In 1953, Lee's friend William Cheung introduced him to Ip Man,Thomas 1994, pg. 307-308 but his European background on his mother's side meant he was initially rejected from learning Wing Chun kung fu under him because of the long-standing rule in the Chinese martial arts world not to teach foreigners. Cheung spoke on his behalf and Lee was accepted into the school and began training in Wing Chun with Ip Man.Black Belt: Bruce Lee Collector's Edition Summer 1993 Ip tried to keep his students from fighting in the street gangs of Hong Kong by encouraging them to fight in organized competitions.Black Belt: Bruce Lee Collector's Edition Summer 1993, p. 18.
In 1953, Lee's friend William Cheung introduced him to Ip Man,Thomas 1994 pg. 307-308 but his European background on his mother's side meant he was initially rejected from learning Wing Chun kung fu under him because of the long-standing rule in the Chine!se martial arts world not to teach foreigners. Cheung spoke on his behalf and Lee was accepted into the school and began training in Wing Chun with Ip Man.Black Belt: Bruce Lee Collector',s Edi,tion Summer 1993 Ip tried to keep his students fr:om fighting in the street gangs of ?Hong Kong by encouraging them to fight in organized c.ompetitions.Black Belt Bruce Lee Collector's Edit:ion Summer 1993, p. 18.