Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Lee.
Hi Paul, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a chiropractor and a kung fu enthusiast. In 2010, I met a Shaolin monk who proposed partnering with me to open a martial arts school. I would manage the business side, and he would serve as the instructor. As part of the arrangement, my entire family could attend the school for free. No formal contract was written.
We opened the school in November 2010 and invested heavily in renovations. Just over a year later, in February 2011, the monk decided to take all the students and start his own school, leaving me with the lease and no students. Seeking guidance, I turned to Master Chiu Chi Ling, who encouraged me to become the teacher myself. He agreed to train me until I was qualified. I began teaching while continuing to learn. To help cover the rent, I also rented studio space to other instructors.
In September 2014, I was able to purchase my own building and establish a permanent location. Around January 2023, we doubled our square footage to 2,800 square feet. I now teach both children and adults on the days I’m not practicing chiropractic. The schedule is demanding, but deeply fulfilling. While I don’t have a large number of students, those who join are truly dedicated to the art and its culture. I’m very proud to be their sifu (instructor).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In addition to the challenges I faced with my former business partner, I also broke my forearm twice—once in 2016 and again in 2024—during sparring sessions. Time away from my family and frequent travel to continue my training were also part of the sacrifices. Looking back, those moments were tough, but when you’re truly passionate about an art, the hardships don’t feel so heavy. They become part of the journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our school is proud to teach Hung Gar, a traditional southern Chinese martial art known for its strength, discipline, and deep cultural roots. It is one of the most popular styles of kung fu in southern China. In addition to kung fu, we also have a dedicated lion dance team that trains weekly. Lion dance practice not only enhances our performance skills but also sharpens our kung fu techniques.
We’re regularly invited to perform at events throughout the region, especially during Chinese New Year celebrations. Many people recognize us by our vibrant lion dance performances. Our team has been featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Riverfront Times, West End Word, and on KSDK and FOX television. Even the St. Louis Chinese Language School invited us to train their lion dance team. We’re proud to be the only active lion dance team in the St. Louis area.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
St. Louis is the best big small town around. We have everything you need—without the traffic jams. You just can’t beat the relaxed pace of life here. I love that our city experiences all four seasons. Sure, larger cities may offer more variety, especially when it comes to ethnic Chinese cuisine—but really, how much can one eat anyway?
With a bit more effective leadership in city government, St. Louis has the potential to flourish beyond other mid-sized cities in the Midwest.
Pricing:
- Once a week class: $65 per month
- Twice a week class: $100 per month
- Three times a week class: $125 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shaolinwushucenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulleedc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunggakyun
