This audiobook covers the philosophy of the renowned martial artist, Bruce Lee. I listened to this book based on the inspiration of my friend, coach, and trainer, Rich O’Neill at Elite Functional Performance. I learned so much about the philosophy and spirituality of Bruce Lee along with a greater understanding of the ways of the Tao. That I happened to be reading Tao Te Ching at the same time that I decided to listen to The Warrior Within was not a conscious choice, but there is certainly synchronicity to the parallel.
I am not a fighter and never have been. I’ve always been curious about the spirituality behind the martial arts. The Karate Kid was an important part of my child hood and I’ve been searching for my Mr. Miyagi ever since. Bruce Lee was a philosopher first and a martial artist second, but it seems the two go hand in hand. He made his own way in the world and was not attached to any one particular religion or philosophy. However, there are many references throughout out the book to Taoism and the concept behind the Yin Yang Symbol.
Bruce Lee eventually developed his own philosophy called Jeet Kune Do, which translates to mean “the way of the intercepting fist”. This was clearly influenced by the ideas of the Tao in that Bruce Lee’s philosophy was about responding to the flow of the opponents energy rather than resisting. In this way, he would use his opponents strength in his own favor. His movements wold flow with the force of the other and once that force dissipated he would then be free to initiate his offensive move. In this way, Bruce Lee’s martial arts movements were effortless, graceful, and without resistance. His philosophy of life outside of martial arts and off the screen maintained the same ingredients.
