LEO TIM FONG was born in Canton, China on November 23, 1928 to E.H. and Wong Shee Fong. Leo was second born of the four Fong siblings, but the eldest son. He accompanied his mother to the US when he was 5 years old to join his father. Then he, eventually, settled down in Widener, Arkansas.
His first day in school shaped his future as an educator, minister, and fighter. It was during this time that he was first exposed to bullying and racism in the American school system. He quickly learned that the
educators at his school would not protect him and that he would have to stand up for himself if he wanted to stay. Many of his relatives had already been forced out of the school system. He developed an interest in boxing to protect himself on the schoolyard and from this, his interest in the martial arts began.
At the age of 16, he was called to ministry. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Fitness, a Master's degree in Theology, and a Master's degree in Social Work. He wanted to be the educator and mentor that he did not have in his formative years.
During his university career, Leo became an accomplished boxer under the banner of Hendrix University's boxing team. He eventually became a Golden Gloves boxer and AAU champion. Upon his graduation from Southern Methodist University, Leo was sent to the west coast because of the lack of Chinese parishes in Arkansas.
In northern California, Leo began his Kung Fu training in San Francisco's Chinatown under Lau Bun and T.Y. Wong. He continued his training with Jimmy Lee in Oakland which led to his friendship with the late Bruce Lee. In addition to this, Leo also held ranks in Moo Duk Kwan under Hwang Kee and Renbukai Karate. He also trained in Serrada Escrima under Angel Cabales and Modern Arnis under Remy Presas. His decades of training and devotion to the martial arts led to the creation of his own style, Wei Kuen Do, in 1974.
Leo authored one of the first books available in English on Chinese kung fu with the help of Bruce and from this he began his writing career. He has authored 27 books on martial arts, fitness, and spiritual well-being. His years of active involvement in the martial arts work led to his induction into the prestigious Black Belt Magazine hall of fame in 2006.
Leo was also an accomplished film maker and movie producer in a career that spanned over five decades.
Leo continued to teach and share his knowledge well after his retirement. He taught senior citizen fitness class all over the San Fernando Valley in the form of his art Chi Fung and promoted the idea of his late father-in-law Apolinar Sangalang, "If you rest, you rust." Through his classes, he helped to remind his students the importance of good food, exercise, and having a positive mental attitude and prayers.
He is survived by a loving family:
His wife Minerva and his youngest son Ismael
His eldest child Toni, her husband Mark, and their daughter (Leo's granddaughter), Sadie
His son Steven, and his children (Leo's grandchildren), Keegan and Lourdes
His youngest sister, Mabel, her husband Jim, and their children (Leo's nieces) Lynn and Sophie/Family
His eldest sister's children (Leo's nephews and niece) Wahoo Jr., Susan, and Tommy/Family
His late brother's son, Henry Fong, Jr. and his son Oliver Fong.
His late brother's daughter, Lauren Fong Demoorgian, her husband Alex and their son Benjamin
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