About Us

We are The Traditional School of Chinese Martial Arts; Wu Zen Dao. Founded in 1990, Dr. Ian Lee created Wu Zen Dao (The Way of Martial Arts Zen), a college where students can develop their physical body through martial arts, their mind through research and training and ultimately their spiritual body through chi gong, meditation and living the Way of Martial Art Zen.

Master Yi Yen (Ian) Lee

Dr. Ian Lee began his martial arts training as a six year old, grappling with other children in the farm fields of Taiwan. His formal training started when he was only 12 years old, completing his first form and demonstrating it to an audience in his hometown. He received highly regarded feedback and thus started his pursuit of the martial arts. Ian has never stopped training and continues teaching and practising today. Ian learned Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido, Kendo; in fact most martial styles until finally he found his preference in Chinese Martial Arts.

Out of tens of thousands of applicants, Ian was one of twenty selected for enrolment at the Chinese Culture University in the course program of Chinese Martial Arts. He graduated as valedictorian in theory and practical; the first person ever to achieve both. This was followed by a teaching position at the university until he moved to Australia.

From 1986 to 1990, Ian regularly received placings in Taiwan National Competitions. He toured with the National team throughout Asia competing in China, Hong Kong, Korea and also represented Taiwan in the USA. Between 1986 and 2000, Ian participated in six World Cup Competitions collecting 2 Silver medals and 10 Gold medals. In 1996, Ian was awarded his Doctorate Degree of Martial Science from The American Europe Technical Research University.

Ian Lee is a master of Chinese Martial Arts, and in his younger years his fortes included Shaolin, weaponry, Qin Na, and Shuai Jiao (wrestling). These days he focuses more on the internal systems of Tai Ji, Ba Gua, Xing Yi and Qi Gong. He has established full time health clinics in both Taiwan and Australia, where he combines Western Pharmacology, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Chinese Massage and Qi Gong Therapy.

Master Lee founded Wu Zen Dao (The Way of Martial Art Zen) Australia in 1990 and is fully recognized through affiliation with the Chinese Gou Shu Association, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Currently Master Lee resides in Taiwan where he continues to teach Chinese Martial Arts and practice his Medicine. He plans to return to Australia in 2012 and will continue his work as a Doctor for which he is very much in demand.

Sifu Jason King

Sifu Jason King has been studying martial arts for over 24 years. Jason is highly regarded in the martial arts community for his great skill and comprehensive knowledge of martial arts, and his excellent, accessible teaching style.

Jason’s first substantial involvement in martial arts began with studying Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu for three years under Sensei John Nalder until Sensei Nalder's retirement. This provided confidence, positive mentality, combat attitude and survival skills that remain to this day.

In 1990 Jason met Master Yi-Yen (Ian) Lee, who was at the time founding the Wu Zen Dao School in Brisbane, Australia. Initiated by Master Ian Lee, Jason was inducted as a disciple (private student) and trained daily in both the Internal and External martial arts. Jason lived with Master Lee for a year and in 1992 they traveled to Taiwan to meet and train under Master Lee's own Grandmasters. By 1993 Jason achieved the rank of TaiJi Instructor, and the following year that of Shaolin Kung Fu Instructor. In 1995, Jason took over the running of classes at the school.

Jason has several referee accreditations including a 2nd level national judge within the National All Styles Tournament circuit. As a competitor, Jason has received well over 100 trophies in various tournament categories including forms, demonstrations, weapons and fighting (points sparring, grappling, push hands, continuous fighting and full contact). More than 30 have been for State, National or International Titles.

Jason has coaching qualifications recognized by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). As well as having the school registered with the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) which is the peak Industry body for Martial Arts in Australia, Jason has had involvement on the Qld committee of the Australian Kung Fu Wu Shu Federation (AKWF).

In addition to his martial arts work, Jason is also an actor and accomplished stage Fight Director, having featured in many plays and films. After a number of years as president, he is currently the Secretary of the Society of Australian Fight Directors Inc and the Qld Representative of the Australian Stage Combat Association which are governing bodies for the art forms of stage combat and fight direction in Australia. In recent years, Jason trained in several security courses, culminating with not only security qualifications and extensive work in the security industry, but certification as an Executive Protection Officer (bodyguard) as well.

2012 continues to see Sifu Jason and his school in high demand for demonstrations, workshops, and displays with regular invitations to perform at National Titles and World Cups. In the future, there are plans to expand the academy and to publish several books and DVD’s.

Sifu Kevin The

In 1990, Kevin began training Chinese Martial Arts under the tutelage of Master Ian Lee. After only a short while, he was selected along with Jason King to train privately as a disciple. Thus began a daily training session over a period of one year.

While enjoying the kung fu and weapons training as well, Kevin found a strong affinity to Tai Ji Quan and showed tremendous potential in learning the subtleties and nuances of this ancient form of martial art. He found it not only very relaxing during his many years of tertiary education, but also extremely effective as a form of self-defence. Sifu Kevin achieved his Instructorship in 1993 and still finds teaching extremely rewarding.

Under Master Lee’s continued guidance he has acquired a high skill level in many different Tai Ji routines, including a range of weapons. Sifu Kevin has also developed an understanding of the applications of the techniques, including push hands, and has furthered his encompassment of Qi Gong.

Sifu Kevin is very pleased to be able to pass on these valuable skills to his students. He believes that the benefits of improved health, relaxation, confidence and physical capabilities should be available to everyone.

