Bruce Lee Way
Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan
Bruce Lee Way
“ALWAYS BE YOURSELF. EXPRESS
YOURSELF. HA VE FAITH IN YOURSELF.”
In life and death, Bruce Lee (b. November 27,
1940 – d. July 20, 1973) has contributed to the
common good and betterment of the City of
Oakland and stands as one of the most influential
figures of the 20
th century.
4157 Broadway, Oakland, CA.
It is on-site at 4157 Broadway
in Oakland, where Lee and his
training partner, James Yimm
Lee, founded their studio. It
was originally named the “Jun
Fan Gung Fu Institute.”
The studio and Lee
exemplified many traits held
dear to Oaklanders, such as
tolerance, health, discipline,
and community.
Notable Students
Lee’s studio welcomed students
of all races and creeds.
At this site, Lee created his
hybrid style of martial arts, Jeet
Kune Do.
Lee’s skills and prominence in
the martial arts world garnered a
massive following of students,
including legends in acting and
sports, such as Steve McQueen,
James Coburn, and Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar.
Global Stardom
Here in Oakland, on the site we
wish to honor, Lee met his long-
time business partner, Ed
Parker, a prominent promoter
and organizer of American
martial arts.
Through the partnership with
Parker, Lee would star in films
such as Enter the Dragon and
Game of Death, showcasing his
talent to a global audience. Lee
would also star in the television
series The Green Hornet.
Uplifting the AAPI
Community
Lee is not only an influential figure in
film and martial arts but also in the
Asian American Pacific Islander
(AAPI) community.
Oakland is proud to continue to
nourish and uplift its AAPI
community by taking action to
increase artistic outlets and business
opportunities. Undertaking actions
like this underlines the City’s desire to
attract and foster creative individuals
and businesses.
Oakland’s History
in the Arts
Adopting proposed
resolutions, such as this,
reinforces the City’s
commitment to nurturing a
healthy and productive
environment for artists.
By honoring the City’s
rich history, the work and
stories of Oaklanders past
and present can inspire the
next generation of local
artists.
Spurring
Oakland’s Film
Industry
The City has the potential to
maximize and cultivate a
bustling film industry. By
investing in our past, we
ensure our past successes
can catapult the City’s film
industry into a trajectory
that creates jobs, such as
filming and film production,
including soundstage work,
graphic design, wardrobe,
set design, and film training.
Potential for Martial
Arts growth in Oakland
Oakland has been home to
martial artists such as Andre
Ward and John Henry Lewis.
As the popularity of various
martial arts grows, Oakland
can build upon its marital arts
history and attract an
assortment of martial arts
training and events while
simultaneously promoting
sports and healthy lifestyles.
Lee’s Legacy
Despite his untimely passing in
1973, Lee's legacy continues to
thrive through his hybrid creation
of Jeet Kune Do, his influential
writings on martial arts, and
pieces of prose on life. Lee’s
global influence began at the Jun
Fan Gung Institute in Oakland,
and this proposal intends to
honor the site and life of Bruce
Lee, an Oaklander whose
influence lives on well after
death.