*ffflYffff &&$ lt ll rlrl RryAL t\ G,*C I Work-i n-Prog ress CONGRATULATIONS! By becoming a member of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, and, therefore, a recipient of this exclusive newsletter, you have availed yourself of an opportunity to be a passenger aboard a vehicle that will transport you through the world of Bruce Lee and his art of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. You will visit unique destinations via this newsletter; for instance, in this issue Bruce speaks about how he chose to study philosophy in an interview he did with a Taiwanese newspaper in 1912. You will also have a rare glimpse into Bruce's thought processes, as he applied his research to his art. For, as Bruce often said, "Knowing is not enough, we must apply; Willing is not enough, we must do." It is the goal of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do to gather information from Bruce's voluminous writings and personal correspondence, and to transcribe the recollections ofhis students and friends. In the compilation of this material we hope to discem insights into the essential core of Bruce Lee, the man, the artist, and the philoso- pher, and to pass these on to you for your own introspection. We hope you will join us in this quest. The Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus thinks of this publication, not as a typical martial arts or fan magazine, but as a work-in- progress. Just as Bruce thought of his life and his art as works-in- progress, we hope through the observation ofhis process to gain a greater understanding into the application of intelligent choices toward making a better life and a better world. As a member of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do you have pledged to actively nurture an interest in the perpetuation of the art and philosophy of Bruce Lee, and to that end we solicit your input to this newsletter. What would you like to know about Bruce that has perhaps never been answered before? What aspect of his art would you like to explore -- perhaps a philosophical point, a you e.lre* particular technique, or a scientific principle? Who would like to see interviewed who has perhaps not been in the spotlight? We value your participation in this work-in-progress. Please write to us with your comments and suggestions to: The study tour is just beginning. Be prepared to encounter enlightened vistas. Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do We're glad you are along for the ride. 967 E. Parkcenter Blvd. ln the spirit of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Box# 177 Boise,ID 83706 the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus Managing Editor: John Little Adlisory Board: The Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus Contribuling Editors: Linda Lee Cadwell. Chris Kent Art Director/Layout: Scotr Kolb Cover Design: Concept - John Little. Design - Scott Kolb ''KNOWING lS NOT ENOUGH" - The Official Newsletter of the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus is published quarterly by Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. 967 E. Parkcenter Blvd..Box # I 77, Boire. JD 83706. ffi tu Copyright rc) 1991 All Rights Reserved. tssN 1093-1325 THE "KNOWING IS NOT ENOUGH,, (KINE) INTERVI EW THIS MONTH: BRUCE LEE II On the role of Philosophy in Martial Art. H It is June of 1972. Bruce Lee has just appeared in Fist of Fury and is now working on The Way of the Dragon in Hong Kong. His star is ascending rapidly; he is the toast of South East Asia where his films are grossing millions of dollars for their production compo' nies. Afact that is not lost on America where Warner Brothers is busy preparing a script for Bruce to consider. It is a triumphant time for Bruce and his family, who have worked hard Jbr this moment since, arguably, before the cancel- lation oJ The Green Hornet television series in 1967. Still, with Hollywood beckoning and a one-man.iob of upgrading the stan- dard and overall quality of the Chinese films produced in Hong Kong, Bruce still contin- ues to diligently practice and refine his art and philosophy of Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. It is during this period of time that a reporter approachedBruce to interview himfor a newspaper based in Taiwan. The interview was some of the awkward phraseology employed during the translation). Fortunately for posterity, the reporter asked Bruce questions of a rather deep ,rr1,:, nature, centering on not only the meaning and nature i.,.,,,,,] of martial art, but of lfe and how Bruce was able to ,, make his martial art an extension and expression of his personal philosophy. As always, there is much wisdom in Lee's words -- and all of it practical and helpful in our own understanding of the many intricate colors that Lee painted upon the vost canvas that is Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. -- John Little (adapted from the forthcoming book: Words of the Dragon: Interviews with Bruce Lee, Tuttle Publishing, 1997). KNowrNG rs Nor ENoucH (D Describe your childhood to us. BRUCE LEE: When I told my friends and relatives that I had picked up BRUCE LEE: From boyhood to adoles- philosophy, they were all amazed. cence, I presented myself as a trouble Everybody thought I had better go into maker and was greatly disapproved of by Physical Education since the only extra- my elders. I was extremely mischievous, curricular activity that I was interested aggressive, hot-tempered and fierce. Not in, from my childhood until I graduated only my "opponents" of more or less my from my secondary school, was age stayed out of my way, but even the Chinese Martial Art. adults sometimes gave in to my temper. I never knew what it was that made me Are you implying that the two so pugnacious. The first thought that disciplines are not related? came into my mind whenever I met somebody BRUCE LEE: As a matter of fact. I disliked was "Challenge martial art and philosophy seem to be him!" But challenge him antithetical to each other. But I think with what? The only that the theoretical part of Chinese concrete thing that I could Martial Art seems to be getting indis- think of were my fists. I tinct. Every action should have its why thought that victory meant and wherefore; and there ought to be a beating down others, but I complete and proficient theory to back up failed to realize that victory the whole concept of Chinese Martial Art. gained by way of force was I wish to infuse the spirit of philoso- not real victory. phy into martial art, therefore I insist on What marked the turning studying philosophy. point for you in this regard? Did you continue to BRUCE LEE:When I practice martial urt while enrolled in the University of studying philosophy? Wpshington and was ehlightened by philosophy, I BRUCE LEE: I have ttl rbgretted all my previous thought that victory meant beating dOwn otherS, never discontinued immature assumptions. practicing but I failed to realize that victory gained *f#ffi.?lt Why did you select philoso- by way of force was not real victory.rl phy as a major? In what way has the study of philoso- phy helped you in your development as BRUCE LEE: My majoring a martial srtist? in philosophy was closely related to the pugnacity of hs BRUCE LEE: Well, for example, while I am my childhood. I often ask tracing the source and history of Chinese myself these questions: marlial art, this doubt always comes up: Now What comes after victory? that every branch of Chinese Gung Fu has its Why do people value victory own form, its own established style, are these so much? What is "glory?" the orisinal intentions of their founders? I What kind of "victory" is don't think so. Formality "glorious?" When my tutor could be a hindrance to assisted me in choosing my progress; this is appli- courses, he advised me to cable to everything, take up Philosophy because including philosophy. of my inquisitiveness. He The founder of any said, "philosophy will tell branch of Chinese Gung you what man lives for." Fu must be more ingenious than the ryi',.i6:i:.i3 What was the reaction of common man. If his your friends and family achievement is not when you told them that you carried on by disciples hsd decided to major in "Philosophy brings my Jeet Kune Do into a new of the same ingenuity, philosophy? and Kune then things will only realm in the sphere of martial arts, Jeet become formalized and Do brings my acting career to a new horizon." KNOWING IS NOT ENOUGH SPRING, 1997 get stuck in a cul-de-sac; whereby breakthrough are determined to call and progress will be almost impossible. my actions "Do" (i.e., the "Way" -- Ed.), then It is this understanding that makes me this action can be forsake all that I have learned before about called Jeet Kune Do: forms and formality. In Fist of Fury, I had a fight with Robert So it was in learning the answers to these Baker. In this fight philosophical questions that led you in time scene he locked my to create Jeet Kune Do? neck with his legs so that I became unable to BRUCE LEE: Actually, I never wanted to move. The only give a name to the kind of Chinese Kung Fu movable part of my that I have invented, but for convenience body was my mouth, sake, I still call it "Jeet Kune Do." However, so I gave him a bite! I want to emphasize that there is no clear I am notjoking.