to listen to you, but also very impressive how you present yourself so calmly and at the same time very confidently. I do not know if this is part of your Hollywood training as an actor and part of your martial arts training, or both. I remember reading your book and Madam Linda Lee's book about Mr Bruce Lee.

[@TomBleecker]

Thanks for your kind words. For what it's worth, I've never had any training in acting.

[@tilemarblegranite]

Amazing!

[@Aikunle78]

Thanks very much for sharing.

[@Ssssfs]

Hello from Russia. Thanks for your book about Bruce Lee.

[@TomBleecker]

All the way from Russia! Hello from California and thanks for your kind words.

[@michaellui74]

Love your videos. So glad your your sharing all these great stories 👍👍so happy you knew Bruce and Brandon , but also so sad😢😢

[@mikalroyhansen9586]

with all the respect Mr Parker would never win a real street fight with Bruce Lee i'm sorry to say it but nobody Mr Parker and nobody else hat skills igrow like Bruce Lee Love from Mik Roy from Denmark

[@TomBleecker]

Why do you think this?

[@mikalroyhansen9586]

The great Master William chong sid it and one of my closest friend war there Love from Mik Roy from Denmark

[@mikalroyhansen9586]

and thank you for your beautiful Story and your respekt Love from Mik Roy from Denmark

[@truthserum9456]

Ed Parker said and I quote, Bruce Lee was one in 2 billion and I think that sums it up.

[@TomBleecker]

I was present at the Bonaventure Hotel on the night Ed Parker made that statement. The point he wanted to make was that Bruce's martial arts ability was exceptional and extraordinary.

[@klepp19]

Could Bruce beat up Ed Parker even given the size difference?

[@truthserum9456]

@@TomBleecker Yes that was my point. He was a kinetic genius and Ed Parker was smart enough and more importantly big enough to stste that. Thank you Tom

[@TomBleecker]

@@klepp19 They both had the ability to beat the other one if they were to score the first shot and capitalize on it. Size doesn't count for much once that person is hit hard. An opponent smaller than Bruce could beat Bruce if he (the opponent) were to strike first and do serious damage.

[@TomBleecker]

@@truthserum9456 To clarify, Amy Sanbo was the one who referred to Bruce as being a kinetic genius.

[@redfirekla]

Great video, thanks for sharing the great stories. Do you by chance have Twitter was trying to follow you on there..

[@yiptv1]

Thanks for sharing

[@ericstew5086]

Great show!

[@TomBleecker]

Thanks. I'm glad that you found the video worthy of your time. Cheers

[@thelionofthewest9168]

Just how strong was Bruce Physically? I'd like for someone to do an honest video on how strong he is

[@TomBleecker]

You ask an interesting question. Amy Sanbo talked about Bruce arm wrestling with football players in the HUB and beating most of them. He certainly was stronger than the average guy who was the same weight. Much of his strength was the result of body mechanics.

[@TomBleecker]

You ask an interesting question. Amy Sanbo talked about Bruce arm wrestling with football players in the HUB and beating most of them. He certainly was stronger than the average guy who was the same weight. Much of his strength was the result of body mechanics.

[@jakemay637]

@The Lion of the West. Bolo Young was amazed Bruce beat him arm wrestling. Bolo deadlifted 700 lb. An %ing yt video Pat Burleson and BL... Lee was tossing around he 220 lb Burleson in "Chinese arm wrestling" all around the room, laffing.

[@TomBleecker]

@@jakemay637 Bruce definitely had a reputation of being strong at arm wrestling that dates back to his years at the University of Washington where he often arm wrestled the school's football players. Most people falsely believe that the strong a person is physically, the better they will be at arm wrestling. Two keys to being good at arm wrestling are a strong grip and the ability to turn your opponent's wrist. Because of the extensive work that Bruce did strengthening his grip and forearms, he was extremely good at both. The strongest champion arm wrestler I ever met was a dairy farmer from Canada whose forearm/grip strength was the result of years of milking cows by hand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWi3c2mbd82IZ68

[@jdaywork2693]

Thank you for sharing your memories Sensei Tom. There's a channel called the Kung Fu Genius led by Sifu Alex Richter. He did an hour long interview with John Little, a gentleman who was given extensive access to Bruce's notes and has written books based on them. They discussed Bruce's training methods from an educated body building perspective and Alex seems to be looking for the truth about who Bruce was and what he did.

