SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL KARATE TOURNAMENT 1964
HONG KONG, ONE MONTH AGO
Mr. Ip.
The report shows that your tumor is malignant.
Even though it is still at an early stage,
the cancer cells are spreading too fast
for it to be controlled by standard medication.
Nowadays, hospitals offer chemotherapy.
It can control cancer cells.
You should think about it.
First of all, you should quit smoking.
Don't smoke anymore.
MRS. IP, CHEUNG WING-SING
THIRD FLOOR
No.
Turn your stance more.
Rotate your torso.
That's right.
What are you doing?
Does anybody know what he's saying?
No.
No more shows for you. Leave.
It's fine.
I don't know what you're saying. Just leave.
- What's wrong with you? - Are you nuts?
Do you want me to beat you up? Get lost!
I said get lost!
Are you here to challenge us?
Okay.
- Master. - Master.
Grandmaster!
Why is he so excited?
Bruce?
Bruce Lee?
What is going on?
Hey!
What is this?
Give me back my comic book.
Give it back.
Mr. Ip.
This is Ip Ching's expulsion letter.
We can't keep him in our school anymore.
Principal.
Can you give Ip Ching one more chance?
I promise he will behave.
Please give him another chance.
Let him stay.
It's not his first time getting into a fight.
Last time was already his last chance.
Since he is so sportive,
it may be better for him to study abroad.
It's not serious. Just minor cuts.
But be careful next time.
Thank you, doctor.
The nurse will patch you up.
Where is your family?
Doctor.
Master Ip.
It has been a while.
I am Ming, Auntie Luk's son.
Your kung fu studio used to be on our rooftop.
My mom sent me to study in America as I was too naughty.
I just came back. I work in this hospital now.
It's really something to be abroad on your own.
Not really.
Master Ip.
Ching is fine, don't worry.
- See you later. - Thank you.
Answer the door, Ching.
- Master Ip. - Hi, Bob. Please come in.
What's the matter?
America is so far away. Why are you leaving all of a sudden?
I am going to San Francisco... to look for a school for Ching.
Good idea. Mr. Ba also sent his son there recently.
One can earn much more after getting an overseas qualification.
- Please take a seat. - Okay.
- Have some tea. - Don't bother.
Ching.
- Greet your elder. - He did, he nodded.
- Have some tea. - Thank you.
- Bob. - Yes?
Can you please come to check on Ching while I'm away?
Not a problem.
When I'm in America, I will phone home at 10 p.m. Hong Kong time every day.
Okay.
You don't have to call. I won't answer it.
Don't worry. I will be here on time to make him answer the call.
Right, don't be too soft on your son. You're spoiling him.
No, I have to.
I want to send him abroad so that he'll have a chance to experience...
- and be independent. - That's right.
I won't go.
If you want to go, go by yourself.
If you have something to say, come here and say it, okay?
There's no way I'm going to America. You can't make me.
I have told you many times. I don't like studying at all.
I'm not cut out for it anyway.
What can you do if you don't study?
I can teach martial arts.
I like kung fu.
Who let you teach martial arts?
Why can't I?
Aren't you doing it yourself?
Why don't you tell your students
- it's useless to learn martial arts? - Enough.
If nobody learned martial arts, you'd be starving already.
You don't practice what you preach.
You always think that I'm wrong.
Someone took my comic book. It's my fault. He failed. It's my fault.
- I want to teach kung fu. It's also my fault. - Enough.
You are always right and I am always wrong.
You are never supportive of me.
If Mom was still alive, she would have--
Don't.
Get out.
Get out!
Shut up.
He's still a kid. Be patient with him.
Don't be angry.
Bob.
I'll leave it to you.
Please sit down.
Mr. Ip.
- Mr. Ip, it has been many years. - Yes.
- Are you tired from the flight? - I'm all right.
My car is outside. Let's go. Let me carry this.
- Thank you. - Let's go.
It has been nearly eight years since we last met.
That's about right.
Hey, Gun.
Why did you move to America?
It wasn't my plan.
My newspaper office sent me here for the US and Canada edition.
There are more Chinese residents here now.
Many people send their children here to study.
It's the right time for Ching to come.
