Tom Bleecker Discusses Bruce Lee's Alleged Use of Anabolic Steroids

[@mannybrucesalvador]

Hey Bruce was only human. He was an exceptional human being but at the end of the day he was just like the rest of us. RIP Master Lee 🙏

[@osakaix]

Bruce Lee even admitted he was no saint wife cheat drug abusing little rat with one leg shorter than the other and one ball sack

[@ThorNado24]

That's holy drugs.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

I never looked at Bruce like a saint but like a man who lives life to its fullest,his boundless energy, the greatest martial artist and fighter and loves to express himself and to laugh along the way. So I’m never disappointed but always my energy level goes up when I hear another story about that man.

[@STRONGMAN415]

Every one used them 5,00 for 100, Dianabol with a script

[@TomBleecker]

I stand corrected. An individual recently commented that my mention of Bruce using creatine in the late 1960s is incorrect because creatine wasn't available to the public until much later. I deleted the post not because the person disagreed with me but because of his lack of civility. Of the 13K views over the past ten months, only one other person commented on this statement. In any case, I researched creatine, and it is true that it was not an ingredient that Bruce put in his blender. Although I recall using creatine myself, along with many of the other supplements that Bruce used, I could not have been using creatine in the mid1960s. So, my inclusion of it in this video was merely an oversight that really is not all that relevant to the majority I what I talked about.

[@jeromestephenball]

I’ve very much enjoyed your videos, Mr. Bleecker. I’m looking forward to the next one! Thanks much for sharing your insight and stories, both your personal stories and the stories about Bruce Lee. It’s been the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever watched on KZbin in a long time. I also very much enjoyed reading “Unsettled Matters”, and I look forward to reading your other work as well. I wish you the best in your new writing project.

[@TomBleecker]

Thank you.

[@johnts1]

Tom, I watched the Big Boss the other day and saw how young and vibrant Bruce looked. Then I watched Enter the Dragon and it was like two different Bruces. He looked gaunt, pale, like he had aged 10 years. His face looked bloated and he looked so tired .

[@TomBleecker]

Yes, it's clearly apparent. Most likely the major difference is the result of his substantial cocaine abuse.

[@JesseEdwards-d1x]

Putting a lot of Hours in making the movie plus training at night make any one look different

[@texasgent4694]

Yeah in Enter The Dragon, it's pretty obvious that Bruce Lee's health was in decline

[@jjs490]

​@@TomBleecker Also I read in the latest Bruce Lee book (Mathew Polly )that he wasn't sleeping because of the pressure he had put on himself with the American producer and director , as you know Tom he really wanted to make it in Hollywood. and with Enter the Dragon this was his big chance. So he felt the pressure.

[@TomBleecker]

@@jjs490 In my opinion, it's far more reasonable and likely that Bruce was having difficulty sleeping because of his substantial drug use, including pills and alcohol. I recall in one of the drug letters Bruce writing that he was so stoned one night that the following morning he couldn't remember anything that went on. Feeling pressure to succeed at making a good film is something that practically everyone experiences when creating a movie. In fact, people in all jobs feel pressure.

[@davidwilliams6089]

I remember buying your book as soon as it came out. I'm pretty sure I talked with you over email or perhaps one of the martial arts forums at the time. It is good to see that you have become more insightful about Bruce and your own life experiences. I think these videos provide much more context, and they are great to listen to.

[@TomBleecker]

Glad you're enjoying them. Cheers

[@renovation-maison]

I wish I had access to this info decades ago. It would have saved me from all the nonsense I read back then. Thanks for finally shedding light on these topics

[@davidjd123]

I knew this years ago from one of your books, I surprised me at first but I didn't stop being a fan of his, because of you and more information out on his Drug use, I have a more realistic understanding to Bruce Lee than the average fanatic. If anything I like him more, hes more relatable, he was still a incredible man.

[@TomBleecker]

It’s often difficult for everyday people to unpack who Bruce Lee was as a person because the Madison Avenue merchandising of him and his brand has almost reached a deity-level status. Because of this, it’s hard to relate to him and who he became. In order to understand your heroes, you have to understand their struggles, fears, and failures. Only then, can you relate because you see yourself in their experience.

[@jakepapadopoulos8654]

He got messed up when he did that stupid good morning exercise that ruined his whole life. The guy did not have the proper training advice and coaching in fitness like they have today with personal trainers and the Internet. So when he hurt his back and was under such stresses from the pain he was probably really stressed out and the guy turned to using all kinds of weird and illegal drugs. I can relate because I was for a brief period of in a bit of pain from a pinched nerve in my back and I myself turned to alcohol and drugs because of the depression that I had. But one day I heard about chiropractors something I never knew of before and they saved my life. Thank god that my injury wasn’t as bad as Bruce’s and I bounced back quite rapidly from the three years of constant pain that was making me depressed and ruining my life. Believe it or not I had suicidal thoughts but by some miracle I pulled through this phase in my life. I can relate with everything Tom Bleeker is saying in this video because I was going through the same things. I have a lot more to say but I don’t want to bore people to death here on KZbin. If you ask me I liked the Kato side of Bruce not the guy after the injury.

[@TomBleecker]

Bruce Lee's back injury was not caused by performing a Good Morning exercise and was short-lived. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3SvdYahaLiWqZo

[@dremyofit6719]

So true

[@EGvids1]

I just bought your book, the information you provide is transparent and objective. I am enjoying your videos because I am a fan of Bruce Lee and really appreciate learning what happened in his life.

[@TomBleecker]

Glad to hear that you're finding my work of value and worth your time. Cheers

[@anthonychand4136]

Thank you for sharing, some of your stories are really personal and private matters in this video but highly beneficial for others to see, most people lie about steroid use creating all sorts of misconception about it. So many people I grew up around took steroids but I didn't know, I always felt so inferior to them. BUT your stories has Brought me a lot of clarity on the matter, thanks once again.

[@creightonfreeman8059]

I think Bruce was taking corticosteroids for his back injury, NOT anabolic steroids. They are not the same. One is anti-inflammatory, the other is anabolic. Bruce never had the muscle mass/bulk, water retention/puffiness, bubble gut, gynecomastia, hair loss, nor other symptoms associated with anabolic steroid use. Some may point to his "violent temper" as he called it, but he had that from childhood and I'm pretty sure he was not taking anabolic steroids as a 15 year old in Hong Kong.

[@TomBleecker]

According to Bruce's medical records, Bruce did take corticosteroids for his back injury. Most people understand they are not the same as anabolic steroids. With regard to the physiques of amateur (including Olympic) and professional athletes who have used anabolic steroids, many do not present muscle mass/bulk, water retention/puffiness, bubble gut, gynecomastia, and/or hair loss. Lastly, if Bruce's frequent violent outbursts during the last year of his life in Hong Kong weren't the result of roid rages, then what caused them? Since the surfacing of those drug letters, many have felt his violent outbursts were the result of his cocaine abuse. As an aside, although Bruce was known to have a temper, he was never known to be a bully, as he demonstrated on two occasions when he threatened to beat up and even kill an overweight and in poor physical condition director Lo Wei.

[@axelstone3131]

@@TomBleeckercocaine. You know this already. Lo Wei wasn’t exactly a saint towards Bruce. All sorts of people tried to fuck him over and swindle him out of money, including, Raymond Chow. I would hardly call Bruce a bully.

[@TomBleecker]

@@axelstone3131 Raymond Chow was the only person who didn't play fair with Bruce regarding money. In retrospect, much of the blame falls on Bruce's attorney Adrian, who neglected to draw up written contracts with Chow. Although Lo Wei and Bruce traded verbal barbs now and then, Lo Wei never brandished a knife and threatened to kill Bruce. The numerous episodes of Bruce's violent outbursts were clearly fueled by his cocaine abuse. I never knew Bruce to be a bully. It simply wasn't his nature.

[@jjs490]

Thanks Tom. You're a great source of knowledge concerning Bruce now as there aren't too many people around that are willing to share what happened back then maybe many of them have gone, I'm so glad you are forthright and generous with your knowledge, John S, from Philly. Be well.

[@leosmith105]

I just read Tom Bleeckers book. It was very interesting. Mr. Bleecker seems intelligent and honest. I could not stop reading. I am interested in certain celebrity deaths like Elvis. I am just a curious person. I wondered how B. L. died at only 32.

[@casNJ]

I'm a child of the 60's. I was a fan of the Green Hornet and later experienced the "Kung Fu Craze", in the early 70's. I ordered a copy of Unsettled Matters, shortly after publication. When it arrived, I couldn't put it down! I actually read it in one sitting and I have since re-read it, at least a dozen times. Unlike some of the critics, I walked away with even more respect for Bruce Lee, the Man. It made him more human! I think he would have approved! Great job!

[@TomBleecker]

When "Unsettled Matters" was first published in 1996, it was difficult for everyday people to unpack who Bruce Lee was as a person because the Madison Avenue merchandising of him and his brand had reached a deity-level status. Because of this, it was hard to relate to him and who he became. In order to understand our heroes, we have to understand their struggles, fears, and failures. Only then, can we relate because we see ourselves in their experience. As you know from the book's closing chapter, I'm in agreement with you that Bruce's real life is far more compelling and believable than the fictionalized one. Thanks for your post.

[@pineapplepizza4016]

Mind blown. I've read a whole lot about Bruce Lee and not once was anabolic steroids ever mentioned. The possibility never even entered my mind, but it does make a lot of sense in retrospect. He was extremely ripped and had a low percentage of body fat. As someone who works out, I know that is very difficult to achieve naturally.

[@TomBleecker]

During the timeframe of the late 1960s and early 1970s, many professional and amateur athletes (and, yes, this includes martial artists), as well as Hollywood celebrities, were using anabolic steroids.

[@ibberman]

Read about it years ago.

[@HEADLINEZOO]

I came to hear about Bruce’s drug habits and stayed to hear about this gentleman’s extensive drug experimentation. Appreciate the honesty.

[@klepp19]

The real truth is Bruce died from using a new drug which increased his sexual stamina.

[@GodCarnage]

Wow! I wish I knew this as a kid. I have always been super shredded since i was a kid 🇯🇲 and I remembered seeing Bruce looking shredded and I dear to say that I was close that look out loud and got much backlash as if I had blasphemed. I now look better than Bruce ever did and coke to find out this dude was on Roids and Coke. This was a regular dude who was into martial Arts

[@jeffgoesrandom4217]

This discussion is amazing. It is clear that Bruce was skilled and masterful without drugs. He obviously took drugs of all types to enhance his performance and look. He may or may not have been completely aware of negative effects at the time. He should have gone to the hospital when he had headaches that day before he lay down and died. He certainly did not want to die. So it seems that he just ignored symptoms or did not think it would cascade...as it did a few months prior. Either way, talking about the truth just humanized him and does not say he was bad or immoral. He was mortal. It is important for his family and this channel to inform the world about ill effects of drugs. Besides, I would think that Bruce would want the truth about dangers of drug use and abuse to be told. He said he was going to live to be 100. He might have...

[@TomBleecker]

Well said. I commend you.

[@RBASB10]

Hello Bob, I’m new to your Channel/videos. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for connecting making closer to Bruce Lee. He is still my action Hero. Thank you once again for being informative. Wishing you a magical day🙏🏻❤️

[@TomBleecker]

Glad you're enjoying the videos. By the way, my name is Tom.

[@RBASB10]

@@TomBleecker My apologies. Thank you kindly. 🙏🏻

[@simonkrebs6043]

From someone with an experienced eye. The physique change for "Enter the Dragon" and during the movie was drastic. I would assume he did a preparation period and then some maintenance for the filming. From the footage it looks to me as though he lost somewhere between 5lb to 7lbs during the filming. For me I think it was Cocaine, Testosterone Suspension, Stanazolol, and also possibly thyroid drugs. Being the early 70's I doubt he had access to anti estrogens. To look that way in your early 30's (with one testicle) you need high testosterone, low estrogen, and a fast metabolism with a caloric deficit. If you are a die hard "Bruce Lee" fan and don't want to admit this. What knowledge or expertise do you have on the topic ? Blind Faith unfortunately doesn't cut it.

[@Rick-ov5rp]

Your stuff is incredible! I read your book when it came out Unsettled Matters and thought it was written from a critical analytical non prejudicial point of view.no siugarcoating bs. Just like Bruce ! Continue to RUMBLE YOUNG MAN RUMBLE!

[@gauntlet292]

Great talk Keep it going Tom

[@TomBleecker]

Thanks 👍

[@ikyzro]

Please continue to share your videos about Bruce Lee. Your experience and knowledge are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much Tom.

[@TomBleecker]

I'm glad that you're finding these videos worthy of your time. Cheers

[@ryale7174]

Mr. Bleecker, I am 58 and I have been using TRT for about 14 years. I would recommend that you look into "Natesto" , which is a nasal wipe gel....VERY VERY effective and no side effects. Dr. Kormer, my physician, invented it. Thank you for your interesting videos.

[@TomBleecker]

I inject testosterone cypionate twice a month subcutaneously, which is proven to be the safest TRT. By the way, these are the negative side effects listed for Natesto: "Common side effects of Natesto include increased prostate specific antigen (PSA), headache, runny or stuffy nose, nosebleed, nasal discomfort, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, and nasal scab."

[@X-Factor-22]

I really appreciate your insight sir!🙏🏾 I’m a lifelong Bruce Lee fan turned Bruce Lee HIS-storian and realist. I’ve been listening to alot of your videos over the last few weeks and you’ve really helped fill in the gaps. A lot the research I did on Bruce Lee over the years have dropped bits and pieces of what you said, but listening to you go in depth makes everything a lot clearer. I still greatly admire Bruce Lee because the positives in his life outweigh the negatives. I still think he was a great man, but as with all great men they struggle with demons as we all do. But that’s what makes them them heroes to us because they show us the path to overcoming some of our obstacles despite or shortcomings.

[@Cookefan59]

Comment #400 Thank you Mr. Bleecker for all that you have done to help us all understand this great man so much better. You’re a great inspiration to myself and many others.

[@robd1329]

A bit off topic on the use of Anabolic Steroids..but its True with what you say that not all athletes look bulky or have muscles like bodybuilders..Lance Armstrong was a perfect example. I worked out in MA for manyyy years and boxed a lot later in my 30s....i still do and had a friend at my boxing gym who I worked out with. We were pretty much equal in height and weight of about 175lbs or so and remember sparring with him or more like we took turns with drills using focus mits. I tell you he was toying with me and enjoying it because he kept punching me at a superman force so hard that I said this is not natural to hit like that... I had to say 'stop i need a break'. I didnt know why my arms continued to give out and he smiled everytime going harder and harder waiting for me to give up. After we were done i asked how he was able to hit so hard? ....He confessed that he took steroids one a monthly dose due to some reason of being shot in the street...some past of his. Anyways his punching power was that strong that for me it was my first hand experience of how steroids can make a regular person hit like a Superman!

