Bruce Lee – Rewire Hero of the Week

“The possession of anything begins in the mind”

Bruce Lee

Born in November 27th, 1940 in both the hour and the year of the Dragon, Bruce Lee (Chinese: 李小龍), was a Hong Kong American actor, director, martial artist, martial arts instructor and philosopher.

Bruce Lee is considered by commentators, critics, media, and other martial artists to be the most influential martial artist of all time. Lee broke tradition by mastering and then incorporating the best aspects of different disciplines to create a hybrid, formless type of martial arts that could adapt to any style called Jeet Kune Do.  Lee is often credited by many to be the “father of mixed martial arts” influencing both boxing and MMA legends such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Conor McGregor, and Jon Jones.

In film and popular culture, Bruce Lee changed the perception of eastern culture and philosophy in the western world and helped to elevate the martial arts genre in film and share the philosophy and teachings from Taoism, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Buddhism.  During the course of his acting career, Bruce faced racism and prejudice being initially limited to starring in supporting roles like Kato in the Green Hornet and being turned down in leading roles like Kung Fu.  Ultimately, Lee’s determination to become the most popular martial artist and action star was realized right before his early death at the age of 32 on July 20, 1973. 

Lee’s success subsequently inspired a wave of Western martial arts films and television shows throughout the 1970s–1990s (launching the careers of Western martial arts stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris), as well as the more integration of Asian martial arts into action films and television shows during the 1980s–2000s.

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one”

Bruce Lee

Lee’s achievements serve as a timeless inspiration of what can be accomplished through experimentation, perseverance and self-belief which is why Bruce Lee is our Rewire Hero of the Week.

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To learn more about Bruce Lee we highly recommend this biography

Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly

And this documentary film:

How Bruce Lee Changed the World

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