“Didn’t Want to Prostitute My Art for the Sake of Money”: Bruce Lee Stuck by His Philosophy During a Challenging Phase Once

What seemed to be more popular than Bruce Lee’s martial arts skills was the powerful ideologies he cultured. This set him apart from other celebrities in that era. Even in the most difficult times, his core values remained unhindered. On a similar note, he was once brought the opportunity of extending his school chain, Kato to a nationwide franchise in exchange for his stardom.

However, the athlete turned it down keeping the integrity of his combat discipline, Jeet Kune Do in mind, per his autobiography, Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly. What did the legend have in mind? Let’s find out. 

Bruce Lee put his foot down against the grand opportunity

According to the book, the icon was once struggling to keep his karate schools going due to monetary setbacks. Hence, several businessmen nudged him to consider their funding opportunities for “Kato Karate Schools,” while trading his name and prominence as a label. However, apart from everything lucrative, he felt that such a deal would pound his martial art beliefs to ashes. Additionally, the amount of time and effort that would go into its management would inherently terminate his glorious acting career. 

Thus, after days of intense retrospection, he let it go. “I could have made a fortune..but I didn’t want to prostitute my art for the sake of money,” he said. Apparently, The Little Phoenix felt that Jeet Kune Do was meant for those who direly sought after it. He wasn’t convinced by the idea of his combat discipline being spoon-fed to the mass. 

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Despite the huge bucks at his disposal, he reflected deep into his philosophy. Surprisingly, he had something greater in mind. A strategy, that would vault his dreams to the epitome of success. The legend aspired to market his “art” into an affluent product meant for celebrities. Emphasizing his philosophy, one of Lee’s select students once revealed an unspoken instance about him. 

Bruce Lee’s student recounted his bizarre demonstration

The grand legacy of the legend is left behind by his family and the few students he taught. A student from his Oakland school, Barney Scollan recalled his first glimpse of Lee that encouraged him to take up martial arts. He witnessed Lee’s jaw-dropping skills at a demonstration event in California.

Speaking of the icon’s demonstration, Scollan disclosed, “Bruce took the floor and demonstrated many of the most popular martial arts styles with great skill. Then he explained why he felt they were impractical for actual fighting, causing more than a little anger among the followers of those styles.” Moreover, his flashing speed left the spectators in awe.

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The megastar’s stern principles and ethics pose as an idealistic dogma for all those who aspire to follow his way of life. Therefore, he shall eternally be hailed as a legend! What did you think of his approach to the grand opportunity? Let us know.