[@echelon2k8]

7:26 Yeah, the plural here might just be used in him referring to 'steroids' in regards to him having "gained", not necessarily multiple drugs other than steroids in that particular instance. The reason I heard for Bruce wanting to stop using (anabolic) steroids was because he thought it was making him too big, like a typical body builder, and this was supposedly interfering with his martial arts through him carrying too much bulk for the speed he wanted. Not positive, and this could be factually incorrect, but I believe this information may have originated from his brother Robert. At least that's what I think I can recall reading from somewhere.

[@richardmilliken8705]

Steroids make you stronger & faster, but unless you're consuming large amounts of protein and calories, they will not bulk you up. Usaine Bolt was juiced to the max and he was 6'5" at 194lb as the greatest Olympic Sprinter of all-time. Lasse Viren was 5'11" at 138lb was juicing & blood doping and he won 4 Olympic Gold Medals.

[@Rob-z7k]

More Bruce please!

[@danstafford5977]

People make false assumptions it's been rumored that Bruce Lee took steroids... steroids comes into two forms... pills vs injectables!

[@SembeneNathanyahu]

In the upcoming bestseller, "Whisper's Getting Louder", I have Ali and Lee fighting 3 times---Ali wins the first bout on January 17, 1975, his 33rd birthday. Bruce Lee wins the 2nd match on November 27, 1975, his 35th birthday. And you all will have to buy the book to discover who won the third match. Long live the immortal Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee! @@@*** Sembene Nathanyahu, author of the future bestseller "Whisper's Getting Louder", in Chicago ***@@@

[@mdwv872]

Tom was wayyyyy ahead of everyone else on this topic, long before the “Bruce Lee drug letters” became a huge topic. Thanks for the great content, Mr. Bleecker!

[@TomBleecker]

You're welcome.

[@thelionofthewest9168]

I know Bruce Lee was a user of Corticosteroids due to his back injury from a failure to properly warm up before doing good mornings,but Anabolic steroids 🤔I honestly have my doubts on that simply based on the fact that anabolic steroids prevent muscle loss,and he lost 20 pounds of muscle during the filming of Enter the Dragon from his daily Training,running fight choreography,multi takes and retakes of fight scenes, combined with the humidity of Hong Kong,so if he'd been using anabolic steroids he wouldn't have lost so much weight.Plus as to creatine during the 70s and 80s creatine was used experimetally by athletes,but it was not until the early 90s that creatine was introduced to the public at large.So my question is where did Lee get creatine at as it wasn't readily available to the public at large

[@TomBleecker]

First, with regard to Bruce's pulled muscle or pinched nerve, the cause was a bout of sexual intercourse, not a failure to warm up prior to lifting weights. Moreover, the initial cortisone was from a series of injections prior to his traveling to Hong Kong in 1970-1. Bruce's use of cortisone following his arrival in HK was not under a doctor's supervision. Second, Bruce's muscle loss was caused by the increased failure of his adrenal glands, which hindered his ability to digest food and, hence, the gradual wasting away of his body. And third, during the filming of ETD, Bruce was not keeping up his strenuous workouts as he had previously when in the States. In addition, the fight scenes were not that physically demanding given the rests between takes and long periods for camera moves, etc. and that many of the fight scenes were filmed on an air-conditioned sound stage. With regard to your input about creatine, you raise an excellent point that it wasn't available to the public as a supplement. I'd have to look back over my notes, and even then, may not have a definitive answer. I do recall that the BUN test that showed an extraordinarily high reading for urea became a critical issue. Thanks for your post.

[@danstafford5977]

You get creatine through the consumption of beef... steak and eggs have steroid-like effect!

[@TomBleecker]

@@danstafford5977 I agree. But not all heavy beef eaters eat beef for physical conditioning. Many eat hamburgers because they love hamburgers and are overweight and out of shape to prove it.

[@thelionofthewest9168]

@@danstafford5977 yes but when you cook beef you also cook some of the creatine out

[@txp158]

Anabolic steroid helps you gain weight....and "diuretic" helps you lose the weight in water to make you look full and dry.

[@BruceLeeFannl]

I am from 1961, fan of Bruce, he was human, but he made from the Big Boss to Enter the Dragon a big body weight loss, in that periode of time he would take all to increase his body fitness, its sad he is gone, we enjoy his movies. I loved your back info about Bruce Lee, keep it going. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@Artist21st]

Bruce Lee was a man just me and the author of this story.

[@FilmFactoids]

MCA does not stand for Merchandising Corporation of America it stands for Music Corporation of America.

[@TomBleecker]

An inadvertent error. Thanks for pointing it out. Others have, as well. That aside, Universal MCA did handle the promotion of the Bruce Lee brand under a ten-year contract.

[@repoman5581]

The more I hear about my Idol Bruce... the more I realise he/they pulled the wool over my eyes... a lot of us idolised him, wanted to be like him.. and to now know that he was full of illegal substances... they said, Bruce drank tea but NEVER drank coffee... that was great, made us feel like he had such willpower... no wonder we couldnt come close... Bruce, we idolised you...we trained because of you.. I was part of the Jeet kun do (holland club) because of bruce.. maybe its impossible to enter hollywood if you are not the best of the best.. at any cost... but to fool the world AND be a philosopher? ... those 2 things dont go together.... its sad but WTF nothing we see on social media or from TV is real.. should have known better

[@TomBleecker]

I think when someone idolizes a person, sooner or later they are going to discover that their idol has chinks in their armor and clay feet. Bruce was human, and he had issues. With regard to his drug abuse, it's fairly well known that human willpower is no match for drug dependency which includes alcohol. As an aside, keep in mind that much of what Bruce professed was the philosophies of Krishnamurti and other classic historical philosophers, as well as what was written for him by Stirling Silliphant. Many readers who have read my book "Unsettled Matters" took a while to fully comprehend the passage that is placed in the front of the book and reads, "With all our most holy illusions knocked higher than Gilderoy's kit, we have had a jolly good lesson, and serves us jolly well right! --Kipling"

[@repoman5581]

@@TomBleecker aside from that... he still bullshited a nation or two.... you know, those friends who you think are your friends, and then you figure out they are not... bruce was that type.. he wanted his own following and wealth, at any cost... he got what he wanted but was not real and not truthful... and now. he has uninspired a nation or two

[@stewsretroreviews]

Very interesting about Bruce and about the drugs, I remember in the rave scene back in the mid 90s and some of my friends changed in attitudes, had paranoia and being very aggressive at times with different drugs to this video maybe?, but it wasn't pleasant seeing my friends like this. They eventually got over it, but certainly had a few health issues in later life.

[@DerekBailey.]

Exactly Tom! You still have to put in the work regardless!

[@5764830]

I am a big fan of Bruce but probably before a movie Bruce took steroids as many actors do. The change was formidable, extremely low fat percentage and tremendous lats. But that doesn't detract one bit from his value. Tremendous world class athlete and ahead of his time.

[@davidwhiteley3879]

Mr. Bleecker, I first saw your video about Bruce's drug use and I was tremendously upset and almost stopped watching the video very quickly. However, I hung in there and I am very glad that I did. You do a wonderful job of explaining the time period in which Bruce lived and why it really wasn't that unusual at that time to do what he did as regards ANY type of drugs. Thank you very much. And when I remember that his cause of death was listed as "death by misadventure", it sure seems like drugs were involved (maybe this is covered in another of your videos).

[@TomBleecker]

While Bruce using drugs in the late 1960s and early 1970s wasn't uncommon, especially by his age group, the degree to which he was using them near the end of his life was uncommon, particularly his use of cocaine. As an aside, I'm curious about why you initially found this video so upsetting and almost stopped watching it. Perhaps you can expand on this. Thanks for your comments.

