During the 10 years Leo Fong knew Bruce Lee, the two shared countless discussions about martial arts. Lee was particularly fascinated by Fong’s boxing skills, which he used to win numerous bouts in college, in the National Guard, and in AAU events.
One day, during such a discussion, Lee asked Fong why he trained in so many martial arts, including choy lay fut, sil lum kung fu, judo, and taekwondo.
Fong replied that he was looking for the ultimate. Lee smiled before he responded, “Man, there ain’t no ultimate. The ultimate is in you!” With that last bit, he pushed his index finger against Fong’s chest.
Fong admitted that he was confused, so Lee elaborated: “With your boxing skills, learn a little grappling, learn how to kick, and learn some trapping, and you will have the ultimate.”
As Fong reflected on Lee’s words, he—an ordained Methodist minister—remembered a phrase from the Bible, where Jesus says, “The kingdom is within you.” Little did Lee realize how much that concept would influence Fong’s journey in the martial arts.