Hollywood and fighting icon and legend Bruce Lee is credited for bringing martial arts to the masses. He acted in numerous films and his contribution to popularising fighting styles and techniques has been etched in history. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar happened to be one of his million fans. In fact, the two have even met in the past. In a recent interview, Abdul-Jabbar teaches the host some easy meditation techniques.

Additionally, he also delved into his learnings from Bruce Lee and what he was really like. While talking about the fighting legend, Abdul-Jabbar revealed the reason why Lee was hated by the Chinese. 

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reveals why Bruce Lee was hated

Former NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a man of many talents. The Los Angeles Lakers legend was one of the top basketball prospects at UCLA while also having an affinity for martial arts. 

This led to the famous meeting between 7-foot-2 inches tall Kareem and Bruce Lee. During a recent appearance on The Daily Show, Abdul-Jabbar discusses the martial arts legend. Interestingly, he also suggests some exercises for the host, Sarah Silverman.

“Tai Chi, great exercise”, said Kareem while Silverman executed the required hand signals. After discussing the benefits of the exercise, Kareem delved into Bruce Lee.

Abdul-Jabbar said, “Bruce was all about brotherhood. He was all about brotherhood, you know, and for a long time, Chinese people didn’t like him teaching people who weren’t Chinese.”

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Lee defended his actions by asserting that he had learned great things from people who were not Chinese. This eventually led to the two icons meeting in person and indulging in some exercises. Interestingly, they also acted together in the film, ‘Game of Death’.

Abdul-Jabbar learned a valuable lesson after meeting Bruce Lee

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 7 feet-2 inches tall and was well-built during his younger years. However, a kick from Lee’s wife completely caught him off balance. When the Los Angeles Lakers legend met Lee, he practiced some kicks on the punching bag for a while.

Lee then called on his wife, Linda, and asked her to kick the bag while the five-time NBA champion held it. Kareem expected the kick from Linda to be light, but he was gravely mistaken. Linda’s kick rocked Abdul-Jabbar, and he “readjusted” his spine.

Following this interesting lesson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar learned that martial arts are not about physical build and strength. Rather, it is all about technique. This inspired the NBA legend to learn more from Bruce Lee.

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