Was Bruce Lee a "Fighter"? | The KFG Podcast

[@TheKungFuGenius]

🎧 Hey Kung Fu Genius Podcast fans! 🎙 If you love what we do, here are some great ways to support the show: ➡Join us on Patreon for just $5/month to get early access to episodes and enjoy exclusive benefits at higher tiers! Your support means the world to us! www.patreon.com/thekungfugenius ➡Prefer a direct donation? You can contribute via my PayPal at www.paypal.com/paypalme/citywt. Every little bit helps! ➡ Exciting news! My best-selling book “The Wooden Dummy” is back in stock! Grab your copy here: www.citywingtsun.com/shop. ➡Last chance to book for the final 2025 Ultimate Hong Kong Kung Fu Tour! Early bird prices are available until March 31, 2025. Check out the details at www.citywingtsun.com/ultimate-hong-kong-kung-fu-tour. Thank you for your support, and let’s keep the Kung Fu spirit alive! 🤛 Peace, The KFG

[@mlfitness67]

It's amazing how Bruce Lee has been away from us for close to 50 years, and he's still blowing people's minds ❤

[@iluvcliffrichard]

Well, when he died the world already knew there would never be another bruce lee. Whilst he was alive, he was considered special, and a singular unique talent.

[@nmr20067]

It’s the same with Tupac Shakur…. People have even compared their lives and how much and many people they both influenced and after their death people are still getting emotional and have passionate arguments on both sides about them to this day in 2024-25 and I’m sure beyond…. They they both have haters and many people who love them even more..

[@IlianNachev]

My personal take on Bruce Lee is that the man knew his craft (martial arts and movie making) and there are plenty credible people who witnessed that and later shared it publicly. Those range from his students to seasoned martial artist champions of various styles. That is enough proof for me. Of course, there are those keyboard warriors who never saw the guy in person, but like to run their mouth louder than anyone… They deny and slender as if they were there when the things they discuss were happening. That makes them feel better and somehow accomplished. Where I come from there is a saying “a dog that barks a lot, does not bite…” They know they can’t bite so they focus on their loud barking. What else is new in the world? Let them bark and deny as they have nothing else left to do. After all, not everyone can be Bruce Lee - the man, the myth, the legend!

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Great comment!

[@johncarroll772]

I remember Dan Inosanto saying something along the lines about a beautiful woman not entering a beauty contest doesn't make her less beautiful.

[@wambokodavid7109]

different game bub

[@KnuckleDusterBuster]

@@wambokodavid7109 You aint wolverine bub lol

[@EricCarrJeetKunedo]

I understand what he was trying to say, but it doesn't make any sense and doesn't help. A beautiful woman is obviously beautiful. There's no need for her to prove anything because it's already apparent. I think naysayers, about bruce's ability, would tear through that one pretty quickly. Fights back then were nothing like they are today. They also didn't pay. Bruce trained and sparred with the world's best of the time, and no one could touch him. He's had several fights, which witnesses have since been interviewed, and the circumstances have been put together. He was challenged, he fought, and he was no joke. There was no internet, no cell phones, and i'm not sure how many people could see the future back then, to leave more "proof."

[@KnuckleDusterBuster]

@@EricCarrJeetKunedo You said it eloquently. Unfortunately, these nay sayers wont believe. Even if you dug up actual fight footage of him using skills that were way beyond his time, they would still find a reason to hate

[@wambokodavid7109]

@@EricCarrJeetKunedo which "best" did he spar and fight????😂😂😂 just stop u guys

[@aquaticlibrary]

Side note: Wrath of the Dragon the real fights of Bruce Lee was a great book and a lot of fun to read.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@michaelthomas2460]

Peace to you Sifu KFG I have been a fan of Bruce Lee since he played Kato on The Green Hornet and followed his life and career to this day and my opinion he was by far a genius and the greatest martial artist of our time.

[@onetonknuckle5475]

Beerdy Kun Do: the art of content without content. BKD!

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Best line of the day!

[@digitadigita3578]

A few years ago, I was talking to his old lady who washed and took care of Bruce Lee's Game of Death yellow track suit. She also told me that he also placed an order of this light blue Chinese long traditional robe, similar to the one he wore on Way of the Dragon restaurant on the New Year. She told me he planned to wear this on Jonhny Carson's talk show to promote his new film, Enter The Dragon.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Cool story bro

[@dghazd5862]

There is no better recognition of the specificity and what many ignore of the genius of Bruce Lee than this discussion from KFG. Sifu Alex, is first of all a Pro, aartial artist, a connaisseur, a researcher of the martial art before being THE fan of Bruce Lee on KZbin... when he speaks we listen. First of all because it is interesting, it's informative, always with good humor and for those who like martial arts, educational and above all, the guy doesn't talk bullshit and that's a rare commodity on KZbin. So look, listen and learn and Enjoy. The genius of Bruce Lee is that he never stopped at being the best he could be, physically, mentally, culturally with all the faults that a man can have, and that he encountered... Did he succeed? It's not important. The fact is he tried and he didn't stop.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Wow, thanks that was a very flattering comment! Greetings from Hong Kong!

[@dghazd5862]

@@TheKungFuGenius I mean it. Enjoy HK...some videos and surprises for next shows i hope. ;)

[@JasonOrtiz-ye1do]

Does a man need to be able to defeat every single soldier in his army in hand to hand combat in order to be hailed as their greatest general? What counts is Bruce had the balls to be the FIRST in challenging the Martial Arts and Entertainment Establishments on the scale that he did and changed the world in the process. Bruce Lee is more than some two bit actor. Bruce Lee is a movement. A revolution.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Great comment

[@karlplayford7345]

Carter Wong does in fact speak English. On the first UK DVD release of Way Of The Dragon, he appears with others talking about Bruce in English. Great episode as usual.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thanks for that! When I met him briefly he seemed to have forgotten English!

