Local Kung Fu master Sifu Lee passes away; memorial service on Saturday

On April 28, the Richmond District and the Chinese martial arts community lost one of its great kung fu masters. Everett Yet Wah Lee, a long-time teacher of traditional Chinese martial arts, died peacefully at the San Francisco VA Medical Facility. Sifu Lee was 84 years old.

The E.Y. Lee Kung Fu School, at Balboa and 34th, has been located in the Richmond District since 1979. The school has attracted students from all over the neighborhood, and from all over the Bay Area. Sifu Lee taught kung fu and tai chi to hundreds of students from all walks of life, including doctors, law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, actors, artists, and musicians. He was especially proud of his classes with children in the neighborhood, and for his annual open-house Chinese New Year’s Party.

Sifu Lee had an interesting life, to say the least. Though born in Kansas City in 1928, he was raised in San Wui, China, and at a very young age began learning Chinese martial arts. In 1941, he was sent on the four-day ocean crossing to San Francisco’s Angel Island, alone at the age of 13.

Upon his arrival in San Francisco, he continued his martial arts training and, at the age of 19, joined the US Army and was promptly sent to the front lines of the Korean War. Four years and two Purple Hearts later, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant, and began a long career in acting, professional bodybuilding, and martial arts instruction.

Pursuing an acting career, Everett landed various roles on television and on the big screen, such as The Streets of San Francisco, Blood Alley, and Star Trek (see clip below). His interest in bodybuilding led him to the studio of bodybuilding champion Charlie Mallon on Sutter Street, where he trained and instructed for many years.

His primary passion, however, was Chinese martial arts, and in the 1960’s he began studying with Grand Master Lau Bun, a famous teacher in Chinatown.

Sifu Lee opened his first kung fu school in Chinatown in 1975. The school relocated to the Richmond District in 1979, where it has remained ever since. The first location was on Clement near 25th, and the school later moved to Balboa and 34th in 1985, where it remains today.

His students were attracted to his school because of his reputation as a Master, but stayed because of his humility, his humor, his storytelling, and his philosophical and kind heart. In the end, Sifu Lee was a father figure to many.

The school will remain open with his blessing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8th, from 1 to 3 pm, at Ashley & McMullen Wing Sun Mortuary at 6th and Geary, open to the public. This will include a traditional Buddhist ceremony followed by a memorial.

Mike Fusello

Mr. Lee’s appearance in Star Trek IV (he comes out of the yellow door):

Mr. Lee appeared in the short-lived TV series “Midnight Caller”. A still from his appearance in Season 3, Episode 11 (7:18 and 8:20), after his character is attacked: