Cheng Pei-Pei (1946–2024), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star

Cheng Pei-Pei was a Chinese-born actress and martial artist best known for her performances in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Come Drink with Me.” 

Jimmy Kim (1967–2023), Olympic taekwondo gold medalist

Jimmy Kim was a gold medalist in the first year that taekwondo was included in the Olympics.

Albert Pyun (1953–2022), “The Sword and the Sorcerer” director  

Albert Pyun  was a director known for his low budget direct to video cult films including “The Sword and the Sorcerer” and “Cyborg.”  

Jason David Frank (1973–2022), "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" star

Jason David Frank was an actor who starred as the Green Ranger in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”

Gene LeBell (1932–2022), the “Godfather of Grappling” and legendary stuntman 

Gene LeBell was a legendary stuntman and martial artistknown for pioneering mixed martial arts who trained .

Jimmy Wang Yu (1943–2022), pioneering martial arts actor

Jimmy Wang Yu was a Taiwanese actor who starred in classic martial arts movies including “One-Armed Swordsman” and “The Chinese Boxer.”

Robert “Bob” Wall (1939–2022), martial artist and actor in “Enter the Dragon”

Robert “Bob” Wall was a martial artist and actor who appeared with in movies including “Way of the Dragon” and “Enter the Dragon.”

Sonny Chiba (1939–2021), “Kill Bill” star and martial arts legend

Sonny Chiba was a Japanese martial artist and actor known for roles in the “Kill Bill” series and “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.”

Jhoon Rhee (1932–2018), "father of American Taekwondo"

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, the man known as the "father of American Taekwondo," has died at the age of 86.

Kimbo Slice (1974 - 2016), MMA fighter

Kimbo Slice, a mixed martial arts fighter, died June 6, 2016, after he was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness in Coral Springs, Florida, according to multiple news sources. He was 42. The death was confirmed by Scott Coker, president of Bellator MMA. "We are all shocked and saddened by the devastating and untimely loss of Kimbo Slice, a beloved member of the Bellator family," Coker's statement said. "One of the most popular MMA fighters ever, Kimbo was a charismatic, larger-than-life personality that transcended the sport. "Outside of the cage he was a friendly, gentle giant and a devoted family man. His loss leaves us all with extremely heavy hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family and all of Kimbo's friends, fans, and teammates."

Brandon Lee: A Life Cut Short

Onthe anniversary of his death March 31, 1993, we're remembering thetragically short life and career of Brandon Lee .

Bruce Lee: Born a Dragon

In 1973, martial arts master Bruce Lee was young and in seemingly good health. But while planning his next movie in Hong Kong, he suffered a cerebral edema and died July 20. Only 32 at the time of his death, Lee didn't have many years to make his mark — but the legacy he left is indelible. During his short life, he brought martial arts to Hollywood, ushering in a karate craze in the U.S. and helping to elevate the perception of Asian actors. He taught martial arts, invented Jeet Kune Do, and even wrote poetry.

Remembering Grasshopper aka David Carradine

For millions of Americans in the 1970s, the face of Asian martial arts was David Carradine...

Bruce Lee: Still Kicking

was the most influential martial artist of the 20th century,an iconic figure whose films brought him worldwide popularity and helped spark interest in the martial arts in the West. Though he , at 32, he still looms large on the pop culture landscape. Opening this week in Asia is Bruce Lee, My Brother ,a film about his Hong Kong childhood as told through the memories of his siblings. Early next yearColumbia Pictures will release a film version of Lee's 1960s American TV show, The Green Hornet , in which he starred as crime-fighting sidekick Kato. A Broadway musical based on the life of Lee is also due next year.