[@karlplayford7345]

@TheKungFuGenius at least you can speak Cantonese, you need to do a name drop episode on all the awesome people you've met.

[@DenshaOtoko2]

Bruce Lee had an amateur boxing match for the HK inter-high school championship. He also had 4 1st place trophies for demonstrations at the End Parker Open Karate tournaments.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Yes, the Gary Elms match

[@bernardwilliams4071]

I can listen to you all day man good stuff excellent

[@smilyle]

I think that, no matter how good camera work is, you cannot fake what we see of him on film. We can all see the talent level and skill level the man had. It simply can't be faked. He was the real deal. I think people make too big a deal about weight classes. Elite level fighters will beat anyone from any weight class on a good day. As far as Bruce being able to beat Ali or Tyson -- that is unfair to him because your talking about 2 of the greatest fighters that ever lived. I wouldn't even take John Jones against a young Mike Tyson even without Tyson getting trained for MMA. It would be a closer fight than we think though. I don't think Bruce would just get his ass kicked. Bruce Lee would beat 99.9% of fighters that ever lived no matter how big or strong they were or are. There's no rationalizing it. Deep down inside we all know it because its clear as day when you watch him fight. He's too fast, too quick, too reflexive, too agile, and too precise. Sometimes you have a small guy that's so quick and powerful and technically proficient that it will completely neutralize someones size. We see it all the time in other contact sports, but for some reason people don't think it can happen in fighting.

[@Meatisfood]

🤦‍♂️

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Great comment!

[@iluvcliffrichard]

As for bruce being put against Ali or tyson it's not unfair as bruce was training to beat these types and bruce is one of greatest fighters ever too. Sure size can be advantageous, and that's why bruce researched and train so hard but smart.

[@smilyle]

@iluvcliffrichard It's fair if we are just curious as to who would be better or win. It's not fair to judge his effectiveness and legacy as a fighter based on comparing to them, which is what I think some people are doing

[@jimbo0411]

I really liked Carter's roles in movies. I also saw a few interviews from Carter and he was always respectful and sorta was saying he wasn't to that level and Bruce was the man. He said he used to hang out at GH studios at Bruce's office. I became a Wu Tang channel movie fan and found it interesting how some of the the later 70's stars knew Bruce. Also I think more grief and scrutiny was brought on by Tarantino about his legacy.

[@Guile1117]

Bruce was a great philosopher and teacher, if he was still alive he'd still be teaching, been doing commentary on certian UFC fights, heck hed have his own podcast too

[@CountBellamarre1205]

From experience I much rather deal with bigger guys because some have this huge ego that inevitably leads them to underestimating others that are not as big and the little guys are definitely not to be underestimated because some are deceptively strong and quick.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

Plus they really learn the trade.

[@sibfox]

What a wonderful channel. You have perfect logic and a sharp mind, sir. Guys, keep in mind that Bruce Lee was an actor as well, therefore he had to guard his most valuable assets, which were his FACE and body. He was a handsome man. We remember him because of that! If he wasn't handsome, the general public would quickly forget about him. His face was therefore his asset. If your family's whole income depended on you, would you risk your face in a battle with a random stranger?

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thank you!

[@EricCarrJeetKunedo]

Bruce was on a different level. Look at his notes. Look at his training regimen. Listen to him, speak about combat in his interviews. He was way ahead of his time on his training methods, thoughts on combat, and supplementation. Everyone that i've worked with, that new bruce, all said the same thing. It seems bruce had a bigger picture in mind than than fighting in competitions. He was challenged. He trained and sparred with the world'best fighters. And by all witness accounts that have been recently documented, no one could land a shot.

[@JKDVIPER]

Yes. He could do things with his attributes that others couldn’t. Coupled with the knowledge of what he learned by IPMAN, WONG SHEUNG LEUNG and WILLIAM CHEUNG, his smarts led him to Muhammad Ali and other sport structures that powered through some of his prior techniques. All in all, his knowledge, coupled with his attributes, on a bad day? As in, he’s gonna kick some ass? I say WATCH OUT. Because that little part Chinese guy is gonna knock some blocks off. Up to 3 people if necessary. I think Bruce was a one of a kind. God threw away the mold after that.” 😉🙏💯yo, I hope my rants aren't too thirsty fam. I just really feel a certain way about Wing Chun owning JEET KUNE DO. Without you guys, we'd be nowhere. And I see how Bruce never finished all that fantastic control and collection material, I think he would really have liked it to be honest. The videos I've been putting up lately have some hardcore bumps and shifts, I see that you've posted, get geeked out, and definitely post myself. This art is deep. Wing Chun especially. I could spend all day on how to use it. 💯😁🙏

[@bennyaruba3449]

I've had more fights as a grown up than most due to a different personality + a great passion 4 alcohol & a dangerous mouth piece. Bruce was a whole nother animal with a whole nother goal. Damn right he was a fighter (a whole lot more than me) I've read alot about the man. He was very unique. He was the guy in the squad u wished were there when the fight happened

[@iluvcliffrichard]

Joe Lewis said bruce lee hit him harder than anyone, according to Steven wonderboy Thompson. Yet these 2 guys in this vid prefer to talk about bruces famous speed? I'd find talking about bruces power more interesting.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

​@@iluvcliffrichard😎👍

[@creightonfreeman8059]

Good discussion Alex. People mean different things when they say "fighter". Some mean someone who fights in a ring for trophies. Some mean someone who can fight on the street where it may be life and death and there is no ref. or rules. Regarding Mike Tyson's comment, I have little doubt that he would have won in a boxing ring by boxing rules. I'm not so sure he would have won in a street fight. Most boxers don't know how to deal with kicks and are not used to defending low strikes. They don't have to in a boxing ring. Finger spears to the eyes or throat are effective no matter how hard of a gloved punch you can take. Boxers instinctively cover block, but cover blocks don't work well against ungloved opponents because the arms themselves become a target and are particularly vulnerable to fore-knuckle strikes (phoenix eye, middle knuckle/eagle beak, half fist, monkey fist, etc.) and elbows. The instincts and reflexes a boxer has developed for the ring may work against him in an anything goes fight, especially against someone who has systematically trained for that kind of fight.

