Bruce Lee, Innovator?
In 1940, Edwin L. Haislet published his book Boxing
TKDTutor: This was the year Lee was born, so Haislet certainly did not get his ideas from Lee. The following are some comparisons between some of Haislet’s writings and some of Lee’s writings.
Haislet wrote:
The primary purpose of boxing is hitting. Therefore, the use of the fundamental position is to obtain the most favorable position for hitting…
In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:
The primary purpose of JKD is kicking, hitting and applying bodily force. Therefore, the use of the on-guard position is to obtain the most favorable position for the above-mentioned.
Haislet wrote:
…To hit effectively it is necessary to shift the weight constantly from one leg to the other. This means perfect control of body balance. Balance is the most important consideration of the fundamental position.
In his 1975 book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, Lee wrote:
To hit or to kick effectively, it is necessary to shift weight constantly from one leg to the other. This means perfect control of body balance. Balance is the most important consideration in the on-guard position.