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Bruce was born
"Lee Jun-Fan" was born in San Francisco, USA to parents Lee Hoi-Chuen (Father) and Grace Ho (Mother).
He had 3 older siblings and would later have a younger brother. Shortly after his birth, Bruce and family move back to China. -
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The Life of Bruce Lee
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Japanese Occupation (WW2)
Bruce and family live for over 3 years under Japanese Occupation during World War 2. -
Bruce starts school
After attending Tak Sun school at an early age, Bruce enrolls at La Salle Primary School at the age of 12. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce begins his training
Bruce is introduced to martial arts by his father at a young age. His father taught him the fundamentals of Wu Shu Tai Chi Chuan.
At the age of 13, Bruce begins his extensive martial arts training and studies the art of Wing Chun under private tuition from his instructor Yip Man. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce moves to Seattle, Washington
After living for several months in San Fransisco, Bruce moves to Seattle to continue his High School education. He works as a live-in waiter for Ruby Chow, her husband was a friend of Bruce's father. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce begins teaching Martial Arts
Bruce begins teaching Martial Arts in the US.
He teaches his own style he calls "Jun Fan Gung Fu" which literaly translated as "Bruce Lee's Kung Fu". It can be described as a modified variation of Wing Chun.
He later opened his first martial arts school in Seattle, named the "Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute". *Exact date unknown -
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Bruce in America
Bruce moved to America in 1959 and stayed there until 1970. -
Bruce moves to America
In April 1959, Bruce moves to San Fransisco to live with his older sister Agnes. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce graduates from High School
Bruce completes his high school education and receives his diploma from Edison Technical School in Seattle. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce at University
Bruce enrolls at the University of Washington.
He majored in Drama, but also studied Philosophy and Psychology and various other subjects.
It was at the university that he met his future wife, Linda Emery *exact date unknown -
Bruce proves himself
In 1962, it is recorded by close friends and associates of Bruce, that he was challenged to a fight contest by a rival with a serious grudge against him.
What is particularly interesting about this fight is how quickly it lasted, exactly 11 seconds!
Bruce was able to knock out his opponent with a flurry of fast fore-arm blocks and punches to quickly gain the upper hand. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce moves to Oakland
Bruce drops out of University and moves to Oakland.
He moves in with a well know martial arts instructor named James Yimm Lee (no relation)
Together they open a new martial arts school in Oakland, California. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce gives a demonstration
In 1964, Bruce is invited to attend the Long Beach International Karate Championships in Long beach, California.
It was here that he gave a demonstration of some of his famous training and fighting techniques, such as his Two-finger push-ups and the impressive "One-Inch Punch" *Exact date unknown -
Bruce becomes "Kato"
Bruce is invited by a hollywood contact to audition for one of his most famous TV roles.
He successfully auditions for the role of "Kato" for the popular action series "The Green Hornet"
Unfortunately, the series only lasted for one series, but Bruce's popularity increased considerably. *Exaxct date unknown -
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Bruce in Hollywood
Bruce was involved in a lot of Film and TV projects in supporting roles and choreography. *Exact dates unknown -
Bruce creates "Jeet Kune Do"
It was in 1967 during his first season of "The Green Hornet" that inspired Bruce to create his own iconic martial art style he called "Jeet Kune Do"
He felt that his traditional style of Wing Chun wasn't suited for the chaotic street fight scenes he was used to performing in film and TV.
His new style focused more on speed, flexibility, practicality and efficiency. "Jeet June Do" translates as "The way of the Intercepting Fist" *Exact date unknown -
Bruce VS Hollywood
Bruce spent a great deal being invloved in various film and TV productions either in supporting roles or as fight scene choreographer.
Frustrated that he was unable to obtain a strarring role and establish himself, Bruce decided to return to China. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce becomes big in Hong Kong
Bruce returned to China after struggling to make it big in Hollywood. He did however become a huge success when moving to Hong Kong.
Nearly straight away, he was signed up to star in two of his iconic films "The Big Boss" and "Fist of Fury" which were hugely successful in Asian cinema. *Exact dates unknown -
Bruce's Highlight
The highlight of Bruce's career came in 1972, when at the peak of his global popularity; He wrote, directed and starred in his biggest hit film "The Way of The Dragon".
Considered to be Bruce's best work, the film included an end fight scene with action star Chuck Norris and Bruce's characters fighting to the death in the Colosseum in Rome.
This scene is still considered one of the very best fight scenes ever filmed. *Exact date unknown -
Bruce's Final Year
After his hit film "The Way of The Dragon" catapulting Bruce to global stardom, he set his next film in motion.
His next film "The Game of Death" was put on hold after receiving the call from Hollywood asking him to star in another martial arts epic.
Bruce agreed and starred in "Enter The Dragon" in which he would play the lead in what would be his most famous film, but unfortunately would also be his last... *Exact date unknown -
Bruce's health concerns
Bruce was rushed to hospital after collapsing during post-production work on "Enter The Dragon"
He had suffered from headaches and seizures due to swelling of the brain. -
Bruce Lee dies
Bruce was due to meet with former James Bond star George Lazenby and producer Raymond Chow to discuss working on a new film together.
Bruce had been suffering with headaches and was given various pain-killers.
Bruce went to rest, but did not turn up to the meeting as planned. Concerned, they found Bruce but were unable to wake him.
Bruce was unable to be revived and was later pronounced dead before arriving in hospital.
It is believed that Bruce may have suffered an allergic reaction. -
Bruce's Funeral
Bruce was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Seattle in his wife Linda's hometown and the location in which they first met.
His funeral was attended by many famous people such as; Steve McQueen, George Lazenby, James Coburn and Chuck Norris.