[@TomMack6466]

Do you think that had Bruce Lee lived he would have moved behind the camera to direct or produce ?

[@Guile1117]

Yes I do

[@CinematicTendency]

Nice observation about the fact that heavyweights in MMA usually have a longer career than the rest of the weight classes. Perhaps one of the factors is that they don’t worry of the weight cut. These weights cuts can be tremendous.

[@brianderiemacker5234]

I just looked this up from the boxer Orbillo. I never heard this before or I don't remember it. So James Demile was right when he said he always tried to knock Bruce out but never could, also being a Heavyweight boxer himself but this is always downplayed by the Lee haters.I am Just saying that Bruce Could fight when many consider him just an "actor"I also don't believe that Joe Lewis, Chuck and Mike Stone never sparred with Bruce. They always talked about pre arranged drills. But Joe didn't respect Bruce at first. And only after Mike Stone commended Bruce to Joe did he start taking "lessons" So my take is that they would have put Bruce to the test in order to respect him in order to take lessons from him. And Lewis said interesting things 1. Bruce always knew when you weren't ready(Bruce could read Joe well)2. You never knew when he would squeeze the trigger (Joe couldn't read Bruce well)3. Bruce was the fastest guy who ever stood in front of me.4. I know how hard Bruce Lee could hit because he nailed me. 5. Bruce could hit as hard as a Heavyweight. I don't see how Bruce would have hit Joe as hard as a Heavyweight doing only some drills. And admitting to having sparred with Bruce and Losing (presumably by submission either with grappling Bruce knew more styles at that time) would have been harmful for their reputations as fighters and their fighting style so they only mentioned pre arranged drills conveniently. In conclusion Joe named Bruce the Greatest Martial Artist he ever knew!!!!???? Lewis should have given this honor to his Karate Grand Master. But he didn't. I wonder why

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Great comment!

[@jdaywork2693]

An episode that was all about funny stories from Bruce's life would be a fun listen in my opinion. The chair he used to have people land in after demonstrations that would break and he would tell them "That was favorite chair" as a joke afterword was a good one. Sifu Jerry Poteet's story about the the three section staff in Bruce's library. Bruce riding in a Porsche with Steve McQueen.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Sounds good! I really like this idea.

[@CharlesDamianoBLC]

Great episode! Keep up the great work!

[@sardalamit]

Hey Sifu Alex! Here's some rambling of an ideal mind: What would Ayn Rand say about Bruce Lee's writings of no way as the way, about concepts vs original? Would Rand have a more objective look at a perfect punch & kick? I guess the real question is more along the lines of Rand vs Krishnamoorthy! Love the podcast and cheers to Dre and Mikey.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Greetings from Hong Kong! Having read some Ayn Rand I still don’t think I could answer that! I’m my of a Krishnamurti man myself.

[@sardalamit]

@@TheKungFuGenius 🙏

[@talentbong7446]

Yeah. Most people forgot that Bruce is still human and is definitely susceptible to aging and physics. But to be fair, most people have been making such arguments and comparisons since their childhoods. Be it on whether their favourite Mass Murderers would win in a Death Battle against some random character that they dislike. ( Think of it as 2 fellows arguing on how SHADOW would easily slay some DRAGON in a REAL FIGHT because of Messer Plucking or something. Or that the DRAGON will win because Dragons are better than Gods ... )

[@CountBellamarre1205]

😮 What 🐺

[@brucewayne7831]

You're the Peoples Champ when it comes to Bruce Lee. I feel you have a great understanding of who Bruce Lee was and a better understanding of what JKD iis than even some so called JKD people.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thank you kindly!

[@nmr20067]

I love the comparison between Helio Gracie and Bruce Lee. They were both pioneers in something they grew to be much bigger than they would’ve ever imagined. I agree. Bruce Lee wasn’t invincible and would probably struggle and be defeated by the best combat fighters of his weight today…. Demetrius mighty mouse Johnson and Jose Aldo would probably give Bruce the business... The same with Helio in modern day MMA and BJJ…. I agree. But that doesn’t diminish what they both came up with.. And Helio built the foundation.. Same with Bruce. Bruce was clearly ahead of his time with his training regimen in showing that a real martial artist also needed to work heavily on strength and conditioning and study and take up more than one Martial Art..

[@pipedreamteam4184]

Short answer: Yes Longer answer: Not professionally

[@nmr20067]

Yeah, I agree. If Anderson Silva would have retired before the age of 37/38, when he beat to Chael Sonnen the 2nd time or Stephen Bonner, people would have said what you said. Unfortunately, Anderson Silva was a real competitor and was later defeated by a younger, up-and-coming guy when he was 38. And then sadly he continued to fight on past his prime and lost more fights to younger fighters and fighters in general(Bisping) he would have smoked 10 years before.. It happened to Anderson’s two idols and inspirations for his style: Muhammad Ali and Roy Jones Jr. And we know Anderson was a huge Bruce Lee fan - so much so he went to train with Dan Inosanto in his 40s because he wanted the chance to train with one of Bruce’s best friends and first star students….

[@kbreeze6969]

I would like to point out that Tyson said in an interview that there’s no way he could have beaten Royce Gracie in an MMA format. He also lost to a chump named Buster Douglas in a boxing format. He should be more humble talking about a deceased innovator.

