Lee - Chinese Gung Fu: the Philosophical Art of Self-Defense

As mentioned before in my previous book Modern Kung Fu Karatethat the Brick Breaking and Iron Hand Training are not a necessary part of Gung Fu training, this book deals strictly with self-defense.

Unlike my previous books on Gung Fu, written by one of limited knowledge, I was very happy when Mr. Bruce Lee was persuaded to come out with this, his first of a series of books on the ancient art of Gung Fu.

Bruce Lee, one of the highest authorities in the Chinese art of Gung Fu in the United States today, came from China three years ago. At an early age, Mr. Lee started Gung Fu training from various instructors from both Northern and Southern schools of Gung Fu. At thirteen, he met Master Yip Man, leader of the Wing Chung School of Gung Fu, and since then he has devoted himself to that system. After years of daily training and engagements in competitive matches, he was awarded the rank of instructorthe youngest to achieve it in that school.

Since his arrival in the United States, Mr. Lee has selected a few disciplines and devoted his time to teaching them. Among his many followers are Judo and Karate black belt holders, Gung Fu students of other systems, boxers, etc.

Aside from his knowledge of the various schools of Gung Fu, Mr. Lee is also well versed in Taoism and Chan (Zen). He has conducted a T.V. series in the U.S. on Oriental philosophy and Gung Fu.

Mr. Lee will be one who will bring credit to the ancient and noble art of Chinese Gung Fu by his sincere effort to present a true perspective of the art of Chinese self-defense.

I was really impressed when in friendly sparring matches with Mr. Bruce Lee, I couldnt penetrate or land a telling blow or kickeven when he was blindfoldedonce his hands were sticking to mine.

I am sure this book will bring to the citizens of the U.S. a better understanding of the principles that make Gung Fu such an effective system in defense. Students of other Oriental systems will benefit greatly from this book. In well-illustrated photos, it clearly explains all the steps to master the various techniques.

Oscar Wilde once said, Imitation is the most sincere compliment. If so, I have paid Mr. Bruce Lee a sincere compliment by changing all my Gung Fu techniques to his methods. When he demonstrated his type of striking, which is based on inner energy, I found it much more powerful than the power I had developed from previous Iron Hand Training. The superiority of his Gung Fu is more refined and effective than that which I have learned in all my past years. Since his striking power is generated from the waist and mind, I have always maintained that the power to break bricks is not the true test of actual application of energy in real combat.

I always benefit greatly whenever we get a chance to train together.

At present Mr. Leethrough his books, T.V. appearances and Gung Fu instructions to Americans, regardless of race, creed or national originis in the process of developing a nucleus of future Gung Fu instructors to keep the ancient Chinese art from being exploited and commercialized as evidenced, unfortunately, in some other Oriental systems.

I am in complete accord with the author when he says, When more and more Americans are instructed in the authentic techniques of Gung Fu, less and less people will be able to pass themselves off as self-styled Gung Fu experts.

J.Y. Lee

Publishers Note: Mr. James Lee began his martial arts training in Jujitsu and Sil Lum Gung Fu. Upon meeting Bruce Lee, he became a student of Mr. Lees art and then an assistant instructor at the Oakland Jeet Kune Do School. They had a unique chemistry that bonded them as lifelong friends as well as perpetual students of the martial arts and philosophy. Mr. James Lees legacy includes a series of books on modern Gung Fu training.