Bruce Lee is the modern grandfather of Mixed Martial Arts.
There is no denying his impact on the sport—the fighters, the coaches, the fans and even its promoters. In some way or another, almost every person touched by MMA will praise Bruce Lee for the contributions he’s made to the form of martial arts.
But Lee would’ve been the first to tell you that the phrase “martial arts” should not be used as a means to encompass all forms; rather, to classify an ever-evolving way of training and learning.
“Styles tend to not only separate men—because they have their own doctrines and then the doctrine became the gospel truth that you cannot change. But if you do not have a style, if you just say: Well, here I am as a human being, how can I express myself totally and completely? Now, that way you won’t create a style, because style is a crystallization. That way, it’s a process of continuing growth.” – Bruce Lee
Lee’s impact on the sport was, is, and God willing forever shall be irreplicable. Here are five ways Bruce Lee most definitively changed today’s fastest growing sport in the world.