Today I finally “fought” with Jet Li. Although we have known each other for so many years, we have never fought with each other, but the short fight that we filmed today went very smoothly. It was as if we were brothers from the same kung fu school; every movement, punch, and kick was smooth – we could anticipate each others' moves, timing, and rhythm. I felt like I used to feel when I fought with Sammo Hung or Yuen Biao. Whether it was eye-contact, a facial expression, or a turn, we were very much in harmony and it was really terrific!

Although I hadn’t worked with our action choreographer Yuen Woo Ping in many years, all of us worked so well together that what was supposed to be a day-long filming was accomplished in just a few hours.

People always ask who would win in a fight between Jet Li and me. Since this is my diary, I will of course say that Jet Li would win ha ha ha!  I always insist that you can learn something from everyone you meet no matter if he’s an unskilled laborer or a superstar. Chinese expression: “When three people get together, one can be my teacher.”

During breaks in filming, I spend a lot of time talking with Jet. We have exchanged our thoughts about life and I learned a lot of new things from him. Although our points of view and methods for solving problems are different, we are in agreement in terms of our feelings about how people should be treated, about honesty, caring, and patriotism. In Chinese we say “First worry about others’ happiness and your happiness will come.” Jet and I both feel that if you help others solve their problems then you will feel happy yourself.

Both Jet Li and I have established charitable foundations. I started the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to help people in Hong Kong and that has expanded to include helping people worldwide. Jet Li established the One Foundation based on the thought that if everyone contributes one dollar (or yuan) per month, many people can be helped. My Build a School for a Dollar project has basically the same concept.

Another Chinese saying: “Give someone a rose and your hand still holds the fragrance of the rose.” That means when you give to others it will bring you happiness.

Jet Li mentioned me on his blog, talking about my picking up garbage and putting it into the trash can. Actually, this isn’t news since I’ve been doing this for many years and I feel I have influenced my staff and film crews to become more conscious of the environment. There is only one Earth and we need to protect it.

I know you’ve heard me say this before and I hope I don’t bore you by repeating it or reminding you!

Jet Li's One Foundation

Jackie's Build a School for a Dollar project

Text and photos ©The JC Group. All Rights Reserved.

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