Our Story

Our Story

East West Kung Fu was founded in 1967 by Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee (1942–2025), who opened his first school in a converted department store in Castro Valley, California. From that single room grew something rare: a complete, original martial art and a community devoted to it.

For more than half a century, our mission has stayed the same — to improve lives through martial arts for men, women, and children of all ages.

The Bok Fu Do System

Bok Fu Do means "White Tiger," and East West Kung Fu is the only school in the world that teaches the Bok Fu Do system. It is so distinct that it has its own governing federation.

Bok Fu Do is not a single style stitched onto another. It brings together the most effective principles of many disciplines into one cohesive art:

• Chinese Kenpo
• Jujitsu
• Karate
• Tae Kwon Do
• American boxing
• Tien Shan Pai
• Seven Star Praying Mantis
• Traditional Chinese weapons

The result is a well-rounded art that builds striking, grappling, footwork, conditioning, and weapons skill — while developing the character of every student who trains in it.

Our Lineage

In 2000, Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee chose John Buckley as his first disciple. In June 2025, Lee promoted Grandmaster John Buckley to 10th Degree Black Belt. Today, Grandmaster Buckley leads the school, carrying forward the system and the standards that Senior Grandmaster Lee spent his life building.

The Four Virtues

Technique alone does not define a martial artist. Everything we teach is grounded in the Four Virtues of Bok Fu Do:

• Wisdom
• Courage
• Honesty
• Kindness

These virtues are woven into every class, for every age, from a child's first lesson to an advanced black belt's practice.

Programs for Every Age

We welcome students starting at age 4, and we have classes built for every stage of life:

• Youth Kung Fu — ages 4 to 17
• Adult Kung Fu — ages 18 and up
• Tai Chi — for balance, focus, and lifelong wellness

Visit Us

We have three East Bay locations serving Danville, Walnut Creek, and the Lamorinda area.

• San Ramon — 2242 Camino Ramon, Suite 101, San Ramon, CA 94583 — (925) 355-9091
• Alamo — 3000 Danville Boulevard, Suite N, Alamo, CA 94507 — (925) 831-0292
• Lafayette — 3482 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, CA 94549 — (925) 283-2021

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Closed Sunday.

Ready to begin? Call us at (925) 831-0292 or email info@bokfudo.com to schedule a complimentary introductory lesson and see the White Tiger tradition for yourself.