Original subtitles

What are you up to?

Hello, Wally Jay.

Hi, Bruce Lee.

All right, please.

Come on.

The master of Bruce Lee's Tao of Chinese Kung Fu,

Mr. Bruce Lee,

is now challenging Mr. Wally Jay, the master of Wally Jay Jujitsu House.

Actually, this is a friendly competition.

Right?

I'm hosting this competition today.

While Mr. Inosanto, the professor of the athletic school is judging.

The rules are:

as long as one party can make the other unable to continue fighting,

he wins.

Is it clear?

Please get ready.

Please, Mr. Inosanto.

Ready?

Go.

Our master surely will win. Right?

Hurry, beat him!

Good!

Get up.

Good!

Great!

Well done!

Go on, proceed.

Good! Well done!

Your master Bruce is excellent!

What is this?

This…

It's called, burying the hatchet.

Isn't it nice?

I'm not happy, and I don't understand.

Master, why didn't you break his neck?

Wally Jay wanted to kill you.

He's brutal.

The way he beat Blair was so vicious.

Jesse, you don't understand.

You should know that Bruce has a big plan.

The purpose of fighting with Wally Jay, is to study his jujitsu, learn from him,

not to kill him.

Jesse.

If Bruce did wound Wally Jay today,

it can only serve one purpose- helping me get even.

But the door of Wally Jay's Jujitsu Studio will be closed to us forever.

I don't get it. Master, today's game is not gratifying enough.

Jesse, the day when I saw Blair beaten by Wally Jay,

I wanted revenge.

But when I calmed down, I thought,

we actually did something unjust as well.

Today's fight is about the moral of martial arts.

We cannot kill the opponent.

All right, if you feel that it's not gratifying enough,

I'll take you somewhere.

Where are we going?

To find Wally Jay at his jujitsu house.

What are we doing?

He was so brutal to you, so unfriendly, why are you looking for him?

You don't know.

During the fight today, he was holding back.

It's just that you can't tell.

How come I couldn't tell?

Don't talk too much. Let's go.

Just stop right here.

-I'm leaving first. -Okay. Take care.

Mr. Wally, your jujitsu is powerful.

Thank you, Mr. Lee. You didn't embarrass me in front of everyone.

I knew you were holding back. That's how I got the upper hand.

I'm aware, Mr. Lee, If you had done your best,

I wouldn't be able to get up.

Finally, when you fell,

you have actually subdued me.

If you did use the eyeball poking move,

I'd have been blinded already.

I know. You were not fighting to win.

You just wanted to know me,

or rather, improve yourself.

You wanted to learn my jujitsu, didn't you?

I did.

I've been fighting with different masters.

My goal is not to win,

I just want to bring my kung fu to a higher level.

I hope you can help me.

It's my honor to impart my jujitsu skills to you.

Thank you so much, Mr. Jay.

-Get it now? -Yes.

Okay, let's take a break. You're exhausted now.

With regards to my performance, I'd appreciate your comments.

Let's do it again.

You're a fast learner.

You only have to be more brutal.

Sure.

Come on.

Great! Fantastic!

Now it's your turn to teach me.

-Okay. -You'll teach me your unique skill, right?

Sure, no problem.

Do it again.

Okay, come on.

What move is this? It's awesome.

It's Chinese kung fu, plus a bit karate.

-Did you come up with it? It's fabulous. -Yes.

Class dismissed.

Bruce, the professor is here.

Prof. Inosanto. We've met.

Yes. I just wanted to know, When you fought with Wally Jay that day,

why did you hold back?

I don't want to just win the fight, but lose the opportunity,

to learn jujitsu from Wally Jay.

Can you give me a chance like this?

You're too humble.

I've heard that you are a great martial artist.

I just haven't had a chance to learn from you.

I'm flattered.

Watch out!

You're indeed fast. Let's see who's faster.

Thanks for going easy on me.

I lost, fair and square.

No. You just went easy on me.

I've tried my best.

You're too humble.

This way, please.

Please.

Professor, this place is too shabby.

Let' s find a pub and chat.

No.

I like peace and quiet.

Isn't this great?

We can have some tea and chat.

Okay.

This is my favorite tea.

Tastes good.

Mr. Lee,

after you fought with Wally Jay,

I knew I was no match for you.

But I didn't want to admit it. I still wanted to spar with you.

Looks like, today's outcome was what I expected.

I've heard about you since a long time ago.

I also heard that you were not only good at boxing,

but also good with all kinds of weapons.

So what?

I still lost to you today.

Professor, you teach theories at college.

Such kung fu standards

is really admirable.

I'm just a little younger, and a little more energetic.

Prof. Kane has told me about you.

You are not only a good student, but also have a nice personality.