[@wambokodavid7109]

can u beat thechump buster douglas??i dont thnk so buddy

[@kbreeze6969]

@@wambokodavid7109 sure, with one finger, just like Jack Nicoleson’s Joker

[@AGENTARCHIVESAA]

HE WAS NOT A FIGHTER, HE WAS A K!LLER, YEA A KILLER, THATS WHY MOST PEOPLE DIDNT CHALLENGE HIM BACK THEN BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT HOLD BACK, ANOTHER REASON WAS HE DIDNT BELIEVE IN RULES OF FIGHTING, SO NOT MANY PEOPLE WANTED CAREER ENDING INJURIES OR WORSE. AGNT32

[@TheKungFuGenius]

THANKS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN ALL CAPS!

[@iluvcliffrichard]

@AGENTARCHIVESAA You sound like a bruce lee fanboy. But you are closer to the truth than when jai white trolled bruce lee, with his jackie chan beats bruce comments. So I'm on your side. Your hearts in right place, whereas bruce lee hating trolls I don't trust them. People know bruce worked hard, so of course it's best people see him as a man who can fight and was a fighter/killer. What is the point of wanting people to think a man who dedicated his life learning to fight, and who people said was so good wasn't a fighter? Are trolls trying to make kids not take up martial arts, and believe if the big school bully wants to beat you, he will regardless if you train or not?

[@rickocconnell9056]

I think there is an ulterior motive. If you ask was bruce lee a fighter, you are making it sound as if there is a mystery about whether bruce could fight or not and bruce is lower in pecking order than pro fighters? But there is no mystery in reality. It's to make bruce look small. Lots of passive aggressive behaviour.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

No, id say everybody knows bruce can fight real, real good. But I'd say the reason people say was he a fighter or not is more along the lines of even though they know bruce can fight. They hinting at idea maybe pro fighters have more experience? But I'd say no, pro fighters don't have more experience as like in pierre Burton interview he wasn't interested in lying to himself and being truthful was real hard to do. Like you needed real bravery to go where bruce dare ventured. Asking yourself hard questions.

[@AllMartialArts-ok8sg]

Could you imagine if Mike Tyson and Floyd Patterson looked at Cus D'Amato and said "He's not a fighter that peek-a-boo stuff won't work." I'm making a small doc about Chuck Norris and the OG competitive martial artists in that era had a lot of respect for Bruce

[@SchafferShokai]

Another GREAT episode!

[@30plusfitnesstv]

I've totally avoided watching the 'Bruce Lee Real Fight Channel' I get the BS vibe every time I see it pop up on YT. So this should be interesting. Carter speaks pretty good English from the interviews I've seen over the years.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Awesome episode! :)

[@djoneforever]

Yes , Not only just a fighter, But the best there is.....ever

[@anti1training]

But he didn't fight after developing JKD. So he can't be the best fighter, if he wasn't a fighter

[@rickocconnell9056]

Asking whether bruce is a fighter is becoming cliche. Do the people who experienced bruce ability think bruce can fight? Yes and fight real, real good.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

@rickocconnell9056 I’ll stop discussing it when people stop answering it

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Your view on bruce lee makes sense. He was a great interresting person Who inspired alot of People myself included, PS beerdy and real talk channel is just bad youtube channel i cant stand to watch Them, thank god for People like yourself that can nuance these topics. I Hope you Will watch the arrow 4k box set to see lee in All his glory.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thank you! That’s very kind of you.

[@chris8691]

24:43 wow I didn’t know he went through all that except the short leg one I even have more respect for Bruce Lee now 🔥

[@Blue_Eyed_Samurai]

I always wanted to know what Bruce thought about SANDA ?

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Sanda wasn’t created as a sport until 1979, Bruce died in 73.

[@ramondiaz2851]

Very well said!!

[@jessieodawa]

I agree with you 100%!

[@ecw787]

Bruce Real Fight Channel is a true Bruce Lee fan unlike Beerdy, he has visited locations Bruce Lee recorded the Big Boss and interviewed people there, he seems to be more authentic in terms of his fanaticism of Bruce Lee. But in terms of knowledge and content KFG is the best 👊

[@Anti-PizzaCat]

If y'all have fought or can fight, y'all are fighters!

[@johncarroll772]

In round 4 of the Crawford v Madrimov fight , Bud Crawford was compared to Bruce Lee by Shawn Porter.

[@tahirhubbard7633]

There's a lot of fast heavy weights , sorry but there are very fast heavy weight fighters or those close to heavy weight like Roy Jones Jr or Mike Tyson, going back Larry Holmes and his jab and many more.

[@THEDRUNKENANGELE]

