Sifu Desiree Khalatbari-Lee Chief Instructor

Desiree Khalatbari-Lee at the age 10 was inspired by the late Bruce Lee and his fighting style. Growing up halfway around the world, the culture frowned on a young girl participating in a male dominated activity. 

It wasn't until she came to the United States that she was able to take martial arts classes. At the time she was not able to find a Wing Chun school and took Kenpo Karate from David Hebler who was previously Elvis Presley's bodyguard. 

In 1993, Desiree started Wing Chun under a different lineage. However, martial arts were put on hold due to her pursuit of an advanced degree. Her passion for Wing Chun never diminished and she found the Gary Lam Wing Chun system in Orange County. This was taught by Sifu Brian Hester, a direct student of Grandmaster Gary Lam. She studied under Sifu Brian Hester for seven years with five of those years as his assistant instructor. 

Desiree transferred to Gary Lam Wing Chun Los Angeles Headquarters to study under Grandmaster Gary Lam, who learned from Wong Shaun Leung, one of Yip Man's notable first-generation students. Desiree was re-certified for level one and level two by Grandmaster Gary Lam and on April 18, 2023, she earned the coach certificate (completion of level three with the title of "Sifu"). Desiree continues to take private lessons from Grandmaster Gary Lam extensively. 

Desiree has taught women's self-defense classes and has 11 years teaching experience in Wing Chun. Her background includes personal security and has been a member of her church's security team since 2018. She regularly trains in firearms and is a certified firearms instructor.