When most people think of the late and great Bruce Lee, they often think of an impressive fighter who performed spectacular moves and acted in several fighting movies. What most people don't realize is how there is much more to this great master than his outstanding speed and impressive style. Bruce Lee was all that, for sure... he even created a style of his own, which as you may know is called Jeet Kune Do. However, more than a fighter, Lee was also a philosopher in his own right, whose teachings remain even in the modern day.

One of his most popular sayings, in case you don't know is "be water, my friend"... and that is actually one of the main tenets of Jeet Kune Do. But what exactly did Bruce Lee mean when e urged us to be like water? After all, water doesn't seem like something one would be fearful of, right? Well, as matter a fact that is actually the point... or at least part of it. You see, like any serious martial artist, Bruce Lee wasn't the kind of person who would boast his strenght casually. He was more likely to watch and remain passive, acting only when the situation called for action.
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What does it mean "Be water, my friend"?

As you can probably imagine at this point, the idea of being water is akin to being at ease and flexible. Think about it: water is perhaps the most flexible element; it nourishes and accomodates, it takes all the available room without pushing. When you put water in a vessel, it doesn't struggle... it becomes the vessel. When you spill water in the ground, it doesn't exert itself... it just follows the past of least resistance until it has reached the lowest ground.

On the flip side, just because water is adaptable and follows the path of least resistance, it doesn't mean water is cowardly or flexible. In fact, water can be highly unpredictable and destructive, especially when it's stirred. This is also a good reasoning for someone who is looking to become a strong martial artist: conserve your energy and relax, remain flexible until the situation really calls for intervention.

If you follow this simple advice, you may realize there is much more strenght and raw power inside you than you ever imagined possible. Moreover, you may realize that you won't be as easily bothered by trivial circumstances as you used to be. Remember these words, and do your best to be water, my friend.