Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday Celebration
12-12-2010 
Friday November 26, 2010
I arrived in San Francisco, California around 7:45pm. From SFO Airport, I went straight to my brother's apartment on California Street. After getting situated, I started to run through the plan for the next day's big event, Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday Celebration. Everyone and especially the Bruce Lee Foundation thought it would be appropriate to have the Dragon's birthday in the city he was actually born in. Others believe that Bruce Lee was born in Hong Kong, but if you ever get to see his birth certificate, Bruce Lee was actually born in the United States. The Bruce Lee Foundation set up walking tours on the morning of Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday. The walking tour consisted of places all over San Francisco's Chinatown where Bruce Lee actually lived, worked, and performed Gung Fu before heading over to Seattle, Washington. After the tour, there would be a grand birthday celebration for Bruce in the Empress of China Restaurant. I was excited all the way through the night and into a cloudy and cold morning on November 27, 2010.
Saturday November 27, 2010
I woke up around 7 in the morning and started to get ready for the big day. I turned on the tv in the living room of my brother's apartment and started to flip through the channels for local weather updates. The weatherman predicted a chance of showers on and off during the day. It would be seasonably cold, but not freezing cold. By 830am, I headed over to the Hilton on Kearny Street where my teacher, Sifu Richard Torres, and my classmates were staying. When I arrived, I met with my classmates in the lobby of the Hilton and wondered where the meeting place for the walking tour was going to be. While looking for the information, I saw Jeet Kune Do's elites, Tommy Carruthers and Yori Nakamura. Not too far from where I was standing, Bruce Lee's student Allen Joe and Bruce Lee's wife Linda Lee Cadwell were also in sight. I looked to my right and saw one of Ted Wong's student, Greg Smith walking through the lobby. I approached Greg and I introduced myself. Then, I asked if he knew where this walking tour was going to start. He quickly got on his cellphone and called for the information. It was confirmed that the walking tour was going to begin where the Dragon life started (The Chinese Hospital on Jackson Street). My classmates and I started to hike up the cemented hills of San Francisco's Chinatown. After a few blocks, we happened to bump into Sifu Richard Torres at the corner. In attendance were his students from Holland and Jeet Kune Do Instructors from the Netherlands, George Sirag and James ter Beek. Apparently, there were three walking tours. Our tour was going to start at 1pm. I looked at my watch, it was 10:15am. We all agreed to meet up at the Hilton lobby around 12:30pm and go straight to the hospital. My classmates and I split from Sifu Richard Torres and his group to roam around on our own. I was kind of impressed with San Francisco's Chinatown. New York City's Chinatown consists of long strips or long blocks of shops and restaurants with narrow streets. This Chinatown, on the other hand, had a lot of open spaces and somewhat cleaner than New York's. Later, we found out that our tour was delayed until 3pm. So we did what anyone else would do... we practiced a couple of side kicks in a parking garage and did chi sao exercises in the hotel room. Good times.
We arrived at the Chinese Hospital on time. A good crowd was forming. After almost five hours of waiting, we were finally here. We and a few others who arrived before us, started to take pictures in front of the Chinese Hospital sign. In the distance, I saw Jeff Chinn, our guide for the walking tour and Super Bruce Lee Memorabilia Collector. I walked up to him and introduced myself. We exchanged hellos and handshakes and asked how the other tours went. He responded, "It went really well". By the look of his face, he was really drained. But who wouldn't? Guiding almost 3 walking tours all over Chinatown for 5 plus hours can really wear a person out. He also mentioned that he couldn't sleep the night before because he was too excited for Bruce's birthday. For those who don't know, Jeff is also famous for his "Bruce Lee Room", where all his massive collection of his Bruce Lee memorabilia is stored. His collection was featured in many articles and television news broadcasts. I also asked him if the "Bruce Lee Room" was also a stop on the tour. He replied, no. Although, he told me if I was ever in the neighborhood again, I would be welcome to stop by. Coolness.
The walking tour started with a small introduction by one of the representatives of the Chinese Hospital, Julia Ling. She mentioned that in 2011, the Chinese Hospital will be taken down and a new one will be developed in its place. I was glad that we were to experience walking through the hospital where most of the hospital's original parts were still intact...I said most of it. We all proceeded inside the hospital and climbed four flights of stairs. We then walked down the hall and stood in front of the room where Bruce Lee was born. I was excited. Everyone took pictures of the room number which was also labeled "Training Room". Julia explained that during the years, this particular room was labeled many things. "It's ironic", Jeff said, "The room where Bruce was born in is now called the training room". We all laughed. Thinking that we were going to tour inside, Julia Ling apologized and stated that the room was locked and no one was allowed inside. I couldn't tell you how many "damn's" and "awww, man's" I heard.
