Bruce lee biography
Uploaded by MJ23 on Jun 21, 2005
A biography of Bruce Lee's early years, before being acclaimed the "greatest martial artist of all times."
Bruce Lee. It’s one of the most recognizable names in the world. Many people know that Lee was a budding motion picture star at the time of his death. Others recognize Lee for his great foresight and innovative contributions to the martial arts. But few people know of Lee’s tumultuous struggle to overcome racism and bridge the gap between White and Asian Americans.
Lee was actually born in America. The year was 1940, the “Year of the Dragon,” according to the Chinese calendar. His parents were touring the U.S. as performers with the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera, when the time arrived for Bruce’s birth. He was born on November 27, in the Jackson Street Hospital, at approximately 6:00 a.m., which coincidently was also the “Hour of the Dragon.” He was given the name, Lee Jun Fan. Bruce (a name he would later adopt upon returning to the United States) was barely three months old when he made his debut in the theatrical world. He was “given” the part in a production, playing the part of a female infant.
A few months later, Bruce’s parents returned to Hong Kong and resumed their performing careers. At age 6, Bruce auditioned for, and was given a role in a Hong Kong movie entitled, “The Beginning of a Boy.” Bruce was only 6 years old and “smitten by the acting bug.” Not long after, he auditioned for a starring role in another Hong Kong production, “The Makings of a Man.” He was not yet 10.
In 1952, Bruce was enrolled in La Salle College, in Hong Kong. He had just turned 12 and his life was about to take a pivotal turn. The next year, Bruce was set upon by a small group of street thugs and severely beaten. Vowing to never again be a victim, he sought out Sifu Yip Man, a noted Hong Kong Master of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Despite his notoriety as a teacher, Yip Man took on very few students, but Bruce was persistent and was eventually accepted into the Kung Fu school.
Bruce proved to be a hard working and capable martial arts student. And as his confidence grew, so did his other interests. He discovered dancing and soon became a celebrated performer. He would capture the Royal Crown Cha Cha...