Martial-arts icon Jet Li has offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, spiritual journey, and surprising shopping preferences in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, coinciding with the release of his new memoir, "Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom." The interview sheds light on Li's reflections on destiny, his health-conscious lifestyle, and his long-standing affinity for the wholesale retailer Costco.
Li's memoir delves into his four-decade career and his path to inner peace. In the interview, he recounted his grandmother's prophecy that he was destined to bring prosperity to his family, a theme explored in his book. The martial arts star also discussed how old injuries from filming have necessitated a shift in his exercise regimen.
"I just do a little bit of tai chi and I play ping-pong with my wife," Li stated, emphasizing that their games are "not to win... just for the movement." This gentle approach to physical activity, which can still lead to "sweating" after 45 minutes, highlights his adaptation to managing his health, including a past diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.
A notable revelation from the interview was Li's enduring loyalty to Costco, a habit he has maintained since the 1990s. He explained his preference for the bulk retailer, noting, "It's cheap and you can buy things in bulk that you can use for two years. Toilet paper, instant coffee, toothpaste." Li further shared a unique anecdote about purchasing 30 red cotton T-shirts from Costco for good luck during his Chinese zodiac year as a rabbit.
