Customer Reviews (2)

The best book on a great martial artist
I highly recommand this book on Bruce Lee written by Jesse Glover, his first student who knew him better than the most, and just looked at him as a friend, not so much from the position of a student. If you want to knowthe actual components of Bruce's skill and how he achieved it, his thinkingabout Gung Fu and in which ways this thinking changed, his problems inbecoming the best and how he overcame these problems, and some rarely knownaspects of his personality, this book is probably the best. Not only forBruce Lee fans, but also very interesting for every Wing Chun- and JKD man,take a look at this book written by Jesse Glover, one of the best teacherand finest gentleman in the martial arts today.

A great book
It's really an excellent account of Jesse Glover's association with Bruce Lee. One thing great about Glover's account is the honesty of the account. Glover's greatest contribution to Lee's history is the detailed account of Lee's fighting art and its development as Lee experimented and researched fighting arts. Lee wanted to be the best fighter in the world. The book consists of anecdotes and a good sketch of Bruce Lee in regard to his early years in the US and his rise in fame and the martial arts world.I highly recommend to any Bruce Lee fan or pracititioner of the martial arts. ... Read more

Product Description
Bruce Lee’s original art (wing chun) and the art he developed (jeet kune do) are compared by Lee’s associates. Includes stances and footwork, hand and leg techniques, tactics, and self-defense. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Practicioners of both JKD and Wing Chun
Me, myself being a practicioner of both JKD and Wing Chun Kung Fu found this book to be interesting.It shows you how Bruce Lee used his Wing Chun knowledge and skill to be the basis of Jeet Kune Do.This book also shows how both Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do would handle the same situations.

In my personal opinion Jeet Kune Do is much more simpler, direct and practical in terms of hand-to-hand combat, but where Jeet Kune Do is rooted from should not be overlooked.

REALLY CMON NOW LETS GET REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO you really think that this stuff is going to work? especially the trapping? so many people love trapping but when then try it in sparring it doesnt work.the lin lop sau,the bong lop sau,the same hand tan to lop sau-cmon now none of that works against anyone who doesnt leave their hand out there after they throw a punch! this may have been how people fought hundreds if not a thousand years ago but it certainly isnt practical now! if you want to spend lots of your precious time learning an art that most of it you cant use in sparring or in the street then so be it.but like bruce said "man {or for that matter any person man or woman} is MORE IMPORTANTthan any art or system" even applies to jkd and wing chun-not the other way around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nothing new and not a lot of meat
There isn't anything new to be found in this text that hasn't been covered more thoroughly in other texts.The topics covered seemed glossed over without any meat or substance.Skip this one for more up to date books.

If you like examples without explanation...
This book makes a decent reference guide, or a hypothetical fight comparison, but there isn't much that can be personally gained from it.It is divided into five chapters: stances, hands, kicks, tactics, and selfdefense.There is a woefully inadequate into paragraph for each chapter,then the rest is filled with "what-if?" situation counters.Thisbook does a poor job of explaining the REASONS Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Doare different and simply shows you what ted wong and william cheung woulddo in an assortment of fighting situations.Also, it is important to notethat Ted Wong practices JUN FAN, not JKD.Some of his counters arehopelessly outdated.For example, an attacker stabs with knife [angle 7]and he does an INSIDE CRESCENT KICK to deflect it.Is he the Flash?Thematerial in this book might be okay to play around with a friend, but I'drather apply the money towards paying an instructor:you cannot learn JKD(even Jun Fan) or Wing Chun from a book.

Book to basic
This book was very disapointing, and misleading. Like for example wing chun has no high kicks butyou will see one in this book. enough said ... Read more

