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Tao of Jeet Kune Do: Expanded Edition
Explore the philosophy behind Bruce Lee’s martial art with digitally enhanced illustrations by Bruce Lee, never-before-seen Chinese translations, and editorial commentaries by many of Bruce Lee’s closest friends and colleagues, including: Chris Kent, Jerry Poteet, Diana Lee Inosanto, Tim Tackett, Richard Bustillo and Yori Nakamura.
Thirty-seven years after its initial publication, Tao of Jeet Kune Do continues to provide the rare opportunity to learn directly from Bruce Lee � one of the most celebrated and inspirational figures in martial arts history.
Thirty-seven years after its initial publication, Tao of Jeet Kune Do continues to provide the rare opportunity to learn directly from Bruce Lee � one of the most celebrated and inspirational figures in martial arts history.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1975
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About the author
Bruce Lee
175books1,139followersBruce Lee was an American-born martial artist, philosopher, instructor, martial arts actor and the founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts system, widely regarded as the most influential martial artist of the 20th century and a cultural icon. He was the father of actor Brandon Lee and of actress Shannon Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
March 15, 2016
An excellent book that I highly recommend. One of my favorite stories from the book is the following:
Bruce Lee and I were having dim sum, a traditional Chinese breakfast of meat-filled pastries, in a downtown Los Angeles restaurant after a lesson. I seized on this opportunity to tell him that I was discouraged. At forty-five, I felt I was too old and my body too stiff to achieve any real ability in jeet-kune-do.
"You will never learn anything new unless you are ready to accept yourself with your limitations," Bruce answered. "You must accept the fact that you are capable in some directions and limited in others, and you must develop your capabilities."
"But ten years ago I could easily kick over my head," I said. "Now I need half an hour to limber up before I can do it."
Bruce Set his chopsticks down alongisde his plate, clasped his hands lightly on his lap, and smiled at me. "That was ten years ago," he said gently. "So you are older today and your body has changed. Everyone has physical limitations to overcome."
"That's all very well for you to say," I replied. "If ever a man was born with natural ability as a martial artist, it is you."
Bruce laughed. "I'm going to tell you something very few people know. I became a martial artist in spite of my limitations."
I was shocked. In my view, Bruce was a perfect physical specimen and I said so.
"You probably are not aware of it," he said, "but my right leg is almost one inch shorter than the left. That fact dictated the best stance for me--my right leg was shorter, I had an advantage with certain types of kicks, since the uneven stomp gave me impetus.
"And I wear contact lenses. Since childhood I have been near-sighted, which meant that when I wasn't wearing glasses, I had difficulty seeing an opponent when he wasn't up close. I originally started to study wing-chun because it is an ideal technique for close-in fighting.
"I accepted my limitations for what they were and capitalized on them. And that's what you must learn to do. You say you are unable to kick over your head without a long warm-up, but the real question is, is it really necessary to kick that high? The fact is that until recently, martial artists rarely kicked above knee height. Head-high kicks are mostly for show. So perfect your kicks at waist level and they will be so formidable you'll never need to kick higher.
"Instead of trying to do everything well, do those things perfectly of which you are capable. Although most expert martial artists have spent years mastering hundreds of techniques and movements, in a bout, or kumite, a champion may actually use only four or five techniques over and over again. These are the techniques which he has perfected and which he knows he can depend on."
I protested. "But the fact still remains that my real competition is the advancing years."
"Stop comparing yourself at forty-five with the man you were at twenty or thirty, Bruce answered. "The past is an illusion. You must learn to live in the present and accept yoruself for what you are now. What you lack in flexibility and agility you must make up with knowledge and constant practice."
For the next few months, instead of spending time trying to get limber enough to kick over my head, I worked on my waist-high kicks until they satisfied even Bruce.
Then one day late in 1965, he came by my house to say goodbye before leaving for Hong Kong whree, he said, he intended to become the biggest star in films. "You remember our talk about limitations?" he asked. "Well, I'm limited by my size and difficulty in English and the fact that I'm Chinese, and there never has been a big Chinese star in American films. But I have spent the last three years studying movies, and I think the time is ripe for a good martial arts film--and I am the best qualified to star it in it. My capabilities exceed my limitations."
Bruce's capabilities did in fact exceed his limitations and, until his youthful death, he was one of the biggest stars in films. His career was a perfect illustration of his teaching: As we discover and improve our strong points, they come to outweigh our weaknesses.
Bruce Lee and I were having dim sum, a traditional Chinese breakfast of meat-filled pastries, in a downtown Los Angeles restaurant after a lesson. I seized on this opportunity to tell him that I was discouraged. At forty-five, I felt I was too old and my body too stiff to achieve any real ability in jeet-kune-do.
"You will never learn anything new unless you are ready to accept yourself with your limitations," Bruce answered. "You must accept the fact that you are capable in some directions and limited in others, and you must develop your capabilities."
"But ten years ago I could easily kick over my head," I said. "Now I need half an hour to limber up before I can do it."
Bruce Set his chopsticks down alongisde his plate, clasped his hands lightly on his lap, and smiled at me. "That was ten years ago," he said gently. "So you are older today and your body has changed. Everyone has physical limitations to overcome."
"That's all very well for you to say," I replied. "If ever a man was born with natural ability as a martial artist, it is you."
Bruce laughed. "I'm going to tell you something very few people know. I became a martial artist in spite of my limitations."
I was shocked. In my view, Bruce was a perfect physical specimen and I said so.
"You probably are not aware of it," he said, "but my right leg is almost one inch shorter than the left. That fact dictated the best stance for me--my right leg was shorter, I had an advantage with certain types of kicks, since the uneven stomp gave me impetus.
"And I wear contact lenses. Since childhood I have been near-sighted, which meant that when I wasn't wearing glasses, I had difficulty seeing an opponent when he wasn't up close. I originally started to study wing-chun because it is an ideal technique for close-in fighting.
