Martial arts legend Bruce Lee is credited with elevating the traditional martial arts film to a new level and paving the way for future martial arts and action stars.

The most recognised name in the martial arts world, Bruce Lee’s real name was Lee Jun Fan. Lee dabbled in many martial arts but had his first real martial training in Wing Chun under famous master Yip Man. Lee later developed the martial arts style of Jeet Kune Do, “the way of the intercepting fist”, after discovering the limitations of classic Wing Chun. He subsequently opened more than three schools in different parts of Seattle and Los Angeles teaching Jeet Kune Do.

Lee began his film career in the U.S as the Asian houseboy Kato in the television series The Green Hornet (1966-7). He returned to Hong Kong and continued his movie career, gaining stardom and becoming a cult favourite for his performances in Fist of Fury (1971), The Chinese Connection (1972), The Return of the Dragon (1973) and Enter the Dragon (1973).

In 1973, his sudden and mysterious death caused his popularity to skyrocket even further to a near mythical status. By the time of his death, Lee had elevated martial arts to a new level and paved the way for future stars such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal.