Writerz Diary 002 (Bruce Lee )

Introduction

The following piece is on Bruce Lee.

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As far back as I can remember, I wasn't supposed to witness his remarkable presence at such a tender age. My parents, concerned about the potential violence, shielded me from the world of martial arts. But fate had other plans. At the age of five, I stumbled upon a clip of Bruce Lee wielding nunchaku. His explosive energy and undeniable charisma captivated me, and in that moment, I became enamored with this enigmatic figure who transcended the screen.

He quickly evolved into more than just an idol; he became my source of profound inspiration. This fascination intensified when I met a neighbor who practiced martial arts at his very own dojo with posters of bruce lee. His parents supported his training, and his skills intrigued me even further. I started training with him because my parents did initially not want to send me to self defence practice.

Growing up, I immersed myself in the study of kung fu, exploring various styles after dabbling in karate. At the age of twelve, I ventured into different disciplines and resumed formal training at seventeen. It was during my exploration of the Chin Woo system that I recalled the school's grand master from the iconic film "Fist of Fury." Bruce Lee portrayed the student of Huo Yuanjia , a legendary figure in his own right, and the connection resonated deeply within me.

How Bruce Lee Inspired Me

Life took an unexpected turn when I endured an accident during my military recruitment schooling, leaving my right arm paralyzed due to damage to my brachial nerves. Seeking recovery and solace, I found myself at a kung fu school, where the practice of chi gong helped heal my body and spirit. It was during this phase that fate intervened once again.

One day, at a railway station, I crossed paths with a stranger. His aura hinted at a connection to the world of martial arts, and instinctively, I approached him with a question burning on my lips: "Are you a Jeet Kune Do instructor?" To my astonishment, he was indeed a Jeet Kune Do instructor, affiliated with the revered "Dog Brothers of Martial Arts" group. This encounter proved to be a pivotal moment in my journey, almost 18 years ago.

Having trained with the likes of Dan Inosanto, attending workshops led by Paul Vunak and Frank Cucci, this instructor possessed the knowledge and expertise I yearned for. I seized the opportunity to train at his school, and for the next few years, I immersed myself in the teachings of Jeet Kune Do.

The Wall

For what felt like an eternity, I found myself gazing at a wall, promising myself that one day, I would transform it into something magnificent. After returning from my sojourn in India, the time had finally come to seize that opportunity. With determination in my heart, I picked up some spray paint and embarked on a creative journey. Here's a glimpse into the process:

^{step-by-step process of creating the graffiti mural of Bruce Lee}

And behold, the result:

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Conclusion

Bruce Lee was more than just a martial artist; he was a force that influenced and inspired countless individuals throughout his tragically short life. Beyond his physical prowess, he possessed the soul of a philosopher and the mind of an unconventional thinker. Bruce Lee was a trailblazer, merging Eastern and Western philosophies, and defying the confines of cultural boundaries.

As a foreigner in a new land, speaking multiple languages, Bruce Lee represented more to me than just an actor or an icon. His books adorned my shelf, his wisdom permeated my being, and his legacy shaped a significant part of who I am today. Bruce Lee, the father of MMA in my imagination, will forever hold a cherished place in my heart, reminding me that with determination and an unwavering spirit, anything is possible.

Amitābha

Rane

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