ALS signed “Bruce,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, no date. Lee writes to Taky Kimura, his top student and confidant. In part: “I see that you have remained listing of my name for the gym, and you have again sent me all of the earning of ‘67. The reason I have this 70/30 share idea is because mainly I’ve taken you as my real close friend and feel that it is only fair and right for you to have seventy percent. Also, I want you to be part owner of Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute. I have made no arrangements as yet with James Lee because of the fact that he has not opened an official place. When he opens (he is thinking of it) he will have this same 70/30 share. I’m paying Dan $5.00 an hour for instructing the class. If he should decide to open another one, the above rule would also apply to him. However, the starting of this rule, as I’ve pointed out, mainly because of your unquestionable friendship, with appreciation I’m offering this basis for you and whatever you wish to do it’s perfectly all right with me.”
After discussing Lee’s inclusion of some signed membership certificates, as well as the purchasing of some equipment for the gym, Lee reiterates in detail, a lesson program for the “Park Sao (slapping hand).” In his writing of the three stages, Lee switches between ballpoint and pencil. He writes:
“Stage I (Synchronization of self) of Park Sao (a) Correct form—in order to learn the correct form, start by touching each other’s hand—in correct stance and footwork—all movements start from ready stance without pulling back and strike toward the front of nose—hand leading foot—correct form beat achieved first in slow motions (b) Precision—check all the above—now adding a little footwork by starting from non-touching—emphasizing hand leading foot (c) synchronization of the whole—by the whole, I mean footwork plus handwork from a distance—is power and speed synchronized together explosively? All elements coordinated as one whole?
Stage II (Synchronization with opponent) of Park Sao (a) Timing—the ability to seize an opponent when given There are many ways to do this:—Offensively: you can either add a shin kick or a low punch. Note: You can use either the shin kick or low punch as real attack first or use Park Sao as real attack first. or use either one first as feints to disturb opponent’s rhythm. Defensively:—Have opponent come in with hand or foot attack. (1) By staying just out of distance, and as soon as opponent truly commit (tell student to really shove palm toward his partner) spring in with Park Sao. (2) After a few backing as opponent comes in suddenly step in and cut short his attack by a Park Sao.
Stage III application under fighting condition Limit to Park Sao with possible low kick and punch or straight punching) and have the practitioner go all out to score while his opponent (his partner) does his best to prevent him from using the Park Sao. Because the practitioner can mix up his attack a little bit his chances of applying Park Sao are great. You, as instructor, can kind of help, but give the practitioner a real work out. Tell him you will let him score if he does well.”
Lee closes with, “Best wishes on all things and do let me know of your plan regarding our Jun Fan Institute in Seattle.”
Taky Kimura was Lee's closest friend, who served as the best man at his wedding, and was one of only three Lee certified instructors of Jeet Kune Do. Since 1964, Kimura has been the instructor of the Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute of Seattle. Kimura has quietly been the caretaker of Bruce Lee's grave for almost 30 years. In fine condition, with small staple holes to top left corners of each page, and a bit of mild toning. Exceptionally content-rich and written to his greatest student and confidant, complete with detailed instructions on a specific maneuver, making this Lee letter one of the most desirable we have offered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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