Written by the author: This guide is written by Sifu Kendra Mahon (Kung Fu Kendra), who wrote this book. It describes what the book covers and who it suits. It is not an independent review.
At a glance
- Series: Masters of Kung Fu, Book 1
- Type: Biography with life lessons and workbooks
- Formats: Kindle and paperback
- Best for: Wing Chun students, Bruce Lee readers who want documented facts, and book groups
- Not for: Anyone looking for Jeet Kune Do or Wing Chun technique instruction
What the book covers
Forty-four short chapters in five parts. Part One covers his birth in San Francisco in 1940, his childhood and film career in Hong Kong, his introduction to Ip Man through William Cheung, and his departure for America in 1959. Part Two follows his years in Seattle, Oakland and Los Angeles: his first students, university, marriage to Linda, The Green Hornet, Jeet Kune Do and his 1970 back injury. Part Three covers his Hong Kong films, his death on July 20, 1973, and the debate around its cause. Part Four sets out his philosophy in the author’s own words, and Part Five looks at his family and his legacy in Wing Chun, martial arts and film. A short introduction to Wing Chun, a timeline, recommended reading and a glossary are included.
Who should read it
- Wing Chun students who want to know how Bruce Lee fits into the history of their art.
- Readers new to Bruce Lee who want a clear, short account of his life.
- Fans wary of myths who want a book that says where accounts differ.
- Teachers and book groups looking for discussion material with ready-made questions.
How to use it
Read it a part at a time. Each chapter ends with a short lesson, and each part ends with a workbook of reflection questions; the book also includes a section on using it in a group, with ground rules and discussion questions. Readers who want Bruce Lee’s own words should follow the recommended reading list at the end, since the book describes his ideas rather than quoting him. It is an independent biography, not a training manual.
A short excerpt
“But behind the fist was a thinker: a young man who read philosophy late into the night, wrote down his goals, questioned traditions, and tried to understand himself honestly.”
Where to get it
Bruce Lee: The Philosopher Behind the Fist is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback: Kindle and paperback. Find it on Goodreads under Kendra Mahon, or read what students say on the Kung Fu Kendra reviews page. For other Wing Chun books, see our guide to Wing Chun books.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bruce Lee: The Philosopher Behind the Fist a martial arts manual?
No. It is an independent biography based on publicly available sources, with a lesson at the end of each chapter. It does not teach Wing Chun or Jeet Kune Do technique.
How is the book connected to Wing Chun?
Bruce Lee was introduced to Ip Man by his friend William Cheung, who later became Grandmaster William Cheung, the teacher of the author's own teacher. The book follows his Wing Chun training and how its principles carried into Jeet Kune Do.
Who wrote Bruce Lee: The Philosopher Behind the Fist?
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra. She has trained since 2005, holds Master level (purple sash), and teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung.
Where can I buy Bruce Lee: The Philosopher Behind the Fist?
On Amazon in Kindle and paperback. It is Book 1 of Masters of Kung Fu.