Is the recommendation letter for school admission
from the Chinese Benevolent Association ready?
I contacted them.
Mr. Wan, the chairman, would like to meet you first.
Once we arrive at Chinatown, we'll head to the association.
CHINATOWN
- It's not long enough. - It's not?
Has Mr. Wan been here for long?
His family has been here for generations.
His grandfather came here during the gold rush.
He really does care for the compatriots.
Let's go.
Mr. Gwai.
Hello, Mr. Gwai.
Mr. Leung.
- Hello. - Let me introduce you to Master Ip.
- Hello, Mr. Gwai. - A pleasure to meet you.
Has Mr. Wan arrived?
- Master Ip. - He's here.
Master Law.
It has been a long time.
- Yes. - It's really me.
I didn't know you moved here.
I've moved here with my family for a few years already.
So are you visiting to prepare to move here as well?
Master Law, Mr. Ip is not moving here. Shall we sit and talk?
- Sure. After you. - After you.
Masters, allow me to introduce you.
This is Master Ip Man.
Hello, fellow masters.
Take a seat.
Sit.
Let me introduce everyone.
They are all kung fu masters from Chinatown.
Master Lau of Choy Li Fut.
Master Chen of Eagle Claw.
Master Han of White Crane.
Master Chiu of Seven-Star Mantis.
Master Chiang of Xing Yi.
Master Lui of Eight Trigrams Palm.
Master Tam of Tam's Kick.
As for me, let's spare the introduction.
We are old friends.
Last but not least,
Chairman of the Chinese Benevolent Association,
Master Wan of Tai Chi.
Master Wan.
Thank you so much for your help.
Master Ip.
Don't thank me just yet.
I've heard so much about you.
You're here at just the right time.
I'd like to ask Master Ip a favor.
How can I help?
Here in San Francisco's Chinatown,
there is a long-established rule.
All kung fu studios should only accept Chinese students.
Your apprentice, Bruce Lee,
not only accepted Western students,
but he even published a book
to explain Chinese martial arts in English.
Since Master Ip is here, why don't you help us... solve this issue first?
Does he think he can be the spokesperson of Chinese martial arts?
Your apprentice... is too arrogant.
He even said he would compete in the karate tournament.
He is provoking us.
He is clearly provoking us.
Exactly.
I have read this book.
It's well written.
What's wrong with teaching Western students?
Master Ip.
Have you heard of the story of Mr. Dong Guo?
A wolf was sieged by a hunter.
Mr. Dong Guo saw this. He saved the wolf and put the wolf in his bag.
Once the hunter left, the first thing the wolf did
was to eat Mr. Dong Guo alive.
Animals are animals.
They won't be grateful.
I will use one of your Cantonese sayings.
"You offer them rice, then they betray you."
That's a bit dramatic.
Master Ip.
We're strangers in a foreign land.
You don't live here. You won't understand.
How about this?
Drink this cup of tea
and you are one of us.
I'll write the letter for you.
Fellow masters.
Mr. Wan.
You might have misunderstood Bruce.
In fact, Bruce just wants Chinese martial arts
to have a wider following.
I think it's a wonderful thing.
Marching to a different beat to make a name for oneself.
Like student, like master.
Do you two have what it takes to be the exemplars of Chinese martial arts?
It's going to break.
Mr. Ip, let's forget about it, shall we?
Sorry to bother you.
Excuse me.
Excuse us, everyone.
Mr. Wan, excuse us.
- Thank you. - Mr. Ip.
I am sorry about what happened.
I didn't expect that.
It's not your fault.
Gun.
Is the recommendation letter essential for meeting the school principal?
Yes.
After all, we are immigrants.
Schools here only acknowledge reputable people.
A recommendation is a must.
Don't worry.
I have some American friends. I'll ask them to write the letter.
- Okay. - I won't keep you. Get some rest.
- Let me walk you out. - Sure.
Take care.
- Bye, Mr. Ip. - Thank you for your help.
Hello, Master Ip! It's me, Bob!
I can hear you, Bob. Loud and clear.
Really?
How are things over there? I heard the air is fresher there.
It's a huge country.
So vast that you can't even see the buildings across you.
Not exactly.
Right. Is Ching there?
