Original subtitles

Yuru, are you okay?

Get up.

Anyone here?

The test result just came out.

-I gave it to the head nurse. -Excuse me, may I use the phone?

Hello, Kimura.

I'm sorry to call you at this hour.

I really don't know what to do.

So I...

I don't know what to do.

Don't panic. I'll be there right away.

-Should I let Bruce know? -No, no, don't!

It's too late now. Don't bother him.

If you tell him, he'll fly over from Oakland immediately.

Listen to me.

Okay, I'll be right over. Don't worry.

Bruce, Uncle Shao didn't want me to tell you...

but I have to, lest you have any regrets.

What's the matter?

You should come to San Francisco. Aunt Shao's condition is getting worse.

Okay, I'll be right there.

-What happened, Bruce? -Aunt Shao is in a critical condition.

I have to head to the hospital in San Francisco now.

-I'll go with you. -No, it's okay.

I am your wife, Bruce.

Alright. Get changed, Linda.

Kimura, you told Bruce?

Yes, I did.

-Bruce. -Uncle Shao, how's Aunt?

Not good. Not good at all.

Don't worry. The doctors will know what to do.

Doctor, I'm a relative of the patient. Is there anything I can do?

Pay the fees. The patient needs a massive blood transfusion.

What are you waiting for? Hurry.

Okay, I've got it.

Bruce, wait.

Where are you going?

-I'm going to make payment. -Make payment?

-Where did you get the money? -I went to pay rent,

but the landlord's in L.A. and won't be back until tomorrow.

-Let's use the money for my aunt. -Your aunt said

that the money was for the martial arts school.

She's in critical condition.

How could I use it for that?

Even if it means never opening the school, I'm paying the fee.

Nonsense!

This is your aunt's greatest wish, and mine.

What about mine?

Linda and Kimura both want to see Aunt get well.

Listen to me.

Really, your aunt is beyond hope.

-But your career-- -You can't give up! Absolutely not.

If there's even the slightest chance, we must give it a try.

Bruce...

I…

I'm speechless, now.

Bruce, you decide.

Bruce, what's wrong?

Nothing.

Stay with Uncle Shao. I'm going to pay the fee. I'll be right back.

Okay.

Hi.

Is this enough?

It's probably enough for a week.

Linda.

Linda, the doctor said that Aunt Shao is in critical condition.

Oh, God.

I think we need to find a way...

to help her.

Okay.

Stay with Uncle Shao. I'll be back tomorrow.

Okay.

-Jesse, let's go. -Okay. Let's.

Where are you guys going?

Hello, Ms. Xu?

Yes, this is Bruce Lee.

Previously, you asked me to perform for the Asian Community Association.

I can do it.

But I need to know...

How much will I be paid?

Bruce Lee is here! Bruce Lee is here!

Bruce Lee!

Nice!

-This is incredible! -Master Lee!

Is there anything wrong?

Uncle Shao, don't be anxious.

I'm fine.

Actually...

I was prepared for this.

But this…

has still come too suddenly.

Bruce, you did great today.

You were fantastic.

Bruce, wait.

-This is for you. -Thank you.

Jesse, let's go.

Bruce, why don't you stay for dinner?

I have friends who would like to meet you. You could help us entertain the guests.

Ms. Xu, I absolutely could not do that.

You should know the etiquette of martial arts.

I was very embarrassed to perform here today.

-If it weren't for you... -I know.

...I would not have come.

On top of that, I needed the money.

Do you still need money?

Absolutely.

Aunt Shao is seriously ill.

Seriously ill?

When I started my martial arts school in Oakland,

-she was who lent me the money. -Really?

The money I made today is for her medical bills.

No matter what, I must pay her bills.

You know me. If I didn't need to raise this money,

I might have performed for free, just for you.

Right. Jesse. We need to get back to the hospital.

Please, wait.

Would you give this to Uncle Shao? It's just a little something.

Okay, you can go now. Hurry.

Let me thank you on behalf of Uncle Shao.

Uncle Shao...

When I was paid for the performance...

I thought...

it could help to save Aunt's life.

But I never imagined…

she would leave us so quickly.

Bruce...

The medical fees you paid…

The hospital has refunded the remaining sum.

Your aunt has passed away...

and there's nothing we can do.

But she had a final wish.

She wanted you to lead a dignified life in America.

She hoped that you could build a career of your own.

Here's the remaining sum.

Please, take it back.

I think this... is what your aunt wanted.

So don't let her down.

Uncle Shao...

Bruce, look at this.

You packed all of this?

Of course. These are my sources of motivation.

"Sources of motivation"? I don't quite get it.

Here, this is our recruitment ad.

