Beyond his martial arts and acting abilities, Bruce Lee's physical appearance and strength were truly astounding. He achieved this through an intensive and ever-evolving conditioning regime that is being revealed for the first time in this book. Drawing on Lee's own notes, letters, diaries and training logs, bodybuilding expert John Little presents the full extent of Lee's unique training methods including nutrition, aerobics, isometrics, stretching and weight training.
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About the Author
John Little is considered one of the world's foremost authorities on Bruce Lee, his training methods, and philosophies. Little is the only person who has ever been authorized to review the entirety of Lee's personal notes, sketches, and reading annotations. He is the Associate Publisher of Bruce Lee magazine and the managing editor of Knowing is Not Enough, the official newsletter of the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus, the official Bruce Lee martial arts organization. Little's articles have appeared in every martial arts and health and fitness magazine in North America including Muscle and Fitness. He is the author of The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee, and co-author of Power Factor Training, The Golfer's Two-Minute Workout, and Static Contraction Training for Bodybuilders. A native of Canada, John is an expert in the fields of martial arts, bodybuilding, and physical conditioning.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
136 of 140 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Excellent book showing how Bruce Lee developed his awesome body and how he built-up the power behind it. The author has great sources that he got the material from, since some of the pictures are of actual notes that Lee himself wrote. Lee worked extremely hard to get his body in the near-perfect shape that it was in, and this book describes how he did it. This book contains alot of material that was previously unavailable before to anyone wanting to know how Lee trained, what he ate, how he taught his students how to train, what his views were on exercise, cardiovascular training, stretching, and most important, how to develop power from your workout. His training was based on his martial arts influence, as he always searched for ways to improve himself in his own martial art of Jeet Kune Do (JKD). This book shows how he incorporated various exercises and his training regimen during various parts of his life to constantly change and adapt to what he felt would benefit him the most at that particular time. If he felt he needed more endurance, he would incorporate more running and punching the heavy bag, if he felt he needed more quickness and speed, he would do more speed drills, jump rope, etc. An excellent book to learn more about how Lee trained himself and his students to get in the best shape of their lives, and also an example and inspiration to other who exercise and try to keep fit. Of course, if you want a book to show you "how" to workout with weights, then this is not the book for you, but if you want to learn how to improve your overall self through exercise, diet and training, then this is an excellent book.
82 of 84 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Some people may be skeptical about Bruce Lee as a martial artist, bodybuilder, fitness enthusiast, etc. But in reality one need not be a fan to understand the brilliance to his methods. The book always emphasizes that Bruce was all about changing things, looking and trying all aspects, then deciding what stays and what is unnecessary. Like chiseling away the pieces of stone to carve a statue.
After having done extensive research into bodybuilding, fitness, martial arts, Asian Medicine, Eastern Philosophy, exercise physiology, and dietetics I can honestly say that this book is very advanced. What I mean by this is that one has to do his/her own research to decide about the methods outlined. Indeed some of the research is outdated. For example the couplings of incomplete proteins and complete is slightly flawed in logic. However, you must not forget these methods were employed way before large advances were made in the way of sports nutrition and supplementation.
In the training aspect any normal human would indeed be overtrained. But the body is a magnificent creation and can adapt to anything that it encounters. Shaolin Monks, Ultra Runners, Olympic Gymnasts... they all do things that would overtrain any of us normal people. But they are not overtrained. Indeed Bruce had trained long and hard to become as resilient as such.
As someone who has done a little Personal Training I have to say that his development when he started lifting weights showed his ability to adapt. His body became very muscular very quickly. However, for those who think steroids were his thing... they were not. Not only did he believe in the natural way he also believed that a bulky body will decrease flexibilty and overall speed and endurance. So he actually lost muscle for the sake of being a better martial artist. At this time the only available steroids were things such as testosterone and Dianabol. Bulking agents. (Yes, some steroids build mass and others build power. Some even build endurance by producing erythropoetin but they weren't invented until the mid 70s. The most famous came into vogue in the 80s.) The pills he was seen popping so often were often amino acid pills.
My overall advice about this book? Get some training under your belt whether it's in body building, endurance running, martial arts, etc. Then read this book. It will bring you to the starting point to try and take your body to the next level. Anyone can be an armchair quarterback, but to get out there and try is much more practical.
Keep using and changing the things that challenge you and make a positive difference. Take away the things that do nothing or take away from your goals. If you're a body builder maybe running two miles a day every morning will be detrimental (Although for one who lives in Texas it actually helps keep him in the right shape to do his intense powerlifting/body building hybrid training). For an endurance runner perhaps having well conditioned forearms that enhance the hooking techniques of Wing Chun isn't necessary for running a marathon better. But for a martial artist perhaps a more conditioned midsection to enhance kicking and punching power might be of benefit to you. Or the added cardiovascular endurance to fight for 5 rounds instead of three.
