Hwang Jang-lee

Hwang Jang-lee (Korean: 황정리; born December 21, 1944) is a Japanese-born Korean martial artist and actor. He is a 9th-dan grandmaster in Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo who began training in 1957. Prior to his acting career, he was a martial arts instructor for the Korean military in Vietnam. As an actor, Hwang is perhaps best known for his role as "Thunderleg" in 1978's Drunken Master, "Sheng Kuan" in 1978's Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Wong Chin in 1981's Hitman in the Hand of Buddha. He is famed for his kicking repertoire and wire-free jumping triple kicks. Variations of his name include Wong Cheng-lee and Wong Cheng-li, in the Cantonese Chinese equivalents. His nicknames are Silver Fox (the name of his most popular movie character); "Thunderleg" and "Thunderfoot" (from his role in the 1978 film Drunken Master). Early life Hwang was born in Aomori, Honshu Island, Japan to Korean parents. His father owned a shipping company. His family moved back to Korea when he was a baby. Martial arts Hwang took Taekwondo lessons from age 14 and achieved his 7th dan (rank) black belt. In 1965 at age 21, Hwang became a martial arts instructor for the Korean and South Vietnamese Armies, specializing in taekwondo. At one point, Hwang killed a soldier who attacked him with a knife by kicking his foe in the temple. He was never charged as it was deemed to be a legitimate self defence. In January 2003, Hwang received his 9th dan black belt in taekwondo. In addition, he currently holds a 9th dan rank with the World Tang Soo Do General Federation. Hwang still actively teaches martial arts. He is currently an instructor with the World Tang Soo Do General Federation and serves as Technical Advisor. He recently has completed a tour of the US and Canada in which he, along with other Korean Grandmasters, promoted the study and practice of traditional martial arts.