Product Description
Finally, under one cover, the definitive study of Bruce Lee's jeet kune do, the explosive martial art drawn from the best of Eastern and Western fighting styles. This exclusive collection features interviews with top masters who worked closely with Bruce Lee - such as Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell and Joe Lewis - along with a dynamic presentation of jeet kune do principles and techniques. In this book, Jerry Beasley, who has trained extensively with Lewis and dedicated years to the practice and study of jeet kune do, solves the puzzle of what jeet kune do actually is, as envisioned by Bruce Lee and practiced by succeeding generations of adherents. According to Lewis, "What Bruce Lee was able to do in a physical context, Dr. Beasley has successfully done in print." (Incorporates material from In Search of the Ultimate Martial Art and The Way of No Way.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Book to Help You with Your Own Martial Art Experience
The "Jeet Kune Do Experience: Understanding Bruce Lee's Ultimate Martial Art" by Jerry Beasley incorporates material from Beasley's "In Search of the Ultimate Martial Art" and "The Way of No Way."It addresses the subject of training in the system of jeet kune do (JKD).The book is not about Bruce Lee, but rather the art that he created.

In this book, Beasley attempts to provide an acceptable definition to the term jeet kune do, based on the principles that compose the conceptual framework.He does this by recognizing the views and values of individuals who studied with Bruce Lee directly, or as second hand participants.Beasley's knowledge of JKD comes primarily from his study with Dan Inosanto and Joe Lewis, two very accomplished martial artists in their own right.There will most likely always be contention among jeet kune do practitioners regarding what true jeet kune do is or how it differs from jeet kune do concepts and other training philosophies that use the same term JKD.Because of this, there may be readers that disagree with Beasley's definition of jeet kune do and his version of Bruce Lee's art.All I can say about that is that I do not study or teach JKD, or any version of it.I tried to read this book as Beasley wished, with open-mindedness and without burdens of preconceived opinions and conclusions.And from that standpoint, I found this book to be an educational and entertaining read.I found things in this book that I could relate to my own martial art training and teaching.

The first half of the book was Beasley's "In Search of the Ultimate Martial Art" that he wrote in 1988.The chapters include Finding the Path, Going to the Source, The Next Generation, The Skills of Jeet Kune Do, and Conclusions.I especially liked the chapter Going To The Source witch contained interviews with Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell, who we unfortunately lost just recently, and Joe Lewis.I enjoyed reading the words of those that have been such an influence with not only JKD but martial arts for so many years.The weakest part of this section of the book for me was the chapter on JKD skills.This chapter showed a small sampling of techniques illustrated with sequenced photographs.The chapter was okay in showing a small sampling of JKD techniques, and that was its main purpose.It is not meant to teach you JKD, and that is good.I just enjoyed the rest of the book more than this chapter.The conclusions chapter provided some concepts that anyone in the martial arts should be aware of and study.It was enlightening the way Beasley presented his thoughts his book gave me more to think about in my own jouney.

The second part of the book is Beasley's "The Way of No Way," originally published in 1992 and based on a number of Beasley's magazine articles from that time period.It consists of chapters titled Developing a Science for JKD, Utilizing the Principles of JKD, The Matrix, Basic Training, and Conclusions and Observations.Again, I enjoyed the conceptual writings much more than the techniques accompanied with photographs.I felt the weakest chapter in the book was Basic Training.It provided a few basic weight lifting exercises and training drills shows through pictures.This chapter was no where near as useful as the chapter on utilizing the principles of JKD.I especially liked the reprinting of the article written by Beasley and Joe Lewis, "Beyond the Angles of Attack" that was originally published in the July 1988 issue of Black Belt magazine.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.I do not study or teach JKD, but I still found a lot of wisdom and value in some of the concepts Beasley wrote about.I also enjoyed learning more about Jeet Kune Do and those that have pioneered the art since Bruce Lee's passing.I especially connected with how Beasley closes the book in reminding us of the ending of the movie "Circle of Iron" where the main character opens the book of "truth" to find a reflection of himself.Each of us represents our own truth.Beasley's JKD might not be like other's JKD, and Beasley himself acknowledges and accepts that.However, Beasley's "The Jeet Kune Do Experience" is a very good book for those that want a better understanding of the art of JKD and quite possibly a better understanding of their own training.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of "Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks" and the dvds "Hapkido Hoshinsul," "Streetfighting Essentials," "Hapkido Cane" and the "Lock On Joint Locking Essentials" series.

