?Is My Eye Swollen??: Bruce Lee Was Once Left Bruised Following a Bloody Match Aimed At Promoting Friendship

Bruce Lee pioneered Kung Fu in the Hollywood industry. Indeed, we remember him as a combination of ferocity and calmness. But at the initial stage of his life, the situation was quite the opposite. While learning Wing Chun (a form of martial art) from his master Ip Man in Kowloon, he used to get into several friendly fights. As Lee advanced quickly in the style, he challenged a senior from another format, which eventually led him to bleed heavily.

Unfortunately, the confrontation didn’t start as Lee had hoped. But with a great cheer from his friend Wong Shun Leung, he continued the combat.

A fight once went bad for Bruce Lee

With Matthew Polly’s book Bruce Lee, every nook and cranny of the legend’s life became transparent to his fans. Just like any other details, Polly drew attention to the brawl that happened at the very initial stage of the Little Dragon’s life. The fight between the Little Phoenix and the assistant instructor from a rival Choy Li Fut school, took place on the rooftop of a building. Many meddling youngsters were present to witness the fight. It was a beimo challenge of two rounds each for two minutes.

As soon as the fight started, Chung, the rival, punched Lee in the jaw after jumping with a roar. Instantly, his mouth was covered in blood and the martial artist cried in pain. Just when Lee was staggering to resume, Chung hit him again, this time in the left eye. Enraged, Bruce tried to glide forward with a series of Wing Chun chain punches. But as he lacked composure, the Little Dragon ended up hitting his nose and cheek and bled heavily. He asked Wong, “Is my eye swollen?? His cornerman nodded and informed him it was a bruise. Clearly, Lee lost the first round.

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Devasted, he wanted to quit the game, saying, ?If I am hurt too badly, my father will notice it. I think we better take it as a draw and end the match now.? But it was Wong, his cornerman, who uplifted his confidence, “Don?t worry about your technique. This is a fight, not a performance…” Lee, whose competitive nature was battling against his fear of humiliation, gathered himself and resumed the match.

How did it end?

Learning from his mistakes and getting words of enthusiasm, Lee fought with more technique and less impulse. He faked some attacks to make his opponent lose balance. Just when he saw Chung confused, he charged two punches into his face and jaw, resulting in him bleeding and losing several teeth on the floor.

Lee didn’t stop. When he saw Chung wobbling and stumbling to stand, the Little Dragon rained heavy punches on his face until he fell on the roof. Overjoyed, Bruce then put his hands up in the air to celebrate the victory. Indeed, when Lee learned to keep his calm, he won the game there. Then it was just a matter of time before he triumphed.

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This anecdote from his book depicts how the Little Phoenix was a risk-taker even from his teenage days. Though it’s been 50 years since his demise, his legacy remains in our hearts through these stories.