Eric Lee is considered one of the most significant pioneers in martial arts tournament history. In a time when only Japanese and Korean arts dominated the tournament circuit, it was this lone Kung Fu artist dressed in black who stepped onto the tournament floor and changed the world. He became the most successful Kung Fu competitor ever and opened the doors for other Chinese-style competitors. Called "the King of Kata," Eric Lee was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame in 2002.