@TheKungFuGenius Opening Statement: Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, we gather today not merely to discuss the legacy of Bruce "The Dragon" Lee, but to defend and honor his rightful place as a legitimate and unparalleled force in both the martial arts and modern combat sports cultures. Bruce Lee was not just a movie star or a popular culture icon; he was a pioneer, a visionary, and a true martial artist whose contributions transcended the limitations of his time. It is my duty to present to you the case that Bruce Lee's influence on martial arts and his legitimacy as a fighter are indisputable, deeply rooted in both his philosophy and practical skills. The Historical Context: To understand Bruce Lee’s impact, we must first consider the historical context in which he lived and trained. In the mid-20th century, martial arts as we know them today were in a nascent stage in the West. While boxing had long been established as a legitimate sport, other forms of combat, particularly those stemming from Eastern traditions, were largely misunderstood, marginalized, or viewed as esoteric practices. The full-contact combat sports leagues we recognize today, such as MMA, did not exist. The martial arts community was fragmented, with practitioners often confined to their specific styles, bound by rigid traditions that discouraged cross-training or innovation. In this environment, Bruce Lee emerged as a revolutionary figure. He challenged the status quo by questioning the effectiveness of traditional martial arts in real combat situations. His approach was not merely theoretical; it was born from countless hours of rigorous training, real-life altercations, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness in combat. Bruce Lee as a Martial Scientist: Bruce Lee was more than just a practitioner; he was a martial scientist. He approached martial arts with the same rigor and methodical experimentation that a scientist would apply in a laboratory. He was not content with merely mastering the techniques of Wing Chun, the style he initially studied. Instead, he sought to understand the underlying principles of combat itself. He meticulously analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of various martial arts, absorbing what was useful and discarding what was not. This process of distillation led to the creation of his own martial philosophy: Jeet Kune Do. Jeet Kune Do was revolutionary because it was not a fixed system but a fluid, adaptable approach to combat. It emphasized simplicity, directness, and efficiency-principles that are at the core of modern combat sports. Lee’s focus on real-world applicability over tradition directly influenced the development of mixed martial arts (MMA) decades later. The philosophy of cross-training and adaptability that underpins MMA today can be traced directly back to Bruce Lee’s teachings. The Absence of Full-Contact Leagues: Critics often question Bruce Lee’s legitimacy as a fighter because he did not compete in full-contact combat sports leagues. However, this critique fails to account for the reality of the time. During Bruce Lee's era, such leagues simply did not exist outside of Western boxing. The combat sports landscape was limited to point-based karate tournaments, judo, and other non-full-contact martial arts. These formats did not align with Lee’s philosophy of real-world combat effectiveness. Point-based competitions, by their very nature, did not allow for the kind of full-contact engagement that Lee believed was necessary to truly test one’s skills. Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that Bruce Lee's mission was not merely to compete; it was to elevate and validate Chinese martial arts on a global stage. He sought to demonstrate that these arts were not only effective in combat but also a profound expression of culture and philosophy. Entering a point karate tournament would have done little to further this mission. Instead, Lee focused on developing a comprehensive system that could be applied in any combat situation-real or competitive. Jeet Kune Do in Modern Combat Sports: The effectiveness of Bruce Lee’s philosophy and techniques can be seen in the success of modern fighters who embody the principles of Jeet Kune Do, whether they consciously attribute it to Lee or not. Jeet Kune Do’s emphasis on adaptability, simplicity, and directness are principles that are fundamental to success in today’s MMA, kickboxing, and other combat sports. Fighters who excel in these sports are those who can fluidly transition between different ranges and styles, much like Lee advocated. Consider the modern MMA fighter: they are not bound to a single style but are instead a hybrid, drawing from various disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing. This mirrors Lee’s approach to martial arts as a "style without style." It is no exaggeration to say that Bruce Lee laid the groundwork for this evolution, pushing the martial arts community to break free from the constraints of tradition and embrace a more holistic approach to combat. The Hollywood Factor: Another common criticism leveled against Bruce Lee is that he was "just an actor." However, this perspective overlooks the fact that there were no precedents in Hollywood for athletes-turned-actors, particularly martial artists, during Lee’s time. Bruce Lee used his platform in film not to shy away from his martial arts roots but to showcase them to a global audience. His movies were not mere action flicks; they were vehicles for conveying the depth, beauty, and power of martial arts philosophy and practice. Lee's choreography was grounded in real techniques, and his films often included scenes that demonstrated practical self-defense principles. His fight scenes were not the exaggerated, fantastical depictions common in Hollywood at the time, but rather reflections of his martial philosophy. His cinematic work served as a bridge between East and West, introducing millions to the principles of martial arts and inspiring countless individuals to take up the practice. Conclusion: In conclusion, Bruce Lee’s impact on martial arts and modern combat sports is immeasurable. He was a pioneer who broke down cultural barriers, challenged outdated traditions, and laid the foundation for the development of mixed martial arts. His philosophy of Jeet Kune Do has proven to be not only ahead of its time but also profoundly influential in shaping the way we understand and practice combat sports today. Bruce Lee’s legitimacy as a fighter should not be questioned simply because he did not compete in the types of leagues that did not exist during his lifetime. Instead, we should honor him for the visionary that he was-a man who saw the potential for martial arts to evolve and who worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. Bruce Lee was not just an actor or a martial artist; he was a cultural ambassador, a martial scientist, and a true warrior whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters and martial artists. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I rest my case.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Beautiful 😮

[@douggherkin]

Look at some of the unbelievable feats he performed on screen which have never been replicated. ....The two finger push ups on one arm, not centralised like how everybody else does them but under his shoulder like a regular push up. ...His step in sidekick that launches men of equal or heavier weight off their feet. His 1" punch, parlour trick or not ...why can't much heavier and muscular men launch men like he could when they do it? They do not have the quality of muscle and strength of Lee. Look at his blinding speed. Look at the finesse and precision of his movements. ...he moves like a Cat. I've never seen anybody move with his fluidity to rigidity, Nobody! ....not in any combat sports. We don't know what his chin was like but we know many have claimed he had a ready temper. If he got off first and I think that's most likely then he is going to be able to impose that peerless level of pound4pound athleticism on you he is going to be able to really, really hurt you. 👊

[@anti1training]

No disrespect, but it doesn't seem you've seen many fighters.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

​@@anti1training You again 👊😅 I'm going never mind you're just a kid.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Damn this was a great comment 😢 love Bruce.

[@douggherkin]

@@anti1training Been watching MMA since the beginning, '93. Started training in it in '97. Only ever seen one combination by Fedor in one fight that looked to have that same fluid economic movement that Bruce had. ...Don't just take my word for it though. ....Dana White, Conor McGregor, Bas Rutten, Joe Rogan etc have all openly claimed that Lee was so good at what he did they believe he would have been good enough to have become a divisional champion.