As for the nutrition... remember. The only part that you have to remember is to eat foods that benefit you towards your goal and not eat foods that don't. Moderation is key as well. (A few cups of tea a day can make a LARGE difference)
As a personal experience... I used this book to not only increase the power of my midsection, but also to help lower my bodyfat, decrease my 2 mile time, strengthen my grappling ability, enhance my muscle mass, increase my energy, and also to reinstill that feeling of wanting to experiment. To find what works and what doesn't. The book is the gateway and not the means to an end. After applying the priniciples that suit you... it is up to you to keep learning new ways to keep improving.
If anyone is curious... I am a martial artist, body builder, dietician, Buddhist (born into the temple itself), scientist, and a sports nutritionist. And yes... I practice what I believe is necessary for improvement. Including the practice of taking a day off to eat anything, not train, not think, and just enjoy time with the people who matter in my life.
After having done extensive research into bodybuilding, fitness, martial arts, Asian Medicine, Eastern Philosophy, exercise physiology, and dietetics I can honestly say that this book is very advanced. What I mean by this is that one has to do his/her own research to decide about the methods outlined. Indeed some of the research is outdated. For example the couplings of incomplete proteins and complete is slightly flawed in logic. However, you must not forget these methods were employed way before large advances were made in the way of sports nutrition and supplementation.
In the training aspect any normal human would indeed be overtrained. But the body is a magnificent creation and can adapt to anything that it encounters. Shaolin Monks, Ultra Runners, Olympic Gymnasts... they all do things that would overtrain any of us normal people. But they are not overtrained. Indeed Bruce had trained long and hard to become as resilient as such.
As someone who has done a little Personal Training I have to say that his development when he started lifting weights showed his ability to adapt. His body became very muscular very quickly. However, for those who think steroids were his thing... they were not. Not only did he believe in the natural way he also believed that a bulky body will decrease flexibilty and overall speed and endurance. So he actually lost muscle for the sake of being a better martial artist. At this time the only available steroids were things such as testosterone and Dianabol. Bulking agents. (Yes, some steroids build mass and others build power. Some even build endurance by producing erythropoetin but they weren't invented until the mid 70s. The most famous came into vogue in the 80s.) The pills he was seen popping so often were often amino acid pills.
My overall advice about this book? Get some training under your belt whether it's in body building, endurance running, martial arts, etc. Then read this book. It will bring you to the starting point to try and take your body to the next level. Anyone can be an armchair quarterback, but to get out there and try is much more practical.
Keep using and changing the things that challenge you and make a positive difference. Take away the things that do nothing or take away from your goals. If you're a body builder maybe running two miles a day every morning will be detrimental (Although for one who lives in Texas it actually helps keep him in the right shape to do his intense powerlifting/body building hybrid training). For an endurance runner perhaps having well conditioned forearms that enhance the hooking techniques of Wing Chun isn't necessary for running a marathon better. But for a martial artist perhaps a more conditioned midsection to enhance kicking and punching power might be of benefit to you. Or the added cardiovascular endurance to fight for 5 rounds instead of three.
As for the nutrition... remember. The only part that you have to remember is to eat foods that benefit you towards your goal and not eat foods that don't. Moderation is key as well. (A few cups of tea a day can make a LARGE difference)
As a personal experience... I used this book to not only increase the power of my midsection, but also to help lower my bodyfat, decrease my 2 mile time, strengthen my grappling ability, enhance my muscle mass, increase my energy, and also to reinstill that feeling of wanting to experiment. To find what works and what doesn't. The book is the gateway and not the means to an end. After applying the priniciples that suit you... it is up to you to keep learning new ways to keep improving.
If anyone is curious... I am a martial artist, body builder, dietician, Buddhist (born into the temple itself), scientist, and a sports nutritionist. And yes... I practice what I believe is necessary for improvement. Including the practice of taking a day off to eat anything, not train, not think, and just enjoy time with the people who matter in my life.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Bruce Lee was a man who truly made use of every spare moment he had. Long thought of as simply the pinnacle of martial arts, many fans and non-fans alike are discovering that Bruce Lee was also a thoughtful and profound philosopher. Even in this volume of the fantastic Bruce Lee library, you will find tremendous philosophy and insight by Bruce Lee, as retold by his friends and students. Mr. Lee saw exercise as "The Art of Expressing the Human Body," and he went to great lengths to craft his body--not for appearance--but for functionality. His circuits, weight routines, calisthenics, and cardiovascular workouts are just a few of the things detailed in this clearly exhuastively researched book. It reads quite well, and I have never worked harder at improving my own body as I have when I was actively reading this book. This is a *must* for all martial artists, and a fantastic book for anyone who needs any motivation to work out. Bruce Lee's example is all you need to really get moving.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
AMAZING BOOK!!! AMAZING SELLER!!!
