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Lot #468
Bruce Lee: Karate Championships 1964 Program

Scarce program from Bruce Lee's American debut at the 1964 International Karate Championships

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

Scarce program from Bruce Lee's American debut at the 1964 International Karate Championships

Scarce unsigned original official program for the "International Karate Championships, 1964" held at the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, 16 pages, 8.5 x 11, with a full-length image of Bruce Lee inside, billing him as one of the event's demonstrators. The blurb notes: "Bruce Lee, a master of Gung Fu from Hong Kong, China, will demonstrate his remarkable skills." The program also names Chuck Norris as a judge, and features congratulatory ads by Hollywood icons Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Blake Edwards. In very good condition, with light dampstaining to the lower right corner of all pages, and soiling and creasing to the separated covers (partially split at spine).

Bruce Lee's 8.5-minute demonstration—which included his one-inch punch and two-finger push-ups—marked his 'major' American debut, introducing him to the martial arts community in the United States. Originally sold only at the tournament, this is an extremely scarce piece of early Bruce Lee ephemera.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #668 - Ended June 14, 2023