Birth of the Dragon

In 1964, Bruce Lee opens a Kung Fu Academy in San Francisco, becoming a leading figure in martial arts. He not only trains students in Wing Chun but also takes on the responsibility of protecting them from the local gangs in Chinatown.

During a sparring session at the academy, student Steve McKee becomes frustrated as Bruce Lee skillfully counters his moves. This humiliation sparks deep feelings of challenge in McKee, setting off a chain of events that will test his martial arts journey.

While working at a laundromat, McKee notices Wong Jack-man, a quiet observer of the American kung fu scene. Intrigued by Wong, McKee begins to seek knowledge about him and his teachings.

While making a delivery to China Gate, McKee meets Xiulan, a waitress who is not allowed to interact with outsiders. Captivated, McKee decides to visit her again, determined to connect and even offers to teach her grammar.

Bruce Lee grows increasingly worried about Wong Jack-man's observations and presence in San Francisco. Fearing repercussions for teaching kung fu to non-Chinese, Lee requests a meeting between himself and Wong.

At the Long Beach International Karate Championships, Bruce Lee performs an impressive karate demonstration featuring his famous one-inch punch. This event gathers the attention of Wong, who observes Lee's talents but challenges his martial arts approach.

After their demonstration, Lee and Wong engage in a spirited debate about their martial arts philosophies. Lee issues a challenge to Wong as he exits, marking the beginning of a rivalry based on respect and differing views.

As McKee learns more about Wong's past and his redemption story related to the Mon Shan kick, he decides to leave Lee's academy to pursue training with Wong. This decision weighs heavily on Lee, leaving him feeling dejected but understanding.

Gangster Auntie Blossom learns about the connection between McKee and Wong and presents a threatening ultimatum: if McKee can instigate a fight between Lee and Wong, she will free Xiulan. The pressure mounts as tensions arise.

Reluctantly, Bruce Lee and Wong agree to a fight in a secluded warehouse with only 12 witnesses. This confrontation not only determines their individual legacies but also the fate of their students and McKee's loved ones.

In a high-stakes match, Bruce Lee's aggressive Wing Chun style clashes with Wong's fluid Shaolin techniques. The fighters exchange powerful strikes, showcasing their martial arts prowess while the atmosphere bubbles with anticipation.

Though no official winner is declared, Lee and Wong display mutual respect at the conclusion of the battle. McKee pushes Wong to declare himself the victor, but Wong emphasizes that he has already won by encouraging Lee's growth.

After learning about brutal reprisals against Xiulan, Lee and Wong join forces to confront Auntie Blossom. The stakes are high; Wong's skills lead to a tense standoff where Lee insists that liberation for the girls is a non-negotiable condition.

In a dramatic twist, Lee's skills are put to the test when Wing Lo's nephew attempts to ambush him with a shotgun. Utilizing the Mon Shan technique, Lee swiftly neutralizes the imminent threat, showcasing his mastery and quick thinking.

After visiting McKee in the hospital, Lee expresses a desire to evolve his martial arts style into something more expressive. As Wong prepares to return to China, he believes Lee is destined to spread kung fu worldwide, paving the way for the creation of Jeet Kune Do in 1969.