When Bruce Lee Trained with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

5 hours ago

Copy Link

Bruce Lee and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) began training together after the 1968 national college basketball championship.
Kareem sought Bruce Lee's martial arts training to improve his basketball skills and mental discipline.
Bruce Lee initially doubted Kareem's abilities but was impressed by his athleticism and potential.
Their training sessions focused on Jeet Kune Do, footwork, and practical combat techniques.
Kareem adopted Bruce Lee's philosophy of mastering fundamentals through repetition, applying it to his iconic skyhook shot.
Bruce Lee learned from Kareem how to fight taller opponents, adapting his techniques accordingly.
Their bond extended beyond training, sharing discussions on philosophy, religion, and experiences with discrimination.
Kareem converted to Sunni Islam and changed his name during this period, reflecting his personal and political awakening.
Both faced media scrutiny and public backlash for their political stances, including Kareem's boycott of the 1968 Olympics.
Their friendship provided mutual support and understanding, bridging their shared experiences as iconic athletes facing societal challenges.

Hasty Briefsbeta