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I was born in Greenville, SC., and moved to Knoxville, TN, in 1961. I am a graduate of Austin High School
class of 66. In 1969 I married my lovely wife Susie Naomi (Ray) Lee. We have two sons (Marvin & Melbert jr.)
a Daughter (Misty) and seven Grandchildren. Before high school I received an injury on my right hip playing
football, but I did not let it deter my dreams of going beyond my physical limitations. My interest in Karate
began when Jim Maples and I would sit at work and talk about martial arts. In 1972, I began training under
Grandmaster Harold Long (deceased). Master Maurice Msarsa, Cas Cox, Glen Webb, Jim Maples (deceased)
and Master Allen Wheeler (deceased). After eighteen months of training, I received my black belt. I was given
the opportunity to start teaching the youth in the inner city community. I started teaching at Phyllis Wheatly
Y.W.C.A., from there, My partner and I, Master Willie Wilson moved to the east side Y.M.C.A. In 1980 along
with three others (Fredrick Brabson, William Faulkner, Linda Wilson). The nucleus of the Karate Five was
organized, being The first generation of the Karate 5. Later on we created a program called kids day where
we brought together children in different communities of Knoxville for a fun filled day of creative activities.
In 1977 I began additional training in Sanuces-Ryu under Grand Master Moses Powell (deceased), as well as
Vee-Jitsu, under Grand Master Florendo Visitacion (deceased). On April 18, 1974, I was the first Afro-American
to be nominated to the board of directors of the IIKA. Nominated Sensei of Sensei two years in a row. I received
the Lifetime Achievement award in 2000. I was Renominated to the board of IIKA in 2001. I was certified to
rank of Hachi-Dan on May 4, 2002. I was inducted into the International Isshin-ryu Karate Hall of Fame on
August 4, 2002. Inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003. Wanting to learn more, and
amplify my skills in the art. I am currently trianing under Grandmaster Jeffery J. Delaney, and Professor Lisa
McManus, in Modern Arnis. With over 30 years of experience, I share my knowledge of martial arts by
being open minded to those who have a desire to learn. Being a Sensei is a rewarding thing to me, because
you watch your students grow physically, mentally and spirituallly in Jesus Christ, and find themselves doing
things they thought were impossible. It builds up their character, and puts discipline in the individual. Carrying
on the tradition, my son Melbert Jr. (4th Dan ) won first place in the men’s heavy weight division and was
crowned the IHOF 2002 Kumite grand champion. Grand daughters, Donitra and Myshauna Blair, were
promoted to(blue belts) in July 2004. Currently the Karate 5 consist of Master Willie Wilson, Master
Melbert Lee, sr., Master William Faulkner, Sensei Jon Whitehead and Sensei Daryl Cox. The Sensei and
mentor of the Karate 5 is Grandmaster Maurice Msarsa.
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