I heard that you want to create your own martial arts style.

I believe martial arts should combine the best of all genres

to reach its full potential.

After learning different genres of martial arts.

I often see this martial arts phenomenon in a philosophical point of view.

If you say that I have some understanding of martial arts,

that's a great compliment.

What do you think of the development of martial arts?

I'm not too optimistic.

Martial arts is getting more complicated,

deviating away from its essence.

Simply put,

any form of martial arts, swordplay or wrestling,

has only one purpose:

To defeat your opponents.

It's simple and direct.

A martial artist should take the simplest and most direct approach

to defeat the enemy.

Yet the martial arts theories we have now, has made simple things very complex.

They've deviated from the essence of martial arts.

Go on.

Different schools of martial arts are against each other right now,

learning behind closed doors.

This prevents the development of martial arts.

Mr. Lee, please accept my apologies.

Previously, I was biased against you.

It's all right.

I learned from Ip Man, the master of Wing Chun Fist.

He said that the secret of Wing Chun Fist should never be shared with outsiders.

especially, the One-Inch Punch.

It may make some sense to certain school of martial arts.

But to us, martial artists,

keeping other schools at arm's length

has prevented the exchange of different styles

and impeded the development of martial arts.

I've talked too much today. You're the real expert.

No, you're very right.

What's your opinion on the American martial arts circle?

After I came to the States,

I saw different martial arts schools repelling against one another.

I thought this happens only in China.

I heard there's a saying in China. It says…

All crows are black.

Right.

Actually...

a jujitsu master like Wally Jay

was willing to impart his skills to me.

There aren't many people like him.

Do you really think he taught you jujitsu?

Yes.

Mr. Lee, please tell me about your new martial art system.

Please don't laugh at me.

I always had a dream,

to establish a new martial arts style.

I haven't thought of a name for it yet.

It'll be based on Wing Chun Fist,

and combines strong points of different schools.

It pays attention to actual combats.

Actual combats?

-Professor Inosanto. -Blair.

You're here.

I'm so glad to see you here.

I didn't expect you to make this trip.

Blair, if only I had listened to you, I'd have seen Mr. Lee earlier.

Is that right?

How about we go out somewhere?

No, let me see.

It's getting late.

I'd like to host you guys in my home another day.

That's great!

Come on, Prof. Inosanto. This way please.

James. I didn't expect Bruce Lee's kung fu to be this good.

You've changed your opinion about the Chinese?

No, he's just a special Chinese.

Why do you always see Chinese like this?

Not only me, but all America.

Americans and Europeans,

especially those in martial arts circle, all see them this way.

But he's very good.

Bruce, are you interested?

Great stuff! I'm interested.

Is that right?

I've been all over the world to collect these things.

I've spent almost all of my savings.

-They're worthwhile. -Right.

Bruce.

I'm preparing to write a book about fighting.

Your sharing at your martial arts school that day really helped a lot.

It's all right.

If I can be of any help, I'll be happy to discuss.

I'm sure it'll be beneficial to my martial arts career.

Bruce, I bought a book about Taoism the other day.

It seems rather relevant to wrestling. I'd like to seek your opinion.

Certainly.

The basic theory of Taoism is to control without forcing.

It needs a dialectics point of view.

For example,

the materiality and immateriality could interchange anytime.

So is defense and offense.

They're interchangeable too.

Actually, I don't have a complete understanding of Taoism, either.

Taoism is deep and profound.

Take boxing, for example. It needs to control without forcing.

It doesn't mean inaction,

but rather, following nature's course.

What I understand about immateriality in boxing,

is that there are no rules to follow when it comes to boxing.

The highest level of boxing is immateriality.

Wait a minute.

Let me take some notes. Please go on.

There are a lot of theories in Taoism.

Its requirement is that when we practice kung fu from young,

we have to be peaceful at heart,

which means, having no distracting thoughts.

Why do Taoists live in remote mountains?

Do you know why?

Very simple. To get rid of distracting thoughts.

When practicing kung fu, we must be as peaceful as still water.

In a combat,

we can't keep thinking about victory or defeat

Because that will make the body stiff.

Only when we're as peaceful as still water,

can we strike freely.

In this way, we'll transform the material to immaterial,

and to control without forcing.

Professor, I hope I don't sound like I'm showing off.

Not at all. Your point of view is ingenious.

Professor,

can I borrow this book of fencing?

Certainly. So you want to learn fencing?

I guess there is something applicable to boxing.

Bruce, let's head out.

We shouldn't chat about philosophy and ignore these two friends.

Not at all, Professor. We're happily listening.

Prof, I don't quite understand what you and Bruce talked about,

I'd rather to see you guys have a real fight.

