Judo legend Hayward Nishioka had a rare opportunity that few martial artists can claim – he trained alongside Bruce Lee.
In doing so, he saw up close what made the martial arts icon such a revolutionary figure: a potent mix of physical toughness, lightning speed, and a touch of cockiness that, according to Nishioka, was well-earned.
Here is what Nishioka had to say about Lee:
As far as Bruce is concerned, he was really a tough guy, really tough, little cocky at times, but he had something to be cocky about.
That confidence was backed by incredible physical power, most notably demonstrated in Lee’s famous one-inch punch. Nishioka experienced it firsthand:
He really did hit me with a one-inch punch right up to my chest, actually bounced me up against the wall.
I fell down to the ground. I was in shock.
Beyond striking, Lee also innovated with his kicking style:
He would be kicking and making the impact as he’s flying through the air, and then split second before he kicked, his foot planted.
But, even though he had trained judo under Chris Kato in Seattle and understood the theory behind various techniques, Lee struggled with live grappling and ground control:
I said to him, well you know what, if we had a fight, if we came to a fight, I would just lay down.
I said what would you do if I just laid down because you know I’ll choke you, I’ll take an Armbar on you.
Lee responded with:
I just walk away… But you better not get up.
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