Ryuji Imai, the 8-year-old Japanese boy who has been called the “reincarnation of Bruce Lee,” recently met one of his martial arts idols, Donnie Yen.
Imai first gained popularity when he was just five years old after a video of him mimicking his ultimate hero Bruce Lee’s masterful technique went viral online.
His social media stardom has now resulted in international TV guest appearances and other projects such as event invitations.
It was during a Bruce Lee memorial event in Tokyo on Aug. 1 when the adorable “little dragon,” as he is referred to by his social media followers, was able to meet and greet the “IP Man” star himself.
In a series of Facebook post, the young martial artist is shown obviously elated upon meeting the international action star.
During the brief encounter, Imai managed to strike some “fierce” poses with the superstar.
He also expressed his intention of joining Yen in a future “IP Man” film:
Imai definitely impressed Yen with his own IP Man stance:
Yen would recall the special encounter in a later Facebook post:
“Attended as special guests in the Bruce Lee memorial event in Tokyo a few days ago, I was moved by so many passionate Japanese fans! Met this little person/Bruce Lee Ryusei ‘Ryuji’ who told me he watched every Ipman movie and showed me my Ipman move!😆” Yen wrote.
In addition to meeting Yen, Imai also met Hong Kong action hero Yuen Biao.
Feature Image via Facebook / Ryuji Imai
Join the conversation+