We all have our favorites in the martial arts, someone who stands above everyone else. 
I have known my hero since beginning training back in the 1970's at the famed 
"Greyhound Dojo" of Grandmaster Harold Long. He is someone known and loved by all, 
Grandmaster Melbert Lee.

To me Melbert is a master of humanity as well as the martial arts, with a heart of gold. 
I spent years traveling with Melbert and many other members of the Karate Five, and 
it was always a special time. One would have to search for a long time to find someone 
as caring as Melbert.

A deeply religious man, Master Melbert also has a great sense of humor. My original 
sensei was Glen Webb, who would later be my husband. I remember during promotions 
at our dojo, the black belts would traditionally test last. Melbert would often be on hand, 
and after a couple of hours of tedious testing, the black belt candidates would be put 
through their paces. Glen would often glance at Melbert with a grin and say, "Black is 
beautiful, isn't it Lee?" Melbert would throw back his head with a roaring laugh and nod, 
"Yes, sir!". With that the tension would be broken and all of us would be smiling.

I often traveled with Melbert and his students to tournaments. They nicknamed me their 
"Little Sister" and I was always treated like a queen. Sometimes it got interesting. Once, 
way back in the '70's, we were having dinner in Nashville after one of Denny Shaffer's 
tournaments. I was the only white person at the table, and we were soon the center of 
attention. In those days you didn't often see a young white woman out with a group of 
African American athletes. Finally, after what seemed like hours of stares, I looked at one 
of the guys and said, in my best Harold Long voice, "What are you looking at?!!!" Melbert 
and the guys choked on their sodas as they laughed about it for the next several minutes. 
The staring stopped, though.

A couple of years ago I published a book about my years in the martial arts called Bring it On. 
I talked about the years with Harold Long, Glen and Melbert. I mentioned Melbert and the 
Karate Five several times, and even had some photos of the gang. I got a copy to Melbert. 
A short while later I saw Melbert at the annual IHOF banquet in Gatlinburg. He was so happy 
with the book that he snatched me up and gave me a big kiss! I guess I must have said the 
right things.

As fate would have it, Melbert and I are also battling the same health problem. He just completed 
a bone marrow transplant at Vanderbilt Medical Center. He's a brave, strong man. I pray for him 
everyday. I'm in my third year of living with cervical cancer and am doing well. I had radiation, 
surgery and chemo and am now using an herbal treatment from Mexico, with great success. 
Melbert just completed what could be called "super chemo." It is much more involved and 
much more debilitating than my treatment, which was bad enough. My heart goes out to him.

Melbert, you are one of the finest men I have ever known, both in the martial arts as well as in 
general. You're a gentle giant, with a heart of gold as big as a karate sparring ring. As a husband, 
father, minister, sensei and humble human being, you're the best. God speed with your treatment 
and get well soon. I miss going to tournaments with you. Your influence as a friend and mentor 
have been enourmous. You are my personal Hero in the Martial Arts. My prayers are with you.

All my love and God bless you,

Nancy Webb Walker
Yodan