[@anti1training]

@douggherkin You're not going to see combinations like that in a fight ever. Because fights aren't choreography. These fighters looked up to Bruce Lee. Sure if he had trained like modern MMA, he could have went far. But with the skills he had in his prime, he wouldn't beat the top fighters.

[@ryanthompson3446]

You immediately know someone is not actually a fighter and does not grapple or throw bones in hard sparring sessions regularlarly when they worship bruce lee, bruce lee was an actor and a kung fu guy basically, and the cats out the bag for over a decade now, kung fu is not helpful when a trained boxer or wrestler is intent on beating that A””.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thanks for the tip.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Love is the only thing that can save this poor creature.

[@cambumbo77]

Bruce Lee Amazing martial artist. The most influential of all time .. Must read wrath of the dragon, covers his fights from his teenage days in Hong Kong to his adult life in the United States. Bruce Lee also did an interview with Ted Thomas it is available on KZbin .. Bruce was not open to competition fighting with limitations and Rules,, He believed in all out fighting with no rules . Fighting as it is ... and he was well trained for that .. The founder of JKD

[@TheKungFuGenius]

You must be new around here.

[@cambumbo77]

@@TheKungFuGenius Yes , martial arts is a beautiful thing .. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

@cambumbo77 next time you read Wrath of Dragon look who’s quoted on the back cover.

[@cambumbo77]

@@TheKungFuGenius The one and only Alex Richter - the Gung Fu Genius 👍👍👍.. One of the reasons I love your channel -- You weed out the BS .. Keep on flowing brother ..🐲🐉🀄🐉🐉

[@maheirbalbeid5793]

Sifu have u ever talk about the beimo(rooftop fight)?its something real happened ?or like every tale its just like some kind another mitology that claim hyperbolic?bcause its just popular from master wong shun leung n bruce lee.hope you make video for this topic.thanx

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thanks for commenting. We did a few episodes on this topic, especially in the early seasons. Not sure which episodes though as we have done so many already.

[@daviddiaz529]

Drison would have been a great Point Fighting referee. Hypothetical hits all day.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

I’m in Hong Kong with Dre right now. I’m gonna tell him this!

[@eddietours3728]

kfg with the 🔨

[@duelo1ne]

i have a question, while relistening to bruces interview with alex ben block in 72 bruce does from italy while shooting way of the dragon. He refers to it as "enter the dragon" , do you know the story behind the changing of the names, was it because of the warner bros script.? . was interesting to hear him talk about it. cheers.

[@duelo1ne]

14 min mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laataoykrMp8Y5o

[@safeashouses211]

@@duelo1ne Yes, he knew a leading role in a Hollywood film was likely, so decided to save the title for his American debut.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

That was his original title, but he decided to save it for his potential future project.

[@BrenkerMC]

Yes and no depending on how others interpret the definition. No, as in he doesn't have any competitive record. Yes, as in he trained, studied, and analyzed the craft intensively therefore making him a fighter. A "street fighter" I would personally say. Hope that makes sense.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Does a Dr stop being a Dr outside of the medical environment 🎤 use your brains 🧠 s people duh

[@anti1training]

​@@CountBellamarre1205A fighter is a fighter, because he fights. A doctor stops being a doctor if he no longer practices medicine. He stopped fighting after he developed JKD

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@anti1training This 🐑 thinks he's right 🤔

[@anti1training]

@@CountBellamarre1205 Wouldn't the sheep be blind followers?

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@anti1training I'm past the sheep state of being ignorant boy 🎮 you be a good boy now.... I want to hear from you when you understand the why but for this you have to become a man an actual man not this thing I see now.

[@Adatwong]

he fought on the street quite a bit , …. but if your talking bout in the ring , he did with boxing

[@icanmanifest]

I don't care about the title if the quality of the content is good which this was. Keep it rolling. By the way if your sidekick was asking if Chuck Norris just did point karate maybe you should have some guest sidekicks on who know more about stuff. 😂😂😂 Jk

[@angelenikolovski3807]

Louise Delgado karate champ and defeated Chuck Norris in competition. Wasn't Louise and Bruce similar and if Bruce competed he would have fought Louise, and Louise stated Bruce was the most difficult person he ever spared with. There's a video of Bruce behind the camera and Danny and Louise practicing kicks. 🙋‍♂️👍 I have this debate all the time with friends 🤣😭🤣🤣

[@brianfoster6861]

Of course.

[@kbreeze6969]

In an unarmed death match in those times- I’ll have my $ on the little dragon.

[@bygrace1931]

Love your channel and I am a Bruce Lee fan. However as to Bruce making claims about being unbeatable, I believe he did this in a discussion with Gene Tunney's son. I believe the story was in Linda Lee's book

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Secondhand hearsay!

[@iluvcliffrichard]

Yeh I think Fred weintraub and john saxon said bruce lee told the sons he'd beat their dad gene tunney. Bruce didn't go around bragging, but bruce could tell genes sons wanted honesty, and not bruce to be self deprecating and humble

[@NNamesis]

Sifu Alex Richter, have you seen Coach Greg's latest video? Caffeine + Squat = Hospital

[@richardjones8917]

If you didn't have the black Egyptian scientists you wouldn't have Newton

[@TheKungFuGenius]

As Newton himself said, "we are standing on the shoulders of giants".

[@keithhall970]

Bruce trained for 14 hours most days, for what, to be a great fighter. He created a fighting system, JKD for what, to win real no rules fights. That's what he lived for, movies payed the bills. When you think whether Bruce could beat a heavy weight boxer, for me its more whether the bigger man who would naturally be slower and tire faster would be able to catch up with Bruce. I think with Bruce's ability and speed a bigger fighter would have big problems laying a hand on Bruce ,he moved way to fast . And Bruce kicked like a mule.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

14 hours most days? Are you a Beerdy watcher? Have you ever seen Bruce’s Daytimers? It is impossible to train for 14 hours a day.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

The ancient greeks never had weight classes so what does this imply? Let's get it on! 👊😂🍻 yes some little guys are that good 👊😮🍻

[@wambokodavid7109]

like ancient greeks fought anything....next youll be saying they all had six pac and fought monster persians in slo mo

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@wambokodavid7109 Can you fight? 🍻 😉

[@martinschell4212]

I thought that the leg length theory was a disproven myth?

