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Bruce Lee's Fighting Method
Bruce Lee's Fighting Method
This best selling book spans 128 fully illustrated pages on how to survive attacks on the street, defenses against surprise attacks, armed and unarmed assailants, one attacker or many, are among the topics covered. The 55 minutes DVD covers the first two volumes, with topics including warm-ups, basic exercises, on-guard position, footwork, power/speed training and self-defense.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
174 people are currently reading
1473 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Lee
177 books1,157 followersBruce Lee was an American-born martial artist, philosopher, instructor, martial arts actor and the founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts system, widely regarded as the most influential martial artist of the 20th century and a cultural icon. He was the father of actor Brandon Lee and of actress Shannon Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 30, 2011
Bruce Lee's fighting methods, has only one character, which would be Bruce Lee. Throughout the book he teaches his strategies in martial arts. At first he had made pictures for this book, but when he heard that other martial arts instructors were using his name to promote themselves, he changed his mind and style or writing. The common quotes were, "I tought Bruce Lee" or, "Bruce Lee tought me jeet kune do" . But when Bruce died, people thought they should write this book so his fighting style doesn't die with him.
Bruce Lee's Fighting Method was based upon his strategies of fighting. How to fight, what to think when you fight, your form, and techniques. This book describes Bruce's mentality and purpose to fighting, which is only for self defense. That is why the style he established was called Tao of Jeet Kune Do or Way of the Intercepting Fist.
The audience to the book would be anyone. Bruce Lee thought that whoever wants to learn the style, may learn, no matter the race or age. As for Bruce, he was mixed with Chinese and Caucasian himself. Without any of his books, jeet kune do would most likely not be as diffused as it is today. People from all over the world know about jeet kune do...meaning the audience is the world.
Again, Bruce wants us to learn his style of jeet kune do, and self defence. He also claims that learning his form of martial arts is also seeking who one is, within one's self. As in personality, or advantages and disadvantages within the body.
Bruce Lee's Fighting Method was based upon his strategies of fighting. How to fight, what to think when you fight, your form, and techniques. This book describes Bruce's mentality and purpose to fighting, which is only for self defense. That is why the style he established was called Tao of Jeet Kune Do or Way of the Intercepting Fist.
The audience to the book would be anyone. Bruce Lee thought that whoever wants to learn the style, may learn, no matter the race or age. As for Bruce, he was mixed with Chinese and Caucasian himself. Without any of his books, jeet kune do would most likely not be as diffused as it is today. People from all over the world know about jeet kune do...meaning the audience is the world.
Again, Bruce wants us to learn his style of jeet kune do, and self defence. He also claims that learning his form of martial arts is also seeking who one is, within one's self. As in personality, or advantages and disadvantages within the body.
June 9, 2020
All Bruce Lee's best works in one edition...whats not to like. I loved it :) Self defence takes on a whole new meaning when Bruce demonstrates the mechanics of his strategy and practical application. From beginner to advanced this book has something for everyone who likes to learn and develop in the art of self defence.
January 15, 2013
I should say up front that I have been a huge Bruce Lee fan since his days as Kato, on the "Green Hornet" TV show, so none of my reviews concerning him will be impartial.
Many heirs and "pretenders" have followed in Bruce's footsteps; some I do not agree with and who, it seems to me, are merely capitalizing on his name and the name he gave to his approach to Martial Arts, Jeet Kune Do ("The Way of the Intercepting Fist"). So there, I spoke my piece on this matter and from now on I will try to limit my opinions to the individual books being reviewed.
Scores of books have been written about Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do (JKD). I believe this volume (originally published as 4 separate paperbacks) is the best place to start, since it contains photos of Bruce demonstrating his art, with two of his best friends and most devoted students, Dan Inosanto and Ted Wong, posing as "opponents".
I should add that that these 4 volumes were not actually written by Bruce Lee, but by M. Uyehara, the founder of "Black Belt" magazine. They were published after Bruce's untimely death in 1973. But, in my opinion, this is a minor detail.
This beautiful, hefty hardcover volume contains the complete text of the 4 original paperbacks... Self Defense Techniques (which, in my opinion, should be Volume 4, not 1), Basic Training, Skill in Techniques and Advanced Techniques. This edition also features an extra chapter, by Ted Wong, covering the "5 Ways of Attack", as well as a new Introduction by Bruce's daughter, Shannon.
The demonstration photos in this book were shot in 1966, so they offer a glimpse into Bruce's thinking at the time. Notice also that "Jeet Kune Do" is not in the title. Bruce began his martial arts career, in China, studying Wing Chun Kung Fu, under the tutelage of famous master Yip Man. When Bruce emigrated to America, he was influenced by other combat arts. Western Boxing and Fencing were strong influences on his later approach to fighting and they are both reflected in these books. The stances, footwork and strikes bear a strong resemblance to these arts. The kicks are a blend of more practical low-line attacks, combined with some higher and riskier kicks.
For anyone interested in following the progression of Bruce Lee's views on Martial Arts, I recommend reading this one first, followed by the new edition of "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do". I think these 2 books offer a comprehensive overview of Bruce's constantly evolving approach to unarmed combat. I like to think of "Fighting Method" as the practical, "text-book" and "The Tao" as its "theoretical" companion.
Many heirs and "pretenders" have followed in Bruce's footsteps; some I do not agree with and who, it seems to me, are merely capitalizing on his name and the name he gave to his approach to Martial Arts, Jeet Kune Do ("The Way of the Intercepting Fist"). So there, I spoke my piece on this matter and from now on I will try to limit my opinions to the individual books being reviewed.