[@Fee-Nix]

In a 1974(?) weekly 3 part News of the World newspaper Linda Lee interview about Bruce Lee, Linda said Bruce wanted to keep his body weight down so he could stay in the air longer, and that he ate a diet of apples & carrots. She also said Bruce was an insomniac. P.S. If Bruce Lee were alive when you published this video he’d be 81. P.P.S. Trivia: Bruce Lee was born on 27 November. Jimi Hendrix was also born on 27 November.

[@bullitts]

People seem to think that their idols have no vices or demons. Bruce Lee was amazing! I love him dearly and respect him for all he accomplished and brought to the world, but I’m not blind to what he did behind closed doors. Adultery, cocaine, steroids, etc. I have a problem with his estate and family trying to hide and conceal all these things - they need to learn that fans will love him for who is was and not for what he did in his personal life! He didn’t do anything that others haven’t done - and what he did wasn’t that bad! The cocaine letters from Bob Baker was new to me, but I wasn’t shocked or surprised! That’s the problem with trying to hide and keep these things from fans! To me, I don’t care! I love and respect him no matter what!

[@TomBleecker]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. It’s often difficult for everyday people to unpack who Bruce Lee was as a person because the Madison Avenue merchandising of him and his brand has almost reached a deity-level status. Because of this, it’s hard to relate to him and who he became. In order to understand your heroes, you have to understand their struggles, fears, and failures. Only then, can you relate because you see yourself in their experience.

[@bullitts]

@@TomBleecker I totally agree… My father was and is my hero. He had his demons but it doesn’t make me love and respect him any less. He’s human, just like Bruce Lee was-and people need to realize that before placing him on such a high pedestal. You don’t have to love and admire him any less, just come to the realization that he wasn’t perfect… None of us are!

[@travels129]

YEA WELL SAID FINALE BRUCE PUT IN THE WORK HE TRAINED HARDER THAN MOST

[@TomBleecker]

He certainly did for a period of time, mainly because his main interest was becoming rich and famous, and he felt that his martial arts were his only path to achieve that.

[@GodCarnage]

you have no idea how hard he trained… he was a movie star he certainly didn’t have the same amount of time to train as a pro boxer

[@travels129]

@@GodCarnage nonsense he was a martial artist first and foremost u knw nothing look at his body his actions dont get like that without hard training

[@afiqjihad2537]

@@TomBleecker He was already amateur boxing champion in Hong Kong back during his teenage days

[@TomBleecker]

Although Bruce dabbled in boxing for a while when he was a kid in Hong Kong, he was never technically a champion.

[@richardtseng9535]

Interesting that you mention him having trouble getting muscle in his legs. It’s something I’ve noticed about a lot of Muay Thai MMA fighters. Jon Jones is notorious for having “chicken legs”. There are pics of Bruce looking bigger which people point to during his lifting phase. Was that during the period he was doing “the stuff”?

[@TomBleecker]

Apparently, Bruce had always had skinny legs. His girlfriend in college used to tease him about it. That's just one more thing Bruce and I shared in common! :-) Because I don't know the dates of the photos you're referencing, I don't know if they were taking during the time you mentioned.

[@renovation-maison]

In *Fist of Fury*, Bruce Lee executed a classic front lat spread-a well-known bodybuilding pose-showing more muscular development than in his previous films. Given this noticeable change,, it's possible that Bruce was experimenting with anabolics at this point?

[@t.bruceford4098]

If you really look at his life. He may have tried them. 2 things, he was not a professional fighter and steroids were not illegal then. He was always experimenting

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

Back in the day in the 60s steroids or something that he lied athletes used to enhance the performance. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger talked about his steroid use. But Arnold also said that no champion relies primarily on steroids to do the work for him. And that’s what Bruce did with the steroid use I feel.

[@TomBleecker]

Absolutely correct. No one takes steroids and sits on a sofa and grows muscles. Bruce earned the physique he had.

[@Erennn-mq5cx]

Hey Tom, very interesting video. I wanted to ask do you know of his fighting ability and sparring with karate world champions? We all know he was an exceptional martial artist.

[@TomBleecker]

I have no firsthand knowledge of Bruce sparring with world champions, only what I've read from others. My personal experience of working with Bruce convinced me that he would have been a top tournament contender. He certainly had the knowledge and the skills needed to become a champion.

[@stew6662]

A lot of people have a hard time separating the Man from the Myth. Growing up all we had to go on was the Myth, however with the internet and social media in general we are learning about the man which is far more interesting.

[@TomBleecker]

It’s often difficult for everyday people to unpack who Bruce Lee was as a person because the Madison Avenue merchandising of him and his brand has almost reached a deity-level status. Because of this, it’s hard to relate to him and who he became. In order to understand your heroes, you have to understand their struggles, fears, and failures. Only then, can you relate because you see yourself in their experience.

[@stew6662]

@@TomBleecker Certainly it was the Hong Kong press early on. I remember growing up thinking that Norris and Lewis, were his students when it fact they were just friends/acquaintances who ran in the same circles and shared common interests. I think what has fascinated me about his life is how chance played a big part of it. What if Jay Sebring wasn’t in the audience that day. Would he have passed his screen test for the GH, if he didn’t happen to act before. Would he have gone back to Honk Kong earlier if he was still struggling with his schools or would he eventually succeed at something regardless because he had an inner drive like a lot of successful people have. What part did Linda play in all of this. Not many women from her background would marry a Chinese man in the 60’s no less. What made her unique?

[@TomBleecker]

@@stew6662 Excellent questions. With regard to Linda, I have no doubt that she was instrumental in helping Bruce achieve his goals. With regard to their marriage, it's been well documented, even in Linda's book, that Bruce and Linda married because she was three months pregnant. And, of course, back in the '60s, if a young man got a girl pregnant, the right thing to do, if not the only thing to do, was to marry her. Bruce stepped up to the plate and did the right thing.

[@stew6662]

@@TomBleecker Tom, just wanted to thank you for answering by post. As for Linda, I totally get that she was pregnant and was somewhat forced upon them. However once again, it was chance that he married somone like her. I don’t know what their conversations were in private but it seems that she allowed him to find himself and provided emotional support. I’m assuming she was young and infatuated with him early on and later their relationship evolved into something else. What it was in the end I really don’t know.

[@TomBleecker]

@@stew6662 Linda has always been, at heart, an easygoing person, which worked well for Bruce. My sense is their early years were their best years, and that their last few years were filled with turmoil, which is why Linda has often publicly stated that, in retrospect, she wishes she and Bruce could have taken back their last few years in Hong Kong. Thanks for the back and forth. Cheers

[@ps123fan]

bruce was a martial artist first and foremost so i dont think he took steroids for ego st2uff like many bodybuilders do, but who knows

[@TomBleecker]

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bruce was by no means the only martial artist who was using steroids.

[@taeotoshie]

very interesting and educative

[@argon3329]

I knew. If you put the pieces together it all makes sense. He had a bad temper. Was allegedly cheating - hi testosterone levels.. in the autopsy results it’s quite clear he died due to his body not being able to take the years or cortisol injections for his back pain. The truth is more important than the Legend. I’ve researched and followed Bruce lee for years and what this bloke says is backed up with evidence. Bruce will always be a legend. I knew all of this but it doesn’t change anything because I wasn’t stupid. Real life isn’t all flowers..

