Book Feature: Bruce Lee by Sifu Kendra Mahon

Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, opens her Masters of Kung Fu series with the most written-about martial artist of all. Bruce Lee: The Philosopher Behind the Fist is a short, readable biography that follows the Little Dragon from San Francisco to Hong Kong and back, and gives as much space to his ideas as to his films.

Facts Before Legend

Few martial artists have collected as many myths as Bruce Lee, and the book is built around a clear method for dealing with them. It relies on facts that are widely documented, such as dates, places, films, schools and public records, and where accounts differ it says so. On disputed episodes such as his 1964 challenge match in Oakland, it presents the main accounts side by side. It also avoids putting words in his mouth. “I have not invented dialogue or quotations,” the author writes, explaining that his own words are best read in his own writings, which the book recommends at the end.

The same care runs through the chapter on his death. The book reports the coroner’s inquest finding of cerebral edema, notes that other medical explanations have been proposed without proof, and declines to repeat the conspiracy theories. “The honest answer is that we know how he died, but some medical questions remain open.”

A Wing Chun Perspective

What sets this biography apart is where the author stands. Bruce Lee was introduced to Ip Man in the mid-1950s by his friend William Cheung, who later became Grandmaster William Cheung, the teacher of Sifu Kendra’s own teacher. The book follows Bruce’s few years of Wing Chun training before he left for the United States in 1959, notes that he did not complete the system, and traces how its principles of directness, the straight punch, interception and centerline awareness carried into Jeet Kune Do.

The Thinker

Part Four turns from the life to the philosophy: adaptability, keeping what works, simplicity, honest self-expression, physical training and his habit of writing down his goals. A chapter on myths makes the book’s underlying argument plain. The documented facts, the author writes, are impressive enough. “He does not need myths to be remarkable.”

Who It Is For

No martial arts background is needed. Each chapter closes with a short life lesson, and each part ends with reflection questions, making the book suitable for individual readers, classes and book groups alike.

About the Author

Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, has trained since 2005 and holds Master level (purple sash). She teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. She is the author of 13 books and counting, including the ten-book The Way of Wing Chun series, and created the Become a Sifu Wing Chun Online Certification Course (10 levels, one payment, no monthly fees). Read what her students say on the Kung Fu Kendra reviews page.

Where to Get It

Bruce Lee: The Philosopher Behind the Fist is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback: Kindle and paperback. It is also on Goodreads under Kendra Mahon. See all of her books on kungfukendra.com.

Editor’s note: Wing Chun Magazine is published by Sifu Kendra Mahon.