[@vladivf]

Thank you for sharing your impressions of this legendary man. I was born 17 years after he died. Nevertheless I feel lucky to be contemporary with his friends and family. If I were you I'd put down on paper every moment I've had with him and every statement he made that I remember. Just for posterity (if you haven't already). Things and details that are small to you might mean a lot to others. Haven't got the time to read your book about him but will do that soon. One thing that surprises me is that you used the word arrogant to describe him. You said he was arrogant in the tournaments and competitions.

[@TomBleecker]

Interesting that you'd like me to spend considerable time writing down every minute I recall in my life that has to do with Bruce Lee, and yet you don't have the time to read my book. Anyway, I've pretty much shared all I have to share about my friendship with Bruce. As an aside, I am by far not the only one to use the word arrogant to describe Bruce. I don't recall that I said he was "arrogant in the tournaments and competitions," particularly given that he never competed. Thanks for your comments.

[@vladivf]

@@TomBleecker I said "if you haven't already". And not for me... For posterity. Because one day none of the people who knew him will be alive and certain details will be lost forever. Just a thought. I'm not being superficial or disrespectful. It's just that my generation has very little time. That's why I'll change my job this summer. Will read your books for sure. Yes, you didn't mention him participating in tournaments and competitions but talked about demonstrations. Regarding his arrogance... What type was it? Normal manly confidence/ assertion that was common in that time, or was it the type that made people feel hurt and insulted? Thank you for being here and for all this sharing.

[@TomBleecker]

@@vladivf Although I'm no doubt considerably older than you, trust me, I'm super busy. The answers to your questions will be found in "Unsettled Matters."

[@vladivf]

@@TomBleecker I will not post any more comments on your channel until I've read both of your books on Bruce.

[@TomBleecker]

@@vladivf A read of UM will suffice. "Tea Money" is a novel. Cheers

[@anthonychand4136]

I admire your honesty

[@TomBleecker]

Thank you. I think much of it comes with age (I'm 75 and a great-grandfather). In my younger years, I wasn't always as honest, especially with myself. :-)

[@richardcollins6684]

Bruce Lee was constantly training watching tapes on Muhammad Ali and others. You train from white belt to Brown belt to learn the basics of your system. Eventually you earn your Black Belt is when your real training begins.Grand Master, Ed Parker was the “The Real Deal “ in kempo Karate.

[@TomBleecker]

I, personally, believe that 95 percent of learning the American Kenpo curriculum has been learned by the time a person earns their black belt. Although additional training will surely result in honing one's skills contained in the curriculum, there really isn't much more to learn. I believe this is true of all combative systems and sports. Thanks for your comments.

[@TaborSecurity-g6p]

@@TomBleecker Competing against other skilled fighters is a level most people don't gravitate towards. I know you did, and it takes a secure individual to succeed in this type of advanced combat.

[@Maria-Maggie718]

It is very commendable when the ex-husband of a woman praises the previous and deceased husband of the same woman ,very openly and sincerely but it is not nice that he tried to take the place of the man he admires so much,the place in bad, in the life and heart of his widow. No one,never and nowhere can be in place of Bruce Lee!

[@TomBleecker]

So, it's your belief that Linda should have remained a widow for the rest of her life and her two children should have grown up without a father? Doesn't Linda have a say in this? I mean, it's her life. And apparently someone did do a very effective job in taking the place of Bruce Lee. Bruce Cadwell and Linda have been happily married for 32 years.

[@shihanUKS]

You often hear about fighters sacrificing speed to hit with real power or guys who hit fast but "Flicky" as Lee once said. Was Lee one of the few who both speed and power and was it attributed to his back and forearm development? Did he target those muscles and streamline the others for that reason? His lat insertions were almost to his waist with a full scapula spread. Ive seen that on most Asian athletes. Thin frame but wide spread. Maybe they just have that. I don't know. But I'd be interested to know why did Lee target his forearm and lat training the way he did and how that impacted his punch delivery.

[@2NINJACHIEF]

thank you "groovy man too cool"

[@LeroyWilliams-j2u]

Love the sound of the running water 💦

[@TomBleecker]

Where does that occur??

[@XavierJustice-is2or]

@@TomBleecker 2:40-2:50 running water never goes stale

[@mariacardenas4665]

He was strong

[@dondread7363]

Tom, You're a lucky man.

[@TomBleecker]

Thank you. I indeed consider myself fortunate. At the age of 76, I'm married to a wonderful wife and have a daughter, three grandkids, and a great-grandson. Moreover, I've enjoyed a relatively successful career as a writer and today and in excellent health. I honestly couldn't ask for more. Cheers

[@TaborSecurity-g6p]

@@TomBleeckerI am saying it here officially: It's time for the Tom Bleecker Podcast to arrive here on KZbin. There, I said it.

