Master Lee Mattox

Master Lee Mattox began his martial arts training in Kenpo Karate in 1982, earning his black belt in 1989. While attending the University of Iowa, he further expanded his martial arts knowledge by studying Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Judo, and Aikido.

Master Mattox began his Tang Soo Do training in 1990 at a small school in Tripoli, Iowa. Upon reaching Cho Dan Bo (blue belt), his school became affiliated with the World Tang Soo Do Association. Despite facing challenges in his early black belt testing attempts under Master David Schmitt and Master Robert Grissom, he remained committed to his training and ultimately earned his Cho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1994.

He continued his advancement within the art, earning his Sah Dan (4th Degree Black Belt) in 2012. In 2013, he was promoted to Master while teaching at his studio, International Martial Arts of Waterloo, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Master Mattox is known for his emphasis on practical application of one-step sparring and his focus on developing explosive power in his students.