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# Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association – Premier Lion Dance and Martial Arts in Honolulu, HI

The Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association, located in Honolulu, HI, is a renowned establishment offering traditional Chinese martial arts and vibrant lion dance performances. Founded by Sun Kung Sifu Lum Dai Yong, this association has a rich history of promoting cultural heritage through martial arts education and community engagement. With a focus on health, self-defense, and cultural expression, Gee Yung has become a beloved institution in the local community, known for its skilled instructors and captivating performances that bring joy to various celebrations. The association has garnered positive reviews for its professionalism, friendly staff, and engaging performances, making it a top choice for events and gatherings.

## History
### The story of Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association
Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association was founded with the vision of preserving and promoting traditional Chinese martial arts and cultural practices in Hawaii. Established by Sun Kung Sifu Lum Dai Yong, the association has been a cornerstone of the local martial arts community, emphasizing health, discipline, and cultural education. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for martial arts training and lion dance performances, fostering a deep appreciation for Chinese culture among its students and the wider community.

### Milestones and growth
- Founded by Sun Kung Sifu Lum Dai Yong, establishing a legacy.
- Transitioned leadership to Si Gung Arthur Lee and later to Si Gung Harlan Lee.
- Expanded offerings to include lion dance performances for various events.
- Recognized as one of the oldest martial arts schools in Hawaii.
- Developed a strong community presence through participation in local festivals and celebrations.

### Cultural and local influence
Gee Yung has significantly influenced the cultural landscape of Honolulu by introducing traditional Chinese martial arts and lion dance to a broader audience. The association's performances during Chinese New Year and other local festivals have become a staple, drawing crowds and fostering cultural appreciation. By teaching martial arts and lion dance, Gee Yung not only preserves these traditions but also promotes community cohesion and cultural exchange among diverse populations in Hawaii.

### Continuing the tradition
The association continues to uphold its founding principles by offering classes in traditional martial arts and lion dance. Under the leadership of Si Gung Harlan Lee, the school remains dedicated to teaching students of all ages, ensuring that the rich heritage of Chinese martial arts and lion dance is passed down to future generations. The commitment to excellence and cultural education is evident in their performances, which are characterized by skill, artistry, and a deep respect for tradition.

## Community
### Community involvement
Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association is deeply embedded in the Honolulu community, actively participating in local events and celebrations. The association frequently performs at schools, community centers, and cultural festivals, showcasing their lion dance and martial arts skills. This involvement not only entertains but also educates the community about Chinese culture and traditions, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation among diverse groups.

### Community notion about the place
The local community views Gee Yung as a vital cultural institution that enriches the cultural fabric of Honolulu. Many families have a personal connection to the association, often enrolling their children in martial arts classes or hiring the lion dance troupe for special occasions. The positive reputation of Gee Yung is reflected in the numerous testimonials from satisfied clients who commend the professionalism, skill, and friendliness of the instructors and performers.

### Events and gatherings
Gee Yung hosts and participates in various events throughout the year, including Chinese New Year celebrations, community festivals, and martial arts competitions. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate cultural heritage, and enjoy the vibrant performances of the lion dance troupe. The association also organizes workshops and demonstrations, allowing community members to engage with martial arts and learn more about its cultural significance.

## Offerings
### What Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association offers
Gee Yung offers a comprehensive range of services centered around traditional Chinese martial arts and lion dance performances. The association provides classes for students of all ages, focusing on health, self-defense, and cultural education. Additionally, they offer lion dance performances for various events, ensuring a captivating experience for audiences.

### Dining and food experience
While Gee Yung primarily focuses on martial arts and lion dance, they often collaborate with local businesses during events to provide a complete cultural experience. These collaborations may include traditional Chinese food offerings, enhancing the festive atmosphere during performances and community gatherings. However, the association itself does not operate as a restaurant or dining establishment.

### Events and packages
Gee Yung offers customizable event packages for clients looking to hire their lion dance troupe for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. These packages can include various performance options, such as adult and baby lions, and can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the event. The association prides itself on its professionalism and ability to deliver memorable performances that engage and entertain guests.

### Facilities and features
- Traditional martial arts training space
- Performance area for lion dance
- Community engagement programs
- Workshops and demonstrations
- Cultural education initiatives

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association highlight the association's strengths and areas for improvement. Many clients praise the professionalism, skill, and engaging performances of the lion dance troupe, while some have noted minor issues with timing during events. Overall, the feedback reflects a strong community appreciation for the association's contributions to cultural education and entertainment.

