Leo Fong was born in 1928 in the Xinhui district of Jiangmen, China, a city located in the province of Canton. His early life took a significant turn at the age of five when he, along with his parents and siblings, arrived in Seattle, Washington. The family's immigration journey was not without its challenges, as they were initially detained for a period of time, a common experience for immigrants from Asia during that era.
After being released from detention, the Fong family traveled overland to Chicago, where they were welcomed by Leo's maternal uncle, who owned a restaurant, and where his father had secured employment. The family's stay in Chicago was marked by a significant milestone, as Leo's father, Richard, was able to save enough money to purchase a small grocery store in the tiny agricultural community of Widener, Arkansas.
Leo's early years in Arkansas were not without their challenges, as he faced racial taunts at school, which ultimately led to a fight and unfair punishment by a teacher. This experience had a profound impact on Leo, and he began to seek ways to defend himself against bullies. At the age of 12, he discovered a book called The Fundamentals of Boxing by Barney Ross, which he devoured from cover to cover, learning valuable self-defense techniques.
Leo's passion for boxing only grew stronger with time, and he began training at the age of 15. His amateur record was impressive, with 18 wins and 7 losses, and he gained valuable experience from his involvement in the American amateur boxing program. In addition to his boxing skills, Leo was also an accomplished weightlifter, having trained under the guidance of professional bodybuilder Bill Pearl for several years.
Leo's journey into Eastern martial arts began in the 1950s, when he started practicing judo and Jiu Jitsu. Over the years, he continued to study and practice various martial arts styles, eventually developing his own unique style, known as Wei Kune Do.
Leo's association with famed martial artist Bruce Lee was a significant highlight of his career. The two became friends, and Leo even had the opportunity to engage in a sparring session with Lee. In addition, Lee arranged for Leo to appear on the cover of the 10th anniversary edition of Black Belt magazine, a testament to Leo's reputation as a martial arts expert and minister. Despite initial reservations, Leo was persuaded by Lee's enthusiasm and agreed to appear on the cover, which was a significant milestone in his career.
