The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee

As someone who has been involved in numerous martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Krav Maga, MMA, Hanbo-Jutsu, Tanto-Jutsu, Kenjutsu, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics) for the last 7 decades I am quite familiar with the legendary Bruce Lee and the fighting method he developed called Jeet Kune Do (Way of the intercepting Fist).Even though I have read most of the books and articles by Bruce Lee over the years, but I had not read this 201 page soft cover book (The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee to better understand the world around you and achieve a rewarding life by John Little) and when I saw it on Amazon for a bargain price I sent for it.I am also a student of Asian and warrior philosophy and much of the material in this book concerning Zen, Taoism and Bushido (way of the warrior) was a pleasant review for me; nevertheless, this book had some interesting and informative insights into Bruce’s life and family.This wonderful book is organized into three parts as it explains the deeper aspects of Bruce’s philosophical insights of how he looked as fighting and life in general. The first part (Seeing the totality) covers the true meaning of Gung Fu, emptying your cup, the ways of the world, on Yin/Yang, and running water. The second part focuses on (defeating adversity) bending to survive, relationships, racism, challenges and stress release. The final part (the warrior within) deals with Jeet Kune Do-the Quantum perspective, you are it, the art of fighting without fighting, lessons from a master’s son, signposts, the films of Bruce Lee, and in your own process. The appendixes section also contains important and interesting information you should read.In conclusion, this is a must read for anyone interested into the deeper philosophical foundations of Jeet Kune Do and living “the way of the warrior.”Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Training alone in Combatives and Self-Defense).

There is no doubt in my mind that this book will make you see things differently, whoever you are. It may help you more, however, if you have already been exposed to the teachings of the East, whether it is Buddhism, or Hinduism, or any practice which involves controlling and quieting your mind. A beginner will not benefit from the exercises of an advanced practioner in any discipline; this is especially true when it comes to understanding the ways of the universe.This book is worth the read in any case because you will learn regardless of your previous background. You may not, however, be able to assimilate some of the core messages and will regard them as spiritual mumbo jumbo if you've never read anything about the topic. I know that if I'd read this book a year ago, I wouldn't have understood many of the key points, but because I've spent the better part of the past year involved in Eastern teachings, I've understood Bruce Lee's message much more profoundly.I started with The Power of Now, but it made me a passive egg plant which no longer had any ambitions because I was convinced that being here and now was the only way to live. Note that I'm not dissing the book. It did open my eyes to many things, but you shouldn't stop anywhere, and certainly not at the Power of Now because there is much more to life than the author seems to think there is. I kept searching until I was content with the answers I found (Edit- months later: you'll be surprised how often you'll find yourself discovering new paradigms when you flow in harmony with the universe around you. What you are content with at one point may seem antiquated at another), but you should never stop trying to improve yourself, so I'm going to carry on doing what I do until my time on planet Earth ends. This must be the case with you if you wish to have a wonderful life. Continuous self improvement is one of Bruce Lee's core messages, one that separates his philosophy from many of the ancient Eastern teachings from which his mindset is derived. I will leave you with a quote of his:"If you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else, it'll spread over into the rest of your life. It'll spread into your work, into your morality, into your entire being. There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level."

He loved it. Bruce Lee is who inspired him to get into MMA he was delighted with the book. Now I have to get him the rest of the collection. Highly recommend.

The motive why I ordered Bruce Lee's "The Warrior Within" is because my perception of life is relevant to his perception as I have learned. I was overwhelmingly astonished that many notions and thoughts I had Bruce Lee also had and further emphasized them into his life philosophy. Afterwards, I was granted confirmation knowing that I am on the course. Also, I was raised on Bruce Lee's film and decided to know more about him as a human being outside of his stardom. Bruce Lee is my admirer and after reading "The Warrior Within" I learned much about Bruce Lee and discovered more about myself. My perception of life has broadened and my understanding has enhanced on how life is and could be. Bruce Lee taught me how not to question or analyze nature and happiness. Doing so otherwise will cause an unbalance. There is no need for me to fret anymore because life simply IS. As long as I float like a leaf when the wind blows rather than standing firm and going against the grain of things, I shall be formless and shapeless like water. At the same time, pliable and creating circumstances.:):)

I can see why this book is popular amongst martial artists. Although I’m not a martial artist myself, this book helped me discover more about myself and how I can apply philosophical concepts to my everyday life. Definitely worth reading!

Great book!