White Belt (Hachi Kyu) 1979 Orange Belt (Shichi Kyu) 1982 Green Belt (Go Kyu) 1985 Brown Belt (Ik Kyu) 1986 1st Degree Black belt (Sho Dan) 1994 2nd Degree Black Belt (Ni Dan) 2000 3rd Degree Black Belt (San Dan) 2001
Melbert L. Lee, Jr. 4th Degree Black Belt (Yo Dan) 2002 How do you tell a brief Biography in a few words? You don't, but here's a good attempt. Around six years of age, I recall the biggest and most dreadful picture of a dragon. This picture was painted on the wall of the late Master Harold Long dojo above the Trail-way bus station off of Gay Street in Knoxville, Tennessee. I spent several minutes looking and wondering why or what made the dragon so life like, when I had never seen a real one. It wasn't long before I started putting the puzzle pieces together. It wasn't the physical attributes that made the dragon real, but the dragon that breathed inside the hearts of the legends, masters and senseis. I watched the dragons fire burn through the sweating and continual practicing and desire for perfection that came from their hearts, not knowing the little dragon that laid dormant in my own body. Soon the stage was set while my eyes watched and my ears listened, but my mind couldn't comprehend. I saw Sensei Lee, Sensei Wilson, Sensei Faulkner, Sensei Brabson and Linda Wilson practicing over and over at the dojo or wherever they could get together preparing for the walk of the martial arts, and still I couldn't comprehend. They still continued showing me as I watched the demonstrations and performances of graceful and fluent moves being put together forming a story of gracefulness and survival in oneself. The more I was exposed, I could slowly feel the dragon growing inside of me. It wasn't long, until I approached my father (Master Melbert L. Lee, Sr.), about the desire to take lessons and immediately, the lesson began. The first thing he told me was I'm your father at home and at the dojo I'm your sensei. I thought that's easy to fulfill but to my surprise reality had not kicked in. Second came the work out and discipline, needless to say it was hard work. Work that was not comprehensive to me. I spent time after time crying at the dojo on Wilson Avenue (YMCA), until I was fed up with tears and did the most natural thing most kids would do. Quit! It didn't take me long to get over the hurt feelings, so I would go back again and again repeatedly quitting on several occasions. I did this until 1 was nine years old. The beginning of my walk in the martial arts had begun like the dragon who's eggs have finally hatched. What I mean is no more tears, I was willing to work and endure the pressure. These combinations along with discipline, Humility, Faith and Love shaped and formed the dragon that is evolving in me even today. Isshinryu is my foundational art, but I have cross trained in Sanuces Ryu and Vee-Jitsu. The only time away from my training was during my athletic career playing Football, Basketball, Track and weight lifting. After high school I continued onto College at Middle Tennessee State University, where I pursued a football scholarship. After returning to Knoxville, I began playing minor League football with the Knoxville Crusaders. My efforts were pretty successful until my shoulder injury. I respected and appreciated the high standard of training I received from the Karate five school. After receiving my Black Belt, I realized what I thought I knew was just the beginning of knowledge that was ahead. Upon my promotion to Ni Dan I was named to be an official instructor. My competing in different tournaments has been rewarding. In 2002,1 won first place in the men's heavy weight division and crowned the Isshinryu Hall Of Fame Kumite Grand Champion. My training in Isshinryu Karate continues today under Grand Master Maurice Msarsa, Master Willie Wilson, Master Melbert Lee, Sr., Master William Mason, Sensei Daryl Cox and Sensei Jon Whitehead, as the dojo Senseis and mentors. I'm currently cross training under Grandmaster Jeff Delaney and Professor Lisa McManus in Modern Amis, which became a part of the Karate five curriculum in 2002. I am grateful for all who have contributed and helped me take my training to a higher level. My goal is to continue my growth in all areas of karate and life. "We must all remember, we can do all things through Christ that strengthen us".