"I accepted my limitations for what they were and capitalized on them. And that's what you must learn to do. You say you are unable to kick over your head without a long warm-up, but the real question is, is it really necessary to kick that high? The fact is that until recently, martial artists rarely kicked above knee height. Head-high kicks are mostly for show. So perfect your kicks at waist level and they will be so formidable you'll never need to kick higher.
"Instead of trying to do everything well, do those things perfectly of which you are capable. Although most expert martial artists have spent years mastering hundreds of techniques and movements, in a bout, or kumite, a champion may actually use only four or five techniques over and over again. These are the techniques which he has perfected and which he knows he can depend on."
I protested. "But the fact still remains that my real competition is the advancing years."
"Stop comparing yourself at forty-five with the man you were at twenty or thirty, Bruce answered. "The past is an illusion. You must learn to live in the present and accept yoruself for what you are now. What you lack in flexibility and agility you must make up with knowledge and constant practice."
For the next few months, instead of spending time trying to get limber enough to kick over my head, I worked on my waist-high kicks until they satisfied even Bruce.
Then one day late in 1965, he came by my house to say goodbye before leaving for Hong Kong whree, he said, he intended to become the biggest star in films. "You remember our talk about limitations?" he asked. "Well, I'm limited by my size and difficulty in English and the fact that I'm Chinese, and there never has been a big Chinese star in American films. But I have spent the last three years studying movies, and I think the time is ripe for a good martial arts film--and I am the best qualified to star it in it. My capabilities exceed my limitations."
Bruce's capabilities did in fact exceed his limitations and, until his youthful death, he was one of the biggest stars in films. His career was a perfect illustration of his teaching: As we discover and improve our strong points, they come to outweigh our weaknesses.
July 2, 2009
Long before Steven Segal, Van Damme or the UFC, there was Bruce Lee. While most of the world was concerned with kata and board breaking, Lee was developing a concept that would eventually become the most fundamental aspect of today’s fastest growing sport (mixed martial arts)—use what works for you. While taken as objective truth in today’s rapidly expanding MMA community, it was revolutionary and anathema to the conventional wisdoms of the time. It crossed cultural boundaries within the realm of the martial arts community as Lee suggested that the complete fighter draw from multiple arts (boxing, Muy Thai, Judo and even rudimentary Jiu Jitsu) to round out their skill sets. The closest text to suggest anything remotely close to JKD would have to be Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" but Tao takes its examination even further. The text is replete with diagrams and theory for the applied sciences of combat but it remains in essence a manuscript of mixed opinions, maxims and philosophy rather than a “how-to� book.
I can say as a practicioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, many traditional martial arts, wrestling, boxing and MMA/vale tudo in general, Lee’s “The Way of the Stopping Fist� (as a concept of fighting rather than a codified set of technique) is far and away more complete in its construction and more global in its application than any of its predecessors and yet still has gems to be unearthed by novice and experienced modern fighters.
Tao was not wildly popular during his life but it is a testement to his theories that today's MMA champions cross train with several coaches of their respective arts. The Gracie fighting family revolutionized the skill set needed to become a complete fighter in the street challenges of Brazil. Bruce Lee revolutionized personal approach to martial arts.
“I don't believe in different ways of fighting now. I mean, unless human beings have 3 arms and 3 legs, then we will have a different way of fighting. But basically we all have two arms and two legs so that is why I believe there should be only one way of fighting and that is no way.�
“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person. If you want to understand the truth in martial arts, to see any opponent clearly, you must throw away the notion of styles or schools, prejudices, likes and dislikes, and so forth. Then, your mind will cease all conflict and come to rest. In this silence, you will see totally and freshly.�
I can say as a practicioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, many traditional martial arts, wrestling, boxing and MMA/vale tudo in general, Lee’s “The Way of the Stopping Fist� (as a concept of fighting rather than a codified set of technique) is far and away more complete in its construction and more global in its application than any of its predecessors and yet still has gems to be unearthed by novice and experienced modern fighters.
Tao was not wildly popular during his life but it is a testement to his theories that today's MMA champions cross train with several coaches of their respective arts. The Gracie fighting family revolutionized the skill set needed to become a complete fighter in the street challenges of Brazil. Bruce Lee revolutionized personal approach to martial arts.
“I don't believe in different ways of fighting now. I mean, unless human beings have 3 arms and 3 legs, then we will have a different way of fighting. But basically we all have two arms and two legs so that is why I believe there should be only one way of fighting and that is no way.�
“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person. If you want to understand the truth in martial arts, to see any opponent clearly, you must throw away the notion of styles or schools, prejudices, likes and dislikes, and so forth. Then, your mind will cease all conflict and come to rest. In this silence, you will see totally and freshly.�
September 18, 2011
In "Tao of Jeet Kune Do", the only character is Bruce Lee. He is also the author of the book. Lee was born in San Francisco, November 20, 1940, and died on May 10, 1973, suffering from seizures and headaches. He was eager to learn martial arts mainly because he was bullied in school. He wanted to show people that just because he was Chinese he could be successful. He eventually was so successful in martial arts, he began to create his own fighting style with a mixture of many different martial arts styles. Pros from many different styles combined into one. The style was called, "Jeet Kune Do". Also known as, "Way of The Intercepting Fist". He was the father of Mixed Martial Arts. Lee believed in peace, not violence. His art of fighting, was fighting without fighting. One famous quote was, "Be like water." He says that "Jeet Kune Do" is just a name. It is a formless form.
The book was made of Bruce Lee's thoughts and notes. All of his studies on martial arts in one book. It teaches you some of his fighting methods, like fighting stances, parries, sidesteps, cat-like movements, etc. It also gives you tips, like what you should think in a fight, which would be nothing. He says to clear your mind and stay calm. Always stay focused. Any misguidance of the opponent should be taken advantage of. The book explains many things, like qualities when you fight, preliminaries, tools, preparations, mobility strategies, and attack strategies.
