“Broke Down and Cried Like a Baby”: Bruce Lee’s Student Couldn’t Hold Back His Emotions During the Martial Arts Legend’s Funeral in 1973

Published 03/10/2023, 7:15 AM EST

Bruce Lee left a gaping void not just in Hollywood but in the hearts of many aspiring martial arts enthusiasts. When the legend passed away in 1973, many had a tough time coming to terms with his demise at such a young age. While fans have always lamented the loss yet celebrated his legacy, one of his students’ accounts remains heartbreaking to read and recall.

In his book, Bruce Lee: A Life by Matthew Polly, an anecdote proved how the martial arts legend was more than just an actor. Lee created waves when he said no to racism. Teaching had no bar, and one of his students was a testimony to the legend’s way of thinking. And when he passed, his student couldn’t help but break down.

How Bruce Lee changed the life of his student

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Jesse Glover was an African American, intent on learning and practicing martial arts. However, he couldn’t find any trainer ready to teach him the art, owing to his race. Lee came forward as a savior, taking Glover under his wing and teaching him his ways.

In the 1950s, when racism prevailed, Bruce Lee made a silent statement with his decision – race and ethnicity didn’t matter when it came to learning. Glover was fortunate enough not only because Lee began teaching him but also because he and the legend eventually grew close. Lee was the first kung fu teacher in America who taught a black student, and Glover was grateful.

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Growing as close as brothers, Lee’s demise was a huge heartbreak for Glover. The African American recalled, “I was unable to conceal the emotions that surged to the surface…and I broke down and cried like a baby”. Throughout his unfortunately short life, Bruce Lee inspired many, including an MMA champion.

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How Anderson Silva learned from Lee

Not just fans, but even established artists like Brazilian fighter Anderson Silva derived inspiration from and followed Bruce Lee. The champion once opened up about how the martial arts hero changed his life.

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The MMA star called Bruce his “guru” and talked about how his training in Wing Chun helped him with his fights. Wing Chun is a form of martial arts that Lee practiced and championed. Silva recalled in an interview, “I respect a lot, guru Bruce Lee. And Bruce changed completely my life when I was young for now and I continue to respect him”. A tragedy cut his life short, but Lee’s legacy lives on.

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Radha Iyer is working as a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a Master's degree in Media and Communications from Pandit Deendayal Energy University. Radha has worked as a content writer for over a year.

“Broke Down and Cried Like a Baby”: Bruce Lee’s Student Couldn’t Hold Back His Emotions During the Martial Arts Legend’s Funeral in 1973

How Bruce Lee changed the life of his student

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How Anderson Silva learned from Lee