I had found out about this book while looking up isometric exercises and circuit training techniques. As a HUGE Bruce Lee fan, I thought that this would be the perfect book for me. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kelly A. Sadler
For Bruce Lee fans!
I'll admit it, I'm a big fan of Bruce Lee. This book provides an interesting insight into the man and his way of life. Read more
Published 3 months ago by James
I`ve read better
I tried this push-up Buchanan out for one week and i did n `t lose the 300 pounds i was promised i would lose.Bruce Lee needs to stop drinking Coffee.Get it AHA.
Published 4 months ago by Jamilious
Get real!!!
To everyone who has given this book a bad review shut it! I have taken the info in the book itself and have seen very good results. Read more
Published 10 months ago by anon
How the dragon kept his teeth sharp
This book is a fantastic overview of Bruce Lee's method for sculpting his body into a chiseled and extremely strong force to be reckoned with. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Cliff Kelly
Very informative
It's common knowledge that Bruce Lee was an incredible martial artist and was very well versed in exercise science. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Daniel
GREAT read
Awesome read. The book is simple to read and understand fully. It is very well written and organized, the quotes and photos of Bruce Lee are phenomenal. Read more
Published 15 months ago by KJCatabay
The Art of Expressing the Human Body
`The Art of Expressing the Human Body' explores the training techniques and health ideas of Bruce Lee. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Spider Monkey
Not a complete book on exercise, but great for motivation
A friend of mine on Twitter mentioned this book, it looked interesting, and so I got it.
Although I've got a number of books on bodybuilding and fitness, this book... Read more
Although I've got a number of books on bodybuilding and fitness, this book... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Paul A. Houle
Excellent
This book is Excellent..buy it,enjoy it, its a great read of how a legend did it his way, from pure hard work he became a master..We miss you dearly bruce..May we meet in heaven..x
Published 19 months ago by Gary Martin
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Allow me to describe to you a particular day in Bruce Lee's life-a day when he failed to achieve the level of expectation he had set for himself; a day that became a turning point in his life. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
side pulley stretch, personal training diaries, pak sao, lop sao, alternate splits, forearm training, jeer kune, circuit training routine, leverage bar, jumping squat, chi sao, right jab, bodybuilding routine, hook kick, length overhead, press station, reverse curl, straight kick, finger jab, jeet kune, wrist curl, stretched position, power rack, flat bench, straight punch Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Bruce Lee, Hong Kong, Marcy Circuit Trainer, Enter the Dragon, George Lee, Linda Lee Cadwell, Wing Chun, Chuck Norris, The Way of the Dragon, Dan Inosanto, Bel Air, Herb Jackson, San Francisco, Enter the Barbells, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles, The Beginner's Bodybuilding Routine, Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, The Game of Death, Daniel Lee, Hanging Padded Board, Larry Hartsell, North America, Richard Bustillo New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Allow me to describe to you a particular day in Bruce Lee's life-a day when he failed to achieve the level of expectation he had set for himself; a day that became a turning point in his life. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
side pulley stretch, personal training diaries, pak sao, lop sao, alternate splits, forearm training, jeer kune, circuit training routine, leverage bar, jumping squat, chi sao, right jab, bodybuilding routine, hook kick, length overhead, press station, reverse curl, straight kick, finger jab, jeet kune, wrist curl, stretched position, power rack, flat bench, straight punch Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Bruce Lee, Hong Kong, Marcy Circuit Trainer, Enter the Dragon, George Lee, Linda Lee Cadwell, Wing Chun, Chuck Norris, The Way of the Dragon, Dan Inosanto, Bel Air, Herb Jackson, San Francisco, Enter the Barbells, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles, The Beginner's Bodybuilding Routine, Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, The Game of Death, Daniel Lee, Hanging Padded Board, Larry Hartsell, North America, Richard Bustillo New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 22
books:
See all 22 books this book cites
3
books
cite this book:
- Bruce Lee Pb by Mike Baron on 7 pages
- Bruce Lee by Bruce Lee on 6 pages
- Bruce Lee (Tdty) (They Died Too Young) by Jon E. Lewis on 4 pages
- Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit by Bruce Thomas in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The sportsmedicine book by Gabe Mirkin on page 207, and Back Matter
See all 22 books this book cites
- Letters From Michael - A Communication From the Flip Side by co-inspired by Michael J. Gauthier Jr. and Tracy M in Back Matter
- Jeet Kune Do Basics (Tuttle Martial Arts Basics) by David Cheng in Back Matter
- Getting Stronger: Weight Training for Men and Women (Revised Edition) by Bill Pearl in Back Matter
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