Martial art legend Bruce Lee displayed an alluring combination of charm and talent. His looks attracted many girls when he came to America in 1959 to pursue his degree. Lee was involved in a short-term dating stint with many until his eyes caught the glimpse of a Japanese American girl, Amy Sanbo, at the University of Washington in 1960. Amusingly, at their first meeting, Lee embarrassed himself, trying to establish an unforgettable impression. 

In Lee’s biography, Bruce Lee: A Life, author Mathew Polly revealed the martial arts master’s hilarious antic that failed to make a charming impression on Sanbo. In fact, Lee’s pursuit left bruises on his soon-to-be girlfriend’s arms. 

What was Bruce Lee’s attempt to impress Amy Sanbo?

During Lee’s first year in college, he fell head over heels in love with Amy Sanbo. The master saw her for the first time while lounging with his friends at the HUB, a student center. The sophomore was sitting at a faraway table in the corner. Lee left his friends and moved forward to take a closer look at Sanbo. The spontaneous Bruce Lee thought of an idea to make the most of the moment when she walked past him. 

As she walked past him, Lee greeted her by saying, “Hello”, and the next moment grabbed her forearm with his index finger and thumb. Author Mathew Polly, explained in the master’s biography, “He squeezed with such power that Amy’s knees buckled and she nearly dropped her books on the floor.” 

Moreover, Lee’s student and friend, James DeMile, revealed Sanbo’s reaction in the biography. She told Lee, “Let go of me before I really get angry!” To this, the master replied, “I was just showing my friends how much power can be exerted with only two fingers.” A pissed-off Amy Sanbo shouted, “What a jerk!” at Lee and marched away. 

Lee’s embarrassing act left a black-and-blue bruise on her arm, lasting for days. Although the master did not create a great first impression, he made relentless efforts to work his charm on Sanbo. Eventually, they began dating on and off for the next three years. 

“I Fell in Love With My Instructor”: Bruce Lee’s Wife Linda Once Reminisced Her First Meeting With the Martial Arts Legend

Surprisingly, after things ended with Amy Sanbo, Lee’s love story with the love of his life awaited him at Washington University itself. 

Bruce Lee and Linda Cadwell’s adorable meet up

In 1961, Lee visited Linda’s school, Garfield High School, to give a kung fu demonstration. That was the first time she saw Lee and instantly developed a liking for him. One of her friends revealed that she took Kung Fu classes from the master at Washington University. 

Hence, Cadwell also began taking classes from Lee. She told in his biography, “I don’t know if I was more interested in kung fu or the teacher.” After some time, the couple began dating in 1963 and eventually got married the next year. Their marriage lasted for nine years, before Lee’s shocking demise in 1973. 

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Although Lee embarrassed himself in front of Amy Sanbo, his charm automatically worked for the love of his life, Linda Cadwell Lee. What do you make of the incident involving Lee and Sanbo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.