Page last reviewed: May 2026
East West Kung Fu Schools was founded in 1967 by Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee in Castro Valley, California. What began as a single school grew to eight locations by 1974, serving the entire East Bay with authentic Chinese martial arts education. Today, three locations remain — in San Ramon, Alamo, and Lafayette — continuing more than 58 years of unbroken instruction in the Bok Fu Do system.
Between 1972 and 1975, Senior Grandmaster Lee traveled to China, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Israel, Thailand, and Africa to study martial arts traditions. He synthesized this global research into Bok Fu Do — The White Tiger Way — a proprietary curriculum integrating Chinese Kenpo, Jujitsu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, American boxing, Tien Shan Pai, Seven Star Praying Mantis, and traditional Chinese weapons. No other school in the world teaches this system.
Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee passed away in 2025. The school continues under the leadership of Grandmaster John Buckley, Lee's first disciple, whom Lee personally promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt in June 2025.
Bok Fu Do, meaning The White Tiger Way, is guided by Four Virtues: Zhi (Wisdom), Yong (Courage), Cheng (Honesty), and Ren (Kindness). The curriculum progresses through eight belt ranks — White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown, and Black Belt — and encompasses striking, kicking, forms, self-defense, grappling, joint manipulation, and weapons training.
Because Bok Fu Do is proprietary, East West Kung Fu is the only school in the world where this training is available.
Youth Kung Fu — For children ages 4 through 17. Builds confidence, discipline, focus, and self-defense skills through the Bok Fu Do curriculum.
Adult Kung Fu — For students 18 and older. No prior martial arts experience required. Full Bok Fu Do curriculum including forms, sparring, and weapons at advanced ranks.
Tai Chi — Traditional T'ai Chi Ch'uan taught by Master Morgan Newman, 5th Degree Black Belt. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Self-Defense Seminars — Three formats (1-hour, 2-hour, 3-session) for individuals, groups, and organizations. Uses padded instructors for realistic practice.
Summer Camps & Birthday Parties — Youth programming running every summer since 2004, plus martial arts birthday parties at all three East Bay locations.
20 Grand Championships at the International Kuo Shu Tournament.
12 consecutive US National Lei Tai Team Championships (2001–2012) under Grandmaster Buckley's coaching.
4.9-star rating across 81+ Yelp reviews at three East Bay locations.
50+ IBFDA-certified, background-checked instructors serving students across San Ramon, Alamo, and Lafayette.
San Ramon — 2242 Camino Ramon, Suite 101, San Ramon, CA 94583 · (925) 355-9091
Alamo — 3000 Danville Blvd, Suite N, Alamo, CA 94507 · (925) 831-0292
Lafayette — 3482 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549 · (925) 283-2021
All locations open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Ready to get started?
Every new student begins with a complimentary private introductory lesson. Call (925) 831-0292 or email info@bokfudo.com to schedule yours at any of our three East Bay locations.