[@safeashouses211]

I'm just glad I didn't have to hear his boring voice! 😄

[@JCH2768]

Cmon KFG. Lee did not weigh 125 lbs on his "best day." I assume that's just a generalization.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

I have doctors notes from multiple years.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

I'm sure on mortuary slab maybe. By ETD time he was too skinny, and not well.

[@stevenlomas6873]

Ask Wong Jack man if Bruce Lee could fight! He felt those hands and feet! Remember WJ Man wasn't A easy fix!

[@TheKungFuGenius]

It is not easy to fight someone who runs away.

[@BeWaterAndGodBless]

I know one thing….hed beat my a$$

[@CountBellamarre1205]

Let's just say we can't judge the man solely on his size the man was fierce and all philosophical what's not to like about him?

[@BeWaterAndGodBless]

@@CountBellamarre1205 the speed of his punches his back fist and the flexibility he had he’s beating a normal guy on the street of today. Now a guy who does mma or jiu jitsu he’d have trouble with but could learn very fast in my opinion

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@BeWaterAndGodBless Not for real martial artists.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@BeWaterAndGodBless I've noticed they have no real stand up and outside you get knocked out lightning quick without it so not impressed with them at all. Put them in a boxing gym or boxing venue with amateurs they'd lose royally.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@BeWaterAndGodBless Put them in with pros they do worse.

[@WingZeroSymphonics]

👍

[@rickocconnell9056]

Was Bruce Lee a fighter is such a annoying question. Can bruce fight? Yes. Can he fight real good? Yes, according to those who knew him, saw him, but didn't personally know him too. Was he a great fighter? Again, according to those who intimately saw him he was a great, great fighter. The best theyd seen actually.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

It’s an annoying question that never stops getting asked or answered.

[@rickocconnell9056]

​@@TheKungFuGenius It's just that it's kind of an open question. Can he fight would be easier and more straightforward to answer or reply to.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

There are 1000 different ways to change the context, twist the words, focus on different aspects… And no one would be satisfied with any one of those multiple roads on this query

[@CountBellamarre1205]

If a mosquito is capable of hurting you to some extent depending on the species imagine what someone like you and me could do 🎤 use your 🧠 s people.

[@nostradamus522]

When only the half of them is true about Bruce Lee, then he would hold his own in a death fight against Mike Tyson. Tyson has lost to the greats in Boxing Lewis, Holyfield, and a lot of boxers that aren’t even the best. Think, Tyson compares Lee with Mayweather, both have similar height and was fast and master technicians. The main difference, Lee was like a cobra 🐍 that trained his finger jab and some deadly techniques that can win a fight, with one strike ! And he uses his legs to. Nobody would train something that he wouldn’t use, in a fight. In a street fight, with room, Bruce would have his chances to win. In K1 won a Thai boxer against all body types and weight classes. With a body like Bruce Lee !

[@515351535153]

It's rare to find intelligent discussion of Bruce Lee as a martial artist. This is one. That Mike Tyson interview is misunderstood. Tyson wasn't putting down Bruce Lee as a fighter. He was putting down the ridiculous idea held by some non-fighters that size doesn't matter in real fighting. Of course Tyson doesn't believe that a featherweight in any combat sport could beat him in a fight. And I'm sure he's right. I don't put a lot of stock in the Bobby Orbillo story. He was not a "famous" boxer. He was more a local talent who served as a stiff to build up the resumes of guys like Jerry Quarry (who was among the elite heavyweights even if he never won a title). I'm not surpised if Bruce Lee was able to dance away from Orbillo. Not so impressive in a wide open space. Harder to do in a ring against a good bigger fighter who knows how to cut off the ring. I do give a lot more credibility to the opinions of all-time greats like Sugar Ray Leonard and Manny Pacquiao, both of whom recognized in Bruce Lee his crazy speed and ferocity, both worth emulating. Pacquiao so admired Bruce Lee that he even tried to look like him. Pacquiao began his professional career at 108 pounds and rose up through the weight classes to capture world titles in eight different weight classes up to 154 lbs. It's worth noting that he didn't challege world champions in higher weight classes before he himself put on extra pounds of muscle. At his top weight class he beat the very tough and dirty fighter Antonio Margarito. He came into the fight weighing just 144.8 lbs, nearly 10 pounds under the superwelterweight limit, while Margarito weighed perhaps 165 lbs. after rehydrating. Pacquiao won but decided never again to compete at that weight, recognizing that . . . size matters.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

Joey orbillo knocked joe lewis out with a body punching in sparring. Yes, bruce lee critics don't take notice of anything people who sparred with bruce and big bruce up have to say. That's why bruce critics are able to conclude jackie chan or any amateur boxer would beat bruce. Jai white said chan beats bruce? Do you think jai white would make such statement to skipper mullins or jim Kelly? Or do you think jai white would more likely ask skipper mullins why he would pick bruce in any street situation or ask jim Kelly why he said bruce was untouchable?

[@CountBellamarre1205]

​@@iluvcliffrichardBruce is definitely the man 😎

[@Meatisfood]

​@@iluvcliffrichard I do not think you fanboys know what actually sparring is.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

@Meatisfood Bruce seemed to know what sparring is. An opportunity to show his sparring partner they weren't on his level. As bruce wasn't going to fight them in competition, these sparring sessions took on more significance, was chance for bruce to show you why he could put tournaments down, or karate down, or just to back up all he said. Many were interested if bruce was as good as people said, well bruce gave you this once in lifetime chance to see firsthand

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@Meatisfood Open your mind man and join us, be a real tough hombre.

