Eric Lee
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"Kata" is the encyclopedia of the martial arts systems. If you are doing the original, compulsory form, then you are training in the original traditional movements. I like forms because it has improved my physical abilities. It has given me strength, endurance, coordination, balance, timing, flexibility, focus and much more because it helps your cardiovascular system. I think it's beautiful."
Thus spoke Eric Lee, who reigned as " The King of Kata " from 1970 to 1974. During this time, he amassed over 100 world titles in Kata competition. Of Eric Lee, Black Belt Magazine is quoted as saying … "Without a doubt, the most influential forms performer of his time … "The Original Martial Arts Encyclopedia states, "Before the advent of form ratings, Lee was unofficially the number one form champion in the U.S."
In addition, he has received numerous awards for his many contributions to the "world of martial arts". He has received such prestigious honors as the Crystal Award (lifetime achievement), inducted into the Gallery of Fame, received the Southern California Motion Picture Council’s GOLDEN STAR HALO AWARD, Bob Wall’s WHO’S WHO in the MARTIAL ARTS, and many other special honors that embrace the epitome of "Martial Arts Excellence."
He is a featured inclusion in virtually every martial arts reference book in the world. Some of the more notable include: MARTIAL ARTS: Traditions, History, The Martial Arts SOURCE BOOK, The BLACK BOOK , MASTERS, FOUNDERS, LEADERS of American Martial Arts, WHO’S WHO in the Martial Arts Elite, and WHO’S WHO in Karate.
After an undefeated reign as "King of Kata " for five years, and honors such as Black Belt Hall of Fame, Armed Forces Appreciation Award, 2 Golden Fist Awards (best weapons championship, best kata champion), to name a few, Eric humbly says, "I just want to continue to learn and improve in the area that I like. As in anything, we must have a beginner's mind. I believe we should never stop learning anything. Martial arts is a way of life, it is much more than kicking and punching. It gives you a good feeling when you can share what you have learned."
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