Few names in the world of martial arts command as much respect and admiration as Bruce Lee. More than just a martial artist, Bruce Lee was a philosopher, innovator, and cultural bridge who redefined martial arts for the modern world. To honor his life and carry forward his legacy, the Bruce Lee Foundation (BLF) was established — a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring generations through his philosophy, teachings, and humanitarian spirit.
A Living Legacy
Founded in 2002 by Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee and his wife Linda Lee Cadwell, the Bruce Lee Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity based in Los Angeles, California. Its mission is to share Bruce Lee’s message of self-expression, self-discipline, and personal growth with the world.
The Foundation seeks to ensure that Bruce Lee’s contributions to martial arts, film, philosophy, and cultural understanding continue to influence people of all ages and backgrounds. Through its programs and initiatives, it promotes the holistic development of mind, body, and spirit — values that lie at the heart of Kungfu and all traditional martial arts.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Bruce Lee Foundation is simple yet powerful:
“To inspire confidence, motivate action, bridge cultures, and champion humanity through the legacy of Bruce Lee.”
The Foundation works to incite positive change by encouraging individuals to live authentically, strive for personal excellence, and embrace the philosophy of continuous self-improvement — the same principles that Bruce Lee embodied throughout his life.
Its vision reflects Bruce Lee’s philosophy of harmony and inclusiveness — a world where people live without barriers of culture, race, or background, united through mutual respect and self-expression.
Educational and Community Programs
The Bruce Lee Foundation operates a variety of educational and outreach programs designed to empower youth, celebrate diversity, and teach life skills through martial arts and mindfulness.
Camp Bruce Lee
One of the Foundation’s flagship programs, Camp Bruce Lee, is a summer camp that introduces children to Bruce Lee’s philosophy and martial arts principles. Through fun activities, physical training, mindfulness exercises, and creative projects, young participants learn confidence, discipline, and compassion — qualities that define true martial artists.
Community and Inclusion Initiatives
The Foundation’s “One Family” movement promotes inclusion and unity. It brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate cultural diversity, self-expression, and kindness — values deeply embedded in Bruce Lee’s philosophy.
Scholarships and Education
The Foundation also provides scholarships and educational resources to students who embody Bruce Lee’s principles of perseverance, self-reliance, and continuous learning. These initiatives ensure that his wisdom reaches beyond martial arts into personal and academic growth.
Preserving the Legacy
The Bruce Lee Foundation serves as the guardian of Bruce Lee’s archives, preserving rare writings, personal artifacts, and training notes that reveal the depth of his philosophy.
It collaborates with major museums and cultural institutions to organize global exhibits showcasing Bruce Lee’s life and influence — including partnerships with the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Through these projects, millions of visitors around the world gain insight into Bruce Lee’s profound impact on martial arts, cinema, and modern culture.
A Philosophy for the Modern World
Bruce Lee’s teachings were not just about combat techniques — they were about mastering oneself. His timeless message to “Be water, my friend” reminds us to stay adaptable, open-minded, and resilient in all aspects of life.
The Bruce Lee Foundation continues to share this message through public talks, digital media, social campaigns, and community partnerships, helping new generations discover the wisdom of Kungfu and the philosophy behind it.
Connection with the World Kungfu Federation
The World Kungfu Federation (WKF) recognizes the Bruce Lee Foundation as a vital force in preserving the essence of traditional Kungfu while guiding its evolution in the modern world. Both organizations share the common goal of promoting martial arts as a path toward personal development, cultural unity, and global peace.
By honoring Bruce Lee’s legacy, the WKF also honors the roots of martial philosophy that inspire respect, humility, and excellence among practitioners worldwide.