The Little ‘Little Dragon’ – Japan’s Little Fist of Fury

August West・February 9, 2015

Portrait of the Little DragonSteve Chen, one of the founders of YouTube said, “We're starting to see that anyone with an Internet connection, a digital camera and computer can become a star overnight.” To go viral is something so many aspiring talents dream about nowadays, but when parents post cute videos of their kids, they just share it for fun. They seldom expect to blow up the internet. That’s just what happened to Ryuji Imai of Japan when he posted a short video of his son swinging some nunchaku dressed as Bruce Lee. The video went viral in a major way, gleaning some 24 million views, and got picked up by web newsfeeds all around the world. We had a little chat with the proud papa to learn a little more about his little boy and their mutual admiration for the ‘Little Dragon’ Bruce Lee.

AW: What is your son’s name?

RI: Ryusei  (Ryu means Dragon)

AW: How old is he?

RI: Four years old

AW: Does he practice martial arts?  If so, which martial art and how long?

RI: I have been teaching Karate to my son since my son was one year old.

Ryusei the Little DragonAW: What got him interested in Nunchaku?

RI: Bruce Lee's movies.

AW: How did he learn Nunchaku?

RI: My son has been watched Bruce Lee's movies everyday and I teach my son.

AW: What got him interested in Bruce Lee?

RI: My son loves Bruce Lee's fighting style, nunchaku, movements, gesture - all of them. My son always said ‘cool!’

AW: Has he seen the Bruce Lee movies?   If so, which is his favorite?

RI: He has seen all Bruce Lee’s movies and TV appearances also. My son's favorite movie is all of them.

AW: Why did you make the video?

RI: I just made [it] for my son's growth record.

AW: What was your reaction when the video went viral?

RI: I was just surprised!! My wife and my parents too. Unbelievable Reaction!!  

AW: What was your son’s reaction?  Do people recognize him on the street in Japan now?

RI: My son said ‘I'm so happy! I want more practice! Wanna be just like Bruce Lee!!’ In Japan, there are so many the article on the net, but [he is] still not well known.  

AW: Are you worried that your son might get into fights?

RI: No, I didn't. I have been teaching spirit of budo also. 

AW: Are you planning to make more videos?

RI: Yes. Now my son has been training nunchaku, kicking and punching, etc. If he could everything, I will make new video.

AW: What’s next for your son?

RI: I will continue to maximize support to practice and enjoy. To enjoy is very important!!

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