-Not bad. -Really?

-Did you design this? -Yes. Do you like it?

Sure I do!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this must have been expensive.

Of course.

I spent all my money on this.

If you can't recruit any students, I can't ask Mom for any more.

If that happens, our kung fu master Bruce Lee,

together with his wife Linda, will be on the streets.

It can't be that tragic.

Right.

I believe that my hero will never let that happen.

Absolutely not.

Let me sort out your notes for you.

See you.

Thank you, darling.

Hang these up.

Make sure they're straight.

Bruce...

The equipment will be assembled by the end of the day.

You could admit students tomorrow.

Thanks for all your hard work.

-No worries. -Uncle Shao.

Kimura, Blair.

Come take a look.

Here's the revised motto for the school.

Do you see any hidden meaning?

There's hidden meaning is two of the phrases.

Using "no way" instead of "way",

and "no limitation" instead of "limitation"...

This is Bruce's martial arts philosophy.

Bruce, you understand martial arts from a philosophical perspective.

That's not easy.

Would you explain the meaning of those two phrases?

Sure!

Lao Zi's cosmological notions state that being is produced by non-being.

All things in the universe are in a state of being.

Non-being is "Tao".

"Tao" is not determined by external forces.

It exists naturally.

Lao Zi uses "Tao" to discover the natural order of everything in universe.

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates once advocated

for people to do away with all existing knowledge.

And on the soil of skepticism,

the flower of enlightenment shall blossom for an eternity.

Good job, Bruce!

You've integrated martial arts with philosophy.

How great!

Okay, move it.

Hi, everyone! Time for food!

Over here! There's a set for everyone.

Does everyone have one? Here.

Just hand me the packaging. Hand me the packaging.

That's right. Give it to me.

Uncle Shao, let's begin.

Okay!

THE WORLD AS ONE COMMUNITY

I love Chinese martial arts.

I've always wanted to learn at a Chinese martial arts school.

I've finally found it. This is great!

Okay. This way, please.

-Hi. -Hello.

-What's your name? -Jim.

Ah. Take your outfit.

Please, wait.

How come they're all men?

Male, male, male…

Finally, a lady!

Awesome! You know what? I'm so excited to see you here.

I've learned martial arts before, myself.

-What's your name? -I'm Liz.

Liz...

A very nice name.

The fee is 30 dollars per month.

-May I start tomorrow? -Okay!

Master Bruce Lee is so handsome. I adore him!

Master, I'm here.

It's you, Yellow Brat.

Master, I can't stay in Hong Kong anymore.

Where is Wang Lichao?

-He's dead. -How did he die?

He was ill.

I can't feel sorry for people like him.

For years, you've studied under a Master in Taiwan.

After all that hard work, your skills must have improved.

Master, I didn't learn any specific style of martial arts.

No specific style?

I'm excited.

Show me your moves.

I… hope you won't be disappointed.

Come on. Undress and start.

Here I go.

Okay.

Very good.

Master, I hope I did well.

You are made for martial arts.

You've reached such high standards, and at such a young age,

Even I can't beat you.

Now, tell me about your plan.

I have questions about...

those traditional martial arts techniques.

Are they really so important?

During many competitions,

I've flexibly integrated many different styles.

For example, Wing Chun Fist, Hong Fa,

Karate and boxing.

I've combined them all together.

However, whenever I strike,

it can hard to determine which style I should use.

So, what I try to do is forget about moves and styles

and break out of all restrictions.

Just follow your heart.

Follow your intuition and fight freely.

Remember, use the easiest, fastest, and most direct way

to fight off your opponent.

In the history of martial arts,

marital artists practicing a specific style...

always believed that they were the only ones who were right...

and tried to get rid of the other styles.

But in my opinion...

Chinese kung fu should neither be fake nor forced.

Subscribe to no one way,

have no limitations.

Go with the flow.

This…

is my perspective, drawn from actual combat.

The purpose of our martial arts school

is to gather talent and use it effectively.

Here…

Please, Master.

I heard that you came to America

and became president of the Chinese Martial Arts Association.

I'm here to follow you, Master.

I didn't come to America by choice. I feel ashamed, talking about it.

Back in Hong Kong, you and Wang Lichao got me into so much trouble.

How could I have stayed?

It's Bruce Lee's fault.

Let bygones be bygones. Forget about it.

What are your plans now?

I…

want to become the best martial artist in the world. I'll defeat all challengers.

I'll find Bruce Lee...

and take my revenge.

Your paths will cross.

Once Bruce came to America...

his skills were recognized.

The newspapers reported that Bruce Lee, a Chinese unknown,

defeated Hoffman, the three-time Californian champion.

