Going back to his roots, Sifu Al Dacascos returned to Hawaii. Once a student of Emperado in the art of Kajukenbo (the first American Martial Art), Sifu Al has extended his knowledge of the martial arts and developed his own system, which is known worldwide. From his humble beginnings in Hawaii he relocated to San Francisco in the 1960’s to pursue the Chinese art of Kung Fu. As his ability and reputation grew he was introduced to another Kung Fu stylist Bruce Lee. (Sifu Al talks about his relationship with Bruce Lee in the video) Dacascos is now a Kung Fu Grand Master. Sifu Al’s system Wun Hop Kuen Do has produced such famous students as Eric Lee and his son Mark.

After the death of Bruce Lee, Sifu Al and his family became close friends to Linda Lee and her family. Sifu Al’s son Mark and Bruce’s son Brandon grew up together and became very close friends. Similar in looks Mark and Brandon both had what it took to pursue a career in film.

Linda Lee had approached Sifu Al about playing the role of Bruce Lee in a movie about Lee’s life. Sifu Al looked into the prospect but had to decline because he believed that he wasn’t cut out for the Hollywood business. 20 years later his son Mark confides in him that the role of Bruce Lee was offered to him as well. Additionally, Mark was offered a role portraying a Capoeira Martial Artist. Sifu Al wisely advised his son to take the Capoeira role, since there is only one Bruce Lee. Dacascos believed that if Mark was typecast after playing the role of Lee he may not work as much if he were branded as that “Bruce Lee guy.”

Returning to Hawaii after many years, Sifu Al was reunited with his high school sweetheart Melveen Leed. She is by far one of Hawaii’s high profile entertainers who has won awards and honors that rival Hawaii’s own late, great, Don Ho. Cupid’s arrow struck them both once again and Sifu Al and Melveen decided not to waste any time and got married. Sifu Al is not likely to be intimidated or overshadowed by his wife's success in the Hawaiian entertainment world. Dacascos holds many honors and accolades of his own such as being a charter member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, elected to the first class in 1999 alongside Bruce Lee, Benny "the Jet" Urquidez, Chuck Norris and Japanese cinema superstar Toshiro Mifune. Melveen is quoted saying, "He was my first love and my high school sweetheart. After 45 years, we've come full circle.” They were married in August 2006.

In the video, Sifu Al talks about Bruce Lee and his son Mark.

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