Bruce Lee is one of the most revered names in martial arts, known the world over for being a pioneer of both combat and fighting movies; he is also the grandfather of the modern world of MMA.
He starred in 31 films, with titles such as The Way of the Dragon and the posthumously released Enter the Dragon. He didn’t just act; he directed many iconic fight scenes, using his knowledge of Chinese martial arts, judo and street fighting.
He founded his own discipline, Jeet Kune Do, and has left an indelible imprint on popular culture.
He’s also been the star of many video games, which have carried his legacy forward. It’s been almost half a century since he tragically passed, but many today still know of him through these games.
Event Hubs reveal he was the inspiration behind Street Fighter character Fei Long, and he has made guest appearances in games such as Bruce Lee Lives on PC.
His image is featured in an online slot game from Cheeky Bingo named Bruce Lee, which also has martial arts themes running through it. Another game bearing his name, Bruce Lee: Enter The Game, is also popular on iOS, whereas he features as a playable character in EA Sports UFC 2.
That’s an important inclusion for many because Lee is widely accepted as the godfather of the modern mixed martial arts industry. His exposure in digital media and film has ensured his likeness remains known, but his fighting style, stance and ethos are the elements which carry the most influence. He’s a man many in the MMA world look up to, and with good reason.
Here are three reasons Bruce Lee is widely regarded as the godfather of MMA.
Table of Contents
Humility
Lee practiced humility in victory, which is something MMA fighters do show. You’ll often see fighters with an opponent in a hold during fights, but there’s no gloating, no arrogance. Before a show, there’s plenty of build-up, but only rarely does it lead to post-match brawls as it did between McGregor and Nurmagomedov.
That’s because most fighters have a degree of humility, taught by Lee throughout his career. “Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory” was Bruce Lee’s mantra, and this is even demonstrated by his famous ‘one-inch punch’. It was the least showy of moves, intended to simply do a job with no fuss, no display of arrogance or extravagance.
Mind Training
Lee suffered hardship in his younger years, describing himself as a ‘punk’ on the streets of Hong Kong. He felt kids in the slums could never get out, but he had the right mindset. He fought against hardship, yet when he came to a fight, he emptied his mind and went on instinct.
It is an interesting paradox that he explained in a famous quote. “Don’t make a plan of fighting; that is a very good way to lose your teeth. If you try to remember, you will lose. Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water.”
Modern MMA fighters often come up against opponents with different skills and attributes, and the ability to fight naturally and reactively is a huge benefit and a lesson taught by Lee.
Training
MMA fighters such as Jorge Masvidal are at peak physical fitness, finely tuned for combat without an ounce of body fat out of place. They push their bodies to the limit, displaying outstanding feats of strength and resilience. Lee did the same; his ethos was based on his ability to push the boundaries and test his capabilities. He was famed for going beyond what normal people felt was possible, which is a great lesson for the MMA fighters of today.
