To enhance his training regime, he designed equipment that was less-rigid, and more unpredictable, much like how a human would be in a real combat situation.

But, despite the fact that Bruce Lee has transcended being just a martial artist and has become a cultural icon, there are still some facts about his life and work that may surprise you.

A cha cha champion Bruce Lee is known for his impressive moves: his high kicks, devastating punches, and quick legwork.

But what about his.

Yes, cha cha. Perhaps we have this early training in Latin dance to thank for the grace and poise of his martial arts style.

Becomes a Cha Cha champion.

Bruce Lee Foundation 2.

Not only did he begin martial arts at age 13, he was also a child actor, and appeared in over 20 films in Hong Kong before moving to the United States at age 18.

His first screen time came at the very young, and very adorable, age of 3 months.

Bruces First Appearance in Film (1941) by Unknown Bruce Lee Foundation 3.

A good hair day Bruce Lee got his big break in Hollywood in 1964 when he was discovered by celebrity hair stylist, Jay Sebring, at the Long Beach Karate Championships.

Sebring told one of his celebrity clients, the producer and actor William Dozier, about the young, talented martial artist, and Dozier immediately contacted Lee.

Eyes on the prize Despite his quick reactions and insightful precision, Bruce Lee actually had terrible eyesight.

This meant that he wore large glasses all his life, and was even one of the first people to ever try out contact lenses.

Bruce Lee and Dan Lee (no relation) (19661967) by Bruce Lee Bruce Lee Foundation 5.

Humble beginnings Bruce Lee never intended to become an actor, and dreamed instead of opening up martial arts schools across the US.

The first location of what could loosely be called Bruces school, The Jun Fan Gung-Fu Institute, was actually located in a parking garage in Seattles First Hill area.

But from these humble beginnings came a new philosophy of martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, and Lees school still operates in Seattle today.

A rebel with a cause Martial arts is steeped in tradition, etiquette and protocol, so its no surprise that Bruce Lee ruffled some feathers in the martial arts community with his unorthodox practices.

He often called out what were, in his opinion, the inefficient methods of the classical arts during his demonstrations.

Added to this, Bruce Lee actively fought to take martial arts out of the rarefied, secretive schools and bring it to everyone.

He was one of the pioneers of inclusivity in martial arts, and openly taught all walks of life, no matter their race, age or gender.

Bruce with JFGFI Seattle students.

Circa. 1963 64) by Unknown Bruce Lee Foundation On July 18th, 2012, the United States House of Representatives made a tribute to Bruce Lee, saying, Bruce had, and continues to have, an immeasurable impact on American and global popular culture through the important role he played in creating a bridge between cultures.

Charles Russo, and Shannon Lee, discuss martial arts in San Francisco, Oakland and Bruces impact in these places.

Bruce Lee Podcast Bruce Lee Foundation 7.

A boundary-breaking love In the summer of 1963, a young woman by the name of Linda Emery began taking Gung Fu lessons from Lee in Seattle.

A year later, Bruce and Linda were married, even though they knew their parents, and society at large, would not approve of their interracial marriage.

Bruce and Linda Marry (circa 1963) Bruce Lee Foundation 8.

Bruce Lee The Man Only I Knew Pdf