The Untold Story of Bruce Lee’s Training: Joe Lewis Finally Speaks After Decades🥋🔥

Welcome to Beardy Bruce Lee Central! Hey everyone, it’s Biry here, and today we have something truly special.

I recently stumbled upon an old interview with Joe Lewis that was thought to be lost forever.

After finding it on a beta tape in my archive, I’ve restored both the audio and video.

In this interview, Joe Lewis reveals everything about his relationship with Bruce Lee, their training sessions, and the legendary fight that became iconic in martial arts history.

So, let’s dive in!

Joe Lewis, a renowned martial artist and champion, begins by discussing his relationship with Bruce Lee.

“Hello, I’m Joe Lewis,” he says, setting the stage for a deep dive into their training dynamics.

Lewis emphasizes the importance of philosophy in martial arts, something he learned from Bruce.

“Most martial artists do not have a philosophy,” he explains, highlighting that this lack of a guiding principle can hinder their performance in fights.

According to Lewis, Bruce taught him that to succeed in a fight, one needs three key elements: good technique, guts, and heart.

“Good technique can help you to start a fight,” he states.

“You need guts and physical conditioning to hang in there.”

But most importantly, he stresses the need for heart.

“The most important thing about a fight is not winning and losing but being able to finish the fight,” he adds.

This philosophy, rooted in Bruce’s teachings, was a game-changer for Lewis.

Lewis elaborates on how Bruce Lee ignited emotional gratification within him during their training sessions.

“Whenever you make a movement, you have to put your heart into it,” he emphasizes.

Bruce encouraged Lewis to express emotion through his techniques, transforming the way he approached martial arts.

This emotional connection, according to Lewis, is what separates great martial artists from the rest.

He describes how Bruce taught him to communicate with opponents through techniques, such as the lead hand punch and the lead leg sidekick.

“You throw it real fast just to let your opponent know you’re quick,” Lewis explains.

This strategic approach to fighting, combined with emotional engagement, was a hallmark of Bruce’s philosophy and the core of what he taught Lewis.

Lewis recounts the first time he met Bruce Lee back in 1967 at Black Belt Magazine.

“I didn’t know who he was,” Lewis admits, recalling their initial interaction.

Bruce approached him in the parking lot, discussing Wing Chun techniques and the importance of positioning in martial arts.

At the time, Lewis had a somewhat dismissive attitude toward smaller martial artists, but Bruce’s charisma and expertise began to change his perspective.

Their paths crossed again at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., where they were both invited as special guests for the United States National Championships.

Bruce’s friendly demeanor and impressive knowledge of martial arts began to win Lewis over.

Eventually, after discussions with fellow martial artists, Lewis decided to train with Bruce, marking the beginning of a significant partnership.

As Lewis started training with Bruce, he quickly realized the depth of Bruce’s knowledge and skill.

“He always worked on his form,” Lewis recalls, describing how Bruce would show off his impressive physique and demonstrate new kicks.

Their training sessions were intense and focused on developing techniques that combined speed, precision, and emotional intent.

Lewis describes their workouts, which involved drills where they would square off and practice various techniques.

Bruce’s timing and reflexes were exceptional, and Lewis learned a great deal from their sparring sessions.

“Bruce had a way of igniting that emotional gratification within me,” he explains, emphasizing how this emotional connection made their training sessions unique and impactful.

One of the highlights of Lewis’s relationship with Bruce was the legendary fight scene they created in Way of the Dragon.

Lewis describes how Bruce called him up after achieving success with his films in Hong Kong, asking him to be his opponent in a fight scene set in the Coliseum in Rome.

“I thought that would be a break from my routine,” Lewis recalls, and he eagerly agreed.

During the fight, Bruce’s intention was clear: he wanted to create a memorable scene that would resonate with audiences.

“Of course, he kills me,” Lewis laughs, recalling how Bruce insisted on making the fight dramatic.

The scene became iconic, showcasing not only their martial arts skills but also the deep respect and friendship they shared.

As the interview progresses, Lewis reflects on Bruce’s lasting impact on martial arts and the film industry.

He emphasizes that Bruce was not just a martial artist but a philosopher who reshaped the way people approached fighting and self-defense.

“What Bruce Lee was showing us was basically organized common sense,” Lewis states, underscoring the importance of integrating philosophy into martial arts practice.

Lewis’s insights into Bruce’s teachings provide a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest martial artists in history.

Through their training, Bruce instilled values of perseverance, emotional engagement, and strategic thinking, which Lewis carried with him throughout his career.

In conclusion, Joe Lewis’s reflections on his time with Bruce Lee offer a rare and valuable perspective on the martial arts legend.

His insights into Bruce’s philosophy, training methods, and the emotional aspects of fighting highlight the profound influence Bruce had on his life and the martial arts community as a whole.

As we celebrate Bruce Lee’s legacy, it’s important to remember the lessons he imparted to those around him.

His dedication to martial arts, combined with a deep understanding of the human spirit, continues to inspire generations of martial artists and fans alike.