You sure understand me well.

Okay, let's do it. I'd like to get a taste of your Filipino boxing.

I'd like to learn your Chinese kung fu.

Okay. Let's go.

This move is good. It'll improve Bruce's system.

Come on.

Your turn. Good.

-Come on. -Let it flow.

Right. Good. Like this. Fantastic!

Right. Push upwards.

-I got it. -Right. Great! Your knee!

Strike. Again. Okay, like this.

Lift your elbow.

-Lift your elbow, yes. Then this. -Like this?

Prof. Inosanto, Filipino Boxing is flexible, swift, and diverse

but not powerful enough.

Kimora, Bruce is right.

Wing Chun Fist trains you to be simple and direct.

While defending, you must also attack. It's an important characteristic.

But its footwork has some limitations.

It is useful at a short distance,

but at middle to far distance,

its techniques won't work well.

Look, if my footwork is like this, will it work?

This way, when it's middle to far distance.

Good. Let's try again.

Let's try fighting between a middle to far distance.

I'll punch with my left fist. My right fist follows closely.

We need to keep a certain distance between us.

I've been thinking of how to maximize Wing Chun Fist's

simple yet practical characteristics.

I want to combine its center line theory with the power of western boxing too.

Is this possible?

Western boxing and Wing Chun Fist… Impossible. It's impossible.

Come on. Let's try it.

Good.

-I won due to my speed just now. -Again.

What's this?

Incorporating the simple and direct features of Wing Chun Fist,

I was attacking with my right hand, with the flexible footwork of boxing.

When fighting with you,

I was keeping the center line.

This is important.

Come on. Let's try again.

Good!

Look.

-Defend while attacking. -This is very important.

Attack while defending.

While I'm attacking, I also keep the defensive posture.

What do you think, Prof. Inosanto?

You're amazing.

You should learn more about different schools of martial arts.

I'm thinking about this too.

I have to spar with martial artists of different styles so that I can improve.

Right.

To get familiar with difference styles and theories,

I thought of going to various martial arts schools for sparring.

But this could cause misunderstandings.

Bruce.

Challenging others openly brings enemies

It won't help you improve.

First of all, it is not respectful to others.

Secondly, it's a waste of time.

If not, what other alternatives do I have?

As for alternatives…

Have you thought of lecturing in colleges?

My kung fu style is just initiated; it's not mature yet.

Bruce, you're so humble.

Actually, you've understood the strengths of different martial arts.

You only need to improve yourself.

Bruce,

Prof. Inosanto asked you to give lectures. Why don't you try?

Bruce, I think Prof. Inosanto is right.

How is it, Bruce?

Do you still have to consider?

Okay.

Higher, lift your arms higher.

Your punch must be powerful.

Get back in line.

Let’s start practicing in pairs.

Find an opponent of similar weight.

Yes!

Go on.

Okay. Stop.

You. You. You. And you.

Follow me. Stand still.

I'm ashamed of you guys.

Karate is the Japanese national martial arts.

You lost to the Americans.

Do you know that the Americans and Europeans disrespect the Japanese?

Although, we were defeated in World War 2, but our Samurai spirit lives on.

We must not be defeated. Never!

Bruce, that's beautiful.

I didn't know you can apply fencing techniques to boxing.

Actually, after I read the book I borrowed from you,

I have been thinking, fencing has some useful features,

such as the step-up fencing that I just used.

Wing Chun Fist requires the power-punch to stay in front.

This is similar to fencing.

Their similarities include long distance and powerful strength.

In the past, my footwork wasn't able to catch up with my right punches.

so my attacking distance was short.

But after I learned the step-up fencing move,

my body just advanced easily.

So I'm able to strike further.

Bruce, please show me the One-Inch Punch.

All right.

Smashing a piece of paper within one inch of distance.

That's incredible.

Actually, it takes tricky strength.

It's said that power stems from the ground.

From your legs, waist, shoulders, and body, strike in one line.

Power stems from the ground, and passes to your legs,

waist, back, shoulders and your fist, and is emitted from one concentrated area.

This is what I call One-Inch Punch.

Your fist is like the whiplash.

When you concentrate all your strength to your fist,

this explosive power will be enough to tear the cow skin.

Explosive?

Professor, why don't you give it a try?

-I'll keep this. -Okay.

You have to relax. Don't be too tense. When you form an explosive power,

-like this, strike. -Good!

Not bad.

Bruce, I've contacted several colleges for you.

You'll start off at my university tomorrow.

Okay. Thank you, Professor.

Good morning.

Mr. Inosanto, why did you invite a Chinese to give a lecture at our college?

Why not?

In doing so, you're showing disrespect to our teachers.

My fellow professors,

please listen to me.

Mr. Bruce Lee is skilled in different martial arts.

You'll find out soon.

What is he skilled at?

Why would I not know? Have you heard of him?

He's just a nobody.

He is a nobody now,

but, he'll become somebody in the future.

Prof. Inosanto, you're exaggerating.

Prof. Yamada, it's okay to not trust me.

But,

my fellow professors,

if you hear his speech

and see his performance,

I believe you'll understand.

I'd like to see it for myself.

Wing Chun Fist

emphasizes that when fighting with the opponent,

there's an imaginary center line.

This center line

is the center of your opponent.

This is what we're…

targeting.

In other words, when we punch and kick, we have to face the center line.

Why?

Look,

the shortest distance between these two points is this straight line.

Following the center line theory,

we'll hit our target in the shortest time.

While defending,

do not deviate from this center line.

Otherwise,

we'll not be able to counterattack in time.

Bruce.

You don't understand me.

Why do you go around picking fights, Bruce?

I'm not picking fights. You don't get it.

What is it then?

Why did you get beaten?

You don't get it. I'm not provoking him.

I get it.

Bruce, you just like to fight.

Am I right?

If I don't do this, I won't learn anything.

I don't get it.

Why did you provoke him?

Why did you ask for beating?

Why? Tell me, Bruce.

Linda. Don't talk to me like this, okay?

If it were not because of martial arts, we wouldn't have gotten together.

That's the truth.

Just say whatever you want to.

In Hong Kong, I have Qin Xiaoman, who's been waiting for me.

In the U.S., I have Arroyo, who's willing to give me a house, a car, and money.

I'm not with them, because they are against my martial arts career.

But Linda, you know what?

you're not like them.

You came to my team on your own.

Now, for the sake of my martial arts career,

please learn to understand me.

-Otherwise… -What?

Please leave me.

Please leave me.

Please leave me.

Jujitsu is very useful during combat.

It includes throwing, sacrifice and trapping techniques.

The trapping technique can be broken down into:

Grappling hold, choke hold and joint lock.

It's good for taking control.

But it has no striking movement.

In a tussle,

it is often in an inferior position.

As for karate, its striking distance is far;

it is powerful.

But, because of the distance,

its speed is slower.

It'll be easy for your opponent to attack you at your center line.

Look.

Its weakness is fighting at a short distance.

When you punch,

you do not follow the center line.

Any deviation is bad for defense and counter attack.

That's nonsense.

What he said is nonsense.

That's right. Nonsense.

This China man is debasing boxing, karate and judo.

He just wants to promote his Wing Chun Fist.

He's not a martial artist.

He's only a liar.

Yes, liar.

What you and your students just did was to show off.

If you're a real martial artist, do you dare to fight with me?

Sure.

I'll make him fall flat on the ground within one round.

Good!

Master...

Good!

Awesome!

Fantastic.

The original place of martial arts is China.

Good.

Kung fu.

Good.

My friends. Did you guys see it?

-My God, Bruce Lee is awesome. -His punching is incredibly fast.

-The speed of his fist is astonishing. -His theory is convincing.

-You know what? I've seen it in person. -His boxing theories are wonderful.

-It was unbelievable. -It was really amazing.

-Prof. Inosanto, please forgive us. -Prof. Inosanto, Bruce Lee is incredible.

-We were rude to you. -You invited Bruce, his boxing theories--

Bruce Lee's kung fu is fabulous.

-You think all his theories-- -I've never seen such great martial arts.

Fantastic.

Shut up!

Get out! All of you get out! Everyone!

Prof. Inosanto, what's wrong?

Bruce, Bruce,

-What's going on? -Prof. Inosanto has been hospitalized.

What?

Take me there.

Prof. Inosanto,

Prof. Inosanto. What happened?

You always been well.

How come you got ill all of a sudden?

-Prof. Inosanto. -Professor, what happened?

Let's go.

It seems Prof. Inosanto doesn't want to see me.

Did I do anything wrong?

Did I say something wrong

when I was giving the lecture?

Or did I punch Yamada too hard?

These could all be reasons.

If Yamada didn't insult me...

I wouldn't have punched so hard.

Actually, I already went easy on him.

But, Bruce, think about it.

Prof. Inosanto is an authority in the Athletic School,

and Yamada is under him.

It was a lecture,

but it became unpleasant.

Prof. Inosanto must be really torn. He must be upset.

My hot temper!

Shit!

I guess, maybe Prof. Inosanto feels that he has lost face.

Am I supposed to have no feeling, when facing Yamada's insult?

Bruce, you guys worry too much.

I know my professor.

Mr. Inosanto has a big heart.

He won't be taken ill because of this.

What is that then?

Subtitle translation by Min Wei Wong