Contributions to the tribute of Yong Man Lee

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Bobby L. posted a condolence

Monday, February 5, 2024

I took my first lesson from Master Lee when I was five. I was scared and started crying when I entered the classroom. I remember Master Lee's strong, gentle love as he embraced me and helped me hold my hands in fighting stance. He told me "you need to be mentally tough." I'm remember feeling secure and safe but also learned at that moment that I needed to stay strong no matter how I felt. I continued practicing Judo with Master Lee until I left for university at 18. In that time, Master Lee reinforced many valuable lessons for me -- hard work, resilience, etc. I'm so grateful for the years I spent learning from him and hoped to one day visit the school to share my gratitude and let him know all I have been able to accomplish through his lessons. I'm sad he'll never know the impact he had on my life. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Thanks for sharing him with so many fortunate students throughout the years.

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Stephen Brothers posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

I first met Mr.Lee in 1984, when I was 18 years of age. I was interested in taking karate and a student of his Pam Rikhoff a Police Officer on The Wilton PD, where I was an Explorer told me about Mr.Lee. Pam also told me about the school run by him. I started taking Hapkido for 9 months and dropped out. When I was 23, I was selling shoes and attending WestConn Part time with dreams of becoming a police officer. A good friend of mine I worked with told me that taking martial arts would help me with my confidence and in the future if I became a police officer. I then went back to Mr.Lee and took both Tang so doo and Hapkido. I actually had a chance to use it while I was working as a security guard at the Stamford Marriott when I got attacked by a patron in the nightclub in 1989 which is no longer their. I broke one of his rules I rose to the rank of green belt and feel out of martial arts. I now regret that because I would’ve been a black belt by the time I was 28. But I loved going to Mr.Lees , I loved sparing, “ no contact”..lol I loved Mr.Lee and the students at his school, the Christmas parties we had on the green mat and all the people I met over the years from 1984, and 1988 to 1994. I will miss Mr. Lee and I send my condolences to Scott and Bruce and their families. God Bless you and Mr. Lee thanks for being a great teacher . RIP✝️✝️✝️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Lawrence Jean posted a condolence

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Master Lee was a great teacher who really loved passing on his martial arts knowledge to others. His teaching went beyond martial arts: he taught me how to putt ! Lawrence Jean

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Roy Vazquez posted a condolence

Friday, March 10, 2023

Young Man Lee was my martial arts instructor for more than 20 years. He was like my 2nd Dad, he coached me on my attitude, behavior and life. I have nothing but love, respect and honor for Young Man Lee and his family. May you rest in the arms of our Savior Yeshua. Amen!

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Peter M posted a condolence

Thursday, March 9, 2023

I was a "jack of all trades" for Master Lee. I had repainted the sign of the Lee School in Darien, that took 4 days! Some early help on his website design, "adding motion". Tightening of the floor mat at the school. Lots of automotive work, brake changes, his old Volvo needed a new catalytic converter, I just happened to have welding equipment to put on the new one and then he passed emissions! One particular brake change required all four of us: Scott, Bruce, Master Lee and myself to remove the left front wheel; then I could replace the brakes. After inviting me to his home, Master Lee wanted to wire his 2 front driveway lights, so we needed to lift a heavy flagstone, and together on one of the lights, OOOPS! the stone was then dropped on my fingers, Ouch! then Master Lee used his power to get the stone back up; My fingers were bleeding, and so that project was not completed which required digging down at least 4 feet in the soil, to pipe wire from house to lights. Then one final major project: "what was causing little piles of sawdust in his basement?" I had found 3 queens of large carpenter ants and a huge nest, we could not believe they were not only eating wood but also the concrete! Was interesting mixing new concrete with Master Lee and patching the wood. I remember a party I had attended, at his house, they gave me 1 pound of sliced cooked beef. I had tried Karate and Hapkido, at the school, but after my own injuries, I continued to be his handyman. He had given me a special school uniform, which i still have. Over time at one point he had told me I had lost "FACE" with him, but i had always been very respectful and most honorable to him. This was very important to him, and to me to regain "FACE". The process took several months, further telling me, only a few special people are allowed to regain "FACE" with him. I was then extremely honored that he had told me he wanted me to take over the school, in time. Unfortunately, I had to make my way to another state where there were more jobs, and we lost touch with each other. My fond memories, with Master Lee and his family will always be with me. Thank you Master Lee for your power and confidence in me! This white belt can still break 20 stacked concrete blocks!

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Cedric Goo posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Condolences to your family. I met your father at the Norwalk YMCA and talked about golf, fitness and martial arts. Very inspirational man.

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Tony Spero posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

I joined the school when I was 14, thanks to my friend Paul. Learning from Master Lee always felt like a unique experience and receive a promotion from him was always an honor. The school is like a family and Master Lee was always available to give guidance. He will be greatly missed by all of us. - Anthony Spero

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Linda Ann Biancardi posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

I attended Master Lee’s school in Darien from my late teens and through my college years. He taught me to always have confidence and courage. I will never forget those life-changing years. There will never be another Master Lee.

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The family of Yong Man Lee uploaded a photo

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Yong Man Lee

Thursday, March 2, 2023

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