Happy Birthday Master Phillip Rhee

Written on the 31 August 2023

Happy Birthday to Master Phillip Rhee on September 7th. He is a prominent martial artist, teacher and actor. He started his martial arts training at age 4. Together with his brother Simon Rhee, he entered the Jun Chong Martial Arts Academy and trained in Taekwondo and Hapkido, with Master Mark Choi.

Phillip Rhee now currently holds a 6th degree in Taekwondo, a 3rd degree in Hapkido and a 1st degree in Kendo (sword). He has also studied boxing which he incorporates into his martial arts curriculum.

Rhee's 1980 representation of the United States' Taekwondo Team against the South Korean team in the championships of the Asia Games formed the basis of his screenplay for the film "Best of the Best". The movie was such a hit that three more parts followed finishing with Best of the Best part 4 in 1998. He was also considered for the role of Liu Kang in the movie "Mortal Kombat" (1995)

His favourite personal quote is:
"Whatever the purpose or reason for a student to come to a martial arts school, the most positive thing for an individual to learn is discipline and self-confidence through the art". (Martial Art World, 1991)

Film History:

1985 Ninja Turf AKA LA Streetfighters
1988 Silent Assassin
1989 Best of the Best
1993 Best of the Best II
1995 Best of the Best III: No Turning Back
1998 Best of the Best IV: Without Warning
2014 Underdogs

View the tribute below to see him in action: