Bruce Lee Would have preferred Studying Medicine over Martial Arts

Reading time: 5 minutes
03/01/2023

The legendary Martial Artist Bruce Lee is one of the most recognizable icons of the twentieth century. His remarkable achievements in martial arts and philosophy have left and indelible mark on the world, inspiring generations of martial artists and fans alike. But what many people don't know is that martial arts were not Bruce Lee's first choice.

Bruce Lee's Legacy

Bruce Lee Statue in Hong Kong

Bruce Lee is remembered fondly as one of the most influential martial artists of all time. His unique style of martial arts combined elements of Chinese martial arts, boxing, and fencing, and he was also a master of Jeet Kune Do, a philosophy he developed to expand his martial arts technique.

Lee was also a master of the physical and spiritual aspects of martial arts, and his writings and teachings continue to be an inspiration to martial artists today.

His legacy was cemented by his iconic film roles, culminating in his 1973 movie Enter the Dragon, which skyrocketed him to international fame. His death in 1973 at the age of 32 only further cemented his legacy as an icon.

Bruce Lee's Hard Childhood

Bruce Lee's Childhood

What many people don't know is that Bruce Lee's childhood was far from idyllic. Born in San Francisco in 1940, his father was a Chinese opera singer, and his mother was a Cantonese American. In 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Lee family was forced to move to Hong Kong due to the anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S.

At the age of 18, Bruce Lee was already a troubled youth, and he had been expelled from school due to his fighting and rebellious behavior. He was desperate to make something of himself, but he had few options available to him.

Martial Arts were Necessary for Bruce Lee

jackie chann and bruce lee

At this point, Bruce Lee turned to martial arts as a way to channel his anger and frustration. He had been exposed to martial arts from a young age, as his father had been a student of the Wing Chun style of kung fu, and he had been exposed to other martial arts such as taekwondo and judo. He developed a passion for martial arts, and he dedicated himself to mastering the techniques.

Lee quickly developed a reputation as a formidable fighter, and he soon found himself in demand as a martial arts instructor. His success as a martial arts instructor helped him to establish his own martial arts school, and his fame soon spread beyond Hong Kong.

Bruce Lee's Journals indicate he Wanted to study Medicine

Bruce Lee wanted to study medicine

Though martial arts were a necessary outlet for Bruce Lee, it was not his first choice. His journals, recently unearthed, reveal his true passion - medicine. As a young man, Lee had dreamed of becoming a doctor, and his journals show that he still thought of becoming a doctor even when he was already a successful martial artist.

Lee had been exposed to traditional Chinese medicine from a young age, and he had developed a deep interest in the subject. He was fascinated by the healing power of plants, and he was interested in the use of herbs and other medicinal substances in traditional Chinese medicine.

Bruce Lee was Passionate about Medicine and Pharmacology

Bruce Lee

In his journals, Bruce Lee often wrote about his interest in medicine and pharmacology. He wrote about the different plants and herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine and their medicinal properties. He also wrote about the use of acupuncture and other healing techniques.

Lee was so passionate about medicine that his family and friends had to convince him to pursue martial arts instead. He was initially hesitant, but in the end, he decided that martial arts were the best way for him to make a living.

Bruce Lee was undecided about whether to pursue Martial Arts or study Medicine

Bruce Lee punching bag

Though Bruce Lee eventually decided to pursue martial arts, it was not an easy decision for him. His journals show that he was still undecided right up until the end. He was passionate about both martial arts and medicine, and he was torn between the two.

In the end, Lee chose martial arts as a way to make a living and pursue his passion. But it is clear from his journals that he was still interested in medicine, and he often wrote about his interest in the subject.

Bruce Lee with his children

Though Bruce Lee is remembered primarily as a martial artist, his journals reveal a deep interest in medicine that was never fully realized. His legacy as an icon of martial arts is indisputable, but his passion for medicine remains an enduring part of his legacy.

Bruce Lee wanted to study medicine and it is a testament to his determination that he was able to pursue his dreams even when faced with difficult choices.

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Benjamin Potts
Chuckles! Maybe Bruce would've said, 'Take two roundhouse kicks and call me in the morning!' Art or Med, his focus was unbeatable!

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Liam Patterson
Huh, imagine Bruce Lee diagnosing instead of doing kicks! Though I can't help but think the medical field would've gained a star too. Gotta love Bruce!

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Liam Thompson
Interesting perspective! But can you imagine Bruce Lee going 'Kung Flu' on unwanted viruses? Medi-sin aside, I bet he could have beaten illness with a one-inch punch!

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Molly Patterson
So Bruce Lee, the kung fu legend, would've double-dipped in the cough syrup instead of martial arts? That's a plot twist! Anyway, interesting read! ๐Ÿ˜‚

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Johnny Brightside
Whoa, Bruce Lee in a lab coat rather than a Gi, now that's a knockout idea! But wouldn't be it harder to fit nunchucks in a doc's bag? ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿฅผ๐Ÿฅ‹

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