Scores of books have been written about Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do (JKD). I believe this volume (originally published as 4 separate paperbacks) is the best place to start, since it contains photos of Bruce demonstrating his art, with two of his best friends and most devoted students, Dan Inosanto and Ted Wong, posing as "opponents".
I should add that that these 4 volumes were not actually written by Bruce Lee, but by M. Uyehara, the founder of "Black Belt" magazine. They were published after Bruce's untimely death in 1973. But, in my opinion, this is a minor detail.
This beautiful, hefty hardcover volume contains the complete text of the 4 original paperbacks... Self Defense Techniques (which, in my opinion, should be Volume 4, not 1), Basic Training, Skill in Techniques and Advanced Techniques. This edition also features an extra chapter, by Ted Wong, covering the "5 Ways of Attack", as well as a new Introduction by Bruce's daughter, Shannon.
The demonstration photos in this book were shot in 1966, so they offer a glimpse into Bruce's thinking at the time. Notice also that "Jeet Kune Do" is not in the title. Bruce began his martial arts career, in China, studying Wing Chun Kung Fu, under the tutelage of famous master Yip Man. When Bruce emigrated to America, he was influenced by other combat arts. Western Boxing and Fencing were strong influences on his later approach to fighting and they are both reflected in these books. The stances, footwork and strikes bear a strong resemblance to these arts. The kicks are a blend of more practical low-line attacks, combined with some higher and riskier kicks.
For anyone interested in following the progression of Bruce Lee's views on Martial Arts, I recommend reading this one first, followed by the new edition of "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do". I think these 2 books offer a comprehensive overview of Bruce's constantly evolving approach to unarmed combat. I like to think of "Fighting Method" as the practical, "text-book" and "The Tao" as its "theoretical" companion.
May 11, 2015
Come on, it's BRUCE LEE.
April 6, 2020
Reading this helps one to understand Bruce Lee’s principles in Jeet Kun do.
As I read over the pages and learned his take on the side and hook kicks, feints and back fists I realised that I’ve already seen his moves on display in each of his movies. Turns out they weren’t just great martial arts movies but actual displays of his own martial art.
If you want to become familiar with Bruce Lee’s fighting thoughts strategies and considerations then here you are!
As I read over the pages and learned his take on the side and hook kicks, feints and back fists I realised that I’ve already seen his moves on display in each of his movies. Turns out they weren’t just great martial arts movies but actual displays of his own martial art.
If you want to become familiar with Bruce Lee’s fighting thoughts strategies and considerations then here you are!
October 25, 2017
The ultimate kung fu book.
The ultimate how-to-live-your-life book.
The ultimate Chinese character book.
The ultimate how-to-live-your-life book.
The ultimate Chinese character book.
March 10, 2018
Clearly outstanding; exceptionally comprehensive.
April 14, 2021
Bruce Lee is a master and a legend, but learning martial arts through a book is like learning how to swim by watching a YouTube video.
Read
April 28, 2021Nice book now I kind of know how to fight Alexander.
December 26, 2021
The Grappling Techniques are outdated but there’s definitely some useful information in this book. However, I advise everyone to get proper training and not just learn Martial Arts from a book.
October 28, 2023
Definitely shows its age in a lot of senses but it’s still good to know how far we’ve come in understanding martial arts and self defense. Also with working out in general.
October 16, 2015
If you're looking for a step by step guide on learning martial arts, then this is not for you. Of course, if you think a book could teach you martial arts at all, Bruce Lee isn't for you either because he would vehemently oppose that idea.
However, if you're looking for an insight into Bruce Lee's thoughts on tactics, strategy, and mindset when fighting - then you'll enjoy this a lot.
As a JKD instructor, I think this should be required reading for all Jeet Kune Do students. Not because I think people should try to perfectly imitate what Bruce Lee did and how he fought, but rather so they can get a solid base of understanding from his own experiences and trials and then build their own style on top of it.
There are certainly things in here intended to be applied to self-defense, but you'll get the most out of it if you look at the techniques that are taught as being principles, rather than something for you to memorize step-by-step and repeat.
However, if you're looking for an insight into Bruce Lee's thoughts on tactics, strategy, and mindset when fighting - then you'll enjoy this a lot.
As a JKD instructor, I think this should be required reading for all Jeet Kune Do students. Not because I think people should try to perfectly imitate what Bruce Lee did and how he fought, but rather so they can get a solid base of understanding from his own experiences and trials and then build their own style on top of it.
There are certainly things in here intended to be applied to self-defense, but you'll get the most out of it if you look at the techniques that are taught as being principles, rather than something for you to memorize step-by-step and repeat.
April 14, 2011
An excellent guide into both the fighting tactics, and fighting tao of the master of martial arts himself. An in depth guide to his oves, it takes you step by step through some of the most interesting and effective techniqyues, with pictures to boot! A must for any martial arts efficienado.
March 26, 2013
Oooh buku yg satu ini gw blom punya & harus beli, meski sudah punya 3 volume dan tinggal 1 volume lagi. Tp pas tau ada yg complete edition ini kykny must have di tahun ini.
January 4, 2009
its a good booc
September 18, 2009
this is a great book for those looking for a strait forward approach to martial arts. no mystical powers no secret moves. just real life self defense by one of the best, Bruce Lee.
Read
March 23, 2011it superb intresting...
November 2, 2012
This is a great book, especially if you want to learn how Lee thought and fought. Especially well done in how it breaks down how to do each attack so you can protect yourself.
January 27, 2014
its a great book
Read
April 13, 2015i like
September 15, 2015
I enjoyed Bruce Lee's movies when I was a kid. I really enjoyed reading his book.
November 21, 2015
Bruce Lee is the one who influences me, he's the man, my idol...REST IN PEACE.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews