NICK WRIGHT
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Re-enter the dragon

14/4/2020

28 Comments

 
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I have been gripped by The Legend of Bruce Lee (2008), a Chinese biographical drama on Netflix. As we see the extraordinary life of this iconic figure in history depicted on screen, I’ve been stimulated to reflect back on my own life too. In my teenage years, dabbling with martial arts, Bruce Lee stood out as the pinnacle, the expert that everyone admired and aspired to be like. His unique sparring technique bordered on the impossible; his philosophy was mysterious, yet strangely compelling. But, how did he get there? What can we learn as leaders, coaches and trainers from this amazing life?

The first thing that strikes me (if you will excuse the pun) is that Bruce’s gift to the world arose, initially, in response to being bullied by racist thugs. He was absolutely determined to stand up to them, and therein began his martial arts quest in earnest. Having defeated his nemesis, however, Bruce found grace when his hitherto arch-enemy apologised and sought reconciliation. How far do we, and those we work with, seek, discover and create gifts in the midst of adversity, rather than simply bemoan it? How far are we, and they, open to the transforming power of forgiveness?

The second is Bruce’s total single-mindedness in pursuit of his vision, passion and goal. He had a clear sense of purpose and justice in life, sometimes describing it in spiritual terms as a Divine force, and was unswervingly-unwilling to deviate from it. It meant that all other considerations had to be pushed to one side. He was willing and committed to do whatever it takes, and to persist in that until the end, never being satisfied with mediocrity. How far do we, and those we work with, tap into spiritual-existential vision and values and hold to them? Do we, and they, settle for compromise too easily?

The third is Bruce’s passion for philosophy-in-action. His new martial arts discipline wasn’t just about fighting style. It was deeply embedded in and influenced by his philosophical and psychological study, observation, reflection and experimentation. In this way, his philosophy was practical and his practice was philosophical. Each was grounded dialectically and ethically in the other. Bruce would continually invite challenge from peers and experts to test, stretch and refine. How far do we, and those we work with, engage proactively with studies, peer networks and critical reflective practice?

The fourth is Bruce’s open-handedness. Whereas most schools of martial arts at the time were purist and exclusive, Bruce sought actively to learn from others engaged in different forms and to share his learning too. This frequently brought ferocious and oft-violent conflict from people who felt envy or threatened by his values and approach, people who had a powerful vested interest in the status quo, yet this didn’t dissuade him from his path. He was more interested in a higher goal than self-interest; motivated more to learn, develop and enhance than to win per se. How far is that our spirit too?

The fifth is Bruce’s backdrop circle of family, friends and colleagues that supported his exceptional achievements. They stood by Bruce through thick and thin, learning from him, sharing his vision and using their gifts, talents and resources to enable him to realise his dazzling mission. As I watched this astonishing life-drama unfold on TV, I couldn’t help thinking of parallels with Jesus Christ and his disciples, of ancient philosophers and their students. It inspired and refreshed my ideas of leadership and teamwork. Who supports you and those you work with, enabling your, and their, success?
28 Comments
Erik Weber
14/4/2020 10:52:36 pm

Wie vielschichtig ein Leben doch sein kann, wenn es genauer betrachtet wird. Welche Überzeugungen bestimmen meine Taten? Wer und was hat Einfluss auf mich und wie weit lasse ich dies zu? Bin ich zu selbstbewusst oder lasse ich mir neue Möglichkeiten zeigen?
Ergebnis: Mein Leben gestalten mit einem gesunden Selbstbewusstsein, gewissen Überzeugungen, aber auch mit dem Blick auf Neues und auf meine Mitmenschen. Hilfe, Nächstenliebe und Respekt geben, aber auch wenn es nötig ist für mich nehmen. Ich sein!

Reply
Nick Wright
15/4/2020 12:17:27 pm

Hallo Erik. Ich frage mich manchmal, was eine ähnliche Geschichte meines eigenen Lebens enthüllen würde. Wer und was würde im Nachhinein als am wichtigsten herausstechen. Ich mag deine Zusammenfassung. Es kann schwierig sein, ein hohes Maß an Selbstvertrauen mit einem ähnlich hohen Maß an Offenheit und Demut beim Lernen in Einklang zu bringen. Und - ja, sei du!

Reply
Hannah
14/4/2020 11:11:29 pm

Love it!! His life sounds like it was incredibly inspirational and I’ll definitely have to give the Netflix biography a watch!! We could all use an inspirational boost!

Reply
Nick Wright
15/4/2020 12:11:42 pm

Thanks Hannah. I found the start of this 50-part(!) series a little slow...but it definitely warms up as it progresses. I have found it incredibly moving, challenging and inspiring. Hope you enjoy it too!

Reply
Craig Hiskett
16/4/2020 12:17:09 pm

My dad absolutely loves Bruce Lee, I think I've seen Enter the Dragon more times than I can count, some interesting reflections here that I agree with. Resilience, using your support network effectively and keeping an open mind towards disciplines other than your own stand out for me.

Reply
Nick Wright
16/4/2020 12:19:44 pm

Hi Craig. Well summarised. I, too, have seen Enter the Dragon more times than I can count! :) I hadn't realised, until watching the Netflix series, how many severe challenges Bruce Lee had faced in his life...and yet how he persevered nevertheless.

Reply
Ian Henderson
16/4/2020 02:18:00 pm

As someone who didn't watch Enter the Dragon for many years after its release, I never realised the messages that was contained within it. Maybe that's true of many situations and so the lessons offered go unlearned. Now, more than ever possible, we need to learn the lessons of the situation in which we find ourselves. Thanks as ever for your insight Nick.

Reply
Nick Wright
16/4/2020 02:21:44 pm

Thanks Ian. I have revisited Enter the Dragon, having now watched the Netflix series, and it gave me fresh insight into the story behind the story...the story behind the man. I hadn't realised that Bruce Lee had stood up for the weak and defenceless in real life too, at significant personal cost. I think your insight in terms of noticing 'the lessons of the situation in which we find ourselves' is very profound.

Reply
Ian Henderson
16/4/2020 03:20:39 pm

Thanks Nick. I'm reminded of R.D.Laing's quote, "The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change; until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds." He was a complex man but I find that quote fascinating.

Nick Wright
16/4/2020 03:23:02 pm

Thanks Ian. You reminded me of Donald Rumsfeld's: ‘There are known knowns. There are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we now know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we do not know we don't know.’

Chimaijem Ezechukwu
16/4/2020 03:31:22 pm

I love this piece. Nice. Real nice. Hey STAY SAFE!

Reply
Nick Wright
16/4/2020 03:33:12 pm

Thank you Chimaijem! On the 'Safe' theme, you may find this short related piece interesting? http://www.nick-wright.com/blog/safe

Reply
Valda Alleyne, PhD
16/4/2020 06:05:10 pm

Thank you for sharing. Insightful!

Reply
Nick Wright
16/4/2020 06:05:51 pm

Thank you, Valda! You’re welcome. 😀

Reply
Sandra Donnelly
16/4/2020 09:39:28 pm

Thank you Nick, a very interesting read. Bruce Lee was a fascinating person not only for his martial arts but also for his philosophies. He was an inspiration to me as a karate student many years ago. A fellow student recommended a couple of books to me which I think you may also like. They are about Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate-do. The first is The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate, the second Karate-do My Way of Life. Both books are an interesting and humbling read. The philosophies discussed can be used in every day life and help guide you to a stronger, healthier mind and promote inner strength, something very much needed in the present situation.

Reply
Nick Wright
16/4/2020 11:50:58 pm

Thank you, Sandra. Those books sound interesting. I will take a look. The karate style I learned many years ago was called Wado Ryu (Way of Peace). Are you familiar with it? I didn’t progress very far but it was a formative experience in my life.

One thing I really like in the depiction of Bruce Lee in the Netflix series is that, each time he is challenged to a fight by a master from a different style, his only request is that, if he wins, they will become his teacher.

It enables those he ‘defeats’ to retain their dignity, often establishes friendship with a hitherto foe, and provides opportunity to learn and share learning. What an inspiring leader and role model!

Reply
Martin Goulder
20/4/2020 07:15:58 pm

Thank you Nyk you’ve made me revisit what I thought I knew about Bruce Lee, I am amazed at his tenacity and can do attitude especially towards being knocked back time after time and the way you link this tenacity to my Christian walk and faith really spoke to me in volumes thank you for this and over inspirational posts, Jesus bless you brother ❤️

Reply
Nick Wright
20/4/2020 08:02:13 pm

Thanks Martin. Yes, Bruce Lee’s tenacity was truly incredible. In the face of near-impossible challenges, he refused to turn back and kept pressing forward. I wonder what I would have done in similar circumstances. His life has inspired my faith, courage and determination to run with Jesus too: “pressing on towards the goal...”. 🙏

Reply
Scott F. Paradis
21/4/2020 03:51:35 am

Very insightful Nick - thanks! You're uncovering the essence of a leader.

Reply
Nick Wright
21/4/2020 07:40:13 pm

Thanks Scott. I think Bruce Lee demonstrated exceptional personal leadership (e.g. autonomy, initiative, resilience). However, at least in how his life is depicted in this Netflix drama, it was very focused on his own personal vision and ambition and he appeared far less interested in or concerned about those around him. So - perhaps the essence of personal leadership more than broader dimensions of leadership?

Reply
Dr. Siva Mahendran
26/4/2020 11:06:27 am

Well thought out and written. I have always adored this great man and his qualities that led him to stardom and becoming an iconic figure for martial arts people.

Reply
Nick Wright
26/4/2020 11:07:15 am

Thank you, Siva. Yes, what an inspiring figure and role model.

Reply
Jayde Ozcan Smith
27/4/2020 10:39:31 am

Be like water! Always be like water.

Reply
Nick Wright
27/4/2020 10:40:51 am

Hi Jayde. Yes! And...perfect style is no style. 😎

Reply
Rajesh Jain
27/4/2020 06:36:54 pm

My all life fav!!!!! Keep sharing such more. Fabulous.

Reply
Nick Wright
27/4/2020 06:37:57 pm

Thank you, Rajesh! 😀

Reply
E.G. (Ervin) Sebastian - CPC, CSL
18/6/2020 09:50:25 pm

Bruce Lee and Jesus. The two coolest influencers in a.d. 🙏

Reply
Nick Wright
18/6/2020 09:51:13 pm

Hi E.G. Indeed - although I would put Jesus before Bruce Lee. :)

Reply



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    ​Nick Wright

    ​I'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? ​Get in touch!

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