Fans of martial arts legend Bruce Lee fondly recall his life philosophy 50 years after his death

Hong Kong – Fans of the late Bruce Lee, the martial arts legend who shattered negative stereotypes about Asian men in his films, gathered in Hong Kong this week to mourn the death of their idol half a century ago and reflect on his legacy and life philosophy of tenacity.

Born in San Francisco, Lee grew up in the financial capital of Asia and was noted for his martial arts talent. His fight against racist portrayals Asian figures on the big and small screens of the 1960s and 70s. He died at the height of his fame at the age of 32 from an allergic reaction to painkillers.

Fans gathered at an exhibition about Lee’s life and career in Hong Kong to mark the 50th anniversary of his death on Thursday. They also laid wreaths at his statue at the Avenue of Stars, a tourist attraction modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the Kowloon coast in Victoria Harbour.

A government-run museum organized a camp to learn about Lee’s legacy by introducing students to Jeet Kune Do, a martial arts style he invented and practiced. His films were also screened at the museum.

Many of Lee’s supporters said they were inspired by his philosophy from a young age, even though they only learned about him and his work after his death.

Translator Sophie Uekawa said she was first drawn to Lee’s muscular body and smooth movements on TV. But she was later impressed by his words, which also included how the unfortunate situation would eventually pass. When Kamikawa was bullied by a classmate in junior high school, Lee’s words helped him cope with feelings of helplessness.

Mr. Kamikawa said, “You can say it’s my savior.”

Lee began his career as a child actor in the 1940s and began learning Chinese Kung Fu at the age of 13. In 1959 she returned to the United States and she studied philosophy at the University of Washington.

superstar fought hard racist stereotypes In the U.S. entertainment industry, Hollywood often portrayed Asian men as servants, laborers, or evil geniuses.

Lee eventually returned to Hong Kong and produced hits like “Big Boss” and “Fist of Fury.” His posthumous film, Enter the Dragon, was released six days after his death and became his most popular film. He was one of the first Asian actors to achieve Hollywood megastardom, fueling the kung fu craze that took the world by storm.

W. Wong, chairman of a Bruce Lee fan club founded in Hong Kong nearly 30 years ago, said the group’s demographics were changing as members aged, with only one member in his 20s.

The group still has about 600 members, but “we are facing problems in carrying on our work,” Wong said.

An instructor at a martial arts school in Hong Kong’s Jordan district said more than half of the Jeet Kune Do students at the studio came to learn the martial arts style because of Lee.

Teacher Ricky Fong said the importance of adaptability in Jeet Kune Do and life, pointing to one of Lee’s most famous quotes, “Friends, be water.” The phrase was frequently used by participants in the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy movement to describe their guerrilla strategy of moving fluidly around the city.

Adrian Lee, one of Fung’s students, said he admired Lee’s martial arts skills and philosophy. He added that Lee’s zeal to keep learning has had a profound effect on him.

“Nothing binds you. You can learn a lot,” he said.