James Yimm Lee (January 31, 1920 – December 30, 1972) was an American martial arts pioneer, teacher, author, and publisher.

In January 1946, he was sent to the Letterman Army Hospital, San Francisco, California due to recurring bouts of malaria.

[citation needed] James Lee became well known for his Iron Palm specialty, and would routinely break bricks at demonstrations.

He also helped Bruce Lee publish his first book, "Chinese Gung-Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self Defense."

James Lee's published books include: Modern Kung-Fu Karate: Iron Poison Hand Training, Book 1 (Break Brick in 100 Days),[4] Wing Chun Kung-Fu ,[5] and Secret Fighting Arts of the Orient.