Bruce Lee "The Dragon"

  Bruce Lee was widely regarded, as the greatest Kung Fu master of the 20^th century.  Lee Rocketed to international stardom, playing the character Kato, in the television show, “The Green Hornet.  Immediately after, in his first staring role, “Fist of Fury”, Lee electrified the screen like no other. Indeed, the movie propelled Lee’s career to new heights, and helped him emerge as the greatest martial artist ever.  Lee had several other successful films as well, such as “The Chinese Connection, and “Way Of The Dragon”. Perhaps, Lee’s greatest work was the martial arts blockbuster,  “Enter The Dragon. It is true; this particular feature is arguably one of the greatest action films ever created. Lee’s films were entertaining, colorful, and spectacular.  Also, he kept his audience captivated and on the edge of their seats. More importantly, Lee was able to bridge the gap between martial arts cinema and the film industry. He paved the way for other actors, and up and coming martial artists. For example, Jackie Chan, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jet Li, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Lee’s legacy continues to live on through these individuals.

 

   Bruce Lee was not only an amazing martial artist, but he was also a devoted teacher, philosopher, actor, and filmmaker. In addition, he was the creator of the fighting style, Jeet Kune Do, or “The Way of the Intercepting Fist.” Lee was able to hone his style, by perfecting the teachings of Master Yip Man (Wing Chung).  Perhaps, through those early teachings, he was able to create his own innovative art form. Bruce Lee gave his heart and soul, and sacrificed so much for the betterment of martial arts.  Unfortunately, individuals such as Bruce Lee come once in a lifetime, and it seems we only got a glimpse of his greatness. His untimely death not only stunned the industry, but the world as a whole. On July 20, 1973, Bruce Lee died at the tender age of 32. The official cause of his unexpected death was brain edema, which was caused by a sensitive reaction to a prescription painkiller. Nevertheless, many concentrate on how Lee died, instead on how he lived. Bruce Lee was the real deal, an irreplaceable force, which shined like the sun. Moreover, he left a lasting impression on us all, and ingrained his legacy in martial arts forever.