Can you put him on the phone?
Ching. Come take the call.
Hurry up.
Long-distance calls cost a lot.
He won't answer.
That's how they are. Defiance is the trademark of youth.
Listen, it's important.
My wife heard that there are some meds that are only sold in the US and not in Hong Kong.
Can you help me get some just in case?
No problem.
Please write them down.
It's in English. I will spell it out slowly. Write them down.
The first one is...
Dad.
- Why are you late again? - I am exhausted today.
I just finished all the assignments. I took a nap before I came.
You aren't exhausted when practicing cheerleading, but you are when it comes to martial arts.
You don't get tired of doing what you like.
- What did you say? - Nothing.
Come.
Brush knees and twist steps.
Part the horse's mane.
Sink the shoulders.
Drop the elbows.
Round form.
See how terrible your moves are.
Look at yourself.
How can you join the Mid-Autumn Carnival?
How can you go on stage?
How many times have I told you?
In here,
you have to speak Chinese.
Mr. Ip.
I am sorry.
Don't worry.
We'll find a way.
Congratulations, Bruce.
Your performance tonight was fantastic.
Thank you, Master.
Thank you for inviting me to America.
You are welcome.
Actually, I'm also here to try to find a school for Ching.
You know,
a recommendation letter is needed for school application.
So, do you mean
those folks from the association refused to write you a letter?
I have a student who is a lawyer.
He should be able to help.
- Don't worry. - Thank you.
- Master. - Master.
They're my students.
- Grandmaster. - Hartman, come and sit.
- Master. - Grandmaster.
This is Hartman.
He's one of a kind.
He's a Marine Staff Sergeant.
He's very into Chinese martial arts.
He always tells me he wants to introduce Chinese martial arts to the Marines.
In America, most people don't know about Chinese martial arts.
I have practiced Wing Chun for a while.
Its centerline theory for both attack and defense is useful for combat.
I'd recommend it to my officer.
- What do you think, Grandmaster? - Great idea.
Master.
It happens all the time. I'll be right back.
Master. Here's the recommendation letter prepared by my student. It should be okay.
I am Yonah. What's your name, sir?
You can call me Mr. Ip, Yonah.
Mr. Ip, can you hold this for me?
Mr. Ip, please take a look from behind. Please help me cut it if it's not neat.
Done.
Thank you.
Mr. Ip. Are you okay? You were slammed by the gate.
- I'm okay. - Let me take a look.
I am really fine.
I have some herbal ointment at home. It works like magic.
About what happened at school today,
does it happen often?
It's not the first time. But I am not afraid of them.
- Does your family know? - Yes.
My dad always asks me to put up with it. He is very strict.
Mr. Ip, why were you in our school?
I was there to apply for my son.
Then you must have met my dad.
He is the Chairman of the Chinese Benevolent Association.
I have met your dad.
He must have given you the letter then.
Mr. Ip, when will your son come?
He'll have a hard time getting used to life here. I can help out.
Actually, your dad didn't help with the letter.
How come? You are not a foreigner.
Does your dad have an opinion against them?
Yes. He always says that they are very bad to the Chinese.
They only discriminate and bully us.
It has always been like that since he came here with Grandpa as a kid.
The way the Chinese are treated here has always been unfair.
That's why he founded the Chinese Benevolent Association to protect us Chinese.
Dad.
This is my friend, Mr. Ip.
You always say Chinese should help each other out.
So please write him a recommendation letter.
Come over here.
Did you get into a fight again?
- No. - Yonah.
You know how I hate liars.
I am asking you one more time.
Did you get into a fight?
No.
They were jealous of me!
Because I was made leader, they cut my hair and had people beat me up.
How can I put up with it?
What's the point of practicing martial arts if you want me to put up with this?
Shut your mouth!
Mr. Wan.
Your daughter was bullied.
It's not wrong to defend herself.
Master Ip.
As I've told you before,
you don't understand
as you don't live here.
Let me tell you.
We live here.
This is our home.
Those people keep trying to get rid of us.
They even want to get rid of Chinatown.
Don't you understand?
Have you tried to get out of Chinatown to communicate with them directly,
to fight for a change?
Are you preaching at me now?
