Customer Reviews

Bruce Lee's Fighting Method: The Complete Edition

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Since I have previously written reviews on each of the four original paperback volumes, I am going to limit this review to the concept of putting all four paperback volumes into one hardback volume, rather than rehashing the contents of the book(s) since it is the same identical information in each version, although the hardback version has been nicely restored and improved, but more on that later.

I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about getting this book since I already owned the four paperback books (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 1: Self-Defense Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method), Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 2: Basic Training (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method), Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 3: Skill in Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method), and Bruce Lee's Fighting Method, Vol. 4: Advanced Techniques (Bruce Lee's Fighting Method)) that were used to create this particular book, which encompasses all four paperback volumes into a single hardback volume.

However, after picking this book up and skimming through it I decided to purchase it. After getting home and sitting down to actually give it a more intense scrutiny, I realized that although I had the same exact information in my four old paperbacks that were contained in this single hardback, the publishers had done an outstanding job at restoring the photographs and improving the layout of text and photographs in such a way that it really showed a noticeable improvement in the information provided in this hardback version compared to the individual four paperback versions.

Now I know that you are asking yourself if you really need to get this book since you already have the four paperback versions. Same exact question I asked myself before I eventually purchased this book. If you would allow me a few moments, I would like to give you my reasons why you should purchase this book.

1. Due to the publishers taking a considerable amount of time to restore the photographs and improve the layout and text, this version actually makes it a bit easier to comprehend and retain the information provided within it. Trust me on this one, I actually pulled out my old paperback books and compared them to this one, and this one wins hands down.

2. The hardback version is quite a bit larger than the paperback versions and therefore, making the photographs themselves a bit larger which in turn makes the entire book a lot easier to read.

3. All four paperback volumes are now in one single hardback version which makes it not only more convenient to read, but also should make the book last a lot longer than its previous multiple paperback versions.

4. From a collectors standpoint, having the hardback version to reference frequently will save a lot of wear and tear on your original paperback copies.

If you would like to read my reviews of each of the original four paperback volumes, feel free to click on their respective links at the beginning of this review and then search for the reviews I have written on each one.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Creator of numerous books and DVD's.

I remember buying these four volume paperback sets in the late 70's. Back then Bruce Lee was my favorite martial artists (with Bill Wallace and Benny Urquidez immediately following). I wanted to fight like Bruce, kia like Bruce, and be a hero like Bruce.

Well, I am not really going to critique this book as a martial arts instruction text, except to briefly note, that while at first glance it may appear to be a primer, there is more written material here then the average primer, which are often nothing more than picture books. Yet, there are some faults, but it must be remembered the time it was written and photographed (1966-1967). It was a huge step-up from Bruce's first book on Gung Fu. Here Bruce is concerned with the application of technique more then technique itself.

Essential topics like power and speed training are discussed (a way ahead of its time). Topics such as speed are re-addressed in other chapters, showing the synthesis of the material presented. Unlike most primers, many definitions of speed are presented and tactics are discussed.

The self-defense volume is the weakness. Some techniques are tried and true, but others are not. There is a forward from Bruce's daughter, Sharon Lee and an introduction by co-author and Black Belt Magazine founder, M. Uyehara.

Functionally, this book should outlast the paperback versions. The binding appears to be terrific. The hard cover should provide a sturdy book for use, travel, and overuse. Like Shawn has noted, the page sizes is larger than its paperback predecessors, making for larger print and photos, in addition to an all around better lay-out.

If you were or are a Bruce Lee fan, then get this book. If not, there is still much to appreciate and learn from and it fits well in any martial artist's library.

I got this as a Christmas present. I was so happy with it I read the entire thing in only a few days. I have now bought Tao of Jeet Kune Do to accompany it, of which I also recommend highly

Since the contents of this book is outlined by others who have written reviews, I'll keep this short and to-the-point. Lee was a genius, and this posthumous publication of his notes and pictures shows his revolutionary take on modern martial arts and actual, efficient and no-nonsense self-defense.

