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Tao of Jeet Kune Do: New Expanded Edition Paperback – November 1, 2011
Compiled from Bruce Lee’s notes and essays and originally published in 1975, this iconic volume is one of the seminal martial arts guides of its time. The science and philosophy behind the fighting system Lee pioneered himself—jeet kune do—is explained in detail, depicted through hundreds of Lee’s own illustrations. With the collaboration of Lee’s daughter, Shannon, and Bruce Lee Enterprises, this new edition is expanded, updated, and remastered, covering topics such as Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. Featuring an introduction by Linda Lee, this is essential reading for any practitioner, offering a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s greatest martial artists.
- Print length250 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBlack Belt Communications
- Publication dateNovember 1, 2011
- Dimensions8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
- ISBN-100897502027
- ISBN-13978-0897502023
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About the Author
Bruce Lee was an iconic figure in martial arts who pioneered the concept of jeet kune do from his physical training, personal research, and formal education in philosophy at the University of Washington–Seattle. He acted in several motion pictures, includingThe Big Boss,Enter the Dragon, Fists of Fury, andWay of the Dragon. He is the author ofBruce Lee: Wisdom for the Way,Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense,and the Fighting Method series.
Product details
- Publisher : Black Belt Communications
- Publication date : November 1, 2011
- Edition : Expanded edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 250 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0897502027
- ISBN-13 : 978-0897502023
- Item Weight : 1.75 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #23,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #15 inMartial Arts (Books)
- #163 inExercise & Fitness (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Bruce Lee (Chinese: 李小龍; born Lee Jun-fan, Chinese: 李振藩; November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) was a Hong Kong American martial artist, action film actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, filmmaker, and the founder of Jeet Kune Do. Lee was the son of Cantonese opera star Lee Hoi-Chuen. He is widely considered by commentators, critics, media and other martial artists to be one of the most influential martial artists of all time, and a pop culture icon of the 20th century. He is often credited with helping to change the way Asians were presented in American films.
Lee was born in Chinatown, San Francisco on November 27, 1940 to parents from Hong Kong and was raised in Kowloon with his family until his late teens. He was introduced to the film industry by his father and appeared in several films as a child actor. Lee moved to the United States at the age of 18 to receive his higher education, at the University of Washington, at Seattle and it was during this time that he began teaching martial arts. His Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, sparking a surge of interest in Chinese martial arts in the West in the 1970s. The direction and tone of his films changed and influenced martial arts and martial arts films in the United States, Hong Kong and the rest of the world.
He is noted for his roles in five feature-length films: Lo Wei's The Big Boss (1971) and Fist of Fury (1972); Golden Harvest's Way of the Dragon (1972), directed and written by Lee; Golden Harvest and Warner Brothers' Enter the Dragon (1973) and The Game of Death (1978), both directed by Robert Clouse. Lee became an iconic figure known throughout the world, particularly among the Chinese, as he portrayed Chinese nationalism in his films. He trained in the art of Wing Chun and later combined his other influences from various sources, in the spirit of his personal martial arts philosophy, which he dubbed Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist). Lee held dual nationality of Hong Kong and the United States. He died in Kowloon Tong on July 20, 1973 at the age of 32.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by National General Pictures (eBay front back) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a bible of martial arts, explaining everything in detail and offering a deep perspective on life. Moreover, they appreciate the excellent expanded edition with added commentary, and one customer notes it's a great introduction to understanding Bruce Lee's perspective. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its good pictures, clear illustrations, and effective pacing.
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Customers praise this martial arts book, describing it as the Bible of martial arts with thought-provoking insights, and one customer notes it goes beyond physical teachings.
"Amust have for any martial artist and Bruce Lee fan. "Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.""Read more
"It’sinsightful but it takes dedication and time to get through it, if not a lifetime."Read more
"This book is amust have for all martial artist, aside from introducing a new style Bruce Lee gives insight into his mindset as a fighter and a..."Read more
"powerfull book in to the teaching and mind of bruce lee have owned many copies through out 30 years never with out a copy in my house if have any..."Read more
Customers appreciate the expanded edition of the book, with one customer noting it makes everything clear and another mentioning it is crammed with information.
"Theexpanded edition adds more understanding of the original text. So you know and learn more from it."Read more
"...The newExtended Edition makes everything clear and is a pleasure to read"Read more
"...thorough and less to read than BRUCE LEE FIGHTING METHOD, THECOMPLETEE EDITION...."Read more
"This is theexpanded version of the original. If you are a fan of Bruce Lee its worth this expanded edition. TWCL"Read more
Customers appreciate the book's perspective, particularly its scientific approach to martial arts and health, with one customer noting how it changed their way of life.
