Stuntman Challenged Bruce Lee’s Side Kick…BIG Mistake!
In the early 1970s, after returning to Hong Kong from the United States, Bruce Lee was astonished to find that he had become a household name. Thanks to the reruns of The Green Hornet series on local television, Hong Kong audiences had come to admire him—even referring to the show as “The Kato Show” due to Bruce Lee’s standout role. His sudden popularity led to an invitation to appear on the widely-watched variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight, where he famously demonstrated his legendary one-inch punch, stunning the audience.
Around this time, Bruce Lee had an encounter that would become the subject of martial arts lore. While on a film set, he met Sammo Hung, one of the most respected martial artists and stunt coordinators in Hong Kong cinema. During their meeting, a stuntman who was working with Sammo at the time approached Bruce Lee with skepticism. Doubting the stories surrounding Lee’s power and skill, the stuntman challenged him directly. “Are you really that powerful as people describe? I don’t think so. Show me! Show me the power!” he said, confronting Bruce with disbelief.
Bruce, calm and composed, responded, “Do you want to try?” The stuntman accepted and asked Bruce to kick him. What happened next became a powerful testament to Bruce Lee’s real-life strength and precision—an unforgettable moment witnessed by those present, including Sammo Hung. That kick, reportedly so sharp and impactful, left no doubt about Bruce Lee’s abilities. This story not only reflects Bruce’s legendary skill but also the early skepticism he faced—even in his hometown—before fully proving himself to the world.
