Bruce Lee’s opponent Dies on Boxing Day

Wong Jack Man Died on December 26, 2018. He was a Kung Fu master who came over from China from the Jing Wu School to San Francisco. He was appointed to spread the Jing Wu theory to the Chinese community in United States.  He gave instruction in the arts of Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing-I Chuan, and Northern Shaolin at the Fort Mason Centre in San Francisco for the better part of five decades before retiring in 2005.

Sifu Man was the teacher that earned his fame for fighting with Bruce Lee.  This came about after Bruce promoted his school, the Jun Fan Gung Institute, in Oakland, by frequently giving demonstrations of his skills at events. At one of these events at the Sun Sing Theatre in San Francisco October 1964, Lee foolishly stated that he was the best fighter in San Francisco, and would welcome any challenges to be proven wrong. David Chin, a Wing Chun enthusiast who was not present for Lee’s speech but had heard of it, suggested his friend Wong Jack Man could offer a needed dose of humility. Wong agreed, and Chin helped compose the letter agreeing to a match before delivering it. The fight took place behind closed doors and the outcome changed Lee’s approach to martial arts. There are various versions of how the fight took place, but no matter what the outcome was it went down in history as Lee’s toughest fight.  After many years of speculation a movie was made called Birth of the Dragon that was released on Aug. 25th 2017.  Wong was the consultant on the movie which portrayed his version of the fight he had with Bruce. Unfortunately, there was little which portrayed Mr Lee in a good light, which did not go down well with his massive popular appreciative following.

The only thing for sure is neither Martial Arts Masters will ever be forgotten. Wong Jack Man’s school is still open and, now run by his former student, Rick Wing.  With much respect and honour may he Rest In Peace.