''It's The Only Way To Survive''

Martial Arts Legend James Lew Passes age 73

The Death of Martial Artist James Lew has shocked the Martial arts community

Sertes Nake

9/1/20261 min read

News in the last week of the passing of Martial arts legend James Lew in the last week has shocked the Martial arts community. James Lew had starred in over 80 films and was a stuntman on countless others.

Born in 1952, James Lew began his martial arts journey at age 14, Training in Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Choy Li -Fut as well as animal styles; he was a well-rounded practitioner of the arts.

His most famous roles include Chang Sin in Big Trouble in Little China (1986) and Best of the Best (1989) where he played Sae Jin Kwon of the Korean Team. Other roles included the three Rush Hour films, Lethal Weapon 4, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Though no reason for his death has been announced, I was at the Martial arts show in the UK in May; James Lew was supposed to be one of the guests. We heard he had pulled out due to severe illness. And that he was very ill and was in specialist care at the time, and many who knew him were very worried about him.

So yes, it was a shock to hear of his passing, but after what we had heard in May. We knew his illness was serious.

RIP, Master Lew.

James Lew receiving his Prime Time Emmy award