[@TomBleecker]

One minor clarification if I may - the injections were cortisone, not cortisol. And second, although the initial injections were to relieve discomfort in Bruce's back, when he left for Hong Kong, his back was no longer a problem. Once in Hong Kong, his continued injections of cortisone were for other reasons. I agree with you that Bruce will long be remembered for his contribution to martial arts action films that resulted in a huge surge in enrollment in martial arts schools throughout the 1970s. Thanks for your post.

[@jjs490]

​@@TomBleecker Hi tom, if Bruce was not having any more back pain in China why did he continue to take the cortisone ? It seems like a dangerous oversight.

[@TomBleecker]

@@jjs490 Excerpted from my book “Unsettled Matters”: “There were other warnings listed by the drug manufacturer [of cortisone] that are equally troublesome: ‘Psychic derangements may appear when cortisone is used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations’ and ‘Initially, Bruce Lee was injected with cortisone to reduce musculoskeletal inflammation in areas of his back, knees, and hands. Within a short time, however, he began to rely on the drug to combat a smattering of physical ailments, both real and imagined, and began to experience mood elevations and an increase in sex drive.’” I hope this sheds some light on your question. Thank you for your kind words.

[@NathanThePrezPretlow]

But there no solid proof that Bruce Lee took steroids.This is all mere assumption.

[@TomBleecker]

If you're comfortable believing that Bruce would never use anabolic steroids under any conditions, then you're surely entitled that belief. Some of Bruce's followers firmly believe that he never used all the drugs that are mentioned in those letters to Bobby Baker and that the letters are fake. That said, I would ask you the question that I posed in the video, which is why Bruce would have said no to anabolic steroids when he never said no to anything else that he felt would help him achieve his goal? Thanks for your post.

[@dududu5189]

Solid proof? Why would a 30 year old Mad suddenly develop acne...

[@robertwalker841]

you can see a massive change in bruces physique from 1970 onwards, also acne on his body face, he developed the xmas tree back sought after by bodybuilders and prob had roid rage he took coke etc so why not steroids ? tom bleeker knows the truth and tells the truth great series of vids.

[@Newengland1966]

Just leave the man alone RIP BRUCE LEE

[@TomBleecker]

Why would you think that Bruce is not resting in peace?

[@klepp19]

The strength and low body fat on Bruce would not make anyone surprised he took steroids.

[@502AL]

All said is, well said and the honest truth.

[@JimSmith-nb4tx]

Nice video Tom. I can understand why people put Bruce on a petal stool....I did it when I was young. As I got older, I research a lot about his life. Hearing other people talking about being around Bruce and the things he could do. It's pretty amazing. When the drugs letters came out, it really put into perspective.....Bruce was just a normal guy who excelled at the martial arts. It makes perfect sense about why he would start doing them. To get bigger. Imagine Bruce at 180 pounds? How hard he would hit? Plus no one really knew the consequences of doing them back at time. I bet it was the roid rage that got him to stop. I knew people who had done them....they get very violent, very fast. Bruce already had a temper so I'm sure Bruce thought "I can't do this anymore or else I'm going to kill somebody" He'd be kicking people through walls all day just for looking at him wrong. I had a cousin who was on steroids, he beat his friend face in...really bad....just because he thought he was checking out his girlfriend. He stopped using them after that. He felt bad after he came down from his rage. When they say "rage" they just take out all that energy out on something. Imagine if Bruce had that rage? I'll tell you Tom, you were right about Bruce using the anabolic steroids. It all adds up for me. Bruce was arrogant in his abilities....which he had the right to be. If I had his abilities, I'd be doing the same thing....but he wasn't a bully. I've heard stories about him dealing with people who challenge him and even the one you mentioned, about how he used his two fingers to take that guy out the dojo. He took the guy outside....made his point and came back inside....acted like nothing happen. That's not a bully. Bullies brag about who they beat up. Bruce got into a lot of fights but he never kept a record of all their names. The guy that Bruce beat up on the racquet courts....Bruce paid for his hospital bills. That's compassion....that's not him trying to be a badass. People see all these flaws coming out....as a bad thing....(the drug letters and anabolic steroids) and for a bit, I was kind of hurt. Shortly after it really humanize him for me. I realize that I put him on a pedestal, that he never asked to put on. He's not perfect and I'm ok with that. It doesn't take away from what hes done. He wanted to be rich and famous. Back then, that was the thing to be.

[@JimSmith-nb4tx]

@Whammer79 sorry lol normally im walking and texting......and dont proof read. I need to stop replying on this voice to text app

[@matthew80127]

@Whammer79 A “Petal Stool” is an even higher place to be….. if we use it enough, it’ll become part of the language, lol

[@AshaRenWooly]

Petal stool??? 😂 😂

[@bearsbantertalkshow1497]

@jim Smith, great points. An ex of rage was a wk before his death, he pulled a knife on Lo Wei at the Golden Harvest office.

[@Ray-c1r]

It still is lol

[@renovation-maison]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@daweilee1986]

I'm not sure about this because you can see his gradual size increase throughout the 60's. Bruce started doing weights after meeting and being inspired by James Lee and also Allen Joe. The size didn't come on after the testical operation. He also had 2 kids with only one testical so it wasn't an issue.

[@TomBleecker]

Many people make the mistake of equating size with an athlete's use of steroids. Many amateur and professional athletes use steroids and never get big, as do many film action stars. Also, the testicle that was removed surgically because it hadn't descended and was nonfunctional. Lastly, a man's testosterone level and sperm count are totally different subjects. A man can have very low testosterone and still father children and vice versa.

[@daweilee1986]

@@TomBleecker So are you saying he became more ripped due to steroids?

[@TomBleecker]

@@daweilee1986Professional bodybuilders and Hollywood action stars become more ripped using a combination of multiple reps with light weights and a heavy use of diuretics.

[@daweilee1986]

@@TomBleecker the thing is, the type of physique you get on roids are easily discernable from the physique someone gets with hard work. The way he trained, of course he would be ripped to pieces. He learned to body build from James Lee and I'm sure Joe Allen, they were all natural. James Lee also was the one who taught Bruce how to break boards and bricks.

[@daweilee1986]

@@TomBleecker One more thing, all of the controversial stuff in your book, did you never ask Linda about these things while married to her? Did she admit to getting drugs for Bruce from Bob Baker? If you didn't ask her controversial questions then why not? Surely she would've given you an honest answer? Especially about his affairs. Lastly, although personal, just wondering why it didn't work out between you both?

[@gmoney8585]

They built an illusion around bruce as well as Ali that their talent and larger than life charisma made them flawless as human beings

[@specialperson565]

Bruce is too smart he will never do such thing and will stay away from people like old man.

[@TomBleecker]

So, what do you have to say about all those drugs that Bruce was taking that were shipped to him by his friend Bobby Baker? And what "old man" are you referring to that Bruce stayed away from in 1967?

[@johnts1]

@@TomBleecker I love your stories, Mr Bleecker. I just purchased your book. I can't wait to read it. Unsettled Matters

[@britreed8038]

Great explanation.

[@AlonzoPichardo]

If he took steroids it didn’t work . The man was 120 lbs and at the end he was 114 lbs according to Ted Wong

[@TomBleecker]

His severe weight loss was due to full adrenal failure and not reversible. A major part of his problem was that he wasn't eating, and his body was no longer digesting food. His weight loss had nothing to do with the steroid cortisone, not anabolic steroids.

[@craigbosko2229]

STEROIDS, SINCE THE EARLY 70'S, WHEN I WAS GETTING INTO THE MARTIAL ARTS AND A FRIEND OF MINE INTRODUCED ME TO BRUCE LEE IT NEVER DAWNED TO ME THAT BRUCE LEE WAS TAKING STEROIDS. I ALWAYS FELT THAT ALL THAT MUSCLE MASS WAS ALL NATURAL,HE ONLY GOT IT THROUGH BY LIFTING WEIGHTS. PRETTY SAD TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH.