Yonah.
You can change too.
Ip Man.
If you want your letter, don't use my daughter.
Show me what you've got.
Let's have a match.
What happened?
Old wound?
Yonah! Are you all right?
Dad, I am fine.
Yonah.
Dad.
I am here.
I am fine.
ALL CHINESE ARE ONE BIG FAMILY
Ip Man.
Looks like we'll have to wait until the Mid-Autumn Carnival to decide who's the winner.
Winning or losing,
does it really matter?
Shouldn't we use Chinese martial arts...
to change the biases against us?
I brought Yonah back because I wanted to protect her.
I'm not here for the letter.
You are always right and I am always wrong.
You are never supportive of me.
If Mom was still alive, she would have--
- Hello? - US Trunk Line.
Yes, collect call please.
Hey, Master Ip.
- Bob. - Yes.
Where's Ching?
He went out to buy some late-night snacks.
Right, how are things getting on with you Is it going well?
There's a bit of a hiccup.
It might take a few more days before I can return.
Back in a few days? That's very good.
Good luck. Be safe.
Thanks a lot.
Bye.
Okay, bye.
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP
- Mr. Ip. I have great news for you. - What's up, Yonah?
Did you forge the signature?
Don't worry, it looks the same as Dad's. I am sure no one will notice.
I don't understand what you kids are thinking nowadays.
You guys act without thinking about the consequences.
What are you doing? It took me a lot of effort.
Did it cross your mind that your dad would be very upset?
I don't care. He doesn't care if I'm happy anyway.
Why do you say that? I think he cares about you.
He only cares about himself.
He always pushes me to practice Tai Chi for performing at the Carnival.
Just because he likes it.
But I don't.
If you don't like Tai Chi, just tell him.
I did.
He wouldn't listen.
In his eyes, everything I do is wrong.
I fight back when I'm being bullied. It's my fault.
I like cheerleading and dancing. It's my fault.
I am always wrong. He never supports me.
I don't believe that's how other dads are like.
At the very least,
you are not, Mr. Ip.
Is cheerleading...
your passion?
Not really. I do it because I like it.
Mr. Ip, you are so good at fighting. Isn't it because you like martial arts?
At the Mid-Autumn Carnival, why don't you do your cheerleading dance?
Right, why haven't I thought about that?
That's a great idea.
Mr. Ip, will you come?
Sure.
Great.
Now go to school.
Off you go.
- Good. - Good.
Grandmaster.
Great!
Mr. Ip, you are late. I saved you a seat next to the masters over there.
No worries. I'll stay where I am.
But the view is better there.
How about you go back and get ready to perform, okay?
Go on.
All right. I'll go then.
Mr. Gwai.
- That's how you're dressed for stage? - Yes.
Where's your dad? Didn't you come with your dad?
No, I came first. I didn't see him. Maybe he will show up later.
TO MASTER IP
Go.
- Good. - Good.
Good.
They're my students.
When did we invite these white people to perform?
I don't know.
- Who are they? - Who invited them?
Get down from there!
Scram!
Get lost!
- Get down! - Leave!
- Go away. - Go away.
Scram!
I'll go and look for your dad.
- What are you talking about? - Get down!
Screw you!
I will fight you now!
Mr. Gwai, what happened to Mr. Wan?
What do you mean by that?
I just saw some immigration officers take Mr. Wan into a car.
Let's make it quick.
You are begging to be killed.
I won't hold back either.
- Master Law. - Master Law.
Are you okay?
- Master Law. - Master Law.
Bullshit, why is the stage so small?
- Be careful. - Help me.
Freaking yankee!
I'm in.
- Be careful! - Master!
Master Chiu, are you okay?
Help him first.
Don't hold back.
Mind yourself first.
- Master Chiang. - Master Chiang.
- Beat him, Master Chiang. - Beat him!
- Get up! - Master!
- You can do it!
Enough.
- Bravo! - Master Ip, bravo.
Come on, Mr. Ip!
- Master Ip! - Master Ip!
All the best, Master Ip!
Great, Master Ip!
Mr. Ip, that was fantastic! Mr. Ip, you are the best! The best!
That was amazing! The most amazing Mr. Ip!
