ALS signed “Bruce,” one page, 8.25 x 11, on colorful Jeet Kune Do letterhead, no date but postmarked July 14, 1967. Letter to Taky Kimura, his prize student and eventually one of only three Lee-certified instructors of Jeet Kune Do. In full: “A letter to ask you to hurry that Chinese guy for the Uniforms – we want this matter to be settled as soon as possible. Also. Ed Parker should contact you for plane ticket – In the Oct. issue (one after the next one) of Black Belt I will be on the front cover and there will be a three parter on me. Write me and let me know how many days you can come out for that tournament. The day is on Sunday night July 30th. Let me know.” Lee also adds a brief postscript at the bottom: “P.S. Will you make a few of the emblems for samples. I believe the first rank, a blank one should be cheaper.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Lee’s hand, and a signed statement of provenance from Kimura. In very fine condition.
Already a world renowned martial artist and TV star—thanks to his appearance on The Green Hornet—Lee was on the verge of film stardom when he sent this letter to his protege Kimura. Though seemingly “routine” at first read, the content is actually quite stellar, referencing, indirectly, his Gung Fu school and uniforms from “that Chinese guy,” as well as the October issue of Black Belt in which Lee revealed his transformation from a self-described ruffian in Hong Kong to one of the most influential martial artists of all time. During the interview, Lee admitted that, “I was a punk and went looking for fights. We used chains and pens with knives hidden inside them.” The July 30 event referenced here was the Fourth Annual International Karate Tournament, which was held at the Long Beach Arena. During the event, Lee demonstrated his famous "unstoppable punch" which was precisely what the name implied. Parker, regarded as the “Father of American Karate”, had invited Lee to the first tournament a few years earlier. A great piece of correspondence from the early days of Jeet Kune Do, composed on the brink of Lee’s film stardom. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
