In my previous newsletter, I mentioned the next one would cover the unlikely topic of Taoist strategy, Homeric heroes, the Trojan horse, and an episode from the civil war in El Salvador during the 1980s. As it turns out, I unintentionally lied. Or rather, the Taoism-Homer-Trojan War-El Salvador essay is indeed coming your way in the near future, but first I’m sending something else your way.
Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s death.
Ask anyone for one name they associate with martial arts, and odds are they will mention Bruce Lee. Because of his career, millions of people were introduced to martial arts. Thanks to his movies, Lee achieved enduring, worldwide fame, broke plenty of box office records, and forever changed the aesthetics of action films. Not bad for a skinny kid from Hong Kong who arrived in United States with the proverbial shirt on his back. The image of his hyper-muscular body in combat pose has become iconic. But there was a lot more to Bruce Lee than meets the eye. He could have been a rock star or a spiritual leader or anything else he had wished… Martial arts was just a channel for his energy. Had he put that same energy anywhere else, he’d have probably had similar success. Despite Hollywood turning him down time and time again due to racial prejudices, Lee refused to take no for an answer and more or less single-handedly changed the way in which Asian people were perceived in the West. His philosophical insights also changed the face of martial arts training, and introduced masses of people to Taoism and Zen Buddhism. His creative & anti-authoritarian approach to life captured the best of the essence of the 1960s.
Over the years, I wrote about him (for example in chapter 11 of my first book, On the Warrior’s Path), discussed his legacy when I was interviewed for the documentary I Am Bruce Lee (by the great Pete McCormack), and podcasted extensively about him. Just a few weeks ago, after podcasting in English for over a decade, I released my very first podcast series in Italian. The subject I was asked to discuss? Yes, you guessed it—Bruce Lee. Here’s the link in case you speak Italian, or for odd reasons you enjoy yours truly whispering sweet nothings in your ears in my native language: https://www.spreaker.com/show/bruce-lee
If Italian is not your thing, worry not. After years of researching, I discussed his life and philosophy in these two episodes of History on Fire:
http://historyonfirepodcast.com/episodes/2022/1/17/episode-77-bruce-lee-part-1
http://historyonfirepodcast.com/episodes/2022/1/17/episode-78-bruce-lee-part-2
Considering how much ink has been spilled about the topic, it’s not easy to say something original about Bruce Lee, but I like to think I pulled it off. Whether that’s true or not, you be the judge. Either way, it was nice to have his wonderful daughter, Shannon Lee, record an intro for the series, and kindly offer her stamp of approval. If you decide to honor me with your attention, and choose to check out these episodes, get ready for a ride because this is an incredible story I have wanted to tell since I first started podcasting.
P.S. before I go, I’d like to remind you to please subscribe to my newly created History on Fire YouTube channel. You’d be doing me a great favor and it’s free! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCiqHbWJO26nFzUP-Eu55Q