Phoebe Lee
Phoebe Lee is the older sister of the late martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. Unlike the rest of the world, Lee’s memories of her younger brother are of a mischievous little boy first, and a film icon second. She takes Lorraine Ng back to Lee’s childhood and explains how he paved the way for mixed martial arts.
HK Magazine: What was it like growing up with Bruce Lee?
Phoebe Lee: He was a naughty boy, and was attached to kung fu comics from an early age. That was where his kung fu story began. He was exposed to a great variety of martial arts—everything from Wing Chun and Hung Kuen to White Crane Boxing and Shaolin boxing, just to name a few. Once he started his training, I became a punching bag. He used to chase after me and practice his punches. So the result was that I had bruises everywhere on my arm—my poor arm!
HK: Can you share some of your vivid memories that you have of Bruce Lee?
PL: My brother was a gifted and talented martial arts master widely praised by his teachers. He was also a diligent kung fu enthusiast who put his full concentration and time into practicing his skills. At home, he honored his parents and grandparents, and stayed closed to his siblings. We called each other by nicknames—“Small Phoenix” was his nickname, meaning small son, and mine was “Big-Eyed Girl,” which best described my appearance. I remember that he always teased me with his kung fu. He once brushed my head, so I responded angrily, “Small Phoenix, why did you rub my head with your hand?” He denied this accusation. Then I realized I was wrong—he did not use his hand, but his foot! His leg moved so swiftly and rose so straight and high that I barely saw it.
HK: Do you miss him?
PL: Yes. I admit that I think of him every single day. Whenever I see pictures of him, I can’t help but shed tears. As his older sister [by two years], we had similar characters and I maintained a close relationship with him. For example, I helped keep the secret that he was learning martial arts without my father’s knowledge, since my father stressed the importance of our academic achievement and he did not want us to waste time on kung fu.
HK: Why do you think Bruce Lee is considered the father of mixed martial arts?
PL: He deserves this accolade, as the punches and techniques applied in the mixed martial arts competitions nowadays can be traced back to the skills my brother featured in well-known movies ages ago, such as “Way of the Dragon.” Jeet Kune Do, a new style of martial arts he created, has adapted the spirit and essence of multiple styles without being restricted to any of the traditional styles and systems. It is based on his philosophy of speed, accuracy and practicality, which laid a strong foundation fo the innovative yet powerful Jeet Kune Do.
HK: Is martial arts a big part of your family? Are you involved in martial arts?
PL: Definitely. We can trace the history of our ancestors back to top martial artists. My father learned Wu-style tai chi, and he passed on his knowledge to my brother. In addition, I used to bring Bruce to various kung fu classes. I was asked by the masters there to join a couple of times, yet at that time, all I fancied was dancing, and I hated kung fu. I bet if I had learned it with him, I would have become a great master too! I didn’t start learning Wu-style tai chi until I moved to the US. Soon after that, my passion for kung fu grew as well.
HK: Can you tell us about the 2009 biopic on Bruce Lee?
PL: In 2009, a director proposed making a movie about him and my dad, Lee Hoi-chuen, who was one of the leading actors in Cantonese opera. The movie took us back to our old family time in Hong Kong before Bruce set off for the US, showcasing the harmony and the bond between us in the setting of our old house. The storyline was narrated by me and my brother Robert.