way, I’ll be getting a degree in philosophy.
Actually how are you getting along? I’ve met a few fellows while I was back in Hong Kong and according to the different reports I’ve heard I really don’t know what to think. Also, I saw the twin brothers (one of them) while walking along the Hong Kong street. Are they back to Australia? I heard they are rather obnoxious. Hawkins Cheung is in Hong Kong now.
Nowadays I indulge myself in reading and gung fu practice. I’m staying with a fellow who is also a nut in the Chinese art (this guy is really practicing—he can break a bottom brick without breaking the first one),5 and together we practice two hours a day.
We have a nice gym built in the garage and my wooden dummy is set up. My partner has also built two other different dummies that prove to be of much use to Wing Chun form and method. We are in the process of completing some protective equipment for actual sparring without pulling punches.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Bruce
To William Cheung, Hughes, A.C.T., Australia
Posted from Oakland, California, on November 22, 1964, at 9:00 AM
Nov. 21, 1964
Dear William,
Your letter is kind of stressing doubt on our friendship. I don’t wish to write to have you think that I’m writing for Gung Fu information—I’m writing merely because I want to write to you. Please do not stress on the need (as you mentioned in your letter) on my part for your opinion. Of course you helped me while we were in Hong Kong and I’m grateful, but please write to me as a friend, not as one who has all the answers, which I’m sure no one has. These are facts I’m putting down and am not trying to be disagreeable.
Things are getting pretty good here in Calif. and if I have not told you that I’m married, well, I am—she is a real nice girl and is a straight ‘A’. student. We have been married for a year something now. In fact, we are going to have a baby soon.
Just as an object needs a subject, the person in attack is not taking an independent position but is acting as an assistant. ... You need your opponent to complete the other half of a whole. . . . Thus gentleness/firmness is one inseparable force of one unceasing interplay of movement.
The book you read is a basic book I’ve written somewhere in 19636 and I’m in the process of completing a much [more] thorough book on the Tao of Gung Fu.7 It will be the size of Nishiyama’s book [Karate: The Art of Empty Hand] if you’ve seen it. This book will contain my insight during these past five years, I’ve worked hard for it.
My wife and I are planning to take a trip to Hong Kong next year, that is if I can make it. It will be nice if you can go too. I bet it would be difficult to get off a government job for a few months. If you can make it over to the States do let me know ahead of time, I’m sure we can put you up in my house.
Truly yours,
Bruce
1965
To Taky Kimura
The following announcement card was posted on February 1, 1965, the day that Brandon Bruce Lee was born.
February 1, 1965
Our Baby’s here.
Name: Brandon B. Lee
Date: Feb. 1, 1965
Weight: Eight lbs., eleven oz.
Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Lee
A big healthy boy of course!
Brandon Bruce Lee—July 1965
To Taky Kimura
February 1965
Taky,
When I mailed my letter today, I received your letter. Thank you for the income tax form and what not. You know, if you were a Chinaman I would think you are trying to be funny by ending the letter, “Your See Hing” [Your Senior], Taky. . . .8
Well, I guess I wouldn’t be in Life magazine yet because they want to concentrate first on “Batman.” You better take damn good care of yourself and don’t move too much yet, and let Chris take care of the class. You have to push... to help push gung fu in Seattle.
[The martial artist you mentioned] is no sweat as he doesn’t even understand what is rhythm (timing) & distance, which is the core of all martial art. Of course simplicity is a necessary component, too. When he does open the class, I do not think he will be a threat as I know you have better basic requirements, though he is “blown up” with so-called muscles, [they are] not efficient ones, unfortunately.
I’ll see to it that the dummy will be on the way, even if I have to send it myself. I didn’t give that demonstration on the 20th of this month because I am not in the mood for it—I might help Ralph Castro on his World Tournament this coming 6th of March.
I have stopped training for two weeks now and will resume again when I’m back in Hong Kong. On this trip I’ll pick up more flowery [gung fu] forms and what not for the TV show—the viewers like fancy stuff anyway.
The first chance I have I’ll film the Wing Chun 3 Forms9 and tai-chi and whatever I feel that will be helpful and beneficial to you. It will be in 8 mm.
My mind is made up to start a system of my own—I mean a system of totality, embracing all but yet guided with simplicity. It will concentrate on the root of things10—rhythm, timing, distance—and embrace the five ways of attack.11 This is by far the most effective method I’ve ever encountered or will encounter. Anything beyond this has to be super-fantastic. Wing Chun is the starting point, chi sao is the nucleus, and [they are] supplemented by the FIVE WAYS. The whole system will concentrate on irregular rhythm and how to disturb and intercept the opponent’s rhythm the fastest and most efficient way. Above all, this system is not confined to straight line or curved line, but is content to stand in the middle of the circle without attachment. This way one can meet any lines without being familiar with them. Wait till I assemble everything.
Lately, I’ve been working on my book and it is nearly finished except for more photo taking.
Enclosed find some pictures I happened to run into when I looked for my stuff. Old Charles is in it....12
Linda sends her regards. Brandon is growing and growing.
Take care and do not over-exercise yet.
Bruce
PS. By the way, did you say you lost your membership card?
To His Wife, Linda13
Posted from Kowloon, Hong Kong, Febbruary 16 1965, at noon
February 15, 1965
Linda,
I’m most comforted to receive your letter, especially at a time like this. The whole family
