BEHIND THE SCENES: The Making of Adventures Of A Young Kung Fu Legend
The spark that inspired me to write this action-packed adventure novel was
ignited nearly half a century ago with the publication of my worldwide bestseller,
The Legend of Bruce Lee.
When it was first released, martial arts was a relatively obscure genre to much of
the world, rarely seen outside of Asia and seldomly represented in popular media.
But after Lee’s explosive success, it became a fascination for a growing
audience—an international phenomenon that transcended cultures and
generations, sparking a wave of new stars and stories.
Over the years, my own fascination with this genre has only deepened. Martial
arts has always been more than just combat. At its heart, it is a spiritual
journey—a path to discovering inner strength, cultivating self-discipline, and
achieving personal growth. Watching the genre evolve, expanding from a niche
interest to a mainstream force in action-adventure storytelling across movies, TV,
and social media, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
What ultimately drew me to write this novel was the realization that fiction
offered me the freedom to create new characters and stories that could have
been—the untold tales of legendary lives. Drawing on my background as a
journalist, decades of research into martial arts and entertainment history, and
countless conversations with Bruce Lee fans and other action enthusiasts, I
developed a vibrant cast of characters embarking on transformative journeys that
shape their lives and the world around them.
Alex Ben Block
Journalist, Editor, Author, Show Business Historian, TV/Radio NewsTalk personality, TV Producer, Media Business Consultant, Digital Innovator, and Public Speaker
Alex Ben Block is an award-winning author, best known for his compelling and deeply researched books and articles which offer rare insights into the inner workings of the entertainment industry. His writing explores the lives of iconic stars, the rise and fall of entertainment empires, and the business mechanics behind the film and television industry. He has also delved into writing about the rich history, philosophy, and cultural influence of martial arts at times in his career, beginning with his first best-selling book. Whether profiling moguls, legendary martial artists, or deconstructing media and cultural myths, Block’s storytelling brings an insider’s understanding and vivid narrative style that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
Alex Ben Block
Alex Ben Block is an award-winning author, best known for his compelling and deeply researched books and articles which offer rare insights into the inner workings of the entertainment industry. His writing explores the lives of iconic stars, the rise and fall of entertainment empires, and the business mechanics behind the film and television industry. He has also delved into writing about the rich history, philosophy, and cultural influence of martial arts at times in his career, beginning with his first best-selling book. Whether profiling moguls, legendary martial artists, or deconstructing media and cultural myths, Block’s storytelling brings an insider’s understanding and vivid narrative style that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
It is a fact that labor and thrift produce a competence, but fortune, in the sense of wealth, is the reward of the man who can think of something that hasn’t been thought of before.
--Bruce Lee from a 1962 letter quoted in “Bruce Lee The Letters of The Dragon,” edited by John Little
Book Trailer
“Legendary journalist Alex Ben Block, who was Bruce Lee’s first biographer, now delivers a fascinating action-adventure novel that provides insight into the early years and family life of a legendary Kung Fu icon. It shows how he became a martial artist, a magnetic leader, a heroic crime fighter, a movie star and a philosopher. No one is more qualified to tell this tale.”