[@TomBleecker]

@@TaborSecurity-g6p Others have suggested this, but to be honest, I don't have the time to put a decent podcast together. Thanks for your thoughtfulness, however.

[@BM-ci9zl]

Great stories. Do you plan to publish audiobook versions of your books?

[@TomBleecker]

Thanks for your kind review. The only book that would work as an audio book is "Unsettled Matters" because "The Bruce Lee Story" contains dozens of photos, and the novel "Tea Money" has many characters. While I don't have any plans on doing an audio book for UM, I've been presented with the notion of doing a Q&A tour that would be attended by Bruce Lee's following.

[@shihanUKS]

Thats what was quietly going around the locker room among the black belts in the field house in Chicago during that 1963 tournament. That this chinese kid was going to "blow up". John Keehan said that. Wait. Five Bucks? And you're right. Everybody was doing it. Networking. Coming up with their own style, etc.

[@Btu555]

Is there a reason why Bruce did not participate in any of the fight in the Long Beach tournament? I am really into martial arts but there are people who doubted Bruce and said he didn't participate in any fight so I am just wondering.

[@TomBleecker]

The reason he often gave was that he wasn't into point fighting but sparred with protective gear, which at that time wasn't being used. That aside, in the mid-1960s when tournaments were in their initial stages, there weren't many kung-fu participants, but mostly the established systems. And, of course, Bruce didn't claim any standard ranking (when he left HK, he stated he was an intermediate beginning student under Ip Man), which would have made it difficult to determine which arena he'd fight in.

[@Btu555]

​@@TomBleecker Thanks for the quick reply. I wanted to correct my statement that I meant to say I am NOT really into martial arts but lately read and watched a lot of BL on youtube and found there are people who don't think BL is any good so I have to rely on people who actually interacted with him like you to know. Of course none of the people who discredited him has any official youtube video of their owns but just made statements or comments. On one hand, it wouldn't be pretty if he entered the competition as an intermediate beginner. On the other hand, no one knew (including himself) that by not entering any competition would cause doubters on his legacy. I enjoyed his movies like everyone else but it's his ability to adapt, adopt, and being able to learn so quickly (martial arts or other subject) is what I admire the most. I watched a youtube of Van Williams saying that Bruce made a fool of himself about the stunt coordinator role (since he didn't have any camera experience) but only few years later Bruce directed the movie himself. That shows his ability to learn and master on the subject.

[@TomBleecker]

@@Btu555 I'm confused about Van Williams's comment. My sense is the stunt coordinator position that Bruce was assigned was that of a fight coordinator. The camera angles and such are left to the director, for the most part. In any case, given Bruce's film experience in HK as a child, he wasn't a stranger to camerawork.

[@Btu555]

@@TomBleecker From this youtube kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXSmiYKLfZiLqtk starts at 22:44 to 27:00, Van told the story about how the stunt coordinator and Bruce had disagreements and they finally let him be a coordinator so he could see his mistakes. My point is he didn't know anything about film making and being a director and he became a director in a few years shows that he had the ability to master on the subject quickly not only in the martial arts (as you and other people mentioned that he could do a move seeing for the first time like you knew it) but on other matter as well.

[@TomBleecker]

@@Btu555 Well, that's what I thought had occurred--that Bruce was allowed to be a stunt coordinator. Bruce was definitely a quick study. Many people can learn the basic art of directing in a matter of a few films or from just being on the set. Many actors do just that. Moreover, the great majority of directors are saved by a veteran DP and a veteran editor. And, yes, Bruce eventually got his chance to direct a full movie in "Way," which didn't receive much critical acclaim or do very good box-office. But he was learning. And I think eventually he would have become a top director in Hollywood.

[@hancehinerman8099]

🙏🥋🙇‍♂️

[@brianderiemacker5234]

A lot of people today downplay Bruce because they have only seen his movies and say well that was only playing It and he never won a tournament he never got into a ring to fight,the real deal!!!! Of course MMA didn't exist then and Kickboxing full contact fights only appeared I Believe around 1974????. It is most inspiring to Hear your recollections on Bruce whom I have admired Since I was A teenager in the 70's. What was claimed back then about Bruce his abilities, considered by many as mere myth today,is now revalidated by your vivid recollections. I wonder if Bruce Might have Said the same words to Chuck Norris after Chuck won yet another karate world championship and they met for the first time:"Try to touch me"

[@TomBleecker]

