Bruce Lee: Longstreet: Training the blind man
In the 1971 television series Longstreet, Bruce Lee guest-starred as Li Tsung, a martial arts expert who mentors the show’s blind protagonist, Mike Longstreet, portrayed by James Franciscus. This role allowed Lee to introduce his martial arts philosophy, Jeet Kune Do, to a broader audience through a dramatic narrative.(South China Morning Post)
In the episode titled “The Way of the Intercepting Fist,” Li Tsung teaches Longstreet to rely on his other senses to compensate for his lack of sight. One notable scene involves Li instructing Longstreet on the effectiveness of a finger jab to the eyes. Despite Longstreet’s hesitation, Li emphasizes the importance of such techniques for self-defense, especially when facing opponents who may not hesitate to use any means to harm. He challenges Longstreet’s reluctance by pointing out that animals instinctively use all tools at their disposal to survive, suggesting that humans should adopt a similar mindset in dire situations.(Bruce Lee Blog, Bruce Lee Blog)
Li further trains Longstreet in combining movements, such as executing an eye flick followed by a sidekick, teaching him to perceive these actions as a single, fluid motion. This approach underscores Lee’s belief in adaptability and responsiveness over rigid, prearranged techniques. He encourages Longstreet to “be like water,” adapting seamlessly to any situation—a philosophy that became one of Lee’s most iconic teachings.(Bruce Lee Blog)
Bruce Lee’s portrayal of Li Tsung in Longstreet was more than just a guest appearance; it was a platform for him to disseminate his martial arts ideology to a wider audience. Through his interactions with Longstreet, Lee demonstrated that martial arts are not solely about physical prowess but also about mental agility and philosophical depth. This episode remains a testament to Lee’s enduring legacy as both a martial artist and a thinker.(South China Morning Post)
