?Been Waiting for This Day?: Bruce Lee?s Response to Master Ip on Why He Wanted to Learn Kung FU Proved to Be a Career-Defining Moment in 1953

Martial arts legend Bruce Lee passed away close to 50 years ago, in 1973, yet his legacy stands strong. His contributions to modern martial arts (MMA) led to an industry boom and continue to inspire athletes from different fields. In the Netflix series, “The Legend of Bruce Lee,” Lee is shown as being keen to learn about Kung Fu. However, Lee’s master Ip Man had different plans for him.

While Lee was determined to learn the Chinese form of martial arts, his master took his time testing his perseverance.? The documentary also details Lee’s anxiousness while watching others learn Kung Fu. While the interactions between the master and the student were beautiful, did it go the way Bruce wanted?

Bruce Lee’s love for Kung Fu

Throughout the series,?Lee had numerous interactions with Ip Man about learning Kung Fu. He believed that if he mastered it, he would have nothing to fear. However, the master denied to proceed with Lee’s Kung Fu training. The reason being, he wanted Lee to work on his stance more. The iconic actor was devasted by the answer but he couldn’t go against his teacher’s wishes.

When his master finally agreed to teach him Kung Fu, Lee’s heart swelled with joy. ?Really? That?s great, Master! Do you know? I?ve been waiting for this day. Watching the others practice Kung Fu everyday, it made me very anxious. You?ve finally agreed to teach me real kung fu. Master, to tell you the truth, I know you?re testing me. Testing my willpower and endurance. If I learn real kung fu, I?ll have nothing to fear,? Bruce said.?

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Bruce Lee and Ip Man’s Legacy

Ip Man dedicated his whole life to the martial arts form of Wing Chun, the southern Chinese form of Kung Fu. He also focused on the art of self-defense rather than offense, which is what most MMA follows.

This form was also carried on by Bruce Lee since he too practiced defense over offense. Several movies have been made on the legacy of Ip Man. He passed away in Hong Kong on December 2, 1972; seven months before Lee passed away in 1973.

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Have you watched the Netflix series, The Legend of Bruce Lee? If you haven’t, then make sure you give it a watch and let us know your thoughts in the comment section.