Bruce Lee's audience is anyone who wants to learn martial arts. When he taught his skills in his school, the Chinese were offended by him. In Chinese tradition, They do not teach "gwailo", otherwise known as "outsiders". Again, he wanted to teach anyone who wants to learn. The same applies to the book. He was against racism. Bruce Lee's mother was half white, which was a main reason he did not fit in well with most Chinese.
I personally really like the book. It teaches me a lot of morals, and strategies. Learning to "be like water" is fun to me. I'm not just learning about martial arts, but i'm learning about Bruce Lee's life, and discipline. I really do love martial arts, because its a way of defense. I love learning the "Way of the Intercepting Fist." It calms my life, because it has morals and quotes. It's like defensive therapy, but in a book.
Brandon Simmasouk
The book was made of Bruce Lee's thoughts and notes. All of his studies on martial arts in one book. It teaches you some of his fighting methods, like fighting stances, parries, sidesteps, cat-like movements, etc. It also gives you tips, like what you should think in a fight, which would be nothing. He says to clear your mind and stay calm. Always stay focused. Any misguidance of the opponent should be taken advantage of. The book explains many things, like qualities when you fight, preliminaries, tools, preparations, mobility strategies, and attack strategies.
Bruce Lee's audience is anyone who wants to learn martial arts. When he taught his skills in his school, the Chinese were offended by him. In Chinese tradition, They do not teach "gwailo", otherwise known as "outsiders". Again, he wanted to teach anyone who wants to learn. The same applies to the book. He was against racism. Bruce Lee's mother was half white, which was a main reason he did not fit in well with most Chinese.
I personally really like the book. It teaches me a lot of morals, and strategies. Learning to "be like water" is fun to me. I'm not just learning about martial arts, but i'm learning about Bruce Lee's life, and discipline. I really do love martial arts, because its a way of defense. I love learning the "Way of the Intercepting Fist." It calms my life, because it has morals and quotes. It's like defensive therapy, but in a book.
Brandon Simmasouk
July 25, 2015
Jeet Kune Dō (henceforth, JKD) is Bruce Lee’s “styleless style� of martial arts. Its literal meaning is “the way of the intercepting fist.� However, Lee cautions one against attaching too much significance to that name (or any name) in the book’s final chapter. Long before “Mixed Martial Arts� became a household word, Lee was constructing this fighting system that borrowed heavily from the Western traditions of boxing, fencing (conceptually speaking), and wrestling as well as from Kungfu, Savate, and Judō/Jujutsu. While JKD employs techniques and concepts from these systems, Lee remained adamant that no good came of organized styles built on fixed forms. In fact, that might be said to be the central theme of the book. That is, each fighter should begin with sound fundamentals and build an approach that is ultimately his or her own.
The Tao of Jeet Kune Do is an outline of the martial art. In many ways, it looks like and reads like Lee’s personal notebook. It’s illustrated with crude (but effective) hand drawings of the type one would see in a personal journal, and they are annotated with hand-written notes. (My biggest criticism is that on the Kindle version the graphics are largely unreadable. I’d recommend you get the print edition if you can, which is large-format paperback as I recall.) The book combines a philosophy of martial arts with nitty-gritty discussion of the technical aspects of combat. The philosophical chapters bookend the technical ones.
As others have pointed out, there’s not much that is new in either the philosophical discussions or the technical ones. Lee’s value-added is in how he states these concepts, how he selects the concepts of value (informed largely by a love of simplicity and a hatred of dogma), and the weight lent to the lessons by Lee’s great success story—albeit in a life far too short. Lee was a man of charisma, and one who approached endeavors with gravitas.
Now, I can imagine some readers saying, “Why are you recommending a book on real fighting by a movie martial artist? Would you recommend a book on how to conduct gall bladder surgery from someone because they were on the first two seasons of ER? Would you take martial arts lessons from Keanu Reeves because his moves looked pretty nifty in The Matrix?�
I’ll admit that there is nothing about making kungfu movies that makes one particularly competent to give advice on close-quarters combat. However, as I said, Lee seemed to devote himself entirely to everything he did. Consider the Bruce Lee physique, which seems so common place among actors today (no doubt in part chemical and in part owing to live-in Pilates coaches) was virtually unseen in the 70’s. Yeah, he probably had good genes, but he must have trained like a maniac as well. Lee’s constant mantra of “simplicity� lends him a great deal of credibility. (It should be noted that pragmatism is not a virtue in the movie-making industry.) Lee demonstrates that he’s given a lot of thought to the subject and done the training when he discusses technical concepts. For example, while he gives high praise to Western boxing and emulates boxing moves in some regards, he also notes that boxers are insufficiently cautious owing to the rules/equipment of their sport (a comment—it should be noted--that can be leveled against any sport martial art.)
The technical material is organized in four chapters. The chapter on “tools� deals with the techniques of striking, kicking, and grappling. A chapter on preparations explains Lee’s thoughts on faints, parries and manipulations. There is a chapter on mobility that discusses footwork and various types of evasions. The last technical chapter discusses the approaches to attack, focusing heavily on JKD’s five types of attack.
The Tao of Jeet Kune Do is undeniably repetitive, but that repetition has value in hammering home key concepts. It’s also consistent with the JKD philosophy of not getting into a great deal of complexity, but rather drilling home the basics. There’s an old martial arts adage that says, “One should not fear the man who knows 10,000 techniques as much as the one that has done one technique 10,000 times.� This seems apropos here. Besides, the concepts that are repeated are often worth memorizing. e.g. Simplify. Eliminate ego. Avoid fixed forms. Be natural. Don’t think about building up as much paring away.
I’d recommend this book for martial artists of any style. Non-martial artists may find the philosophical chapters interesting, but may not get much out of the list-intensive technical chapters.
The Tao of Jeet Kune Do is an outline of the martial art. In many ways, it looks like and reads like Lee’s personal notebook. It’s illustrated with crude (but effective) hand drawings of the type one would see in a personal journal, and they are annotated with hand-written notes. (My biggest criticism is that on the Kindle version the graphics are largely unreadable. I’d recommend you get the print edition if you can, which is large-format paperback as I recall.) The book combines a philosophy of martial arts with nitty-gritty discussion of the technical aspects of combat. The philosophical chapters bookend the technical ones.
