April 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, April 2nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/2/2013
Bruce Lee's personally owned and used pair of martial arts ''focus mitts,'' or leather mitts used in training. The mitts were used by Lee at the peak of his career as both an actor and martial artist. In fact, he used them while developing his famed martial arts technique ''Jeet Kune Do,'' also known as ''JKD,'' which he founded in 1967. Lee famously described JKD as a ''style without style'' or ''the art of fighting without fighting,'' combining a sense of fluidity and minimal movement with a maximum effect and extreme speed. Mitts measures 9.5'' in diameter and are 1.5'' thick with worn-in wear to the leather from use. Accompanied by 14 photos measuring 8.5'' x 11'', both black-and-white and in color, including six photos depicting Lee wearing or punching the mitts in various martial arts poses, as well as a few of himself practicing with his wife and son. Also includes two LOA's authenticating the mitts, one from Bruce Lee historian David Tadman, who states: ''...These very Focus Mitts were a staple in his training when practicing his punching and kicking techniques within his Jeet June Do training...'' The second is from Mark Ashton, whose father Herb Jackson was a friend and former student of Lee's who designed equipment for him: ''...These focus mitts were given to my father Herb Jackson as a gift from Bruce Lee in and around 1968. My father Herb Jackson was a very close friend and confidant of Bruce Lee and was also one of his private backyard students...'' Each LOA is on one sheet measuring 8.5'' x 11'' and dated September 2011. Overall in very good condition.
Bruce Lee's Personally Owned & Used Focus Mitts -- With Several Photos Showing Lee Punching or Kicking the Mitts
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