Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit

Bruce Thomas

Physical

In Circulation

'This belting read pulls off the nifty trick of making the kung fu legend's spiritual and combat ideas accessible' Maxim

'Truly gets under the skin of this iconic figure' Film Review


In the 1970s Bruce Lee emerged as the world's greatest fighting star - an accolade he has kept ever since. He battled to succeed in America in spite of the racial prejudice that denied him a starring role, eventually making films in Hong Kong that turned him into a star - the highest-paid movie star of his day. His controversial death, at the age of thirty-two when he was at the height of his powers, has given him a James-Dean style enduring appeal.

In Bruce Lee - Fighting Spirit, Bruce Thomas has written a complete account not only of Lee's life and death, but of the fighting philosophy he developed (jeet kune do) which made him the greatest exponent of martial arts in modern times. In this updated edition he reassesses Lee's skills and examines the enduring impact of his legacy - on action films and martial arts today. As an icon Bruce Lee's popularity continues to grow and this book is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man whose achievements have never been surpassed.

'An endlessly stimulating account of Lee's life and times' Loaded

What will you learn from this book

  1. Early Life and Influences: The biography explores Bruce Lee's upbringing in Hong Kong, his introduction to martial arts, and the influences that shaped his philosophy and approach to combat.

  2. Philosophy of Jeet Kune Do: Lee's development of Jeet Kune Do, his personal martial arts philosophy emphasizing practicality, adaptability, and self-expression, is a central theme throughout the book.

  3. Training Methods: Thomas discusses Lee's rigorous training methods and his dedication to constantly improving his physical and mental capabilities, which played a crucial role in his martial arts mastery.

  4. Cultural Impact: The book examines Lee's impact on popular culture and the global dissemination of martial arts, as well as his role in challenging stereotypes and promoting Asian representation in Western media.

  5. Film Career: Thomas provides insights into Lee's film career, including his breakthrough role in "The Big Boss" and his iconic performances in films like "Enter the Dragon" and "Fists of Fury."

  6. Personal Life: The biography offers glimpses into Lee's personal life, including his relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the challenges he faced in balancing his professional ambitions with his personal commitments.

  7. Philosophical Insights: Thomas delves into Lee's philosophical beliefs, drawing on his writings, interviews, and personal reflections to explore themes such as self-actualization, mindfulness, and the pursuit of excellence.

  8. Cultural Context: The book contextualizes Lee's life and work within the socio-cultural landscape of the 20th century, highlighting the intersections between martial arts, philosophy, and global politics.

  9. Legacy and Influence: Thomas examines Lee's enduring legacy and his influence on subsequent generations of martial artists, actors, and cultural icons, as well as his impact on the evolution of martial arts cinema.

  10. Tragic Death: The biography also addresses the circumstances surrounding Lee's untimely death at the age of 32, which remains the subject of speculation and controversy, and its impact on his legacy.

Language English
ISBN-10 1883319110
ISBN-13 9781883319113
No of pages 340
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Sidgwick & Jackson
Published Date 18 Jun 2008

About Author

Author : Bruce Thomas

1 Books

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