As others have pointed out, there’s not much that is new in either the philosophical discussions or the technical ones. Lee’s value-added is in how he states these concepts, how he selects the concepts of value (informed largely by a love of simplicity and a hatred of dogma), and the weight lent to the lessons by Lee’s great success story—albeit in a life far too short. Lee was a man of charisma, and one who approached endeavors with gravitas.
Now, I can imagine some readers saying, “Why are you recommending a book on real fighting by a movie martial artist? Would you recommend a book on how to conduct gall bladder surgery from someone because they were on the first two seasons of ER? Would you take martial arts lessons from Keanu Reeves because his moves looked pretty nifty in The Matrix?�
I’ll admit that there is nothing about making kungfu movies that makes one particularly competent to give advice on close-quarters combat. However, as I said, Lee seemed to devote himself entirely to everything he did. Consider the Bruce Lee physique, which seems so common place among actors today (no doubt in part chemical and in part owing to live-in Pilates coaches) was virtually unseen in the 70’s. Yeah, he probably had good genes, but he must have trained like a maniac as well. Lee’s constant mantra of “simplicity� lends him a great deal of credibility. (It should be noted that pragmatism is not a virtue in the movie-making industry.) Lee demonstrates that he’s given a lot of thought to the subject and done the training when he discusses technical concepts. For example, while he gives high praise to Western boxing and emulates boxing moves in some regards, he also notes that boxers are insufficiently cautious owing to the rules/equipment of their sport (a comment—it should be noted--that can be leveled against any sport martial art.)
The technical material is organized in four chapters. The chapter on “tools� deals with the techniques of striking, kicking, and grappling. A chapter on preparations explains Lee’s thoughts on faints, parries and manipulations. There is a chapter on mobility that discusses footwork and various types of evasions. The last technical chapter discusses the approaches to attack, focusing heavily on JKD’s five types of attack.
The Tao of Jeet Kune Do is undeniably repetitive, but that repetition has value in hammering home key concepts. It’s also consistent with the JKD philosophy of not getting into a great deal of complexity, but rather drilling home the basics. There’s an old martial arts adage that says, “One should not fear the man who knows 10,000 techniques as much as the one that has done one technique 10,000 times.� This seems apropos here. Besides, the concepts that are repeated are often worth memorizing. e.g. Simplify. Eliminate ego. Avoid fixed forms. Be natural. Don’t think about building up as much paring away.
I’d recommend this book for martial artists of any style. Non-martial artists may find the philosophical chapters interesting, but may not get much out of the list-intensive technical chapters.
August 25, 2017
Although this book is more for martial arts practitioner than the casual readers but I'm personally interested in Lee's philosophies. The first part of it is absolutely vital and satisfying and the last part as well. Bruce wrote magnificently about oneself and the art of expressing it honestly. He masterly simplifies everything and put everything regarding oneself into a clearer and freeing perspective.
It's impossible to read this one and not gain something, I know I gained many.
It's impossible to read this one and not gain something, I know I gained many.
June 13, 2021
My best friend in high school read this after he had to drop out of our Tae Kwon Do classes. Bruce Lee inspired him so much, he dedicated his life to the martial arts, practice and lifestyle. I sparred with him after his life change but surrendered the victory when he repeatedly kicked me in the face. Each time I didn't see it coming. I still don't know where it came from. This all happened after we saw "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" in theatres. That kid went on to join the military, finish an MBA with the money from the government, and became a successful business-man living a high-class life style with a beautiful wife in a beautiful home. He fulfilled his dreams, everything he had wanted when we were kids walking the streets and going from home to home smoking weed and doing irresponsible kid-stuff.
I discovered Bruce Lee in a life-changing way recently (about four years ago). I haven't gotten rich or anything. I'm already forty-two. I did stop drinking and have developed a healthier mind, and have found deep peace and confidence, and have overcome character flaws I never had been able to beat before. I joined an online Kung-Fu class and as I practiced, my mind opened to what I never believed I could become, not outwardly as in through the eyes of society, but in myself, and in my relations to others. Of all things, I have learned to live a life of love. I never expected that from Kung Fu, from Bruce Lee.
Here are a two quotes from this book that helped change my life as I applied them, and as practicing Wing Chun Kung Fu helped me understand:
"Nothingness cannot be defined; the softest thing cannot be snapped."
"Consciousness of self is the greatest hindrance to the execution of all physical action." (I have applied this to all action, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical).
These two quotes started me on a different path in life. I am so grateful to God for Bruce Lee's influence, in the world, and in my personal life. He had true wisdom and that wisdom has been preserved in these pages.
I discovered Bruce Lee in a life-changing way recently (about four years ago). I haven't gotten rich or anything. I'm already forty-two. I did stop drinking and have developed a healthier mind, and have found deep peace and confidence, and have overcome character flaws I never had been able to beat before. I joined an online Kung-Fu class and as I practiced, my mind opened to what I never believed I could become, not outwardly as in through the eyes of society, but in myself, and in my relations to others. Of all things, I have learned to live a life of love. I never expected that from Kung Fu, from Bruce Lee.
Here are a two quotes from this book that helped change my life as I applied them, and as practicing Wing Chun Kung Fu helped me understand:
"Nothingness cannot be defined; the softest thing cannot be snapped."
"Consciousness of self is the greatest hindrance to the execution of all physical action." (I have applied this to all action, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical).
These two quotes started me on a different path in life. I am so grateful to God for Bruce Lee's influence, in the world, and in my personal life. He had true wisdom and that wisdom has been preserved in these pages.
February 1, 2023
Brilliant. Jeet Kune Do is one martial art I have never even dabbled in. One day, though.
Bruce was a fan of getting to the point. He wasn't so into the flashy stuff, which I admired. He prized speed over beauty when it came to a fight. As fighting is very much the opposite of a dance (at least in most cases. There are some exceptions), he was ahead of his time when it came to that mindset.