The Original Book on the JKD Concept
This is the Original Book written about Guro Dan Inosanto and the JKD Concept. The author interviewed Mr.Inosanto between 1983 and 1988 and recorded the very best interviews. Interviews with other JKD instructors are included. What is so unique about this book is that the information dates back to the early 1980's so readers get a first hand account as to what actually happened as the JKD Concept was being developed. The author also includes a very original, honest and revealing review of the practice of JKDC. This book is endorsed by Guro Dan Inosanto on the back cover.If you practice the JKD Concept you need this historic first ever published book on the subject! Good job Paladin Press.

This Is not a good book! Opposite to what Bruce wanted!!!
First of all, Bruce himself says thart JKD is not a martial art, he did not invent a new style in his video the way of intercepting the fist.

Clearly Jerry is notBruce Lee fan nor does he know anything about JKD. If this wern't amazon.com I would have called Jerry a disgrace and a no count for giving WRONG information about Bruce Lee's work.

Get Tao of JKD instead.

OK effort but misses the mark
In reading this I got the notion that not much effort was put into research, only money for seminars.The opinions are narrow and the author rarely has a discovery we haven't already heard.I do give him credit on making people aware of "concepts".

Many times the chapters contain the same information presented earlier.

Very outdated and will not be regarded as a "timeless classic".

A definitive study of the Bruce Lee jeet kune do
Martial arts scholar and teacher Jerry Beasley draws upon his many years of experience and expertise to provide a definitive study of the Bruce Lee jeet kune do, an effective and dramatic form of martial arts that combines both Eastern and Western fighting styles. Included along with a profusion of illustrations are interviews with martial arts masters who worked closely with Bruce Lee, including Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell, and Joe Lewis. The Jeet Kune Do Experience will prove to be a very welcome addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library martial arts reference collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

An excellent basic guide to Jeet Kune Do Grappling counter techniques.
In order to make Jeet Kune Do a complete art, the late Bruce Lee knew the importance of having grappling techniques and how to counter grappling tactics in his approach to combat.Larry Hartsell and Tim Tacket do an excellent job of explaining the basic Jeet Kune Do grappling counters in this book.The six chapters cover basic counters from the tie-up position, counters to leg attacks, Kali lock-flow and counters to arm and wrist locks, counters to neck locks and strangles, countes to common throws and ground-fighting.In conclusion, this is a book that will be of value to any martial artist, no matter what style he or she may practice.Rating: 5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author:Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock straight baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques).

Decent little book on grappling and counter-grappling
This is the companion piece to "Jeet Kune Do: Entering to Trapping to Grappling".In it, authors Larry Hartsell and Tim Tackett demonstrate counters to common grappling maneuvers from a variety of sources.The book is divided into chapters concerning each of the situations: the collar-and-elbow clinch, leg takedowns, standing arm bars and wristlocks, necklocks and strangles, Judo-style throws and sweeps, and finally while being underneath an opponent.That last part is interesting: published six years before the first UFC, we see defenses against being mounted, a calf crank from half-guard, defending your back, and the use of the open guard to deliver kicks to a standing opponent.With the exception of the groundfighting chapter and the neck locks chapter, the authors demonstrate the "offensive" technique (ie: single-leg takedown), then demonstrate the counter to it.The counter techniques are clearly drawn from a number of sources, including Western wrestling, Kali, Jujitsu, and so on.Step-by-step, black and white photos show how to counter certain grappling maneuvers with takedowns, throws, holds, strikes, foul techniques, and anything else that's appropriate for stopping said attacks.While the book looks at these defenses from a street-fighting point of view, many of the counters are right at home in grappling and MMA matches.Larry Hartsell was acknowledged to be one of the most knowledgeble grapplers in the JKD community, and it shows here.The only negative is that the photos are sometimes unclear, and that the descriptions aren't as detailed as they could be.With dilligent practice, though, the techniques shown in this book could help a novice better understand grappling, and even give someone with some experience some new ideas to play with.

Very good.
A fine companion to the first book.Solid in melding striking with standing grappling.

A unique JKD look at grappling strategy
I really liked a lot of the material in this book.It really stands out because Sifu Hartsell does not simply give us a bunch of random grappling techniques.Instead he gives us techniques and strategies that truly reflect the techniques and ideas of the Jeet Kune Do fighting method.I particularly liked the section that dealt with using the JKD trapping tools as a defense against grappling attacks.It is this aspect and the various clinch strategies that make his book a worthy addition to a JKD practitioner's library.On the downside, you must remember that this book was published in 1987 and so it does not take into account a lot of modern day grappling/submissions knowledge.As a result, some of the material (especially the stuff that deals with groundfighting, joint locks and submission) seems dated by today's standards.Nevertheless, you'll still find plenty of valuable stuff in this book.

Add Grappling to your Martial art.
This book presents problem situations and gives you the best grappling solutions from Jujitsu, Kali, Aikido, Western Wrestling etc.I cannot think how this book could have been made better.Although this book is the second in a series on grappling showing some reversals of moves made in the first book I think this book stands on its own as it shows the original moves.In other words if you can afford both books buy both if you just want to buy one book - get this one. Every technique is explained with the aid of clear step by step photographs.There is a great section on what to do in thestand up tie up position (Boxer's clinch) which occurs frequently in street fights.All you need is this book and someone to practise on. ... Read more

Product Description
Jeet Kune Do is the most complete martial arts system developed by the late Bruce Lee which is a compilation of various arts and elements amalgamated to make the most effective hand to hand combat method known to man.The Author uses elements from Jun Fan, Kali, Shootfighting and other sources to give the student a recipe that will make him a better martial artist/fighter.You will also discover within the pages of this fascinating book the philosophical elements and concepts that will make you a 'thinking' martial artist. A must have book for any martial arts student regardless of style or system. Fully illustrated with over 400 B/W photos. This edition also includes personal photos from the authors archives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Not A Bad Book, But There Are A Few Things Lacking!
As I read through this book, I was surprised to find quite a bit of good solid information in it, but was also just as surprised to find a few pieces of information that were not quite so good. I don't know if these particular aspects were merely as they were seen from the author's point of view or not, but I obviously didn't see them from quite the same perspective. This is not meant to be a detriment at all towards the authors work, merely a difference of perspective.

I enjoyed the layout for the various training drills with the large photos, but they lacked any real detailed information and where way to brief in explanation for my taste. There was definitely plenty or room to add more detail, and I really wish the author had done so. Now if you have a few years of experience already under your belt, then this lack of detailed explanation may or may not be a hindrance to you.

The "Options" and "Multiple Opponents" sections were pretty good, but could have been even better. It is a real shame that they weren't. If they had been, I think it would have really added to the overall effectiveness of the book. The other small complaint I had with this book was the way too brief section on the legal ramifications of using your martial arts skills on the street. This topic has been the focus of entire books and even though it was regulated to a small section in this book, it was much too small to of even been of much use.

Here is a book that although written by a Jeet Kune Do practitioner, can be utilized by anyone.

The Straight Lead: The Core of Bruce Lee's Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do

Here is another book with a lot more principles that I think you may find a lot more useful.

Martial Mechanics: Maximum Results with Minimum Effort in the Practice of the Martial Arts

And finally, here are three books which in my opinion would make you a more complete fighter than any others.

Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence

On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society

On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

Best Book in a Long Time!
This book is a must for anyone in Jeet Kune Do. Excellent pictures, and well thought out explanations from one of Guru Dan Inosanto's best.

Great book, used it to prepare for his seminar...
I bought this book several years ago before attending one of Guro Ron's seminars. I'm glad I did, because I feel that this book only presents maybe an 8th of what he'd show you at a live seminar. But you'd be lucky to retain an 8th, so by reading the book ahead of time you get more out of the seminar.

Anyway, Ron has studied under quite a few martial artists in his time, and knows quite a few systems. If another book reviewer accuses him of being "incoherent" at times its because they probably aren't able to follow it themselves. I never had any trouble reading it. The book coveres all ranges, gives several techniques, but as others have stated covers a lot of philosophy as well. I'd like to have more material to read, but I don't have the $400-$800 for his DVD set yet. The book is a great substitute though, for a fraction of the price.