"...Itoffers great perspective in life as ofcourse martial arts are not for fighting but to provide a balance in our way of living...."Read more
"...you might gain or benefit from this book, it can onlyimprove the quality of your life, no matter who you are or what you do...."Read more
"...Promoting health and well being. Have learned some and am still learning."Read more
"...treatise about life, self image, mindfulness, andhealth from an extraordinary mind."Read more
Customers appreciate the depth of the book, with one mentioning it covers a wide range of topics.
"...It isdeep and meaningful. Highly recommended. - Susanna K. Hutcheson"Read more
"...I have to stop and think about what he's saying, and it'spretty deep and meaningful for students of martial arts...."Read more
"The book covers a wide range anddepth of material and illustrates how thoroughly Bruce Lee approached his training and study...."Read more
"...Thisbook covers lots of territory. You don't have to fight to use Martial Arts every day."Read more
Customers find the book makes a great gift, with one mentioning it's particularly suitable for free-spirited martial artists.
"...This is agift to all free spirited martial artists."Read more
"Thisbook made a great gift. It is much more than about martial arts."Read more
"This book was anawesome gift for my hubby b/c he loves Bruce Lee. This book came to us in great condition and pretty quick !"Read more
"great gift..."Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one mentioning it helps understand the movements, while another notes it has move sketches.
"...It's great source material andlearning the moves, strikes and parries is fantastic...."Read more
"...everyday life. No frills.No unecessary movments to acheive your goals. No pretense! Just clean straight..."Read more
"Great book excellent scratches tohelp understand the movements and positions wonderful insight into the mind of a brilliant and talented man must..."Read more
"A very good book andexcellent maneuvers and good pictures thumbs up"Read more
Customers like the pictures in the book, with one mentioning clear illustrations and another noting a deep detailed look.
"Big fan of Bruce Lee, I enjoyed this book, it gives you adeep detailed look into the mind of Jeet Kune Do..."Read more
"Perfect size and lettering.Great picture quality. Love Bruce Lee. Great book to add to collection."Read more
"...The book gives you Bruce Lee's philosophy andpaints a clear picture of what you can expect when training in JKD."Read more
"A very good book and excellent maneuvers andgood pictures thumbs up"Read more
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2010First I must confess that I'm very much a Bruce Lee fan. He was born a few years before me so we are of the same generation. Someone like myself can't help but wonder, when reading this book, what Bruce might write today from the vantage point of age and experience. My personal opinion is that his basic philosophy would not have changed. He would have probably matured in his ideas and continue to evolve and in middle and old age he would have probably adjusted his martial arts to fit the unique needs of aging. But, we'll never know since he died before he had a chance to age. His philosophy, however, was ancient and great. He was wise far beyond his years. And we can still learn much from him --- both about his Tao (Way) and his martial arts style.
The book couples his philosophy, which is mostly Buddhist or eastern, and his method of fighting. I find them both enlightening.
For example, he tells us to keep our chin tucked toward our shoulder as a defense. He teaches us how to keep from being an easy target and how to attack with explosive action from a neutral stance. These are things that never go out of style.
Lee writes, "With the chin dropped and pinned tight to the collarbone, the muscles and bone structure are in the best possible alignment and only the top of the head is presented to the opponent, making it impossible to be hit on the point of the chin."
I found one or two things that didn't sound like Bruce and they didn't fit in with his times. I felt the editor took a few liberties and added his own thoughts or what he felt Bruce might have believed.
For example, under "Everyday opportunities for exercises" we read:
Take a walk whenever you can -- like parking the car a few blocks away from your destination.
Avoid taking the elevator; climb the stairs instead.
. . . the rest sounds like Bruce. The above statements, while certainly good advice, were not in the lexicon of Bruce's era. They came into being during the last decade or so. Moreover, these two statements do not sound like Lee. They sound like every modern fitness writer on the planet.
This book is more than Bruce's fighting method, though it is that. It is inspiring and powerful. It is full of wisdom and inspiration and thoughtful advice and meditation. Lee had a wide range of interests. He was a dancer. He was an artist. He took an interest in many things and many philosophies. He was not a good actor. His wife Linda often says that Bruce considered himself a martial artist first and an actor second. I'm not sure that's true. Lee took a keen interest in his acting career and the income he got from it. But like Elvis Presley, his ability to act was very limited. Yet he brought magic to the screen with his lovely body and outstanding skill. He didn't need to be a good actor.
