By Aris Wilson

      Four gold stars sum up the many years of martial arts training that began when Lee was 12 years old, culminating in earning his 9th degree Black Belt this year in Korea, before a strict panel of respected Taekwondo Masters.

     As a young boy, Lee discovered that martial arts training was a way to transform a shy demeanor into one that radiated self-confidence. Lee remarked that being shy can mean being scared , as well. Through Tae KwonDo, Lee gained the strength and skills he needed to overcome this fear and develop a personal fighting philosophy that called for one effective and powerful technique to overcome his adversaries. Featured on the cover of Dojang: All Korean Martial Arts magazine in 1994, Lee described his philosophy as a one-chance attack, a make-or-break moment when years of training allow a defender to deliver enough power to hit one vital, weak spot to finish a fight.

Grand Master Lee

    After earning the first of many black belts by age 15, Lee continue his martial arts training as a member of the Korean National Team, as an instructor to the Korean police and the US Military police, and as part of an elite reconnaissance-commando team in Vietnam.

    Lee came to the US in 1968, and opened a Taekwondo school in Roseville where he and his instructor, 5th degree Master Roy McMillian continue to teach and train today.

    As the highest ranking member of the UWTA, an organization Lee co-founded in 1992, Lee sees friendship and respect as keys to a successful, strong  partnership. His vision for the UWTA includes a two-way bridge of open-mindedness where leaders decide on the best way to work together towards a common goal. He sees the UWTA as an avenue to help students build the confidence and character they need to become healthy, strong individuals.