This is why it bugs me how he was portrayed in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. During his fight with Brad Pitt's character, he DOES NOT fight how Bruce did in real life. He never would've thrown stupid jumping kicks like that. The whole scene was rubbish.
Anyway, this is a great book for any fan of his, or anyone who currently trains in the art.
Bruce was a fan of getting to the point. He wasn't so into the flashy stuff, which I admired. He prized speed over beauty when it came to a fight. As fighting is very much the opposite of a dance (at least in most cases. There are some exceptions), he was ahead of his time when it came to that mindset.
This is why it bugs me how he was portrayed in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. During his fight with Brad Pitt's character, he DOES NOT fight how Bruce did in real life. He never would've thrown stupid jumping kicks like that. The whole scene was rubbish.
Anyway, this is a great book for any fan of his, or anyone who currently trains in the art.
October 30, 2007
Cool for fans, but I still can't throw a one inch punch.
August 6, 2012
I read this book for the philosophy not for the martial arts but as a former martial arts practitioner it was interesting to see the basic review of the approach to Jeet Kune Do-- many of Bruce Lee's approaches have been incorporated into modern Kung Fu.
At its essence Tao of Jeet Kune Do is two thick slices of Philosophy (at the beginning an end) with a serving of Martial arts in between. It is there where Bruce Lee is most poignant.
What brought me to this book:
I've been looking for books that refer to methodologies of operating with a clear mind. Freud has called this ‘evenly suspended attention�. Surprising very little is written in the way of how to deliberately practice these techniques.
I know the concept is covered in meditation books—but I felt they might go too far into the meditation aspects and not in the ‘meditation� as a way of engaging in life.
A mentor recalled that Bruce Lee touches on this topic in this book. You might ask why Lee would touch on such a subject—but its clear. In his short time on earth Bruce had pushed himself to the limits of human accomplishment; such physical feats were only possibly because Bruce Lee managed to master his mind as well as his body. More specifically through mental mastery, he mastered his body.
Philosophical points:
In the book Bruce Lee outlines his philosophical underpinnings for his great achievement. And while he does not go so far as to communicating the ‘how-to� behind how he achieved self- mastery, he does without puffery describe the state in such vivid detail that he sets the reader on the journey to ultimate pursuit.
For this reason I give this book four stars- though for those interested in this book for its philosophical merits—I propose reading only the opening and closing chapters, but read them again and again.
At its essence Tao of Jeet Kune Do is two thick slices of Philosophy (at the beginning an end) with a serving of Martial arts in between. It is there where Bruce Lee is most poignant.
What brought me to this book:
I've been looking for books that refer to methodologies of operating with a clear mind. Freud has called this ‘evenly suspended attention�. Surprising very little is written in the way of how to deliberately practice these techniques.
I know the concept is covered in meditation books—but I felt they might go too far into the meditation aspects and not in the ‘meditation� as a way of engaging in life.
A mentor recalled that Bruce Lee touches on this topic in this book. You might ask why Lee would touch on such a subject—but its clear. In his short time on earth Bruce had pushed himself to the limits of human accomplishment; such physical feats were only possibly because Bruce Lee managed to master his mind as well as his body. More specifically through mental mastery, he mastered his body.
Philosophical points:
In the book Bruce Lee outlines his philosophical underpinnings for his great achievement. And while he does not go so far as to communicating the ‘how-to� behind how he achieved self- mastery, he does without puffery describe the state in such vivid detail that he sets the reader on the journey to ultimate pursuit.
For this reason I give this book four stars- though for those interested in this book for its philosophical merits—I propose reading only the opening and closing chapters, but read them again and again.
May 27, 2009
What can I say about this book & this man. Bruce lee has always had such an influence on me, especially in my teens. Of course, he is well known as a martial art film star ,but he is so much more than that. He was a teacher & philosopher too, who had to fight against racism while living in america to become the man he was to become. This book describes the art that he created called `Jeet kune do`- the way of the intercepting fist. One of my favourite quotes of his which sums up his philosophy goes as follows:- "Be formless, shapeless like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put water into a teapot, it becomes a teapot. Now water can flow, or it can crash! Be water my water."- Bruce Lee
January 7, 2012
During my adolescence Bruce Lee was a hero of mine. He was a minority hero who broke down racial barriers. I remember seeing a documentary about Lee. It interviewed famous black Americans who considered Lee a hero of theirs as well just because he wasn't white (and he could kick butt like no one else).
I bought this book back in the 80's and still have it. There's philosophy, art and, of course, martial arts. It is a testimony to a truly fascinating life. I don't agree with all the philosophy, but I appreciate the depths to which Bruce Lee lived his art. It transformed him and the world around him.
I bought this book back in the 80's and still have it. There's philosophy, art and, of course, martial arts. It is a testimony to a truly fascinating life. I don't agree with all the philosophy, but I appreciate the depths to which Bruce Lee lived his art. It transformed him and the world around him.
December 9, 2008
There is a reason why, more than 20 years after his death, that Bruce Lee is still getting articles about his way and his own personal technique written in magazines and why he is still revered by so many. This book is a good example of the reasons why. The important thing though is to learn from his example, understand it, and then create your own method instead of just following it.
March 17, 2011
I don't have the exact read start and finish dates on many books I have read this year. The dates are approximated, as I have been in & out of the hospital, and on bed rest, and read 2-5 books a day depending on the book & length and my ability to focus. All dates are approximated, by month.
I have studied this book since I was 9....
I have studied this book since I was 9....
June 12, 2016
So good. No one says it better than Bruce Lee himself...
"Self-knowledge is the basis of Jeet Kun Do because it is effective, not only for the individual's martial art, but also for his life as a human being."
What an honor it must have been to have known him.
"Self-knowledge is the basis of Jeet Kun Do because it is effective, not only for the individual's martial art, but also for his life as a human being."
What an honor it must have been to have known him.
November 18, 2021
I consider Bruce as my GURU in martial arts his words from this book from shoulder to elbow to fist much is lost put me to find inner energy truths about body and mind.When I first sewa his movie Enter the Dragon I ran full speed from new excelsor theatres at VT station to navy nagar colaba at my house. IT'S a fantastic book to flow through in any art to know thyself.
January 15, 2013
Jeet Kune Do (JKD) was never meant to be a specific style, or another form of martial art. It was just a name Bruce Lee reluctantly coined because he felt he had to call it something. He was concerned that, once named, his approach to Martial Arts could be misinterpreted or exploited.
Anyway, 40 years after Bruce Lee's death, this volume and the 4 paperback volumes of "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method" (now also available in one Hardcover volume) offer, in my opinion, the best overview of his practical and philosophical views on unarmed combat.
The "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" is a comprehensive collection of Bruce's writings and drawings on a variety of Martial Arts topics... practical, theoretical and philosophical. They were originally compiled and edited by Gilbert Johnson. Since each section is a compilation of separate notes, there is much duplication of material, but I never felt this was a problem. Some sections include reproductions of Bruce's original hand-written notes. The Expanded edition (published in 2011) contains additional introductions and commentary and has been rearranged and remastered. I have copies of both, but I think either volume, separately, is worth owning. There's a lot of information here and the reader could spend a lifetime practicing, refining and discarding the material presented in these pages.
Rather than forcing his students to fit one mold or style, Bruce tailored his training methods to fit the needs and balance the limitations of his students. The living, breathing person was far more important than any style. Bruce would encourage his students to "absorb what is useful" and discard whatever didn't work for them. So, in a sense, each student followed his own, personal, course of Jeet Kune Do instruction.
The "Tao" offers the reader an intriguing look at the art of unarmed combat, by the most celebrated Martial Artist of our time.
Anyway, 40 years after Bruce Lee's death, this volume and the 4 paperback volumes of "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method" (now also available in one Hardcover volume) offer, in my opinion, the best overview of his practical and philosophical views on unarmed combat.
The "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" is a comprehensive collection of Bruce's writings and drawings on a variety of Martial Arts topics... practical, theoretical and philosophical. They were originally compiled and edited by Gilbert Johnson. Since each section is a compilation of separate notes, there is much duplication of material, but I never felt this was a problem. Some sections include reproductions of Bruce's original hand-written notes. The Expanded edition (published in 2011) contains additional introductions and commentary and has been rearranged and remastered. I have copies of both, but I think either volume, separately, is worth owning. There's a lot of information here and the reader could spend a lifetime practicing, refining and discarding the material presented in these pages.
Rather than forcing his students to fit one mold or style, Bruce tailored his training methods to fit the needs and balance the limitations of his students. The living, breathing person was far more important than any style. Bruce would encourage his students to "absorb what is useful" and discard whatever didn't work for them. So, in a sense, each student followed his own, personal, course of Jeet Kune Do instruction.
The "Tao" offers the reader an intriguing look at the art of unarmed combat, by the most celebrated Martial Artist of our time.
July 24, 2020
believed that kata forms and martial art tournament matches alike (like Karate) were simply "organised despair". He believed that in order to "fully express oneself, one must have no limitations" (kata and rigid and non-flowing movements being the limitation). His system was revolutionary, and included all possible forms of strikes: attacks to the groin, finger jab to the eye.
The name Jeet Kune Do was often said by Lee to be just a name, and he often referred to it as "the art of expressing the human body" in his writings and in interviews. Through his studies Lee came to believe that styles had become too rigid and unrealistic. He called martial art competitions of the day "dry land swimming". He believed real combat was spontaneous, and a martial artist cannot predict it, but only react to it, and a good martial artist should "be like water"—move fluidly without hesitation.
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The name Jeet Kune Do was often said by Lee to be just a name, and he often referred to it as "the art of expressing the human body" in his writings and in interviews. Through his studies Lee came to believe that styles had become too rigid and unrealistic. He called martial art competitions of the day "dry land swimming". He believed real combat was spontaneous, and a martial artist cannot predict it, but only react to it, and a good martial artist should "be like water"—move fluidly without hesitation.
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March 16, 2018
Great book with detailed information about Jeet Kune Do and the philosophy behind it. Although it's incomplete but it's satisfying to read Lee's philosophy. A must read for those who are interested in this matter.
December 26, 2012
Great book from a great man
January 8, 2019
I can't remember where I got this book. It's been a while. If I had to guess, I'd say that I bought it myself.
The introduction to the book, written by Linda Lee and the editor, says that the book contains little new information. It is mostly how Bruce himself liked to train and fight. I agree with them. Indeed, the first section on Zen and how it relates to the mindset of a Martial Artist echoes a book I read recently, "The Sword and the Mind". Both of them speak of how a martial artist should possess an empty mind so they can react quickly, and stress the importance of mental flexibility (i.e. not being fixed or rigid in methods).
Sometimes it appears like an instruction manual with explicit advice and lines like "the student should X" or "the instructor should Y". Other times it appears more like personal notes, such as the terms he doesn't define, the pictures without captions or explanation, and lines in parenthesis like "investigate Z for M purpose". I don't know how "crispy" relates to a martial art movement. I think it means something like a "snappy" motion.
I read Bruce expressing frustration at classical styles. They are seen as rigid, limiting and counter-productive because they inhibit innovation and individuality. "Organized despair" is how he refers to the forms/kata/etc. that these classical styles have. I can relate to that. There are times when I feel like they are more about looking good than being good. This book strikes me as a search for practical knowledge and methods. "Classical" is a pejorative.
Interestingly, he speaks positively of boxing. The practical sections, that of the specific "tools" and such, include images of boxing-like figures and refers to it often.
The techniques of Jeet Kune Do, based on this explicit technique section, involves a lot of feinting, deception and countering. Little attention is paid to kicking, at least relative to the fist techniques. While it may seem as though this is the same sort of limiting he criticized earlier, he says that what he includes here are simply templates; basic archetypes to use as needed. If they don't work, then forget them and trying something else.
I wouldn't recommend this book to a beginner. It strikes me as something for the intermediate and beyond to use to advance their craft. A beginning practitioner should develop self-discipline and a body of knowledge first. I base this recommendation on my self. Personally, I would NOT have been able to use as this book as a beginner. It would have been in one ear and out the other. Either that, or I would skip the methodology and go straight for the techniques, and thus miss the point entirely.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" an A+
The introduction to the book, written by Linda Lee and the editor, says that the book contains little new information. It is mostly how Bruce himself liked to train and fight. I agree with them. Indeed, the first section on Zen and how it relates to the mindset of a Martial Artist echoes a book I read recently, "The Sword and the Mind". Both of them speak of how a martial artist should possess an empty mind so they can react quickly, and stress the importance of mental flexibility (i.e. not being fixed or rigid in methods).
Sometimes it appears like an instruction manual with explicit advice and lines like "the student should X" or "the instructor should Y". Other times it appears more like personal notes, such as the terms he doesn't define, the pictures without captions or explanation, and lines in parenthesis like "investigate Z for M purpose". I don't know how "crispy" relates to a martial art movement. I think it means something like a "snappy" motion.
I read Bruce expressing frustration at classical styles. They are seen as rigid, limiting and counter-productive because they inhibit innovation and individuality. "Organized despair" is how he refers to the forms/kata/etc. that these classical styles have. I can relate to that. There are times when I feel like they are more about looking good than being good. This book strikes me as a search for practical knowledge and methods. "Classical" is a pejorative.
Interestingly, he speaks positively of boxing. The practical sections, that of the specific "tools" and such, include images of boxing-like figures and refers to it often.
The techniques of Jeet Kune Do, based on this explicit technique section, involves a lot of feinting, deception and countering. Little attention is paid to kicking, at least relative to the fist techniques. While it may seem as though this is the same sort of limiting he criticized earlier, he says that what he includes here are simply templates; basic archetypes to use as needed. If they don't work, then forget them and trying something else.
I wouldn't recommend this book to a beginner. It strikes me as something for the intermediate and beyond to use to advance their craft. A beginning practitioner should develop self-discipline and a body of knowledge first. I base this recommendation on my self. Personally, I would NOT have been able to use as this book as a beginner. It would have been in one ear and out the other. Either that, or I would skip the methodology and go straight for the techniques, and thus miss the point entirely.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" an A+
August 8, 2014
"Если вы следуете классическому образцу, вы познаете рутину, традицию, тени, но не познаете себя."
Знаешь ли ты Брюса Ли?
В детстве мне хотелось быть похожей на него, мы с отцом смотрели фильмы, где Брюс, hot and sexy, виртуозно поражал врагов, и это было прекрасно, словно весна. Знать, что такой человек, ставший в голове именем нарицательным, легендой, написал текст, который ты можешь прочитать, - это такое же чувство, какое я испытывала, читая Авесту и думая, что вижу (условно) те же слова, которые видели люди невероятное количество лет назад.
Книга представляет собой пособие для людей, занимающихся боевыми искусствами, со схемами, конкретными советами по поддержанию формы, тренировкам, приемам битвы, однако предваряется и завершается основная часть краткими философскими выжимками, основанными на буддизме. Скажи их кто-нибудь другой, ты бы мог проигнорировать, но когда ты представляешь, как эти слова выходят изо рта Брюса Ли, они наполняются особенной силой, весом, ты начинаешь пытаться понимать. Интересно также было узнать, что Брюс Ли не принимал религию и прочее перекладывание ответственности за свои поступки, призывал отказываться от клетки правил в бою и так далее. Но здорово, что эти высказывания подходят не только к искусству боя, но и ко многим другим. "Если вы хотите, чтобы открылась истина, никогда не будьте ни «за», ни «против». Борьба между «за» и «против» есть самая худшая болезнь ума. " Издательство проделало дико крутую работу, переиздав книгу.
"Прежде всего не полагайтесь на незыблемость правил" (Брюс Ли)
Знаешь ли ты Брюса Ли?
В детстве мне хотелось быть похожей на него, мы с отцом смотрели фильмы, где Брюс, hot and sexy, виртуозно поражал врагов, и это было прекрасно, словно весна. Знать, что такой человек, ставший в голове именем нарицательным, легендой, написал текст, который ты можешь прочитать, - это такое же чувство, какое я испытывала, читая Авесту и думая, что вижу (условно) те же слова, которые видели люди невероятное количество лет назад.
Книга представляет собой пособие для людей, занимающихся боевыми искусствами, со схемами, конкретными советами по поддержанию формы, тренировкам, приемам битвы, однако предваряется и завершается основная часть краткими философскими выжимками, основанными на буддизме. Скажи их кто-нибудь другой, ты бы мог проигнорировать, но когда ты представляешь, как эти слова выходят изо рта Брюса Ли, они наполняются особенной силой, весом, ты начинаешь пытаться понимать. Интересно также было узнать, что Брюс Ли не принимал религию и прочее перекладывание ответственности за свои поступки, призывал отказываться от клетки правил в бою и так далее. Но здорово, что эти высказывания подходят не только к искусству боя, но и ко многим другим. "Если вы хотите, чтобы открылась истина, никогда не будьте ни «за», ни «против». Борьба между «за» и «против» есть самая худшая болезнь ума. " Издательство проделало дико крутую работу, переиздав книгу.
"Прежде всего не полагайтесь на незыблемость правил" (Брюс Ли)
December 13, 2017
The Tao Of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee was definitely an experience for me. For years I have been wanting to get my hands on this book, because I have been a fan of Bruce Lee since I was born. I’ve seen all his movies, and his TV shows like The Green Hornet and Longside, and admire his philosophical messages on life.This book discusses how Jeet Kune Do is not just some fighting style, or like what Mr. Lee said, “organised despair�, it was rather an “art of expressing the human body� by pushing to their fullest potential, with no limitations.
