In Memory of Martial Arts Master Jim Kelly

In Memory of Jim Kelly

Remember this iconic scene of Kelly from 'Three the Hard Way'
when he says to cop 'Gonna Set Me Up?' Ouuuuuuey
Now this was classic Jim Kelly at his best...enjoy

Jim 'The Dragon' Kelly, is what he came to be known as, for his role alongside the 

legendary dragon...Bruce Lee.

Jim Kelly's life has been shrouded with mystery to me, because i only knew of him

from the action films that he appeared in during the seventies. 

I knew very little of his life off the screen, other than the fact that he was an avid

tennis player, athlete, and he lived in Paris Kentucky, not too far from me in Ohio.

As a black martial artist, i, along with many others found ourselves identifying with 

great martial arts masters of the big screen, such a Jim Kelly, Ron Van Clief, Carl

Scott, and several others. 

I grew to respect the person of Jim Kelly much more over the years, especially how

honest and wholesome of a man he was. He was one of a few known black

martial artist that truly respected the skill and talent of the late Bruce Lee, and

it is well documented .  I thank him for his contributions to the arts and to humanity.

Other than Enter the Dragon, Jim appeared in his own body of works as well, such as 

Black Belt Jones,Black Samurai, Hot Potato, One Down Two to Go, and we

,can't forget Three the Hard Way

RIP

-brother teacher