We walked down the stairs and went into a big waiting room of some sort. Our big group passed by people who were sitting down, waiting to be called in by their doctors. I have to tell you, it was kind of awkward but I had a feeling the people sitting down probably thought the same thing. Jeff led us to a wall where a medium sized black plaque hung. He then started to tell a brief story about how there weren't any notices or recognitions of Bruce Lee being born in the Chinese Hospital. So in 1998, Jeff and his friend donated the Bruce Lee plaque for everyone to be reminded and to see.
Julia Ling said her goodbyes and left Jeff to tour our group outside the hospital. So far, everything was going great. Not even a block later, Jeff led us to an empty parking lot on Trenton Street right behind the Chinese Hospital. He revealed that Bruce Lee's mother, Gracie, resided in the building, where the parking lot is now. She lived there until she went into labor with Bruce. All Gracie had to do was walk a few feet and she was already at the entrance of the hospital. After Bruce was born, he and his mother, Gracie, stayed in that same building for a few months until they moved back to Hong Kong. Interesting stuff, right? Jeff brought us almost everywhere in Chinatown. He brought us to a building where a Chinese radio station once stood and it was confirmed that "...Bruce dropped by the station and assumed that the radio employees would recognize him (because of his numerous appearances in Hong Kong movies when he was a kid). Unfortunately, they didn't. When Shaw Brothers acress, Diana Chang, was later interviewed by the station, Bruce accompanied Diana and they took a photo at the station together...". Jeff took out a newspaper picture that confirmed Bruce Lee was actually at that radio station. A few blocks into the tour, we arrived at a building where Bruce used to practice cha cha and Gung Fu. Afterwards, he would bang on drums for no reason, disturbing the neighbors of the building. One of the neighbors got so fed up with the noise, he chased Bruce Lee out of the building with a gun. Was the story true? Knowing Bruce as somewhat still a delinquent after his move from Hong Kong to San Fran, I believe it. Jeff then led us to the Great Star Theater on Jackson Street...well, EX-Great Star Theater. It is now a building that sells merchandise. Jeff stated that Bruce Lee's father performed Chinese Opera in the Great Star Theater around 1939. The movie "the Golden Gate Girl" was also filmed in the same location. Bruce, months after being born, appeared as one of the stand-ins for the Golden Gate film. We proceeded to walk into the old theater until the "owner of the building" kicked us out. He claimed that we were "chasing" his customers out of his store. We all looked at each other in confusion because there were NO customers in the building when we walked in there. We chuckled and left quickly, thinking he would call the police on us. The last place that Jeff pointed out to us was a restaurant in which the infamous Gung Fu martial artist who fought Bruce Lee in his Oakland, California school worked as a waiter. Sifu Richard Torres told me a story of how Bruce and one of his students confronted the Gung Fu martial artist in the restaurant. Apparently, the Gung Fu martial artist lied to people about beating Bruce in the fight. Witnesses who were at the fight, felt that Bruce had won it. When the Gung Fu martial artist saw Bruce and his student walk into the restaurant, he overflowed a cup of tea he was serving to one of the customers and ran out the back.
I looked at my watch and it was already a quarter to 5. It was almost time for the dinner celebration. We were required by the Bruce Lee Foundation to wear appropriate cocktail attire, meaning suit and tie. I wore everything in black except for my button down shirt that was red. Got to give my look some contrast you know? We then headed to the Empress of China Restaurant up the block from the Hilton. We walked inside the restaurant and saw signs saying "Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday Celebration. Located on the 5th floor Ballroom". We then took the elevator up to the 5th floor. When the elevator doors opened, in front of us was a sea of people purchasing Bruce Lee merchandise. Others in different areas, were taking pictures with Bruce Lee's students and Bruce Lee displays. We all split up to buy our Bruce Lee memoribilia and walked around admiring the Bruce Lee displays. I got re-acquainted with friends from last year's Bruce Lee seminar and introduced myself to new people. One of the highlights of the night was meeting David Tadman, writer and Bruce Lee researcher. I met him on Facebook (out of all places) and complimented him on his contributions to the legacy of Bruce Lee and to the Bruce Lee Foundation. We conversed a little during the months before Bruce Lee's birthday celebration. Once I saw him, he immediately recognized me. I was honored that he remembered my name and he was kind enough to sign one of the books I purchased, "Bruce Lee the Dragon Remembered", which was put together by him and Steve Kerridge.
