It was a September day in 1972 that Eric Manguson challenged Bruce Lee via a newspaper notice in three weeks. Bruce Lee accepted his challenge. This began a rigorous concentrated effort in training by both men. The one focusing in known training of power and strength, the other focusing in on available wisdom.
Eric Manguson was a 6’6” 260 lb. mass of power and strength. He boasted of 47 fights in his 15-year career, that usually lasted in victory in only a few minutes. Bruce Lee a 5’9” 140 lb. man was the only credentials listed.
The day came for the bought, 45,000 spectators had come to observe. Eric’s entrance with his entourage, and media, entered to hear an amazing roar for the obvious outcome. Bruce came by himself to hear an almost morbid sound of sorrow for this obvious unmatched scene that was about to take place.
Commencing, Eric delivered three attempts to contact Bruce, he was used to one being enough to secure victory, but Bruce wasn’t there. This gave Bruce time enough to analyze his opponent, his stance, shoulder position, which foot was the lead, etc. During the third swing from Eric, opened Bruce’s target, and he delivered it at such lightening speed, it was hardly noticed. Its effect took Eric to his knees and hands to the mat. Bruce stood about 18” from his downed opponent.
It took Eric 19 seconds to breath properly, then the referee helped him to his feet. Eric said to Bruce, in front of 45,000 likeminded bystanders, ‘I have never felt what just happened, not even close, and it wasn’t supposed to happen.
Bruce responded with ‘everything is possible’. Eric, you are the strongest man I have ever faced, your power is real, it is extraordinary, but power without a target is only energy. Tonight I did not fight your strength, I went around it, but observed what was in it. Eric, after standing, raised Bruce’s hand in the air as the obvious victor.
Saints, our weapons are not carnal, but mighty to tear down strongholds. Realize that He that lives in you has overcome the world and its power, that power hides in darkness, your amour is light. That great cloud of witnesses overcame by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony. We often go to the end of Ephesians to get the armor on, but pass over the first few chapters to see why we need it.
By Keith Morgan