Much that we have heard about Bruce Lee is pure myth. But what is not myth is his martial arts greatness and his keen mind that absorbed information like a sponge, his ability to take what he needed from everything and discard the rest. He did not get attached to any one idea. He evolved in his thinking and adapted daily to his needs.
There is much about Bruce Lee that is, and probably always will be, powerful motivation for millions. He was only 5' 8" and weighed about 140lbs, but he loomed large on the screen and in the hearts and minds of all who saw him or knew him.
Whether or not you want to learn about Jeet Kune Do, you will gain much by reading this book. It is deep and meaningful.
Highly recommended.
- Susanna K. Hutcheson - Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI had difficulty finding places online that offer this book as a reasonable price. Amazon delivered
Awesome book for developing a great mindset for practicing martial arts. - Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseI haven't read it,but I understand the premise of Jeet Kun Do and am very excited to read and study it.It looks very well crafted and interesting!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025Format: PaperbackVerified PurchasePut this book for my boyfriend because he wanted it. He just happened to be reading it. While he was on an airplane, it helped him so much to ease his anxiety. For his first time being on the airplane. She learned so much and how to deal with certain things
- Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024This book is a great work by Bruce Lee and highly recommended!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2014If you're looking for a "How-to" book, this isn't it. BUT if you already have an understanding of martial arts then I highly recommend this book! It gives an insight into the thoughts and ideas of Bruce Lee and the reasons he chose to change from using form to no form at all. Although Jeet Kune Do is Bruce's "form" he taught the techniques so that the practitioner could combine them and flow from one action to the next without having to stick to a set method or style. Defend and attack, simultaneously. I am no expert in this field but I have a very good understanding of his explanations of directional attack and defense with the use of imaginary vertical lines down both the defender and attacker's centerlines. One of the key things I picked up from reading the Tao of Jeet Kune Do is that you must practice perfectly until those actions become second nature, until they become part of you but at a subconscious level. At that level you no longer have to think about what to do in a given situation, you already KNOW what, when, and how to do it. That's the level I strive for and this book gave me that motivation and inspiration!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseJust enjoyabe to read his thoughts on martial skills and people he met along the way
Top reviews from other countries
- GibsonSGReviewed in Germany on February 14, 2018
5.0 out of 5 starsEines der bedeutendsten Werke der Kampfkunst Fachliteratur
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase1. Der Name Lee‘s Witwe ist Cadwell, nicht Caldwell.
2. Nach 10 Jahren Boxen, TKD, Kyokushin, JJ, FMA und hauptsächlich Wing Chun Trainings und Beherrschen aller seiner 4 waffenlosen Formen inkl. deren Anwendung finde ich die Bücher des wohl bedeutendsten Kampfkünstlers aller Zeiten für mich von unschätzbarem Wert. Die Leitsätze Lee‘s in diesem Buch vermögen den Horizont eines jeden seriösen Kampfkünstlers zu erweitern und helfen mir, Stile wie Wing Chun u.a. als solche hinter mir zu lassen und „frei“ zu sein von allen Formen, Sektionen, Regeln und sonstigen Einschränkungen, die mich bis jetzt nur behindert und ausgebremst haben. Nur wenn der Geist frei von alledem ist, kann man das wahre Potenzial des eigenen Körpers im Kampf ausschöpfen.
3. Neben „Fighting Method“ eines der wichtigsten Bücher (in Originalsprache), das ich uneingeschränkt empfehlen kann. - Just me. 😁Reviewed in Australia on September 3, 2023
5.0 out of 5 starsWorth a read if this is your thing.
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI found this a worthwhile read. - ScouserNIReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2014
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Master
I have been an avid fan of Bruce Lee since a very young age. From watching all his movies to reading dozens of books either written by or about him. I heard very good things about this book and was keen to learn more about Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee to me is more than just a massive movie star as their is so much more to him than kick ass moves. Such an intelligent and inspiring human being that everyone could learn a thing or two from. This book gives you a good account of what's involved in jeet kune do, now I'm not saying that if you read this book you'll be able to crane kick light bulbs on the ceiling into oblivion but certainly for the martial arts enthusiasts it can be applied and maybe help your own techniques improve or for a novice to start off your basis from the legend. - Carlos GuerreroReviewed in Mexico on May 25, 2020
5.0 out of 5 starsExcelente libro de Bruce Lee
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseExcelente libro de Bruce Lee, ampliamente recomendado - MythReviewed in India on March 22, 2024
5.0 out of 5 starsJust Perfect
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat for self improvement!
