Karate Five Association

On December 2, 2017, Grandmaster Melbert Lee Sr., one of the original five founders of the Karate Five Organization joined the ranks of Fallen Warriors. His contribution to the growth of this organization can never be fully detailed on this website but his invaluable contributions will always be remembered and recognized.  Grandmaster Willie Garfield Wilson has added this permanent 39- page MEMORIAL to the Karate Five website in honor of Mr. Lee's memory. To review all 39 pages, click on the link shown below Grandmaster's Lee's picture.

This page is dedicated to the memory of those members of the Karate Five Association who have helped promote the organization's vision which began training students in 1974. However, the original five founders did not officially establsh the Karate Five Association until 1980 to finally fulfill their vision to bring martial arts training by the Black Belts under the Harold Long Lineage to Knoxville's inner city youth.

This Memorial page will be reserved for nominations from the Karate Five Association. Some of the Senseis, Instructors and Leaders will fall under Fallen Warriors unless nominated and selected for the Memorial Page.

NOTE:  As updates and additional information are received, the Memorial pages may be revised or updated with additional  corrections which may include but not be limited to pictures, articles, events and other factual material.

GRANDMASTER MELBERT LEE SR.  and

one of Karate Five's original founders

Sadly Joined the Ranks of Karate Five's Fallen Warriors

February 20, 1946 - December 2, 2017

CLICK on red link to read  39-PAGE MEMORIAL AND HISTORY OF Grandmaster Melbert Lee Sr.  and memorial picture history

Melbert Lee Sr., was inducted into the Isshhin-Ryu Hall of Fame in 2002

Melbert Lee Sr., and wife, Sue

 Click here to read 39-Page Memorial to Grandmaster Melbert Lee Sr. Memoria

Above (L-R) Maurice Msarsa, Willie Garfield Wilson, Melbert Lee Sr., and Harold Long

Melbert Lee, Sr., was a devoted Christian and family man who passed on his spiritual values and love for the martial arts down to his son, grandchildren and  other family members

Above picture of Lee Sr., and Willie Wilson taken from 1987 picture in the Knoxville News Sentinel

Melbert Lee Sr., and Willie Garfield Wilson's friendship never faltered for over four decades until his death. Together their love for martial arts and Harold Long's vision to bring martial arts training to the Black community has been a major guiding path for the Karatie Five Association since its inceptions

Grandmaster Maurice Msarsa shown with Melbert Lee Sr., is Karate Five's Dojo Sensei







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