[@TomBleecker]

As I pointed out in this video, Bruce didn't take steroids, and then sit on a couch and watch his muscles grow. He worked harder than any martial artist I knew then or since. He essentially worked hard to perfect the physique he had. Had he used anabolic steroids to gain an advantage in a competitive sport in which steroids are banned, that would be a different story. But he didn't do that. I don't hear people faulting Arnold Schwarzenegger for his use of steroids in all the action films he starred in or for winning the Mr. Universe title.

[@user-gl6px3ly1z]

@@TomBleecker у Арнольда возникли проблемы со здоровьем из за стероидов, как я слышал. Эксперименты Брюса тоже были за пределами. Лекарства видимо вызывали у Брюса излишки ярости. Всё же есть сомнения , что его ранняя смерть результат отравления ?

[@TomBleecker]

@@user-gl6px3ly1z Истинный.

[@johnthomasjr.7748]

Bruce Lee is a human being. He has issues like the rest of us have. Bruce Lee was a married man and he had other women. So it's a possibility he may have used steroids. Me personally I still admire the guy. I enjoyed his movies. I also admired that he still up against racial oppression. He taught people regardless of their skin color as long as their hearts is right. Me personally I admire him for that.

[@TheRealTomahawk]

Very interesting. That explains his fantastic physique

[@TomBleecker]

As I mentioned in my video, Bruce earned every muscle of his extraordinary physique. I never knew anyone who worked out as hard as he did. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many athletes were using steroids as simply another supplement. No one sat on the couch and grew muscles. They all had to work hard, and Bruce worked harder than most.

[@danhiser4891]

When I was about 13,bought a bruce lee magazine,it was photos of him in black tee shirt,and black pants,I believe it said he weighed 160#,165#,he had pretty big arms too, 160's# is pretty big for braces height,

[@danhiser4891]

Bruce's height

[@TomBleecker]

I don't believe Bruce ever weight anywhere near 165 lb.

[@AztecUnshaven]

@@TomBleecker I'm guessing the heaviest Bruce ever got was around 150-152 pounds, no?

[@TomBleecker]

@@AztecUnshaven I believe that's correct. And his lightest weight was around 120 lb.

[@PowPow-yp9rf]

@@TomBleecker Everyone says there was a time period when he hit 170lbs, the picture he's talking about, but Bruce felt slower with that weight and decided to change his workout regime

[@qweewq2648]

Tom, idk how it possible, but Bruce looked totally natural in The Way of the Dragon. He weighed about 59-62kgs. Biceps, abs, chest been just overtrained and ripped and no signs of using anabolics. Plus Bruce had different genetics based on eastern/asian type. He was naturally lean, muscular and really hard working too. Idk, even if he used them, then they, anabolics, just didn't work for him!

[@TomBleecker]

I'm curious as to what you think about all the street drugs he was taking, such as cocaine, LSD, mushrooms, marijuana, and M pills. Do you think he actually did all those drugs?

[@qweewq2648]

Ok. Idk, marijuana is almost "nothing drug", but good to sit down, relax and dreaming. But other stuff and drugs ... it's a difficult story. I think he used them only in experimental goals. Or to relax. Or keep his mind on high intellectual level.

[@TomBleecker]

@@qweewq2648 If what was written in those letters, Bruce's drug use wasn't recreational or experimental.

[@AurelienCarnoy]

This is the best video on anabolic steroid and bruce lee. So honest. Just like the Bruce we love 😘

[@danstafford5977]

Bruce Lee did not use anabolic steroids... Bruce Lee did not train to build size!

[@TomBleecker]

In the latter part of the 1960s, Bruce did, in fact, train to build size, especially on his legs. Moreover, as I pointed out in my video, not all athletes use anabolic steroids to increase muscle size.

[@user-gl6px3ly1z]

Вы написали замечательную и правдивую книгу про Брюс Ли. Было интересно её читать.

[@TomBleecker]

Спасибо.

[@TomBleecker]

Линда и Брэндон - прекрасные люди. Я всегда буду дорожить временем, которое мы провели вместе.

[@user-gl6px3ly1z]

@@TomBleecker мы не знаем есть ли книга про Брэндон Ли ? Может даже ваша ?

[@leestephenfitzpatrick6373]

As you said " he couldn't put size on his legs" if he took steroids his legs would certainly would have been massive, with the amount of training he did.

[@TomBleecker]

Bruce first tried steroids in the states, and after using them for a short while decided to stop using them for whatever reason. He clearly stated this in one of his letters to Bobby Baker in which he wrote that he had "made the gains that he wanted" (I paraphrase). Difficult to say how much muscle he had gained in that short period, but it's fair to say it wasn't that noticeable. As I stated in the video, not all athletes who use steroids gain massive muscles. Keep in mind, also, that around this time, he had one of his testicles surgically removed, which would surely have hindered his progress in his weight training. As an aside, can you provide a reason why Bruce would have said no to steroids when he never said no to anything else that he felt would help him achieve his goal that he wrote in his Definite Chief Aim?

[@ibberman]

You are wrong, sorry.

[@johncrouch1772]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Michael-qq6sf]

Well guess what? The 19 riders behind Lance when he was caught also tested positive for steroids 😳

[@TomBleecker]

I'm not surprised. Steroids had been widely used in the Olympics since the 1950s. Moreover, it was well known that Bruce wasn't the only martial artist using steroids in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

[@IS-xk3iq]

Mr. Bleecker can you dispell what I read about the alleged reason why you married Bruce Lee's widow? On another note, I thank you for your channel willing to talk candidly about Bruce Lee.

[@TomBleecker]

I married Linda for the plain and simple reason that I loved her and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.

[@reign4795]

A candle that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long.

[@shanetravis2550]

Your not really telling us anything new we all new he used steroids he also stop beacuse he felt like the steroids where making him slow everyone has tried something to inprove there preference using some form of a drug

[@TomBleecker]

Actually, before those drug letters were made public, there was a large contingent of Bruce's followers who were still adamant that he never used anabolic steroids. Regarding his stopping, no one knows his reason or for certain that he never resumed using them. Thanks for you post.

[@ApolloStrengthGarage]

Who cares? The general public has this misconception that anabolics = cheating. Everything was legal then, and it didn't have the same stigma or knowledge of side effects back then as they do today. He was looking to maximize his ability as an athlete, and he wasn't competing in a sport where it's against the rules. They are performance enhancers. They make you a better version of what you already are, they don't generate the results alone. In terms of his martial arts skill, they wouldn't have helped at all. They won't even make you jacked unless you also train and eat like a bodybuilder. Unaccomplished people look for excuses to dismiss someone's accomplishments. "Oh if I took that, I'd also be a legend that people are still talking about 50 years later." He inspired the creation of mixed martial arts and has influenced millions of people. Young martial artists all learn from him to this day, and they likely will another 50 years from now.

[@TomBleecker]

From what I stated in my video, I mostly agree with you except for the area of drive. It is well known, and I learned from personal experience, the use of anabolic steroids caused me to become obsessed with working out, which was well noted in Bruce. This doesn't take anything away from those who use steroids because they're still doing the workouts, but it does give them a leg up. Thanks for your post.

