Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this book.

I know of Bruce Lee in a general sense. I don't believe I have seen any of his movies. So it was interesting to read about him as a person, which is a lot of martial arts focus because that was his focus. It was well written.

Rating 4/5

“My style? You can call it the art of fighting without fighting.” BUT—there is a LOT of fighting.…..

Book Information

“Wrath of the Dragon: The Real Fights of Bruce Lee” by John Little is a 320-page memoir. It was published on September 5, 2023. The audio version is narrated by David Shih, spans 7 hours and 31 minutes, and was released on September 25th. Thank you to RB Media for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

Is Bruce Lee's fighting prowess just a camera trick or a real deal? Renowned author John Little, a Bruce Lee authority, has conducted extensive research spanning over 30 years, traveling thousands of miles to get to the bottom of this question. Little has interviewed more than 30 eyewitnesses to Bruce Lee's actual fights and those who witnessed his sparring sessions (where he was never defeated) against top martial artists worldwide. From the streets of Hong Kong to challenge matches in Seattle and Oakland, even on the sets of his famous films where he faced repeated challenges, this is the true story of Bruce Lee's fighting legacy

My Thoughts

John Little's "Wrath of the Dragon: The Real Fights of Bruce Lee" is an incredibly captivating and entertaining journey into the life of the legendary martial artist. Little's unique approach to chronicling Bruce Lee's life sets this book apart from the rest.

Rather than merely listing his fights, Little delves deep into Bruce Lee's transformation from a hot-tempered youth, entangled in street fights and gang activities, to the visionary who possessed a rare ability to perceive the world differently, through both a martial art and a life lense. Little highlights the natural talent that Bruce Lee possessed but also emphasizes the years of unwavering dedication and rigorous training, both mentally and physically, that molded him into the iconic athlete and star that the world came to know.

The book offers readers a fascinating glimpse into Bruce Lee's early life, even revealing intriguing anecdotes, such as his parents making him wear a dress to bed to ward off malevolent spirits. It takes us behind the scenes of Lee's final film, "Enter the Dragon," shedding light on the constant challenges he faced throughout his life. John Little's meticulous research not only explores the extensive material available on Bruce Lee but also engages with firsthand witnesses and those who fought with and against him. This commitment to comprehensive research adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

The book is a treasure trove of details about Bruce Lee's martial arts journey, showcasing when and how he acquired various martial arts skills and how he ingeniously integrated elements from other styles, such as boxing and fencing, into his own martial art, Jeet Kune Do.

For fans of Bruce Lee's movies, particularly classics like "Enter the Dragon," this book unveils the drama that unfolded behind the scenes, providing a riveting backdrop to Lee's cinematic triumphs. Additionally, it sheds light on the relentless challenges he faced from fellow martial artists in his day-to-day life.

As the book draws to a close, John Little presents readers with heartfelt quotes and tributes from Bruce Lee's contemporaries and those he inspired, offering a poignant conclusion to this gripping exploration of Bruce Lee's life through his real-life battles.

Recommendation

In "Wrath of the Dragon," John Little's meticulous research, unique perspective, and engaging storytelling combine to create an enthralling portrait of Bruce Lee, making this book a must-read for anyone intrigued by the life and legend of the martial arts icon. Little's work truly brings Bruce Lee's story to life, from his fiery youth to his legendary status in the world of martial arts and film. Strongly recommended.

Rating

4 Beimo Stars