When you hear someone mention the name Bruce Lee ,what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Icon, legend, actor, writer, martial artist, and master are words that come flooding into my head. The fact of the matter is, Lee was all of those things and so much more.

On July 20, 1973 Lee tragically passed away at just 32 years old. But while he wasn’t on this earth long, he left a lasting legacy and he is still fondly remembered today.

Lee was revolutionary. In film, he changed the way martial arts action movies were perceived here in the US and changed how fight choreography is done. In the world of martial arts, he changed the way people thought about hand to hand combat. Lee was a Wing Chun master, but he knew that no one style could truly prepare someone for a fight so Lee studied many different styles; taking a little bit from each as he developed his own style Jeet Kune Do.

While acting and martial arts are generally what Lee is most well known for, there was more to the man; most notably his philosophical views. Lee was an avid student of philosophy and he was a keen observer of the world around him. In addition to that, Lee was ahead of his time in regards to his approach to fitness and nutrition; eating non-processed foods and utilizing traditional bodybuilding techniques.

Even though Lee has been gone for over 40 years, we continue to find out more about who he truly was and what made him the real American Dream.

Enjoy.

About The Author

RJ Gardner
Content Coordinator

RJ Gardner is a rabid sports fan and a long time MMA enthusiast. After watching UFC 1 at ripe old age of 11 RJ was hooked and his passion for the sport has continued to blossom over the years. RJ has been covering MMA since 2007 and has had work featured on Bleacher Report, SI.com, CBSSports.com and UFC.com. RJ is also a Petroleum Transportation Operations Manager during the day.