[@alohablue2907]

Bruce talked about not wanting too much muscle because as he talked about all that muscle consumes too much oxygen too quickly in a fight

[@TomBleecker]

I hadn't heard that. I know that he once said that the most important element in a fight is power. Years ago, tournament champion icon Joe Lewis said this in an interview, "Bruce was real self-conscious about his narrow chest. He had a flat ribcage, and his legs were really skinny and that really bothered him. He wanted some meat on his body. He was 5-foot-7 and weighed about 138 at that time, and he had been lifting for a while. He was really strong, but he just had no muscle mass.”

[@Tcbelvizz]

What’s the name of your book

[@TomBleecker]

There are three books, although my sense is you're asking about the bestseller "Unsettled Matters: the Life and Death of Bruce Lee." It's available on Amazon. Thanks for asking.

[@tuttlespeachtree3413]

Only specific types of Performance Enhancing Drugs will cause someone to look bigger, others may give increased endurance, and healing properties. Bruce Lee did not have the body type to become big anyway, like Bolo Yeung.

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

I was taking testosterone supplements at one time. I stopped because it was giving me a short temper and after getting blood taken, it was abnormally high.

[@axelstone3131]

Testosterone boosters don’t work and if they do they most certainly do not increase your levels to that extent. If they did they would be prescription only.

[@georgespogacich3066]

My understanding was that Bruce Lee did lose weight bit not 120lbs but 126lbs; he did so to prove a point, and it wasn't that he was sick. When you have lost weight, but the size of your neck and shoulders are the same size and density; it's not a sign of deterioration or illness.

[@TomBleecker]

Except that Bruce had numerous physical complaints, as well as lab results that were abnormal. Moreover, he wasn't trying to lose weight. He was simply unable to digest food.

[@georgespogacich3066]

@@TomBleecker Why coudn't he digest food? On Enter the Dragon. Jim Kelly and John Saxon quoted him as saying he "feels great" and to look at him because now he's a "muscle and bone"

[@georgespogacich3066]

@@TomBleecker He had some powerful looking shoulders and neck muscles in Enter the Dragon.So this isn't logical to me. Where are you getting this information? Did he tell you he couldn't digest food? I google searched this and haven't seen or heard anyone say that, but you.

[@georgespogacich3066]

@@TomBleecker Maybe he caught something on ETD. I heard some of those prostitutes he brought on the set were pretty sick from polluted water they were drinking. They got some stomach thing like tape worm.

[@TomBleecker]

@@georgespogacich3066 He was in the process of full adrenal failure. Watch my video on cortisone.

[@milescoleman910]

Whoa …testicle removed in 1969? I’ve never heard that anywhere before? What was the reason? A rupture? Torsion? Or lump of some sort?

[@TomBleecker]

One of Bruce's testicles did not descend. www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/c/cryptorchidism

[@lolarida8656]

Did Linda and the kids know about Bruce’s martial affairs? If so how did they feel about it

[@TomBleecker]

I seriously doubt that their children about it. When Linda was asked by the press how she felt about Bruce's extramarital affairs, she commented, "That's his business." Hers was a proper response in Hong Kong. I sense she would have replied differently in the States.

[@francoismorin8721]

I have to make an important statement that you will find interesting Mister Bleecker: It is possible that most of Bruce Lee's fit were not caused by anabolic steroids use, but by cortico-steroids use, an anti-inflammatory medication, used for his back pain, said to be unbearable. Because they both have the same unwanted side-effects and cortico-steroids use is worst! You lose muscle mass with them. How do I know, I had to take massive doses of corticosteroids due to my health condition of suffering from inflammatory bowel disease of ulcerative colitis .At one point I suffered those side-effects: Headaches, insomnia, acne, emotional unbalance, thinning of the skin causing stretch marks, abscess under my armpits and loss of muscle mass. Now, many people say that Bruce Lee got is sweat glands under his armpits removed for aesthetics reasons, but I got the same thing offered by a surgeon when I asked him for a solution to stop having abscesses forming under my armpits. So I wonder if this could have been one of Bruce's motivations. Bruce was so small before his death and said to be having headaches and temper issues. He taught cannabis helped treating those symptoms. It calm him down and it increases appetite. So maybe Tom, your hypothesis about cortico-steroids is the best to explain Bruce's sad condition more than anabolic steroids. . I also can believe Bruce could have tried anabolic steroids as it was sold out of the counter in drugstores back then. It wasn’t seen as much more than a supplement and it was banalized out of ignorance.

[@TomBleecker]

I believe his bursts of rage, as well as his weight loss, were caused by an assortment of drugs, including cocaine. Regarding Bruce's back pain, it wasn't that severe and cleared up in a short time with cortisone injections, muscle relaxants, and Jacuzzi. The reason Bruce had the sweat glands removed under his arms was because his copious sweating was a problem for an actor. He just couldn't have his wardrobe constantly drenched in sweat. I agree with you (and Dr. Richard Hunter) that Bruce's use of corticosteroids was more dangerous than his use of anabolic steroids. As an aside, according to the literature, a side effect of cortisone is euphoria. As such, I'm less inclined to believe it had much to do with his outbursts. Thanks for your post.

[@francoismorin8721]

@@TomBleecker Tom with all respect, I agree that Bruce wanted to look good on camera. You know better what Bruce used for his back pain. I often read he really was still in great pain, but maybe it is one of those exageration surrounding his persona. I do not know what type of corticsteroids took. If he only had a few injection, then it may not explain his problems. But mood swing is one of the symptoms. Not much euphoria trust me. I had intravascular Prednison when hospitalized doese a horse would receive. I also took oral pills at home for extended periods. Here are the side effect according to Mayo clinic. And it includes all above mention. But again, I may be idolizing Bruce. And I have no clue to what he really took for medicine. And yes the 70's where the 70's. Linda Lee would know what drugs he took when she lived with him. So here are the Side effects of oral corticosteroids Because oral corticosteroids affect your entire body instead of just a particular area, this route of administration is the most likely to cause significant side effects. Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include: Fluid retention, causing swelling in your lower legs High blood pressure Problems with mood swings, memory, behavior, and other psychological effects, such as confusion or delirium Upset stomach Weight gain, with fat deposits in your abdomen, your face and the back of your neck When taking oral corticosteroids longer term, you may experience: Elevated pressure in the eyes (glaucoma) Clouding of the lens in one or both eyes (cataracts) A round face (moon face) High blood sugar, which can trigger or worsen diabetes Increased risk of infections, especially with common bacterial, viral and fungal microorganisms Thinning bones (osteoporosis) and fractures Suppressed adrenal gland hormone production that may result in a variety of signs and symptoms, including severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle weakness Thin skin, bruising and slower wound healing

[@francoismorin8721]

@@TomBleecker But indeed Bruce did not seem to havbe any swelling of the face by wather retention. It is often common in corticosteroids use. Look at Elvis Presley, his face swelling was also cause by the intake of corticosteroids (Oups I corrected my first statement about Elvis...he did have an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, but seemingly not irritable colon... or maybe he did. I remeber reading it somewhere) But he did take a lot of wake-up and sleep pills. But that round face was mainly caused by corticosteroids at the end of his life. And I use to think it was because Elvis was fat, but look at his face how swelled up it was. Thsat is typical of water retention. He wasn't that fat. poor Elvis. But Bruce Lee was always trainning and sweating so maybe he did nbot have that side-effect and also according to what you just mentioned he only had localized injection for his back.

[@TomBleecker]

@@francoismorin8721 It wasn't so much Bruce wanting to look good as it was the wardrobe person not wanting to deal with Bruce's shirts drenched with sweat and none of the shots matching. His excessive sweating would have been a real problem for production. With regard to his cortisone injections, he had a series of injections from Dr. Herb Tanney prior to leaving for Hong Kong. The question is how much cortisone (and whether oral or by injection) he took when in Hong Kong. With regard to what Linda may have know about Bruce's use of cortisone, it's questionable. She did know about his use of cocaine and other drugs, but I'm not sure about cortisone. You're correct about long term use of cortisone being a real nightmare. There is, for some, a euphoric effect. This is off the internet: "treatment with cortisone can cause mood disorders such as irritability, anxiety or even a sense of euphoria."

