Bruce Lee's Fighting Method: Self-Defense Techniques

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Bruce Lee's and M. Uyehara's, "Bruce Lee's Fighting Method; Volume 1: Self-Defense Techniques." As is stated in the introduction to this and the other three volumes in the series, Bruce Lee never intended for these books to be published. However, since his untimely passing, his wife Linda decided that she would allow them to be published. Something we should all be thankful for. What I will attempt to do in this review is to give you a well-rounded grasp of what Bruce has written and demonstrated for you in this series of books. Although nothing can replace the value of a qualified and competent instructor, a well written book can still provide you with a wealth of knowledge if you know how to realize it and obtain it. 1. Defense Against a Surprise Attack: a. The best defense against a surprise attack is not to be surprised by an attack. b. Awareness is the key and should be practiced at all times. c. Bruce demonstrates 4 different scenarios in which an attacker attempts to surprise him with an attack. 2. Defense Against An Unarmed Assailant: a. Bruce stated that he felt you are wasting your time and energy by studying set patterns of forms (kata). On this particular point I have to agree and disagree at the same time. If you are studying the forms and practicing them for their intended purpose it is definitely not a waste of time. However, if you are studying them incorrectly, then yes I would have to agree that for the most part it would be a waste of time. b. Bruce demonstrates 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an unarmed attacker. 3. Defense Against Grabbing: a. The best defense against being grabbed is not to let them grab you in the first place. b. However, once you have been grabbed the most practical defense is to use your hands. c. Bruce demonstrates 16 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include wrist grabs, arm grabs, belt or pants grabs, etc. 4. Defending Against Choke Holds and Hugs: a. Once again, the best defense against a choke or a hug is not to let them grab a hold of you in the first place. b. However, once you have been grabbed the best defense is the most simple and effective. c. Remember, awareness of you and your surroundings is the key. d. Bruce demonstrates 11 different scenarios from which to defend from. These include various chokes, bear hugs with and without your arms being pinned, etc. 5. Self-Defense Against An Armed Assailant: a. "You are at a disadvantage against someone with a weapon, so keep away from him." b. You must constantly practice in order to have a chance in this type of situation. c. Demonstrated in this section are 9 different scenarios for defending yourself against an attacker armed with a stick or staff. d. Demonstrated in this secti

Although you can't learn martial arts from a book, Lee's books are very good historical references from the late master. Lee was constantly changing and evolving his fighting arts and these books show a small slice in time of his fighting philosophy and techniques. The series is simple, yet interesting. Lee's Jeet Kune Do was to the 60s/70s what mixed martial arts is to modern times. These books certainly deserve a place on the shelf of any Bruce Lee fan.

before i became a orthomolecular-nutritionist, i practiced many years martial arts:jeet kune do (the method of bruce lee),thai-boxing,israeli krav-maga,ju-jitsu and boxing ,all of that for12 years.my experty was street fighting wich is the topic of this highly recommanded book. you can take it from me that this book is very practical even for proffesionals. bruce demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of street fighting in a veriety of situation that may cought you in the street such as:when someone is choking you from behind\or while getting or sitting in the car,against a knife\club attacks,in disadvantage positions like when you sit down on the ground,and a 2-3 attackers approaching at you.it is all cover with clear pictures and explanations,and much much more.it is true that it is not a replacement of a qualified instructor that can correct your errors while practicing,but it is one of the best books on self defence for the layperson,and not because it is the book of the greatest fighter,but because it is realy practical\effective\and easy to follow,and suitable against a dangerous attacker in the street.a very highly recommanded book(for woman as well as for man).

Excellent book by Bruce Lee that shows how to defend yourself in various "street" scenarios. The examples shown are basic and straightforward, allowing the reader and practitioner the ability to easily grasp the defensive actions shown. Although some of the examples are unusual (ie - defense against a staff), they are still effective and easy to master. Very good book for anyone at any age, men and women! Other books I'd recommend based on his fighting style would be the rest of this series, as well as "The Bruce Lee Library" series by John Little. The "Tao Of Jeet Kune Do" is also an excellent book that includes his own personal notes and thoughts about his fighting art.

WHEN BRUCE LEE FIRST STARTS TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE OBJECTIVE OF EACH TECHNIQUE IS IT CAN SEEM CONFUSING, BUT IF YOU PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE BOOK IT SOON CAN BE UNDERSTOOD AND FOLLOWED. BRUCE LEE CAN HELP THROUGH HIS BOOK TO TEACH YOU TO DEFEND YOURSELF, BUT HE ALSO WANTS YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT NOT ALL OF THE INSTRUCTION SHOULD COME FROM A BOOK, AND THAT YOU SHOULD SEEK INSTRUCTION FROM SOMEONE WHO IS SKILLED IN THE ART OF JEET KUNE DO. HE ALSO EXPLAINS THAT THIS SERIES IS USED TO COMPLIMENT HIS OTHER BOOK "TAO OF JEET KUNE DO." BRUCE LEE WAS AN EXCELLENT AND TALENTED MARTIAL ARTIST AND KNEW THAT YOU HAD TO WORK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. SO DON'T EXPECT EVERYTHING TO BE HANDED TO YOU IN THIS BOOK. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN IT YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO PRACTICE, AND BE DEVOTED TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING. AFTER ALL PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.