Bill Bremer is the son of the LA schools, "Chief ass kicker", Bob Bremer. Bill spent two years at Lee's school and later entered the Navy. Unbeknownest to him, while Lee was filming, Enter The Dragon, Bremer was stationed in the same harbor where they were filming. Bremer is now retired and living the good life in Subic Bay, Philippines.
The Bill Bremer Interview
Conducted by Paul Bax
How did you first hear about Bruce Lee and please recall your first introduction to him.
Bill Bremer: I was taking karate from Ed Parker in Pasadena and I had heard Dan Lee, who just made brown belt had left and went with Bruce Lee. Soon after many top students followed. All had years of experience behind them. Bruce lee only excepted experienced students then. I can’t remember whether I first met him at a International tournament in Long Beach with Steve McQueen in the mid 60’s or my folks house or Chinatown.
What was your initial impression of him?
BB: My initial impression was that he was fast and powerful for a small guy. You put out your best always when he was there. He was focused.
What was your previous martial arts experience before meeting Lee?
I was working towards brown belt and had two years under Parker. Went to Chinatown in May 68. Chuck Hill and I went together.
Did you view JKD as a drastic change in what you had learned before and if so, in what ways?
BB: JKD was similar Parkers method. Way less katas and you could kick with your toes forward instead of back kicking from closed distances, There was no classical squared off punching.
What was a typical class like in the LA school?
BB: Typical classes included stretching, kicking and punching but no meditation. Some combination routines, and putting on full contact gear and sparring.
How important was trapping and chi sao in the school?
BB: Well the trapping was one of the first drills we did every time as well as high low and indirect attacks. If you were good in those areas generally you could spar well.
Your father is known as the, “chief Chinatown Ass kicker”. If you don’t mind, please recall some of his more famous exploits of his “ass kicking ways”.
BB: Well Dan Lee was a very powerful guy with strong backhands and had excellent boxing skills. He use to clobber most of us easily and I saw many battles with him and my dad. Danny (Lee) was really trying to hit my dad once and became frustrated. He was [just a step behind] his words. Inosanto would shake his head in disbelief and a small smile as dad rattled Dan Lee over and over. Bruce tried to set up a fight with Joe Lewis. My dad says his mistake was not taking the fight. My dad told Bruce that Lewis looked awful healthy.
Your Dad was lucky enough to attend private sessions with Lee at his home. Did you ever attend those with him?
BB: No I never went to Bruce’s house, Bruce had came to our house and brought Branden and his wife with him. Branden was about 5 or 6 and while bouncing on our trampoline would kick and say this is how my daddy does it. He was pretty fast. Actually, Bruce bought a trampoline from my dad. Dad had a trampoline center a few years before that.
Did your Dad share with you what Lee taught him in his private lessons and if so was it a lot different from what was taught at the school?
BB: My dad picked up on keys to speed and deception, how to read a persons face for lack of concentration. I know that sounds corny but Bruce said he could sense the moment when his opponent would lose it even just a split second. At that split second a strike would get through. Power punches and kicks were done a lot. He also stressed how to get that extra power into them. I seen dad come home a couple of times wore out. The workout there was tough.