While it's true that in the mid-1960s MMA didn't exist and kickboxing had not yet begun, Bruce could have entered non-contact tournaments, which were quite popular, but chose not to. Because of this, the problem that has plagued Bruce's legacy is he accused those who didn't "prove themselves" by sparring as "swimming on dry land," and yet, by Bruce choosing to not enter tournaments and pit his skills against the best fighters of the day, he, himself, was swimming on dry land. Secondly, my inability to score on Bruce when he challenged me to hit him showed that he was good at evading being hit, but having a great defense is only half of what is needed to be a tournament champion. The other half is that a fighter needs the ability to score points. Chuck Norris is an example of a person who not only was successful at getting hit, but he also had a point-scoring offense (often scoring points by countering his opponents). As I said in my video, I personally believe that Bruce would have done extremely well in tournaments, but the reality is we'll never know.

[@brianderiemacker5234]

@@TomBleecker It is an honor to receive your reply. Sadly many have left the earthly stage now who trained and knew Bruce. Bob Wall most recently. It is great to see Chuck Norris in his 80's still punching and kicking away. The main thing about Martial Arts is how It makes you feel and look upon Life because It mostly is a Way of life!!!!

[@mtolivesecurityshipping5455]

@@TomBleecker Plain and to the point; do you think Bruce Lee was scared of losing?

[@TomBleecker]

@@mtolivesecurityshipping5455 I don't think scared is the correct word. That said, Bruce was no different from anyone else in not wanting to lose.

[@rick00770]

I love the Kenpo style, I bought Master Parker’s book way back in the late 60,s. I’ve got to get your book on Bruce. I was researching Chuck Sullivan and ran across this video. Thank you so much, I’m a martial arts fan from way back. Your name is well known. Take care and stay well.

[@rowdyyates4273]

I understand Bruce stayed in spain for a while with his friend samo huong (not sure of the spelling) and sparred at the local dojos where he took on allcomers?

[@TomBleecker]

I have no knowledge of Bruce and Sammo Hung visiting local dojos in Spain. When is this alleged to have occurred and during what film? Personally, it sounds like campfire legend to me, an offshoot to the opening scene in DRAGON where Bruce puts out an open challenge. I can't envision Bruce "taking on all comers" in any setting, which is a main reason he didn't enter tournaments.

[@rowdyyates4273]

@@TomBleecker hi thanks for your reply! This was seen on you tube with Sammo talking about it- when he visited his gym in Spain (Malaga)?

[@TomBleecker]

@@rowdyyates4273 I don't know why some of my replies to those who comment somehow don't appear after I hit "reply." Anyway, I don't believe this ever happened, mainly because I have a hard time envisioning Bruce having a month in Hong Kong when "he had nothing to do." Secondly, the distance between Hong Kong and Spain is over 6,500 miles, which is two trips from Los Angeles to New York. Who would have paid for this airfare? And lastly, Bruce Lee never walked into karate schools in the United States challenging the instructors and all their students. Not once. So if he didn't do it in the U. S., why would he suddenly be doing this in Hong Kong and Europe? If he truly wanted to challenge everyone and "take on all comers," he would have entered tournaments, which he never did.

[@rowdyyates4273]

@@TomBleecker Ok thanks there’s no argument from me I was only repeating what this gentleman said As have others! I tend to assume that you have seen these videos! As always your opinion is well respected as your first hand knowledge of Bruce Lee and much of his life!-i do note today that the younger generation are doing exceptional things like 2 finger press ups with their feet off the ground! Progress?? All the best to you and your family!🦉👍

[@rowdyyates4273]

@@TomBleecker Hi Tom I didn’t say Sammo went with Bruce to the dojo’s for fighting but Sammo says that he had a gym in Malaga Spain! Be really cool if you had contact with him to ask that question! Sammo seemed sincere? As always fly high and keep your powder dry 🦅

[@juanlopez4353]

Ed Parker, said that Benny the jet ,Benny Urquidez, is the best martial artist he ever seen...

[@iluvcliffrichard]

No it was Bruce Lee. Ed Parker junior said his dad would often say Bruce lee was the best he'd seen.

[@rowdyyates4273]

@Golden Cock don’t think Benny would get anywhere if he fought Lee the martial arts instructor and like Norris Lewis van dame Siegel jet li tony jar etc who were also actors!

[@TaborSecurity-g6p]

​@@iluvcliffrichard Being a martial artist and a professional fighter a two different things. Benny would have beaten Bruce just on the ability to take punishment alone.

