In My Own Process

‘Many of you know that I am a martial artist by choice, an actor by profession, and, by daily actualizing my potentiality through soulful discoveries and daily exercising, I hope to become also an artist of life.’ – Bruce Lee

'I venture that 95% of people have heard of Bruce Lee. They might not know everything about him, but they know his name. Isn’t that just incredible? And what excites me about this book is that it’s an opportunity for the reader to have a better understanding of why you continue to know his name.' – Shannon Lee

‘Bruce draws you in with his martial strength and prowess, fascinates you with his aggression and superlative masculinity, and then you go deeper and learn about his philosophy, his depth as a thinker and a scientist, and that really hooks you.’ – Ang Lee

‘Bruce Lee exemplified discipline and finding your own path to success while committed to doing something you love.’ – Tony Hawk

‘Every time he spoke I would shudder because it was like poetry. He was like the first Asian rapper without a beat!’ – Steve Aoki

Bruce Lee’s blockbuster movies, pioneering martial arts practice and motivational philosophy continue to inspire millions worldwide. Published in the fiftieth year of his passing, In My Own Process celebrates Lee’s legacy as a martial artist, actor and philosopher, offering readers the definitive book of his spectacular career.

Collating rare photographs, drawings and writings, In My Own Process opens up the Bruce Lee family archives. A wealth of fascinating items are shared, including handwritten poems; personal affirmations and diary entries; movie scripts; workout regimes; teaching notes; martial arts drawings and philosophical observations. Hundreds of photographs reveal Bruce Lee in action, starring in classic movies such as Enter the Dragon, as well as during private moments away from the spotlight.

Reflecting on key areas of his life, in 1973 Bruce Lee wrote a series of letters titled ‘In My Own Process’. Lee's writings introduce the chapters of his career, from developing his philosophy of Jeet Kune Do, to his first screen test, to his big Hollywood breakthrough. 

Alongside an extensive commentary in Lee’s own words, contributions from today’s leading figures in music, film, and sport examine Lee’s work and legacy, including Oscar-winning movie director Ang Lee, prolific actor and martial artist Jackie Chan, world-renowned skateboarder Tony Hawk, basketball superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and more. Exclusive interviews with Lee’s associates and family members, such as his close friend and training partner, Dan Inosanto, add further personal insight.

In partnership with the family of Bruce Lee, Genesis Publications is proud to present In My Own Process, the official book documenting the life and work of one of the most significant cultural icons of all time.

Bruce Lee was a martial artist, actor and philosopher. Born in the United States and raised in Hong Kong, Lee began his film career at a young age, starring in more than 20 films by the time he was 18, at which point he moved back to the States to pursue his film career. It was while he was in Seattle that he began teaching students martial arts and developing his own fighting system, Jeet Kune Do. After struggling to break into Hollywood as an Asian American actor, he moved back to Hong Kong to make three films, which consecutively broke all box office records and showcased martial arts in an entirely new way. Hollywood took notice and soon Bruce was making the first Hollywood / Hong Kong coproduction with a film called Enter the Dragon. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee died in 1973 before this film was released, but it catapulted him to international fame. Today Bruce Lee’s legacy of self expression, equality, and pioneering innovation continues to inspire people all around the world.

Shannon Lee is a writer, CEO of the Bruce Lee Family Companies, President of the Bruce Lee Foundation and the daughter of Bruce Lee. Shannon dedicates her time to promoting her father’s legacy, philosophy and life through education and entertainment. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a world-renowned basketball player, (the NBA's all-time second-highest points scorer), as well as being an author and US Cultural Ambassador. Kareem first met Bruce while he was in college at UCLA and after a meeting at Bruce and Linda’s house, Bruce soon became his martial arts mentor. Kareem later went on to star in Bruce Lee’s film Game of Death as Bruce’s final opponent, Mantis. 

Tony Hawk is a professional skater, entrepreneur and founder of the Skatepark Project. Considering skateboarding to be an art form, a lifestyle and a sport, Tony finds similarities in Bruce Lee’s approach to martial arts. He is inspired by Bruce’s philosophy and his determination to overcome limitations. 

Jackie Chan is a prolific actor, filmmaker and martial artist, having appeared in more than 150 films. Before graduating to leading roles, he worked as an extra and stunt double in the Bruce Lee films Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon.