Today would be the late Bruce Lee's 83rd birthday. He was more than just a martial arts expert and actor, he was also a philosopher who left behind timeless teachings on the philosophy of life and martial arts. He was a prodigious reader and note-taker. Many of these quotes would end up published in the posthumous work, "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do." One of the most famous quotes from the book is, "If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Moving, be like water. Still, be like a mirror. Respond like an echo." This quote comes from the Daoist text, known as the Liezi, believed to have been written in he 3rd or 4th century AD. The text attributes it to the Buddhist bodhisattva, Guanyin. Today, on Bruce Lee's birthday, we will explore the meaning behind this quote and how it can be applied to your Jeet Kune Do practice and your life.

The first part of the quote, "If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves," tells us...

Bruce Lee's philosophy of martial arts transcends physical movements and techniques. Behind his iconic fighting style, Jeet Kune Do, is a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and the role of ego in practice. Lee believed that to reach one's full potential in martial arts and in life, one must learn how to let go of ego and become like a wooden doll. This principle was recorded in the writings of echoed Yagyu Munenori, a Japanese swordsman and Zen practitioner and later quoted by the Zen Buddhist writer and missionary D.T. Suzuki.

Today, we explore the concept of the wooden doll and its significance in martial arts practice. We'll take a closer look at the teachings of Bruce Lee and Yagyu Munenori and how they can inform our training. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, the lessons of the wooden doll can transform your approach to martial arts and help you reach new heights.

The wooden doll is not to be confused with the Mukyanjong, or wooden dummy used in...

Bruce Lee once said, "Voidness is that which stands right in the middle between this and that."

This statement perfectly encapsulates the principles of Jeet Kune Do. The philosophy of Jeet Kune Do is centered around the concept of the living void, a state of being that is all-inclusive and has no opposite. Today, we will explore the meaning of the living void and how it can help practitioners of Jeet Kune Do become the best version of themselves.

The first step to understanding the living void is to recognize that it is not some empty, meaningless space. Instead, it is a dynamic force that is full of energy and potential. According to Bruce Lee, the void is the source of all life and power, and it is where all forms come from. In other words, the void is the ultimate creative force in the universe, and it holds the key to unleashing our full potential.

To tap into the power of the living void, practitioners of Jeet Kune Do must first learn to let go of their preconceptions and...

Bruce Lee was not only a legendary martial artist but also a philosophy student who believed in the oneness of all life. He believed that the key to transcending karma lies in the proper use of the mind and the will. The concept of karma refers to the consequences of our actions, both good and bad, which shape our present and future. Today, we will explore Bruce Lee's philosophy on how to transcend karma and live a fulfilling life without being bound by our past deeds. If you're a Jeet Kune Do practitioner or simply interested in martial arts philosophy, then this blog post is for you.

The Power of the Mind

According to Bruce Lee, the mind is the most powerful tool we possess. It is through the power of the mind that we can control our actions and reactions. By cultivating a strong and disciplined mind, we can overcome our negative tendencies and transcend karma. Bruce Lee believed that the mind is like a muscle that needs to be trained and strengthened through meditation and...

As Bruce Lee once said, martial arts is not just about the physical prowess and skill, but it also encompasses the cultivation of the mind and spirit. For those who practice Jeet Kune Do the ultimate goal is to attain enlightenment. But what exactly does this mean? Today, we’ll explore the path to enlightenment in martial art and the importance of uniting the different aspects of our practice.

Enlightenment in martial arts is more than just mastering techniques or winning fights. Rather, it’s about reaching a state of true knowledge and understanding. This means transcending the ego and breaking down the barriers that restrict us from reaching our full potential. It also involves a realization that everything is interconnected – our mind, body, and spirit are all connected, and there is no separation between them.

To achieve enlightenment in martial arts, it’s important to focus not just on the physical aspect of training, but also on the mental aspects....

Jeet Kune Do, the martial art that was created by Bruce Lee, emphasizes the importance of mastering the self before mastering the art. Bruce Lee said, "Approach Jeet Kune Do with the idea of mastering the will." This simple but powerful statement means that the martial artist must have the right mindset and attitude to develop the willpower and determination needed to succeed in Jeet Kune Do. In this blog post, we will explore how mastering the will is an essential approach in Jeet Kune Do, and how it can help Jeet Kune Do students achieve their full potential.

Understanding the Will in Jeet Kune Do
The will is an essential part of Jeet Kune Do since it helps martial artists overcome obstacles and challenges in training and real-life situations. The will encompasses attributes such as determination, focus, discipline, and perseverance, which are critical to becoming successful in Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee believed that the will is a fundamental aspect of self-mastery and that a...