[@jadestewart3519]

Did he only demo what he could do or join in on the fighting. Like the movie.

[@TomBleecker]

Bruce openly sparred with many people.

[@nostradamus522]

@@TomBleecker Hello Mr. Bleecker, You said Bruce Lee sparred openly. Sparred he with Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis and a lot of this champions !? Then Mr.Norris in every question he becomes, inform us, the audience, that he was the karate World Champion! And Lee was only a actor. …..but Lee was good. Think we heard the opposite from others. And sparred Lee with protective headgears. That would be fine to know. Thanks for sharing your firsthand story’s.

[@rene2617]

Awesome, your faux pas in you’re youth are forgiven 😄 and the other story about Bruce as well interesting. Me as a hardcore Wing Chun guy only can’t forgive you not to have switched entirely 😄 just kidding

[@TomBleecker]

:-)

[@djoneforever]

So whatever happened to the bully ? i wanna hear about that story

[@TomBleecker]

After I began my training, I didn't see much of him because he soon graduated. Years later, I was marketing when I saw him pushing a shopping cart. I walked up to him and said, "Hello, Ron. Remember me? Tom Bleecker?" Because of years of training, I was now more muscular than Ron and exuded ten times the confidence. In all likelihood, Ron knew about my becoming a black belt and fighting in the Internationals. His face turned ashen, and he stuttered a bit and said, "Yes, I think I recall you," trying to distance himself. "So how has life been treating you, Ron?" He nervously gave me a quick overview of his job and marriage, after which I said, "That's great, Ron. Glad to hear it. Good seeing you. Take care of yourself" and walked away. If you haven't seen this video, the encounter with this bully remains my favorite. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGS9n5uMZt9phac

[@tedalen529]

I’m wondering is Bruce Lee and Mike stone, ever spared

[@TomBleecker]

My guess is that they did prearranged sparring drills.

[@belkyshaddad9849]

( BRUCE LEE ) , STRENTH , WAS ( NOT NORMAL ) HE , TRAIN ( KUNG FU ) , EVERY DAY , ( EVEN ON SET ) 👍😎🙏 EVEN , STUDY ( KARATE ) 📚📚📚 !!!!! . ....

[@TomBleecker]

Not to take anything away from Bruce, but tens of thousands of amateur (Olympic) and professional athletes train hard every day.

[@mtolivesecurityshipping5455]

Tom, I read somewhere that Bruce Lee had flirted with Joe Lewis's wife, and Joe came to his home to confront him. Linda had answered the door and would not let Joe in the house. Bruce never came down to speak to him. What do you think, Tom, was Bruce scared?

[@TomBleecker]

I have no idea. I wasn't there. My understanding is that Joe Lewis later apologized.

[@shihanUKS]

That was in the Polly Book. Lewis's wife was already a handful for Joe and saying Bruce flirted was her being jealous of Joe's friendships. Joe was a hot head anyway and confronted Bruce at his house. Bruce called his wife in the room and asked Joe to repeat the accusation so she could hear it. Joe deflated and apologized. That was it for Bruce. That was it. Thats why Lewis didn't get "Way of the Dragon".

[@EkoLux23]

@@shihanUKS Yes, Joe Lewis was replaced by Chuck Norris. That part is correct.

[@808music3]

Bruce must had a great charisma, and certainly had the best contacts back in the days. Bruce was going around to get investors, to fund towards his film projects. He must had s great difficulty and racism to prove himself. Something I think in today’s world that we all suffer.

[@NH1973]

What was your opinion of Jason Scott Lee's portrayal in 1993's "Dragon"? I don't mean the absurdly unrealistic fight scenes, or the patently false history, but rather his ability to capture the real man's personality. I thought the scene in Hong Kong where he starts ranting at Lauren Holly and smashes up the room in a tantrum was very consistent with steroid rage.

[@TomBleecker]

I felt that Jason did an excellent job in portraying Bruce. While the scene of Bruce busting up his hospital room in a rage was fictional, the several examples of his rage that I wrote about in my book actually happened. Thanks for your post.

[@stew6662]

Did Bruce have any interest outside of martial arts. I mean did you guys ever talk about politics religion sports movies? Was he the type of person to open up about himself and his background.

[@katogojira7223]

You have guys like him telling truth about lee / on the other hand we got goldenbell disrespecting lee one minute ,the next hes posting positive of lee .

[@TomBleecker]

Who is goldenbell?

[@katogojira7223]

@@TomBleecker look him up he calls himself prince but he's channel is goldenbell

[@TomBleecker]

Thanks.