The dinner started off with the traditional Lion Dance. Drums banged intensively while the "Lions" danced around in graceful movement. Afterwards, Shanon Lee welcomed everyone to the dinner and was truly grateful that we were all present to celebrate her father's birthday. She kept her introductions short and informed us that it was time to eat. The food was...left to be desired but edible. During the dinner, a video played on the restaurant's projector screen. It showed Bruce's childhood movies and the "Way of the Dragon" fight between him and Chuck Norris. Every time I see the Way of the Dragon fight, I get so amazed of Bruce's execution, footwork, and evasiveness. It was like watching it for the first time. In the distance, I saw Bruce Lee's childhood friend and Wing Chun instructor from Hong Kong , William Cheung. The Bruce Lee foundation announced a few months back that William Cheung would make an appearance and perform a Wing Chun demonstration. Luckily, I brought the book he co wrote with Sifu Ted Wong, "Wing Chun Kung Fu / Jeet Kune Do Comparison", for him to sign. I approached him with a smile and shook his hand. I asked him if he would be so kind to take a picture with me and to sign my book. He said yes to both of my requests. While he signed along side a picture of himself in the book, I said to him "That is one great picture, sir". He smiled and laughed. One great guy that William Cheung.
One of my classmates told me the book that was revealed at the Los Angeles Bruce Lee seminar last year, was at the table in the back with the Bruce Lee display. I raced over and there it was in all its glory. The book contained personal notes written by Bruce Lee. It included his discoveries of Jeet Kune Do. I was surprised that no one was looking after it. I was in awe and before I had the chance to take pictures of the notes, it was time to begin the celebrations festivities. Damn.
The festivities began with Shannon introducing a dancer named Jose Ruiz that was featured in the show "So You Think You Can Dance". On the video screen, Jose's clip from the show appeared. In the clip, he gave thanks to Bruce Lee of how dancing was like the movement of water...fluid and formless. After the clip, Jose walked towards the dance floor and started his performance. To the average person, Jose was just dancing but to me, he was "breaking". After Jose's performance, William Cheung went up to the podium. He spoke about Bruce in his younger years and read a letter that Bruce sent to him before he died. It was the infamous letter that introduced William to Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. He then called Shannon Lee up to the podium and presented her a gift for the Bruce Lee Foundation. Shannon thanked William Cheung for the gift. William Cheung then stepped onto the dance floor and performed his Wing Chun demonstration. This man was quick. You would think a man at his age would slow down a bit but not Wiliam Cheung. He moved like he was in his 20s and that just goes to show, you are as old as you feel. Bob Wall, World Champion martial artist and actor that played "Ohara" in Enter the Dragon, was next to speak. He talked about how much he loved Bruce Lee as a person and how he was grateful for Bruce's friendship. Bob Wall was one of the few that Bruce can actually say that they were friends. It has been said by many if Bruce liked you, he liked you but if he didn't like you, then he would show it. Fortunately, for Bob Wall, Bruce liked him. The fourth speaker, Richard Bustillo, Bruce Lee's student and friend, reminisced about the days he spent with Bruce training and hanging out. Richard also announced that he completed an autobiography focusing mostly on martial arts and his relationship with Bruce Lee.
Martial arts instructor, Tommy Carruthers, and his wife, Yvone were next to demonstrate Jeet Kune Do. Yvone was decked out in protective padding and never once she winced or showed signs of being hurt during Tommy's presentation. As for Tommy, the dude was incredibly fast. His close range fighting was simple and direct. No wasted movements or tedious techniques. He even displayed great footwork and evasiveness. After the demonstration, Tommy and his wife bowed and gave each other a hug. Shannon approached the podium again. She discussed the future plans of the Bruce Lee Foundation. One of the plans was to build The Bruce Lee Action Museum by next year in Seattle, Washington. Shannon ended her speech and introduced her mother, Linda Lee Cadwell. Linda began talking about her life with Bruce Lee, from their first meeting to the end of Bruce's life in Hong Kong. Linda emphasized how much Bruce wanted to live his life his own way. She shared that her husband loved to celebrate his birthday with his friends and family. She ended with the answer to everyone's question..."what would Bruce Lee be doing right now, if he was still alive?". Her reply was that Bruce would probably still be doing movies, writing books, and practicing martial arts. Linda then called for Shannon to come up and sing to the audience. Shannon was accompanied by a gentleman with a guitar. Shannon's voice was amazing. She sang three songs. The first song, I believed she wrote because I never heard the lyrics before. The second song Shannon sang was originally from the group Foo Fighters called "My Hero". The final song was my all time favorite. It was by the legendary band, the Beatles, called "In My Life".