[@TomBleecker]

@@francoismorin8721 I don't believe that Bruce was taking injections of cortisone in his back after he left for Hong Kong because his back was no longer a problem. Also, keep in mind that he was heavily into diuretics, which would have blown off the excess water caused by cortisone.

[@shiva.shiver]

Enjoyed your video but one correction. You state that "around that time" that Lee was using steroids (so about 1970), sly stallone got caught bringing human growth hormone into australia. Stallone got caught in australia around 2008 or so, not 1970.

[@TomBleecker]

You are correct. Thanks

[@danstafford5977]

Bruce Lee liquefied most of his food... putting raw beef and blood into a blender!

[@MrLeewsee]

This guy is talking about things he knows little about. Lance Armstrong was not using anabolic steriods because at the time those were being tested for. Lance was admittedly using EPO.

[@TomBleecker]

Yes, Armstrong was using growth hormone, but he was also using anabolic steroids. In any case, the subject is about Bruce Lee using steroids, which you know little, if anything, about. www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/01/17/169650077/lance-armstrong-to-admit-to-using-performance-enhancing-drugs#:~:text=Betsy%20Andreu%2C%20the%20wife%20of,EPO%2C%20growth%20hormone%20and%20steroids.

[@Re-Destro]

According to John Little, Bruce didn't do steroids, rather his skinny ripped stature was from water loss from the Hong Kong heat.

[@TomBleecker]

Given the evidentiary materials that I have, I don't agree with John Little. As an aside, Bruce Lee was no stranger to Hong Kong's heat and humidity. His weight loss was due to not eating and his cortisone abuse causing a wasting away of his body, which was confirmed by Dr. Richard Hunter, M.E. in the Bruce Lee segment of "Autopsy."

[@axelstone3131]

Cocaine, hotter climate, loss of water, over worked, over stressed, not eating enough. That’s the real cause of his weight loss.

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

I think I rember reading that the autopsy showed signs of kidney failure. The high protein intake in part could explain that .

[@TomBleecker]

The autopsy didn't indicate signs of kidney failure. My sense is you read that the autopsy showed a high BUN level, which his physician later felt may have been a typo.

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

@@TomBleecker As a side issue, why do you think Ed Parker had a bad heart?

[@TomBleecker]

@@MORCOPOLO0817 My understanding is that he was born with a relatively common malady called a left bundle branch block. While this usually doesn't create problems, in the event of a heart attack, it can make the attack worse. Second, Ed Parker loved to eat, and it's probably a fair statement that he was a bit overweight.

[@ShaunSavage-kl9pd]

I injured my body racing motocross. Slipped disk torn ligaments in my left knee. My rehab program was stack 100 pound boxes 12 hrs a day then go on 20 mile bike ride from the slaughterhouse. Natural testosterone heals.

[@TomBleecker]

In most cases, you're correct, although at times the healing process is slow depending on one's testosterone level. In the case of a person with only one small testicle, the healing process would be particularly slow.

[@MrFrank107]

Time for a "More Plates More Dates" review.

[@MM-ig1iv]

It makes sense.. people didn't know of any harmful side effects back then. and the steroids showed results! Bruce also used that muscle stimulator thing that would shock the muscle, it was something new and he was obsessed with trying new things and trying to look his best. so it doesn't really surprise me if he was using them.. but he wasn't really that big.. just really lean and however to achieve that long term.. is like a red flag! you'd almost have to definitely be using some sort of fat burners or speed to look like that. the guy was amazing though.. no matter what. he achieved more than most people will their entire life by just 32!

[@TomBleecker]

Bruce was most definitely an extraordinary martial artist. Few people have ever disputed that. In my view, however, I don't agree with you that he accomplished more in his 32 years than most people accomplish in a lifetime. If one just looks at his accomplishments in the Hollywood film and television industry, he had one film with a major Hollywood studio (ETD) that did extremely well. Although its box-office receipts were impressive, the film took no awards. Compare that one film to the hundreds of box-office hits that have won Academy Awards from as many actors, directors, writers, and producers. Outside the Hollywood film and TV industry, there are millions of highly accomplished professional men and women in the fields of law, medicine, science, religion, politics, as well as hundreds of humanitarian endeavors, who have accomplished far more than Bruce did. I could add appreciably to this list. Thanks for your post.

[@JamesCarmichael]

lmao. Bro. I can point to about 50 people in my local gym who use them. And half of those are women these days. I mean i know he used Cortisol and he had testosterone issues due to his testes problem so the idea that he used some enhancement is more than plausible. People expect too much from those they admire. As much as I love Bruce Lee, he was human. I mean he died in his mistress's bedroom. Nobody is a saint. I think Bruce is a better legend because of his flaws. He's like a Greek character in a tragedy play.

[@TomBleecker]

I completely agree with you. Hard if not impossible to relate to the Saint Bruce godlike Bruce Lee brand, especially when people begin to realize much of it was the result of marketing. Cheers

[@Fee-Nix]

Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted to using steroids. Apparently Sylvester Stallone is on testosterone therapy.

[@machimuse7526]

Elvis used drugs, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Salvador Dali, Arnold Schwarzenegger, you name it... most of the legends of entertainment abused drugs, whether they were coaxed into it, or completely willfully. Bruce was par for the course. Especially during the times he lived in. And even today: Jon Jones, arguably the GOAT of all professional fighters, abused drugs to get where he got. So it’s really not at all a surprise that Bruce abused drugs. Quite the opposite - I’d be shocked if he didn’t, especially during the times he lived in.

[@TomBleecker]

Having been raised in and around the Hollywood community, as well as worked in it professionally for several decades, most of the legends of entertainment did not abuse drugs. While true that many have dabbled recreationally in drugs, the majority have not abused them. Just as many in Hollywood drink alcohol, the great majority are not alcoholics. As an aside, none of Bruce's friends in Hollywood abused drugs. Bruce was the only one who took his drug abuse to the level that he did.

[@zibtihaj3213]

so if they were not illegal and not anything that bad ( for that time), than why did he not call it by its name - why call it STUFF . That stuff could be anything. (plus he could have gone to a pharmacy in HK to get them , send someone atleast)

[@TomBleecker]

He wasn't in Hong Kong at the time. He was in Los Angeles. Also, the next sentence mentions that he has made the "gains" that he wanted, and then further down he mentions that he is going to stop heavy lifting. Also, bodybuilders who stacked anabolic steroids included pharmaceuticals that required a prescription.

[@zibtihaj3213]

@@TomBleecker why was he writing letters to Bob from USA when he could have gotten the, not illegal steroids, himself ?? Arnold and the gang (and many many others were using truck loads of them , just the bloat was a give away). He wrote "gains".... steroids dont give you "gains" they give you .....gains.... Sounds more like one of those mental things that Bruce was known to work on (maybe some Psychedelic type things) . I am not saying that he did not use them , just that : that letter does not convince me one bit. I do respect your opinion , but in this case........not convinced. If steroids were a big part of his life at the end than there would be many letters mentioning them by name...... they mention every other thing under the sun lolll tons of notes and diet and what not. anyway happy new year - life is too short anyway , 32 or 92 years of age

[@LupusRexRgis]

@@zibtihaj3213 “They are all on steroids!” (Nate Diaz)