### Compliments and strengths
Clients frequently commend the association for its friendly and professional staff, as well as the captivating quality of their lion dance performances. Many reviews highlight the association's ability to engage with audiences, making events memorable and enjoyable. The dedication to preserving cultural traditions and providing quality martial arts education is also a recurring theme in positive feedback.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While the majority of reviews are positive, some clients have mentioned minor concerns regarding timing and communication during events. For instance, there were instances where performers arrived slightly late, causing brief delays. However, these issues are often overshadowed by the overall quality of the performances and the professionalism of the staff.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association is highly regarded for its commitment to cultural education and engaging performances. While there may be occasional timing issues, the overwhelming consensus is that the association provides a valuable service to the community, enriching the cultural landscape of Honolulu through martial arts and lion dance.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association is located at 1024 Smith St, Honolulu, HI 96817. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood, the association is easily accessible and surrounded by various cultural and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of Honolulu, including nearby temples, parks, and community centers that celebrate the diverse cultures of the area. The association's central location makes it a convenient stop for those looking to experience traditional Chinese martial arts and lion dance performances while enjoying the local culture.

## FAQs
**What types of martial arts does Gee Yung teach** Gee Yung teaches traditional Chinese martial arts focusing on health and self-defense.
**Can I hire them for private events** Yes, they offer customizable packages for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
**Are there classes for children** Yes, Gee Yung offers classes for students of all ages, including children.

## Visit Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association Today
Experience the vibrant culture of Chinese martial arts and lion dance at Gee Yung International Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association in Honolulu, HI. With a rich history, community involvement, and captivating performances, this association offers a unique opportunity to engage with traditional practices. Whether you're looking to learn martial arts or hire a lion dance troupe for your next event, Gee Yung is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience that celebrates cultural heritage and community spirit.

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First birthday celebration- Staff is very kind. Performance went well. 3 stars, but I wish there was a 3.5 option. Only because they asked gender of celebrant the day of the party. Which I was super busy on. They then came with PINK lions when the celebrant is a boy. If they were unsure of gender, I wish they came with any other color but pink or blue. Maybe red, black, gold, etc. It was one of those turn outs that you look back on & tell yourself "if only", the certain parts of the party that could have been better if only. Otherwise, I would have given this 4-5 stars.

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My families school which is the second oldest school on the island founded by Sun Kung Sifu Lum Dai Yong and carried on by my dad Si Gung. Arthur Lee. Upon his retirement it is run by my brother Si Gung Harlan Lee. We teach traditional Chinese martial arts for health and self defense. There are also Chinese lessons to be learned once you advance in the classes. Lion dances is our specialty too with the most gorgeous lions of various colors for any special occasions.

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Hands down one of the best martial arts/lion dance groups on the island. Each time I go to Chinatown during Chinese New Year celebrations, I always keep an eye out for Gee Yung because they're the most entertaining. I booked them for our wedding reception and they were great! The baby lion caught us by surprise and everyone loved it. It was so cute! They performed an awesome blessing. They were easy to contact and we communicated via email. I highly recommend them for your next event and prices were super reasonable to boot! My Chinese-ness sings all the praises.

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There isn't too many lion dance groups out there, but i had two in mind that i wanted to book for our wedding. In the end - i decided to go with Gee Yung after seeing their performance during Chinese new year. I paid approx 275 for one adult lion, 2 small lions, and a grand finale with a party popper. I mainly spoke with Harlan, and he assured me that he had everything under control a month before the wedding. I might have panicked a little bit after dealing with Watanabe Florist, so i had to make sure everyone else was ontop of it too. A lot of the communication was through emails, and many of which had a prompt response. We were very pleased with the outcome - they showed up on time, and everyone enjoyed the lion dance!

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We hired Gee Yung for our wedding reception. Harlan had been a pleasure to talk to from the very beginning and included explanations and photos along with each question that I asked. He needed a follow up or two on some things but I'm sure it's because of how busy they are. We had alot of out of town guests and the lion dance was their favorite part. And I knew that the locals would enjoy it as they always do. The only reason why I removed a star was because they showed up a little late. We had our grand entrance and then did our first dance. After that there was a lull of about 10-15 minutes while we waited for them to arrive. I know they've performed there before so wasn't sure what the hold up was. I know that in their contract, they are very strict on starting late when it's caused by whoever hired them. It sounds like they are normally early or on time but it wasn't even that big of a deal... it was just a little awkward having to sit there with people looking at us while we waited. But once they started performing, everything else flowed seamlessly on our timeline. They did such a good job going around to the tables and messing around with guests that I could tell everyone was having a great time watching or participating. I would definitely hire them again for any future events and recommend anyone to have them give blessings to any events they may have also!

