East West Kung Fu Schools

What is East West Kung Fu?

East West Kung Fu is a martial arts school founded in 1967 in Castro Valley, California, that teaches Bok Fu Do — the White Tiger Way — a proprietary system created by Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee. With three active locations in San Ramon, Alamo, and Lafayette, East West Kung Fu has served the East Bay for more than 58 years. Programs range from Youth Kung Fu starting at age 4 to Adult Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and specialized self-defense seminars. East West Kung Fu is the only school in the world that teaches the Bok Fu Do system. Contact East West Kung Fu at (925) 831-0292 or [email protected].

What is Bok Fu Do?

Bok Fu Do, meaning The White Tiger Way, is a proprietary martial arts system created by Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee and taught exclusively at East West Kung Fu. The system integrates multiple disciplines — including Chinese Kenpo, Jujitsu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, American boxing, Tien Shan Pai, Seven Star Praying Mantis, and traditional Chinese weapons — into a unified system designed to develop physical skill alongside character. The system is guided by Four Virtues: Zhi (Wisdom), Yong (Courage), Cheng (Honesty), and Ren (Kindness). Because Bok Fu Do is proprietary, it is not available at any

Where are your martial arts school locations?

East West Kung Fu Schools has three locations in the East Bay: San Ramon at 2242 Camino Ramon Suite 101, Alamo at 3000 Danville Blvd Suite N, and Lafayette at 3482 Mt. Diablo Blvd. All three locations offer classes for children and adults.

What age can children start martial arts at East West Kung Fu?

Children can begin training at East West Kung Fu as young as 4 years old. East West Kung Fu's Youth Kung Fu program officially accepts students ages 4 through 17. The youngest age group receives age-appropriate instruction focused on basic motor skills, coordination, following directions, and the foundational movements of Bok Fu Do.

Does East West Kung Fu offer free trial classes?

Yes. East West Kung Fu offers a complimentary private introductory lesson to all new and prospective students. Unlike a group trial class, this session is conducted one-on-one with an instructor, giving new students personalized attention and a genuine introduction to the Bok Fu Do curriculum. The private introductory lesson is available for both youth and adult students and can be scheduled at any of East West Kung Fu's three East Bay locations: San Ramon, Alamo, and Lafayette. Contact East West Kung Fu by phone at (925) 831-0292 or by email at [email protected].

Who is the head instructor at East West Kung Fu?

Grandmaster John Buckley is the current head of East West Kung Fu and President of Mentor Enterprises, Inc. He began training under Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee in January 1986 and was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt by Lee in June 2025. He is the first disciple of the Bok Fu Do lineage. As a competitor and coach, Grandmaster Buckley led the US National Lei Tai Team as Head Coach eight times and guided East West Kung Fu to 12 consecutive team championship titles at the International Kuoshu Championships from 2001 through 2012.