Sifu Richard Nicholls

Richard Nicholls' martial arts training began in 1974 when he studied Tae Kwon Do for a couple of years. In 1983, his Tai Ji training began as rehabilitation for injuries incurred as a result of a traffic accident. For four years Richard trained under The Australian Academy of Tai Chi learning and his path back to physical well-being was well under way. From 1988 to 1990, he had the opportunity to study under David Yuen, Chief Instructor of The Queensland Hung Gar and Tai Chi School. During this time he was hugely assisted and influenced by Ian Taggart.

1991 saw the introduction of Master Ian Lee and his Wu Zen Dao system. Master Lee is a world-renowned TaiJi exponent/teacher and helped guide Richard to his instructor level achieved in 1997. Also under Master Lee, Sifu Richard was able to reach an Intermediate level in Shaolin Long Fist and practice a variety of weapons, notably short staff, fan, pu dao, long staff, straight sword and broadsword. These have greatly assisted his martial understanding of Tai Ji. Also in the internal styles, Sifu Richard was able to reach the level of assistant instructor in Xing Yi before Master Lee’s return to Taiwan.

In recent years, Sifu Richard has undertaken the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and is now recognized as a Level 1 Coach by the Australian Sports Commission. This requires meeting their stringent regulations.

For over 12 years now, Sifu Richard has volunteered his services as a tournament official for the National All Styles tournament circuit. He has achieved the rank of a Level 3 National Referee and in 2007 was awarded “Official of the Year” – no mean feat!

Sifu Richard continues to learn and teach Tai Ji and Xing Yi at The Traditional School of Chinese Martial Arts under Jason King and still receives regular tuition from Master Lee. Sifu Richard would like to acknowledge fellow instructors Ian Taggart and Kevin The as great influences on his journey.

Sifu Peter Natalier

Peter Natalier began training with Sifu Jason King way back in January 1997. Having started that long ago, he is fortunate to have had some involvement with Master Lee before he returned to Taiwan. He came to Shaolin with a year of Wing Chun experience - talk about one kung fu extreme to the other! From extreme close range with virtually no kicks to long range with plenty of kicks. Just one of the many obstacles he had to overcome on his journey.

Peter took a few extended absences from training but returned in 2002 with gusto. Since this time, Peter’s confidence has dramatically increased, his fitness has improved considerably (particularly after his painful level 6 grading!) and he has undertaken much more responsibility. He has been a big asset to Sifu Jason and has contributed to the restructuring and refining of the Shaolin grading system.

In recent years, Sifu Peter has had the opportunity to demonstrate his kung fu at Southbank Piazza for Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations and at the Mind Body Spirit Expo at the Convention Centre. He also helped celebrate the Taiwanese National Day at a number of locations including the famous Festival Hall (now closed).

Sifu Peter demonstrated his abilities early on with success in tournaments, culminating in a second place at the NAS National Titles for an outstanding display in the forms division. He has also achieved multiple awards at a state level and numerous regional trophies. Sifu Peter has recently been competing in the Open Blackbelt divisions where he has been in strong contention. He has represented the school from local to international levels and has taken on the role of the schools Demonstration and Tournament Coordinator.

In 2007, Sifu Peter completed his Level 1 Coaching Certificate as part of his MAIA Accreditation and also began studying a Natural Therapies Certificate course which includes Traditional Chinese Massage. He hopes in the future to follow a similar journey to Master Lee by combining these skills and assisting persons with any health concerns.

For now, Sifu Peter will concentrate on consolidating his Shaolin skills and teaching ability. He is keen to further develop his skills in the Tai Ji, Weapons and Shuai Jiao systems.

Ian Taggart

My first knowledge of Tai-chi came from an article in the daily paper which outlined the philosophy and many benefits of the art, both physical and mental. This was in June 1980 and I joined a class. The result was soon apparent as I had more energy and also moved and felt better and more relaxed. Weapons training started in 1981.

Training became more demanding when Master Lee took over after the previous Sifu returned to Hong Kong. Applications (ie. Self defence aspects) and Chi-gong were given more emphasis at the time, and the school began an association with the University of National Culture in Taiwan. This involved accreditation of the school's training system and standards. This relationship continues with regular feedback from some of my senior masters of Tai-chi chuan and Shaolin.

I qualified as an instructor art on the 30th July, 1999 and I continue to learn the way of Tai-chi chuan. The benefits of personal development, self-confidence, physical fitness and mental attitude, leading to a relaxed and stress free feeling, have indeed changed my life.

Wu Zen Dao

This is our emblem for our school.

• The Chinese script reads as Wu Zen Do (pronounced as Woo Zen Dow) which translates "The Way of Martial Art Zen." This motto represents a combination of Mental, Spiritual and Physical development through training and living the philosophies of Chinese Martial Arts
• The octogram (8 sides) relates to Ba Gua or "Eight Trigrams" as defined by the Taoist theories of the I-Ching. The I-Ching is a three thousand year old compilation of Chinese wisdom used for the study of past, present and future.
• The five colours used in the emblem (red, black, green, yellow and white) represent the Chinese five elements (earth, metal, water, wood and fire) from Xing Yi.
• The two circles are synonymous with the Yin and Yang philosophies more commonly seen as the black and white Yin/Yang symbol. Yang represents positive, light, masculine, active energy, while Yin is negative, dark, cool, gentle, feminine strength.