Great View of How JKD is Evolving
This book is a must for any serious JKD Student. While it tends to be a little too philosophical it has great drills and training tips for any JKD practioner. I am an Asst. Instructor in JKD and I can tell you that I use a lot of the material from this book when I teach. Trust me get this Book!

Eclectic and interesting book
I'm a pretty eclectic martial artist myself, having trained in Okinawan, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, and western systems, including empty-handed and weapons-based styles, so the very eclectic aspect of this book didn't bother me as much as some people. For me it's all "sauce for the goose," as they say. If you have primarily trained in one or two arts, this book will expose you to some other concepts, which is fine, too. For me, the most important aspect of the book was the section devoted to multiple attackers. From my own experience in training and teaching martial arts, this area is one of the most neglected. Other than the classic Nakayama and Draeger book on defense against multiple assailants, which of course was Shotokan-based, and Bucksom Kong's Tiger-Crane set Hung Gar book, which showed some applications of the form, there are few books on the market covering situations with multiple attackers. But these scenarios should be practiced also, especially by advanced students who are already compentent defending man-on-man with one attacker. ... Read more

Product Description
A continuation of the Jeet Kune Do-A to Z series, thisvolume examines the elements of Bruce Lee's fighting art that enableone to become a complete and well-rounded fighter. Chapter oneconcludes the exploration jeet kune do's attacking methods begun inthe first volume of the series by examining the use of feints andfalse attacks. From here, the book explores the art and science ofcounter attacking, including the use and methods of interception,parry-and-counter, evade-and-counter, and jam-and-counter. This isfollowed by a breakdown of the various defensive skills used in jeetkune do, and the various tactical elements of timing, distance,rhythm, cadence, and tempo. The book concludes with a discussion ofthe major philosophical tenets of jeet kune do as set out by the lateBruce Lee.Profusely illustrated with hundreds of instructionalphotographs, this book presents many of Bruce Lee's little-knownsecrets to becoming a complete and effective fighter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I would have given it a five if I didn't already have it.
I loved this book, back when it was called Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do the textbook.That was Tim Tackett, Chris Kent production then. The pictures in this book are new but not as good or comprehensive as the Tackett/Kent book. My advice is get the Text Book version, and Pick up Tackett and Kent's Jeet Kune Do kickboxing book. Those are actually good. If you want to review techniques and understand alot of what goes into making a good JKD fighter. It is important to note that for that last part you must have read and absorbed the Tao of Jeet Kune Do.
Another complaint I have about this book, and is by no means minor, is the way Chris Kent handles grappling.It is quite clear to even a six month practicianer of, nearly any grappling art, except maybe Small Circle Jiu-jitsu, that Kent has no idea of what he is talking about.The problem is that Kent does not understand the grappling range at all.He seems to think it is a place where (after he has performed his miracle trapping) his opponent will just allow him to twist, crank, and lock him in any way Kent wants. There is no discussion of how dynamic this range is.Chris Kent, like Larry Harstell, can perform myriad locks and takedowns in the context of various drills, I am not sure they can do anything in a live situation.I am not saying they cannot, but the way they present their grappling, it appears that they really do not have an accurate idea of what happens when some one with skill crashes into you.I must say that is not the case with all JKD fighters (and in their defense, it may not be the case with Kent, and Hartstell).Roy Harris, Jack McVicker, Paul Vunak, Dion Riccardo, and Eric Paulson, and Dan Insosanto all understand what it is to really grapple.The point is from the Kent book I do not think he could handle a white belt of one year at any reputable bjj school. ... Read more

Product Description
Jeet Kune Do.The very name conjures images of the lateBruce Lee destroying opponents on the movie screen.But what is jeetkune do?Is it Bruce Lee's personal expression in combat?Is it astyle?Is it a process?Chris Kent, one of jeet kune do's mostaccomplished practitioners, seeks to answer these questions.According to Kent, while Bruce Lee felt there shouldn't be a fixedsystem of fighting, he did believe there is a progressive approach totraining mastering martial skills.In this book, Kent reveals Lee'straining methods and philosophies - the same methods and philosophiesthat made him unbeatable in unarmed combat.With over 400 dynamicphotographs, this volume is a virtual encyclopedia of jeet kune dotechniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

THISIS A BOOK EVERY SINGLE MARTIAL ARTIST MUST HAVE!
This comprehensive book is very good. It explains Bruce Lee's art in a magnificent manner. There are over 650 photos along with tons of written information on the fighting techniques. They are really good and easy-to-learn. You can use the moves with complete confidence in a self-defense situation after just looking at the photos (seriously).

Everyone should have this book!

A must for serious JKD practitioners
I own a copy of Chris Kent's book volume one and am going to purchase volume two. Financial and location difficulties only allow me a few months a year personal training with a Sifu in JKD so Mr. Kent's book helps me to practice movements and strategy in off months.It has good photos and text to help link the movements... extremely helpful.I mean it seems as Mr. Kent is right there helping you correct any problems in your techniques.It even has some grappling and holds as well which are essential to any martial artists skills.

Also Read: the Tao of JKD by Master Bruce Lee, and also Mr. Lee's several part series on different aspects of his philosophy , art and training methods.(I found Mr. Lee's training methods to be especially helpful , when I use them they improve my physical aspects and contemplating some of his thoughts help in life as well. Try some of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi/Stephen Hayes Ninjutsu/Taijutsu books and Park Bok Nam's Pa Kua/Ba Gua series.I like these three arts b/c they are adaptive and efficient as arts and life styles in my humble opinion.

a useful reference
A useful reference of tools, concepts and tactics, but most of the information was already covered in Chris Kent and Tim Tackett's other excellent books, "Jun Fan / Jeet Kune Do: The Textbook" and "Jeet Kune Do Kickboxing"

still, a very nice addition to any serious JKD student's library ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
In Jeet Kune Do Basics, the long awaited first in a series of JKD books, Jeremy Lynch teaches 20 of the foundational moves of Jeet Kune Do step-by-step. Using full-color illustrations and clear instructions, Jeet Kune Do Basics will teach you the fastest, most efficient, and most powerful ways to kick, punch, trap, & otherwise dominate your opponent. Master the techniques herein, and watch your fighting ability increase many times over! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Book...but....
This is an excellent book for training with Martial Art equipment (heavy bag, bad drills, foam pads...) Dan Inosanto using Jeet Kune Do technics offer powerful and basic technics for any marial arts and street fight combat sports. This book is recommended for anyone who wants to seriously train on an heavy bag and other equipment. The only problem is that out off 24 drills only 7 are using the left lead. This might be confusing for beginners who are right handed (using left lead) and who want to focus on their position. But this can be adjusted by having a pro spending 5 minutes showing you how to adapt by working both leads. Intermediate and advanced martial artists will adjust both leads very easily.Conclusion: A Great Book ! Thanks to Dan and Bruce ! ... Read more

Product Description
Después de su muerte, Bruce Lee se convirtió en un icono imprescindible de las Artes Marciales, pues no solamente nos mostró en el cine sus habilidades como actor y peleador, sino que en su obra póstuma "El Tao del Jeet Kune Do", dejó constancia de su maestría como indicador del camino para llegar a ser un experto en las artes de lucha. En este libro encontrará el lector su biografía completa, con entrevistas personales a las personas más influyentes en su vida, así como su corto pero apasionante recorrido por el mundo del cine y la televisión. De igual modo, se incorpora un resumen de lo que él denominó como el "estilo sin estilo", el Tao del Jeet Kune Do, mediante el cual se pueden sacar pautas para un mejor entrenamiento marcial, sea cual sea el estilo practicado. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1962 author Greglon Lee's father, martial arts expert James Yimm Lee, joined forces with the future superstar Bruce Lee (1940-1973) to form the Jun Fan Gung-fu Institute, now considered the birthplace of Jeet Kune Do. Their relationship was crucial in Lee’s progression from unknown student to celebrated master, shaping Lee's ideology and outlook on the martial arts for years to come. Using extensive interviews with dozens of Bruce's students and contemporaries as well as anecdotes based on rare documents and family history, the authors present an engaging picture of Bruce Lee as an extraordinarily talented young man who was also a warm and caring person. This insider's look at Bruce Lee's formative years also outlines the development of Lee's legendary skills between 1962 and 1965, an era previously unchronicled, ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Poorly Written Story Of Great Martial Artists
This is a poorly written book about two great martial artists.I've been a martial artist and a Bruce Lee fan for over 30 years and have read many books and magazine articles about the legendary martial artist, and have to say this book has been a great disappointment.The book is slow and boring and I would not recommend it to anyone.Better to read one of Jesse Glover's, Dan Inosanto's, or John R. Little's books on the subject.

