“Who Will Spend That Kind of Money on Kung Fu?”: Bruce Lee Was Against Charging an ‘Outrageous Figure’ for His Martial Arts Training Once

Published 03/28/2023, 2:08 PM EDT

After enjoying a few months of success with his hit television series, The Green Hornet, Bruce Lee found his acting career going downhill again. In 1967, the show was canceled, making it hard for Lee to find work. At that time, one of the eminent television personalities suggested Lee make money by giving highly charged martial art classes. However, Bruce Lee was against this idea initially.

Lee’s biography, Bruce Lee: A Life, revealed an interesting conversation between Charles Fitzsimons, the co-producer of The Green Hornet, and Bruce Lee. It helped him to balance his volatile situation.

Fitzsimons advised Bruce Lee to charge double his original teaching rate

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Bruce Lee’s spirit to succeed in Hollywood was crushed after the producers called off The Green Hornet. However, he knew that he had to do something big to make his life better. Therefore, he went to producer William Dozier’s office to seek advice about his hindered acting career.

Unknowingly, Lee ran into co-producer Charles Fitzsimons. After knowing Lee’s situation, he advised him to earn money by giving martial art classes to celebrities. The master told him that before The Green Hornet, he tried to attract rich Hollywood personalities with prices as reasonable as $25 an hour, but it did not work out. Polly’s biography states, that on hearing about Lee’s fee cost, Fitzsimons explained to him, “You are Kato now. You’ve got a screen credit. You should be charging $50.”

The co-producer made a point that Lee should increase his worth to appeal to the wealthy class. However, the Sensei could not believe he could charge such high rates. Hence, he asked Fitzsimons “Who will spend that kind of money on kung fu?”

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To this, the co-producer explained to Lee that his potential customers are writers, actors, directors, and producers “Suffering from the middle-aged, macho syndrome.” He further told, “Rich guys who want to appear tough and virile. They’ve got money to burn, and if you don’t take it, they’ll spend it learning karate from someone else.” Fitzsimons emphasized that he must charge outrageous amounts because it is the only thing that will impress the rich.

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Bruce Lee was overwhelmed with Hollywood requests after doubling his rates

After listening to Fitzsimons, Lee eventually increased his rates. By 1968, he became the “hottest self-defense instructor” in Hollywood. There came a time when he had to carry his business card. His skyrocketing rates read, “$275 per hour, Ten Session Course: $1,000, Instruction Overseas: $1,000 per week plus expenses.”

Lee realized that his business was highly profitable even when he doubled the prices of his classes. He was overwhelmed with requests. However, one cannot just credit Lee’s high rates for his success. It was also the practical approach in his teaching style that impressed wealthy personalities like Stirling Silliphant, James Coburn, and Steve McQueen.

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Written by:

Muskan Sharma is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta. Muskan has worked as a writer for 3+ years but has a knack for filmmaking, too.

Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh

“Who Will Spend That Kind of Money on Kung Fu?”: Bruce Lee Was Against Charging an ‘Outrageous Figure’ for His Martial Arts Training Once

Fitzsimons advised Bruce Lee to charge double his original teaching rate

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Bruce Lee was overwhelmed with Hollywood requests after doubling his rates