Each page has what reminds me of stanzas in a poem, 10 rows with two to three sentences each. Jotting his explanations on how one must use their entire body to strike at someone else's entire body, like the eyes, and towards the groin. He also explains how one must be ready and prepared at all times, training to make sure that when a real fight should come, you’ll be ready to protect yourself.
I loved this book, both analytically, and spiritually. This felt like meditation, showing me how our minds can affect our outcomes. If we don’t believe that we can do something, our entire body will follow, so we shouldn’t doubt ourselves. This was a wake up call to me because I felt that I have been slacking on maintaining my health and overall well being. After reading this, I felt more persistent and confident on going to the gym every week and take care of myself. The book did a great job at making me realize that. It was a blast experiencing this book. Rest in Peace Bruce Lee. “Be water my friend�.
Each page has what reminds me of stanzas in a poem, 10 rows with two to three sentences each. Jotting his explanations on how one must use their entire body to strike at someone else's entire body, like the eyes, and towards the groin. He also explains how one must be ready and prepared at all times, training to make sure that when a real fight should come, you’ll be ready to protect yourself.
I loved this book, both analytically, and spiritually. This felt like meditation, showing me how our minds can affect our outcomes. If we don’t believe that we can do something, our entire body will follow, so we shouldn’t doubt ourselves. This was a wake up call to me because I felt that I have been slacking on maintaining my health and overall well being. After reading this, I felt more persistent and confident on going to the gym every week and take care of myself. The book did a great job at making me realize that. It was a blast experiencing this book. Rest in Peace Bruce Lee. “Be water my friend�.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2013
This is a collection of tips and techniques from Bruce Lee about his martial arts technique. There is very little structure to the book, and it's not something one should read cover to cover. I think it would be most helpful as a martial arts/jeet kune do reference manual and improvement guide, including not only the movements and musculature necessary but also the mental focus and way of thought. The whole collection of material gives some insight into Bruce Lee's way of thinking--perhaps most especially the diagrams, drawings and hand-written notes by BL scattered through the text. Even as such it's a difficult read--there are many sections that are just collections of essentially one-liners, frequently overlapping each other in material and even words, and then at other times barely related to each other. As a training manual it does tell you how and where to move your body, but doesn't come near the utility of a video or live instructor.
March 10, 2015
this is a game changer....
everyone takes something different from this book, it's so open to many interpretations but the best part about it is the fact you really get to dive into Bruce Lee's mind. you get to see what he was thinking, what he was trying to accomplish and most of all a way of life. if you're an athelte who lifts or plays ball you'll learn something. if you're a Buddhist or Christian looking for a new spritual perspective you'll learn something. if you're wandering aimlessly in life and looking to find a path, a way, or "TAO" you'll learn something.
everyone takes something different from this book, it's so open to many interpretations but the best part about it is the fact you really get to dive into Bruce Lee's mind. you get to see what he was thinking, what he was trying to accomplish and most of all a way of life. if you're an athelte who lifts or plays ball you'll learn something. if you're a Buddhist or Christian looking for a new spritual perspective you'll learn something. if you're wandering aimlessly in life and looking to find a path, a way, or "TAO" you'll learn something.
October 6, 2017
Very informative and a great look into Bruce's mind when it came to the martial arts. This would make a great read for anyone that has ever been a fan of his or even had the slightest interest in martial arts.
Learn about Jeet Kune Do. What it is and the idea behind the style. Follow that up with Bruce's views on becoming a better fighter from coordination to power and endurance both body and mind.
Learn about Jeet Kune Do. What it is and the idea behind the style. Follow that up with Bruce's views on becoming a better fighter from coordination to power and endurance both body and mind.
August 6, 2010
Concrete no-nonsense martial arts. Very good for the martial artist and athlete alike. This book really encouraged me to branch out in Martial Arts and learn the traditional sports like wrestling and boxing.
October 23, 2019
There's some geniunely profound passages of wisdom here and there, but the big chunk of the book is spent on describing mechanics that, in today's age of youtube tutorials, are pretty much obsolete as a teaching method. Don't see much value in reading this beyond the first and last chapters (the philosopy parts) unless you're a Bruce Less scholar.
July 7, 2020
You can't get through life without this book.
December 4, 2020
If you've studied martial arts in the twenty-first century like me, you're going to recognize the bare bones of what is known today as MMA: punching, kicking, kneeing, wrestling, grappling, submissions, etc.
While it technically isn't a training book, there is a pretty wide array of moves and techniques broken down into words and segments. Enough for it to be super impressive. Bruce Lee passed over twenty years before the birth of MMA and right away he could see the futility of "styles". Why would you study a "style" when you can study them all and concentrate them into a deadly hybrid? Lee says it in the end: Jeet Kune Do is just a name. Forget the name. It's the ideas that matter.
It's the ideas which are interesting too. Lee was a fan of the idea that the self gets in the way of martial arts. That you have to "empty yourself" in order to get filled up. I love that metaphor. That you can't "want" things when you fight and you can't "not want" things. You have to be empty and let the situation guide you wherever it may. I was glad to read it even at 38 with a bagage of martial arts behind me. Sometimes, it's good to go underneath it all.
While it technically isn't a training book, there is a pretty wide array of moves and techniques broken down into words and segments. Enough for it to be super impressive. Bruce Lee passed over twenty years before the birth of MMA and right away he could see the futility of "styles". Why would you study a "style" when you can study them all and concentrate them into a deadly hybrid? Lee says it in the end: Jeet Kune Do is just a name. Forget the name. It's the ideas that matter.
It's the ideas which are interesting too. Lee was a fan of the idea that the self gets in the way of martial arts. That you have to "empty yourself" in order to get filled up. I love that metaphor. That you can't "want" things when you fight and you can't "not want" things. You have to be empty and let the situation guide you wherever it may. I was glad to read it even at 38 with a bagage of martial arts behind me. Sometimes, it's good to go underneath it all.
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