After Shannon's singing performance, the Birthday Cake for Bruce Lee was wheeled out by the waiters of the restaurant. Shannon, Linda, and Shanon's daughter, Wren, gathered around the cake as the audience started to take pictures. A card board cut out of Bruce Lee was made and was placed next to them. We all started to sing the happy birthday song. We sang as if Bruce was there in front of the cake, ready to blow out the candles. Can you believe it? He would have been 70 years old.
After having cake, I saw my friend, Michael Quijano, who helped me with my Oakland trip two years ago. Sifu Torres was a good friend of his as well and we both approached him to take a picture. It's great seeing old friends, especially on a night like Bruce's birthday. Sifu Torres and I then walked over to Tommy Carruthers. He looked a little tired and I asked if things were okay. He smiled and told me that he didn't get much rest and only had 3 hours of sleep. I told him I was sorry to hear that. I congratulated him on his Jeet Kune Do demonstration and finally took a picture with him, Sifu Richard Torres, and the cardboard cut out of Bruce Lee. I thought to myself, "I'm standing among the greatest people of Jeet Kune Do". I WILL NEVER forget that moment.
Half an hour later, the live auction commenced. The auction ranged from autographed sign sneakers from Kobe Bryant, Bruce Lee Japanese magazines by Yori Nakamura to t-shirts, mini-statues, and David Tadman's customized jewelry. Of course the LAST item to be auctioned was TWO Bruce Lee business cards. One in white and other in black. The bidding started at a hundred dollars. Then out of no where, I bid 150 dollars. My classmate a few seats away from me, bid 160 dollars. Dammit! Another person from the back of the ballroom out bid both of us with 200 dollars. A few seconds later, the bid went over 1,000 dollars. Haha, to rich for my blood. One day I will own those business cards. It's all a matter of time...and money...lots of it. After the live auction, I saw Diana Lee Inosanto a few feet away from me. Last year in Los Angeles, I took a picture with her but the picture came out very blury from an old camera. This year, my fiance gave me an updated camera for my birthday so this time around, there will be no blurry-ness. I approached Diana and asked if I could take a picture with her. She said yes. I made sure the camera was set to "don't freaking move" mode.
The night ended with Shannon Lee thanking everyone for coming to celebrate her father's birthday.
Bruce Lee. What can I say about this man that I have not said already? I can say that he inspired me to be a better person and a martial artist. I can say that his philosophy got me through some bad times and all his writings inspired me to write content of my own. I can say his movies are timeless and because of his movies, I started to understand him more on a different level. I can say because of the people he influenced, I would have never met them later on in life. I can say because of his legacy, I would have never also met the people who were fans of his work. I can say that to me, he is the the greatest martial artist that ever walked the earth. I could say all these things and it wouldn't remotely come close to the description of a man who was and still bigger than life. It's funny, we celebrated a birthday of a man we hardly even know. Can you believe that? We all came from different parts of the country and different parts of the Earth to celebrate the birthday of a man who had passed away thirty something years ago. Half of us weren't even born when he was alive and the rest didn't know he existed. It's amazing how a person like Bruce Lee can bring us all together.
This year, the Bruce Lee Foundation didn't hold its yearly Jeet Kune Do training and I can see why. We were celebrating the birth of someone who changed the martial arts world forever. So with that in mind, the word "celebration" was in order. Yea, we could have trained for two days then have the dinner celebration at the end. However, I think it was a great idea that the Bruce Lee Foundation replaced the training with a walking tour. It gave us, jeet kune do practitioners, a rest. We were able to just enjoy being hardcore Bruce Lee fans and to explore places the Dragon once stood. Next year, we can continue with the training and the discussions but let Bruce have this year for himself and his family. You're only 70 once.