Ironically, the self-defense section is riddled with dangerous and unrealistic methods of defending yourself. His overuse of the stopping side kick is one weakness--but its nice to see how his Taekwondo training with Jhoon Rhee shows through (I myself studied TKD for years and admit that the stopping sidekick is very useful in certain situations) and gives a good name to an otherwise disrespected style. Other than that, this book (or rather, collection of books) is perfect. The formatting is a dream and the pictures are big and beautifully clear.

I would definitely recommend this book to any and all dedicated martial artist with an open mind or a interest in Jeet Kune Do. I would not, however, recommend it to a non-martial artist or untrue, insincere followers of the Martial Way.

This book complements the Tao of Jeet Kune Do very well. I never purchased any of the individual volumes because I knew i would end up purchasing the other three. This is much more convenient.

Not for the novice, unless to refer to in addition to their class, but good for somebody with knowledge of the basics. Many techiques that we were all taught to do one way are done in a much more streamlined way in this book.

This book is the complete edition of Bruce Lee's fighting method. I chose to buy this copy of the book(s) rather than go out and buy them all in their individual copies. I didn't waste a penny on this valuable information, as anyone can use the methods and techniques presented to protect themselves. I especially liked the self defense section, where Bruce showed some techniques from when you are in a vunerable postion such as sitting in a chair or lying down. I also found the techniques against an armed assailant easier to understand and remember than those of Krav Maga, not that I want to knock down that martial arts system. In all whether or not you are a fan of Bruce Lee, buying this book would not be a mistake. The information presented is easy to understand and remember, and you don't have to really put years of practice to get these techniques down. Jeet Kune Do may be the way to go for people looking for quick and effective self defense that is easy to do and remember. All I have left to say is.....BUY NOW!!!

This book is gotta be the best book of all time. It gives u all the tools you need to be the best martial artist u can be. I use to kick okay kind of slow and weak but after reading the kicking chapter. And read how to improve my kick it worked. Like I said it so simple to read and do. Bruce Lee You Are defenently the best ever. You are missed.

A very good book for inteligent or thinking martial artists who want to improove their fighting skills or learn something new. I have been a National Champion in my country at sanda, and won silver and broze at muaythai and kickboxing. This book has some detailes that only an advanced fighter would know. And by knowing I dont mean hearing about it but actually experiencing them. One example would be the hook punch. Everyone knows how to throw a hook...But if you are very good at throwing hooks later you should be able to throw then from a jab. I mean you throw a jab and halfway to your target you change it in to a hook. Floyd Mayweather does this often but you have to be in the buisness to see it. To most people it's only a hook. Just like this book is for some only a book. This book opens your mind and for its price...its a bargain.

I've been learning martial arts for 19 years; and I've been learning something new on every page!!

Bruce Lee's book should be called Advanced Handbook for the Serious Martial Artist.

Or

How to be an intelligent fighter. GREAT for Beginners, and ESPECIALLY great for advanced Martial Artists.

Its amazing. Ideas can be readily applied and any fighter who wants to be a good fighter and know how the SCIENCE behind Martial Arts--NEEDS to get this book.

Its amazing. No wonder Bruce Lee was a Grandmaster at 32 (by the time he passed).

Thanks,

Adam McKeith

I have the original from the seventies. This edition has additional material which helps elaborate some of Bruce's teachings. This is a must have for any serious martial artist, not just for the information (which is a little dated, people do fight differently now, ironically due to his influence), but as link to the past. The world of martial arts would just be people in pajamas dancing around if it weren't for his teachings and influence.

When I was younger I believed I was invincible since I was classically trained. I paid little attention to his idea of being a well rounded fighter and Bruce, being a product of the 60's counter culture, tended to express his ideas with that hippie-like style which made it seem esoteric. In high school, as a kickboxer, I began to see he was right. In college I was convinced, I learned judo and that opened a whole new world. In the seventies, striking was considered a high art, but in 'Enter the Dragon', his character won his match with a submission. Thirty years before MMA showed us he was right.

I really like Bruce Lee and enjoyed the Art of Expressing the Human Body and The Tao of Jeet Kune Do. This is a great supplement to those two books and I am in the middle of reading it. I like so far that there are great pictures showing the forms and stance, and the writing seems detailed enough. Nice, hard bound book with great black and white photos.