[@ecw787]

25:06

[@CountBellamarre1205]

MJW vs Bruce interesting I don't see it going further than a few seconds because of MJW'S huge ego sorry MJW you would've lost because of your huge ego.

[@ecw787]

31:27

[@TN86]

No

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thanks for your insightful and intelligent comment.

[@DavidLowman-f3x]

Fight. Eny were real. No1. End. Of

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Sounds. Erwhere can be. No2. Need. Go.

[@JKDVIPER]

@@TheKungFuGenius E-BUCK-NU-GUCK. 💯4

[@MichaelUpenietis-w7x]

Starling bank fraudsters.

[@michaelholmes4374]

A pointless video as you know he was a real fighter you have been her so many times

[@iluvcliffrichard]

There's 2 extreme views of bruce. 1st extreme view is that he was the greatest fighter the world will ever see. 2nd extreme view is that he was just a actor whose hobby was martial arts, but jackie chan or any amateur boxer would beat him. The 2nd extreme view is obviously trolling. As for the 1st extreme view, I'd say with bruce lees testimonies from his peers, you are more likely to think bruce was one of the greatest fighters ever than to think he was just an actor who did a bit of martial arts, jackie chan would beat bruce

[@iluvcliffrichard]

So the only 2 genuine extreme views are 1) greatest fighter the world will ever see or, 2) had the potential to be a good or even great fighter if he chose that path.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Thanks for commenting on a pointless video.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

​@@iluvcliffrichardLove it when people use their 🍜s I for one believe he reached a very high state of physical and mental conditioning that made him almost untouchable and I don't say this lightly because in truth someone from the past probably exceeded his physical conditioning with the acquisition of knowledge made possible through other martial art teachers, etc.

[@bingsterc7621]

The answer is YES. 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻 The GOAT WAS IN FACT A FIGHTER. He was specifically a Street Fighter who believed in NO RULES, ANYTHING GOES type of fights…No Hold-Barred Fights. The reason Bruce never became a “Professional Fighter” was because he was never interested in becoming one, since Professional Fighters must always follow a set of rules. And, Bruce always believed that rules limit or restrict a fighter.

[@TN86]

If you say so 😆

[@wambokodavid7109]

and he told all this to you only???😂😂😂😂

[@DeanNatheos-eq3hl]

NO he was only an actor and his style is one of the worst also his cult is insane.

[@TheKungFuGenius]

Well researched and articulated.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

​@@TheKungFuGenius Love is the only thing that can save this poor creature.

[@iluvcliffrichard]

Bruce lee fanboys are the smart ones. They say bruce lee is the greatest fighter the world will ever see in response to the trolls who say jackie chan or ronda rousey beat bruce. Fanboys probably know bruce isn't greatest fighter the world will ever see, and accept one of the greatest is sufficient. Butbthey try punish the trolls. Bruce fanboys hearts in the right place, and their beliefs are in response to being provoked. Saying bruce is one of the greatest fighters ever is infinitely closer to reality than the extreme views trolls hold.

[@CountBellamarre1205]

@@iluvcliffrichard Good comment.

[@ThomasHenderson-c8e]

An opponent like Mike Tyson should give Bruce LOTS Concern of walking away healthy & sound. Remember Mike was a prize fighter who trained 16 HOURS a day!! Bruce trained 2 hours a day, also , Tyson is of our time just like Michael Jai White ( he said he could beat Bruce)

[@jugg9140]

Yeah, but Tyson train for sports, Bruce train to kill, you seem to forget real life and sports, take the rules out, Bruce will poke Mike's eyes? what is Mike going to do now? Mike was a powerful boxer no one denies that, but dont think this is boxing or even a typical street fights, one eye poke and Mike is blind. Rules and sports are made for big guys who can use their power its not fair for the smaller guy, lets say it was a fight to the death, or it was war and they had to kill each other. Its like snake vs lion where the snake cant use his venom. In case you did not know JKD or even martial arts is real life, life or death situation, to save your life and be able to defend yourself even against armed attacker, boxing wont be so good when someone is holding a machete lol.

[@ThomasHenderson-c8e]

@@jugg9140 U REALLY NEED to be Educated about "Real Fight Situation !" Let's 👀 if you eaten enough 🐟 to a clue, check out The Real Life Confrontation between Mike Tyson & Mitch Green ( 1 of Mike's in ring foes ) SEE FOR YOURSELF BUT LIED TO YOURSELF!! Tyson is a Boxer who ACTUALLY uses his 🥊 skills for real-life self defense!! Check out what Donnie Yen said about Mike's power when making Ip Man 3. Although it was acting Donnie still felt Mike's power! Bruce CAN'T kill Tyson unless he has a gun!!

[@johncarroll772]

Mike Tyson trained 16 hours a day 😂, you sound like Beerdy.

[@ThomasHenderson-c8e]

@@johncarroll772 BRAINIAC Go Check For YOURSELF!! It's NIMRODS like U ( & Beerdy) who thinks 🤔 U know so much & U don't KNOW NOTHING!!! Go check for yourself U MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING!! Providing U can learn ( I won't bet good cash on U , not even loose change ) " Google how many hours did Mike Tyson trained to become a great boxer?" Google will help U stop ✋️ sounding So Co Co

[@ThomasHenderson-c8e]

@@johncarroll772 That's 1 GREAT reason why Tyson won't train a boxer himself. 1) doesn't need to he's rich making appearances in movies 2) Most importantly, he's not going to put his student threw the EAT, SLEEP & TRAIN Then Do It Again!!