Sifu Susan Yee
Growing up in San Francisco exposed Sifu Yee to many diverse cultures and experiences. But, of all of those experiences, she was always intrigued by anything that had to do with martial arts and lion dancing. Even when she watched the annual Chinatown parades, she was captivated by the fierce lions and mystic dragons.
Sifu Yee began her martial arts training in the early 1980's when a friend introduced her to Sifu Lok Sang Lee of Yau Kung Moon based in San Francisco. After continued progress in her physical training and mental understanding of the various styles of kung fu and lion dancing she had been taught, she was quickly promoted to assistant instructor to Sifu Lee. As an assistant instructor, though, she became more and more aware that martial arts extended beyond physical training and mental awareness, but also to responsibility, respect, discipline and family.
Her strong interest in martial arts and lion dancing combined with her dedication to Yau Kung Moon over the past 20+ years have awarded her with many accomplishments and chartered her with new responsibilities.
While she was trained in various styles of kung fu, Sifu Yee has primarily focused on Yau Kung Moon. She is also one of the senior members of the YKM lion dance team. In addition, she is highly recognized as a powerful drummer. All of these skills she steadily acquired enabled her to assist the YKM US team in international and domestic lion dance and kung fu competition victories as well as entertain audiences at special charitable events, community functions and celebrations, such as the annual Chinatown parades that intrigued her in her youth.
In 1993, she formed the first successful all-female U.S. lion dance team that placed 3rd in the International Chinese Martial Arts Championship and National Lion Dance Competition held in San Francisco.
In 1996, she placed 1st in the Women's Advanced Southern Hand form and placed 3rd in Women's Advanced Sparring in the Lily Lau Eagle Claw National Martial Arts Championships held in San Francisco.
With even further encouragement from her grandmasters Tak Kei Wan of Los Angeles and Wong Cheung of San Francisco, Sifu Yee was officially promoted to SiFu in the year 2000.
While continuing to assist Sifu Lee, Sifu Yee briefly caached at the Wong's Family Youth Association with the continued guidance from SiGung Wong Cheung. In such a short period of time since her promotion, it is evident that a new and promising YKM generation is emerging under her instruction as several of her young students, ranging from 6 to 23, have recently participated in tournament competition for their first time and have received high marks and awards, including 3 gold and silver medals.
She currently coaches her students at Lau's Family Association with Sifu Michael Lau.