Truly pathetic
This book is just plain awful.I was expecting to learn more about James Lee (who IMHO is the most underated of all JKD practioners).

Most stories are conjecture and out right lies.The authors should be ashamed of themselves.This book does nothing but tarnish the legend of Bruce Lee.

To add insult to injury, it reads like a 3rd grade book report.

If I could write this review in blood and tears, I would.

Gotta take the good w/ the bad
The first part of this book regarding Bruce Lee's training w/ Gin Foon Mark seems totally bogus ! There is no eveidence Bruce Lee ever met this guy. The book details Lee's father and Bruce himself in NY, even covering in detail their innermost thoughts,and there is no proof of this other than the oral record of this guy who has claimed for years to have taught Bruce Lee. I think actually Lee's fathers last trip to the USA was when Bruce was born in 1940 .

On the other hand the material covering Seattle and early Oakland seems to be on the up and up and very imformative.

part 2 needs a real author
this is a book that has been needed for a long time now. the early bruce, and a look back at how he developed. there's great stuff here...too bad it reads like a "junior scholastic" teen book! the authors are poor storytellers. this is bruce lee material we have all been waiting for, james yimm lee, jesse glover, wally jay, etc. the early years! fantastic! some great photos...and some not so great maps, copied from "mapquest"? the book reads like a danielle steel movie-of-the-week potboiler...boring. fantastic material, horrible presentation. like a 5-star meal on a paper plate. bruce and james history both deserve a better treatment...5 star material served as 2 star writing! poor publishing from a company that usually puts out quality books. found quite a few grammatical mistakes...so o.k. get a real writer and a proofreader too! maybe they will make-up for it with volume 2.

James Yimm Lee & Bruce: Incredible!
An incredibly enthralling look at the relationship between two of the most influential martial artists of the 20th century.One now a well-known icon (Bruce Jun Fan Lee), the other just coming into his due (James Yimm Lee).For the first time, in this extensive work we can read about the symbiotic relationship between Bruce Lee and James Yimm Lee (not blood related to one another despite the last name).The book is helped immensely through the participation of Greglon Yimm Lee, James Lee's son, who offers insight into the life of his father and family life previously unknown.

Largely forgotten, or formerly summed up in a few brief paragraphs, James Lee wrote and published the first publicly available serious gung fu books in English. James Lee was a consummate martial artist in his own right, having studied at one of the first public Sil Lum (Shao-Lin) schools in San Francisco (under T.Y. Wong), as well as making it a practice to trade techniques and practice with other martial artists throughout the Bay area.Another famed student of James Lee's covered in this book is Al Novak, a pioneer in his own right.

James Lee was one of the first martial arts men to advocate the practical approach through his books, keeping useful information, and rejecting the notion of maintaining"tradition for tradition's sake."As a matter of fact, if you compare any of J.Y. Lee's early self-published books, you can see the progression J.Y. Lee made from blind obedience to tradition, to creating his own practical tradition.Of course, most of us don't have access to these books--which is what makes this volume, "The Dragon and the Tiger", a treasure.

There are photos and explanations of James Lee's early books, training devices, and classes--and the full story of how Bruce Lee came to adopt many of James Lee's theories and methods.It isn't difficult to see how James Lee's concepts became popularized by Bruce Lee, who adapted many of James Lee's methods to his own needs (as James Lee had intended).Bruce Lee of course, later became legendary for his own practical approach, which was later systematized in his Jun Fan Gung Fu and Jeet Kune Do, influencing contemporary martial arts thought in the U.S. and the World.