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Got Lion Dancing for our daughter's first birthday party. They arrived on time and were ready to go when we were on stage. At first I thought my daughter would be scared of the loud noise but, they remained outside the entrance which made me happy. The lions did their thing and my daughter was laughing and dancing while watching their performance. This was definitely an easy process to reserve their services. We only needed two lions for our party. And they were so pretty too! All I must say is, it looks really hard to do and I give them props for being so in sync with each other (front and back person in the lion) because damn... just... damn. amazing.

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Since my son first started school, I have always been the "go to" parent for getting the lion dance performance each Chinese New Year. My son enjoys lion dancing therefore we've bee following a few clubs here and there in Chinatown during the New Year festivities. I wanted a group that was professional, excellent lion dance performance and was good with young children. I contacted Gee Yung and they were the BEST decision as they were on time, pleasant & professional to communicate with and super friendly with the children. The teachers, parents and especially the children enjoyed watching the lions dance, eating the lettuce and "lai see" and was particularly playful to the young ones. My son was ecstatic and I can't wait for our next special occasion or event to call on Gee Yung again. P.S. Gee Yung also performed at my work place (Senior Community) and the residents loved them. Again, same professionalism and interacting with the staff/residents/guests. Book them now!

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Recently I hired Gee Yung to perform at my wedding. I was so happy with their performance. Harlan was the contact from Gee Yung that I scheduled the appearance with--- he was real professional and very quick to respond to all my questions. We got married on a busy day - 8/8/15 - but Harlan was able to schedule us in for our reception. On the day of, all the members of the association were on time and very nice to work with. My bride and I seem to be falling behind schedule with some last minute changes and the entire group were still very flexible and open to flexing to our needs that night. While we waited to make our entrance a few members of the team introduced themselves to us which I thought was cool. Growing up my Mom loved taking us to see the lions but I never got to meet the people behind the scenes. Seeing how this team was so kind and friendly made me super impressed. All the young team members were really professional as well. In my eyes, Gee Yung is the best lion dance company not only in Hawaii but in the world. Very Kind, Friendly and Professional. Our reception was made extra special from their "lion blessings" and all of our guests enjoyed their performance. Likely to hire them in the future for sure.

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The Dilemma: I was throwing a Chinese New Year party at KA and needed a Chinese lion dance stat! The Solution: The Gee Yung Lion Dance Association. I found Gee Yung through several recommendations from Facebook friends (thanks guys!). Harlan, their stealthy leader, was very professional and easy to work with. They arrived exactly on time and helped me make the most of my lion dance experience. He explained the whole process to me and gave me different scenarios of how to introduce them to a room full of eager yelpers. I was a little nervous because I really wanted their performance to be a surprise. Who doesn't like surprises right? If you saw these kids one might think that this may be a form of child slavery but hey these little kids are doing a lion dance and not selling crack on the streets of Chinatown, so it's all good! It was so neat how they swapped places and kept that lion tail wagging the entire time. Everything was timed wonderfully from their entrance to the length of their performance to their speedy exit. Keep them wanting more is always a good rule of thumb and I always believe that less is more! Their performance was truly the highlight of the evening's event and I can't express how grateful I am that they did such a fantastic job! If you're getting married, throwing a Chinese New party or heck, just want to see a Chinese lion wiggle its tail at you call Harlan and he'll hook you up!

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I happened to be feeling angry and violent.... ....and I began to daydream.... ....My daydreams took me back to the early nineties in Hawaii.... Surfing... chasing girls... ...and learning to control my temper with Sigung Lee and Sifu Lee... I have many great memories with this school. Shaking in my Ma Bo for way too long. Practicing forms way too many times only to be scolded again for doing it wrong. Sweating so much I was wringing my socks out.... Making crowds of people smile at our lion dance performances. Straining my groin from high kick after high kick after high kick... Only to have Sigung Lee do some crazy pressure point massage to the back of my knee and have my groin pain dissipate. Sigung and Sifu Lee are amazing men whom I respect very much. Thank you for the memories! ....and just like the massage to the back of me knee.... ....the anger has dissipated....

Discover the vibrant Gee Yung Int'l Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association in Honolulu. Experience authentic martial arts and cultural performances. Book now!

Gee Yung Int'l Martial Arts in Honolulu - Unique Cultural Experience

Honolulu

Gee Yung Int'l Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association

Honolulu County

Discover the vibrant world of martial arts and traditional lion dance at Gee Yung in Honolulu. Experience authentic performances and cultural workshops. Book now!

Gee Yung Int'l Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association, Honolulu - Unique Cultural Experience

Learn about Gee Yung, a premier martial arts and lion dance school in Honolulu. Dive into our history, mission, and the cultural significance of our performances.

About Gee Yung Int'l Martial Arts Dragon & Lion Dance Association, Honolulu

Opening hours for Gee Yung, Honolulu. Find opening hours for martial arts classes and performances at 1024 Smith St, Honolulu, HI.

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