Alex Ben Block launches: Adventures of a Young Kung Fu Legend

alexbenblock
28 minutes ago
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FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT: The debut novel by acclaimed Hollywood Journalist and Internationally-known bestselling author of the landmark biography The Legend of Bruce Lee

"Over the years, my own fascination with this genre has only deepened," says Alex Ben Block. "Martial arts has always been more than just combat. At its heart, it is a spiritual journey—a path to discovering inner strength, cultivating self-discipline, and achieving personal growth."

"Watching the genre evolve, expanding from a niche interest to a mainstream force in action-adventure storytelling across movies, TV, and social media, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Drawing on decades of firsthand research and Hollywood industry knowledge,"

Block delivers a gripping martial arts action adventure epic that blends cinematic action with a heartfelt coming-of-age drama.

Set in the vibrant, volatile world of 1950s Hong Kong, the novel follows Brad Chi, a courageous, charisma and sharp-witted teenager whose path leads him from the city’s shadowy backstreets to the heights of Kung Fu mastery. However, Brad is more than just a fighter. He’s an aspiring film star, ballroom dancer, student boxing champion, and devoted son and friend. But when he crosses paths with the brutal Dragon’s Claw gang, Brad’s life spirals into a series of high-stakes confrontations.

As the pressure mounts, Brad must navigate street violence, school rivalries, family expectations and romantic entanglements. His physical training in martial arts becomes a mirror for his emotional and psychological journey. Brad must develop self-discipline, inner strength, and define his own moral code to become the legend he is destined to be.

“This is a story about resilience, heart, and growing into greatness,” says Block. “Brad Chi represents the spirit of martial arts: not just in combat, but in character.”

“Even though it’s not Bruce Lee, there are parallels throughout that make your imagination run wild,” says Charles Damiano, creator of The Bruce Lee Collection. “It got my attention from beginning to end. I never wanted to put it down. I felt I was learning how he became legendary during those early times. You were always comparing it to the life of Bruce Lee.”

The novel concludes with Brad’s departure aboard a ship bound for America—leaving behind unresolved rivalries and lifelong attachments but stepping forward into the unknown with hope and purpose.

The new book's back cover page:

Block hints at a sequel, suggesting this novel is only the first in a larger saga.

About the Author:

A respected voice in media for decades, Alex Ben Block served as Editor of The Hollywood Reporter, Editor of Television Week, Associate Editor of Forbes Magazine, and as a movie critic and columnist, among his many accomplishments His nonfiction books have earned international acclaim, with The Legend of Bruce Lee selling over four million copies worldwide.

Other titles include OUTFOXED: The Inside Story of America’s Fourth Television Network and George Lucas’s Blockbusting: A Decade-by-Decade Survey of Timeless Movies Including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success.

Block has been named Entertainment Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club among many other accolades, and has appeared as a media expert on KNBC, CNN, in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and more.

Adventures of a Young Kung Fu Legend is newly available at Amazon books

A must read from the author of the international best seller millions will always remember.