This is a book about friendship.About a journey into study and research and human limits that two men undertook together.It provides new information not contained in any other work which makes for an enjoyable read and a hard-to-set-down book.Finally, a book that gives credit where it is due--to James Yimm Lee: teacher, student, and argueably perhaps the greatest influence upon Bruce Lee.You needn't be a Bruce Lee fan to enjoy this book, anyone with an interest in American martial arts history, the Chinese community in America, or American history in general should find this fascinating. ... Read more

Product Description


Descendents of the Dragon

Bruce Lee's art of Jeet Kune Do has ridden the waves of controversy since his death in 1973. From the backyard of Dan Inosanto to the magazine pages of Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do has become many things to different people. From its early days of being known as Jun Fan Gung Fu to its later incarnation as 'Jeet Kune Do' and then 'JKD Concepts', 'JKD Strategies', 'Combative JKD' and 'Original JKD' (to mention a few) the art has continued to thrive under several different original Lee students. As time marches on and these "pointers to the truth" eventually retire or unfortunately pass on, the world of JKD is left with their students, who have become known as "Second Generation Instructors of Jeet Kune Do." Many of these second generation instructors have had the privilege of training with several of Lee's students rather then merely obtaining one perspective on Lee's art while a select few have chosen the path of solidarity and remain under the guidance of only one instructor of JKD. This book, Descendents of the Dragon, seeks to explore and promote the future generation of Jeet Kune Do instructors and also include instructors from the various off springs of Jeet Kune Do such as Jesse Glover's Non-Classical Gung Fu, Joe Cowles' Wu-Wei Gung Fu and James DeMile's, Wing Chun Do. As a historian of Bruce Lee's art and the life of Bruce Lee, I have chosen practitioners to interview that I feel best represent the aforementioned arts and the current state of Jeet Kune Do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Read !
I just received this book as a gift.Mr Paul Bax, goes into very detailed and in depth questions .So much untold stories are revealed in this book .I highly recommend it to any Bruce Lee fan or Jeet Kune Do practitioner .The book is a must read ,you will not put it down ....

Decendants of the Dragon
Paul Bax has hit on a sure fire methodfor pleasing thegreatest audience. Just about every currently active OBLS is represented in Paul's newest contribution to the JKD literature. You can learn first hand how each version of JKD was formulated as you read the testimony fromactual students who have risen to the top of their respective classes. After reading the book I can only say that JKD is in good hands.

Short note
The book contains many interviews with second gerneration instructors. Some very well written details and insights. Every JKD Branch is covered and the reader will get a very good overview about how JKD has developed and is trained/taught today.

Great Book Well Written
The book itself is well written with lots of info from great JKD Instructors from all around.

2nd Generation students with their insight on Jeet Kune Do.

... Read more

Product Description
The Official Publication & Voice of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation. ... Read more

Product Description
This is nonfiction commentary. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee Library, Chinese Gung-Fu: the Philosophical Art of Self Defense. Source: Wikipedia. Free updates online. Not illustrated. Excerpt: Bruce Lee's Fighting Method is a book on Bruce Lee's martial system Jeet Kune Do. The book is available as a single hardback volume or a series of four paperback volumes. The text describes Lee's fighting philosophy, techniques, training methods and strategies. The making of this book commenced in 1966; most of the photos in the text were taken at that time. Shortly thereafter, Bruce Lee decided not to publish this work as he feared some instructors would use the knowledge in this text to promote themselves. This fear was a result of some instructors who were teaching commercially and were already using Bruce Lee's name as a gimmick to obtaining students. In 1978, after Bruce Lee's death, his widow Linda Lee Cadwell decided to make available the information her husband had been working on. Lee's death changed the perspective of releasing the information that Bruce Lee himself had vacillated about. The book was published with the help of Mitoshi Uyehara. Uyehara was the founder and owner of Black Belt Magazine. During the early years of the publication, Uyehara served as a hands-on owner and publisher. Bruce Lee contributed many articles to the publication during the 1960's and soon a friendship ensued between the two men. Uyehara, a martial artist in his own right, was a key personage in arranging Lee's material for publication. The hardback version of this text arranges the separate volumes in a different order: In 2008 Black Belt Magazine released in update to this book which was unavailable in hardback form since 1981. The new version contains a new introduc...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=6629935 ... Read more