Yonah!
Bad news. Auntie San told me your dad was taken by the immigration officers.
I'll drive you there. Let's go.
Mr. Ip.
Grandmaster.
Masters. Who incited those karate guys to come here?
They made a scene for no reason.
It must be Bruce Lee.
He dragged us into this.
Don't make false assumptions.
His master helped us.
Hello.
Master Law, leave the CBA right now.
- The immigration is coming to make arrests. - Who are you?
What are you saying?
- What are you doing? - What are you doing?
Hello?
Bad news.
What happened?
Master Law.
Master Ip.
A yankee just showed up and attacked everyone like he was coming for revenge.
Mr. Ip.
The immigration officers will be here soon.
Dad.
Yonah.
Get up!
Yonah!
Get up.
Don't kneel to these people.
You are right.
If you can't take it anymore,
then just don't.
I will fight you.
Dad, don't.
Bruce.
Master.
Master Wan.
You don't have to accept his challenge.
I have to.
If I back down, I'm no longer Chinese.
Master Wan, stop!
Master Wan.
Those white people always pick on our Chinatown.
They made a scene tonight at the association.
They are getting way out of line.
That's right.
It's not the first time the immigration officers came.
They harassed us for no reason.
Yes.
My grandfather came here as a hard labor worker.
He helped them build the railway.
He helped the Americans connect the east coast with the west.
It's all thanks to Chinese labor.
Yet the American government was never willing to acknowledge our contribution.
They keep trying to kick us out with all sorts of excuses.
The white guys are too arrogant.
There's no equality here.
Bruce.
We were too--
It's no big deal.
I didn't take it to heart. Don't worry.
Master Ip.
Thank you very much.
Not at all.
We are all Chinese people.
We should help each other out.
That has always been my belief. Chinese people must help each other out.
Right?
- Yes. - Spot on.
- Master Law is right. - He's right.
Master.
At the Mid-Autumn Carnival tonight, the masters in Chinatown had a conflict with people from the army.
Master Wan is...
He is severely injured.
He's now at the hospital.
Little prick, you're not answering the phone again!
Hello.
Bob.
Where is Ching?
He is practicing with the wooden dummy.
Master Ip, long-distance calls are expensive.
Bob.
I have cancer.
Are you serious?
Actually, the reason I hurried to America...
is to have a look here...
and see if it's right for Ching.
Please let me talk to him.
Hold on.
Your dad is asking for you.
Answer the phone.
I won't take his call. No way!
Listen to me.
I will only say it once.
Your dad has cancer.
He went to America just to find you a school.
Dad.
Ching.
It was my fault...
for hitting you last time.
I am sorry.
I know you like martial arts.
I will teach you when I'm back.
Dad.
When will you be home?
I still have something to take care of.
Once it's done,
I will be right back.
Bye.
Take me to the boot camp.
Mr. Ip. Don't go. I don't want anything bad to happen to you.
I'm a martial artist.
In the face of injustice,
I must stand up and fight.
That was why we took up martial arts.
This is something I want to do.
Just like you want to do cheerleading.
ALL CHINESE ARE ONE BIG FAMILY
Master Ip.
This letter is a bit late.
I am sorry to have kept you waiting.
I appreciate it.
Right.
When will you and your son come here?
Actually, the grass is not really greener...
on the other side of the fence.
Mr. Ip.
I bought all the medicine you asked for.
I even got you candies and chocolate.
This is my favorite chocolate.
Your son will love it too.
- Thank you. - You're so thoughtful.
Dad.
I have thought it through.
I don't want to go to America.
I really like martial arts.
Dad.
Teach me.
Okay.
Self-confidence is the most important thing,
no matter where you are.
Ching.
I will demonstrate once.
Film it.
ON DECEMBER 2ND, 1972,
THE GRANDMASTER, IP MAN, DIED OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER
AT THE AGE OF 79.
SINCE THE 1970S,
THE US ARMY HAS REGULARLY INVITED CHINESE KUNG FU MASTERS AS GUEST INSTRUCTORS.
THE US MARINE CORPS OFFICIALLY CREATED ITS MARTIAL ARTS CORE TRAINING PROGRAM IN 2001.