A Frat Party Once Opened Bruce Lee?s Eyes About the Importance of Kung Fu to Him in the United States

While talking about Bruce Lee, it’s tough to not emphasize his contributions to world cinema. The founder of Jeet Kune Do, featured kung fu in his era-bending movies like Enter the Dragon, Fist of Fury, and others, showcasing his mastery of martial arts. But there was a time when Lee was totally oblivious to the fact that his martial arts skills could get him the intended success in America.

As per his biography, even though the Tiny Phoenix got through to the University of Washington, he was not much into academics. He always loved to show his skills in Chinese Kung Fu. In fact, when he got into the fraternity parties, Lee would amuse the crowd with his adroitness in the art. Little did he know that one day the entire world will remember him because of his expertise in martial arts.

Bruce Lee found his door to success in America

In 1961, the boy who always had been expelled and considered a lost cause got an opportunity to pursue his career in the States. Even though he started well and was mastering his major, soon he lost focus and slipped back into old habits. As Eunice Lam put it in his biography, Bruce Lee: A Life, ?Bruce talked to me about martial arts, philosophy, and girls, but he never mentioned academics.”

However, the ‘dragon’ found his retreat while going to camaraderie parties with his friends. Albeit, he never joined a fraternity, those parties would make Lee happy. In fact, he would become the center of attraction, showing off his martial art prowess. Lee used to demonstrate his one-inch punch, two-finger pushups, and most importantly, his Praying Mantis style to the mesmerized party people.

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Later, the Chinese actor comprehended that if those small displays can amuse the affluent children of America?s elite, it could certainly give him a future in the US. And that led to Lee opening a Karate school in America.

Lee didn’t want to sell his art

There was a time when the martial artist was struggling financially to keep his Kato Karate School going. Then several businessmen approached Lee to offer funds for his schools, in exchange for his fame as a label. But the Chinese martial artist, who was known for his powerful ideologies, turned that down. As he later revealed, “I could have made a fortune…but I didn?t want to prostitute my art for the sake of money.?

Apparently, Lee perceived Jeet Kune Do as an idea to pass on and share with those who will seek it direly. He didn’t let money hinder his newly perceived concept of martial arts. What did you make of Lee’s experience in college, his subsequent success and his refusal to compromise his morals for money? Let us know in the comments below.

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