He was so famous in California...

would he show any regard for me, president of the CMAA?

UNKNOWN CHINESE BRUCE LEE DEFEATS THREE-TIME KARATE CHAMPION HOFFMAN

He opened a martial arts school in Oakland,

but didn't let me know. He failed to honor the tradition of paying respects first.

How could he open the school in your territory

without requesting your permission?

Perhaps I'm too old, now.

Bruce Lee probably thinks he's a big shot in the martial arts circle.

I finally got my chance.

One.

Good.

Two.

Good.

Three.

Good.

Start from the beginning. One, two, three.

Good. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One.

Two.

Again! One more time.

Stop,

Okay, don't move.

Your punch was too weak.

You should do this. Hit me. Here.

Again.

-Got it? -Yes, got it.

Okay, start all over again.

The problem with Bruce Lee is that he violated the rules

of the Chinese martial arts circle.

That's why Chinese martial artists complain about him.

All these years,

when opening martial arts schools in America, Chinese martial artists

complied with the rule of never teaching outsiders.

For decades, no-one dared to violate this rule.

However, Bruce Lee used his California Karate Champion title

to recruit students.

Most of his students are Caucasians and African Americans.

Some are even Filipino. Or Japanese!

As a result, martial artists hope that Master Wang

can represent the CMAA and stop Bruce Lee.

Otherwise, our longstanding rule of never teaching outsiders

will be destroyed.

In all my years in America,

I've never seen such a rude youngster.

He didn't even pay his respects.

Master Wang, you're president of the CMAA.

Did he visit you?

Bruce is a young lad.

Because he's young, he doesn't know his limits.

I don't blame him.

Master Wang,

you should not be so kind to him.

You must teach him a lesson.

I won't stoop to his level.

He's too young.

Young people in America have no sense of manners.

Forget it.

We don't want any trouble.

People like Bruce Lee...

must be defeated by fighting.

Why? Do you know Bruce Lee, too?

I not only know him,

I have a personal vendetta against him.

Honestly,

I came to America for Bruce Lee.

Yellow Brat, America is not the same as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Don't get yourself into trouble.

Bruce Lee defeated the karate champion of California.

His skills must be exceptional.

You had better be 100 percent confident that you can beat him.

If you lost...

it could be very embarrassing.

Don't worry, Master.

I've trained hard in Taiwan for years.

My one purpose is to kick his ass one day.

He only knows Wing Chun Fist.

But my techniques are effective against that style.

My only concern is whether he'll be too scared to take up my challenge.

So, what if you win?

He must follow tradition and post a public announcement in the newspaper.

He has to tell everyone that he lost to me,

and close down his school.

Master...

what are you thinking?

Nothing.

I only have to ask you that you not act on your own.

If you want to challenge him...

let me arrange it for you.

Compete with him openly.

Okay. I'll take your advice.

Master Ma, send an invitation to Bruce Lee in my name.

-I want to invite him for tea. -Okay.

You're right.

But… Bruce Lee is a junior.

He should have taken the initiative to visit you.

Now, you are inviting him for tea instead.

Isn't that inappropriate?

I'm doing this to show my goodwill.

If we can make him surrender without even fighting,

isn't that better?

I'll go tomorrow.

Okay. Have a seat, everyone.

Bruce Lee...

I will destroy you this time.

Watch your strength.

One.

Two.

Three.

One.

Two.

Three.

May I help you, sir?

You must be Mr. Bruce Lee.

Yes. How can I help you?

Have you heard of the president of the CMAA, Master Wang Yunsheng?

-Yes, I have. What's going on? -I'm the manager of the association.

Our president would like to invite you for tea. Will you accept?

Sure. Please thank the president on my behalf.

I will be there for sure.

Uncle Shao...

What are your thoughts?

This is a Hongmen banquet.

What is that?

That refers to an ancient Chinese tale.

-He means that the invitation is a trap. -Why are you still going, knowing that?

Uncle Shao...

It might not be that bad.

I didn't come to America long ago. I didn't offend them.

Why would they pick on me?

It's hard to say.

Sometimes, one can offend others unknowingly.

Just like when I first came to Los Angeles.

I never visited my fellow martial artists.

And what happened to me?

I didn't accomplish anything. I had no great achievements.

So, you mean…

Because I didn't visit them when I came to America,

I offended them?

Do those old Hong Kong rules still apply in America?

Do I have to pay my respects?

I think you should visit him.

No matter what, Mr. Wang Yunsheng,

is a senior figure in the Californian martial arts circle.

He took the initiative to invite you.

It shows that he has put aside his pride

and shown you respect.

What respect? I won't go, now that you've put it that way.

You have to go.

You won't know what they are thinking if you don't.

If you go...

you can find out what they want.

Sweet talk them, if you have to.

Explain, if necessary. That's all you have to do.

I'll chat over tea if they want.

"Sweet talk"?

Of course. Pretending to be nice is going to be hard for you.

But I believe that, if you go,

you'll at least find out what they're thinking.

Talk things out. Make everything clear.

It's better than being kept in the dark.

Uncle Shao, you're right.

I'll go.

This way, please.

-It's my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lee. -It's great to see you too, Master Wang.

Please.

Bruce, thank you for coming.

Mr. Wang, you invited me here. Have I done anything wrong?

No, no.

Let's just have a good chat.

I'm here to seek your advice.

You're too polite.

It's a small world. Isn't it?

I know you're a busy man.

Your school is doing very well.

You took the time off to see me.

This has made me very happy.

To meet with Master Wang in Oakland...

is my great pleasure and honor.

We're all Chinese.

You're too polite.

To meet on foreign land gives me a warm feeling.

This way please.

Bruce, come to me if you run into any difficulties.

When my fellow Chinese run into difficulties, I hope to help.

I won't watch on the sidelines.

Thank you, Master Wang

It's really my great honor to meet you, Master Wang.

That's great. I've ordered some dishes.

I'm not sure if they're to your liking.

You are very kind.

I am here today to seek your advice.

Okay. I'll speak my mind, then.

If I say something wrong, please don't be mad.

-I am listening. -Please.

Bruce. I feel so happy that you beat Hoffman.

You've brought glory to the Chinese. Come, have a seat

The Chinese community has produced a brilliant young man,

and it makes me so proud.

Bruce, trust me.

These are my heartfelt words.

There is an old saying:

"The outstanding usually bears the brunt of attack."

Bruce, you are outstanding,

and that invites jealousy.

This is normal.

You're not surprised, are you?

Seems like Mr. Wang has heard something.

I've always been an open and honest person.

I look down on narrow-minded and jealous people.

So…

I was invited to come here to help my friends,

and manage the affairs of Chinese martial arts circle.

I've heard about it.

California's Chinese Martial Arts Association voted you as president.

You know who I am, so I will be straightforward with you.

Bruce...

Look at these.

I would like you to verify whether the contents of these letters are true.

TO: PRESIDENT WANG YUNSHENG

What's mentioned in these letters… Well, it's no big deal.

The main point is that at your martial arts school in Seattle,

your sign called it a "Chinese kung fu school".

In America...

there are many Chinese martial arts schools.

But to date, no-one has dared to name theirs a "Chinese kung fu school".

Wasn't that inappropriate of you?

What you say is the truth.

When I was in Seattle, the first martial arts school I started...

was called a "Chinese kung fu school".

What's wrong with that?

There are many types of Chinese martial arts.

But in America, no matter the style, aren't they all Chinese kung fu?

The Japanese call their national martial art "karate".

The Koreans call their national martial art "taekwondo".

How come Chinese martial arts can't be called "kung fu"?

Right now, in Oakland, you've stared some hybrid martial arts school.

Bruce, perhaps I'm just ignorant,

but I've never heard about Chinese kung fu having some kind of hybrid style.

I created it myself.

It's a hybrid style that integrates the essence of all Chinese martial arts.

I'm Chinese.

Of course, my new hybrid style should be seen as "Chinese kung fu".

Okay, sure. Have a seat.

Bruce, you are a little arrogant now.

You started out with Wing Chun Fist, but created a brand-new style.

Aren't you afraid of being called a traitor?

Bruce, I understand. You want to start your own martial arts school.

People like me, who understand a little about American culture,

can see why.

It does make sense.

But if…

I'm just saying, if…

you had discussed this with your fellow martial artists

before you embarked on this...

and asked for their understanding...

wouldn't that have been better?

I've always been open and honest. I didn't do anything to hurt anyone.

Why should I get permission from others?

There's one more thing that I need to verify with you.

You mean, about the international students that I have accepted?

Yes. I've heard that you've taken in many international students.

Eighty percent of my intake are international students.

Most of my instructors are foreigners.

-This is a problem. -How?

Bruce, calm down. Let me finish.

Bruce,

in America, there are many Chinese-run martial arts schools.

However, not one has done it like you.

For the longest time, everyone has followed the unofficial rule...

of teaching Chinese students only.

Honestly...

if the aim is to earn extra tuition,

then it's good to teach international students.

But in my generation, no-one has forgone integrity for personal gains.

I can't say the same for other places,

but in California, no martial arts school has recruited any international student.

But you are still young.

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with these rules.

Subtitle translation by Min Wei Wong