Chinese Gung-Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self Defense

Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense is a book by Bruce Lee expressing his martial arts philosophy and viewpoints. It describes his early style of gung fu which was based heavily on Wing Chun. This was before the development of his unique style of martial arts called Jeet Kune Do in the late 1960's.

Chinese Gung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense was published in early 1963 by Bruce Lee with the help of friend and fellow martial artist James Yimm Lee of Oakland, CA. James had previously published books on the martial arts such as Modern Kung Fu, Karate: Iron, Poison Hand Training and Karate Oriental Self-Defense in 1957. While many sources say only 500 copies of Chinese Gung Fu were printed this is incorrect. In the book Remembering the Master: Bruce Lee, James Yimm Lee and the Creation of Jeet Kune Do by Sid Campbell and Greglon Yimm Lee (James Lee's son) it is stated the initial run was 1,500 copies (page 176). The book was sold through James Lee's company Oriental Book Sales at a price of $5. In addition to the book, a companion Chinese Gung Fu instruction chart was available for $1.

Authentic copies of the original 1963 book are rare and fakes or reproductions are often offered for sale as legitimate copies on auction sites across the internet. Collectors should be wary and do their research before bidding or purchasing.