Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association — Seattle

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501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What we stand for

Our Nonprofit Values

A Mak Fai lion dance performance in front of the Space Needle at a Seattle community event

Community

We honor and give back to our communities.

Mak Fai students and instructors posing with lion dance heads outside a Chinatown-International District building

Culture

We respect our traditions while looking towards the future.

A Mak Fai lion dancer lifted high above a traditional Chinatown gate during a performance

Courage

We guide the next generation of courageous leaders.

Who we are

Mak Fai was established by Grandmaster Mak Hin Fai in 1974. For over fifty years the association has carried two traditions side by side: the Hung Sing Choy Lay Fut style of kung fu, and Southern-style lion dancing.

A nonprofit based in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, we carry these traditions forward by teaching the next generation. Through kung fu and lion dance, our students develop the values that help shape them into future leaders.

The full Mak Fai association gathered outside the kwoon in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, with lions, dragons, and ceremonial banners
Chinatown-International District, Seattle
1974Established
50+Years of tradition
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What we do

Our Community Service

A crowd gathered in the Chinatown-International District to watch a Mak Fai lion dance performance

Community Events

Bringing the neighborhood together.

Lion dance brings people out into the street. We perform at Lunar New Year, festivals, grand openings and celebrations⁠—creating moments for people to be together.

Young Mak Fai students in lion dance costume performing a kung fu stance in the rain

Youth Programs

Training the next generation.

Our training builds values that shape the next generation of leaders. We welcome all, with a particular commitment to making our programs accessible to at-risk and low-income youth.

A young Mak Fai performer speaking to a crowd outside the Wing Luke Museum

Cultural Education

Sharing the culture.

We share the history, stories and meaning behind our traditions with the community⁠—so they remain understood, celebrated and carried forward for generations to come.

Our Traditions

Mak Fai lion dancers performing with yellow lions under red lanterns

Performance team

Lion Dance

Movement. Energy. Celebration.

Seattle’s premier lion dance troupe performing hundreds of shows a year⁠—including Lunar New Year, grand openings, weddings, corporate events and festivals.

Explore lion dance

makfailiondance.com

A Mak Fai student performing a guandao form in front of the school’s musicians

Martial arts school

Kung Fu

Discipline. Strength. Tradition.

Traditional Chinese kung fu is taught to all ages⁠—hand and weapon forms, self-defense, physical fitness and discipline.

Explore kung fu

makfaikungfu.org

An orange Mak Fai lion mid-leap atop the jong poles at a competition

Community

Keeping tradition
in motion.

Every student becomes part of a tradition larger than themselves. We honor those who came before us and give the next generation a place to carry the culture and values forward.

Mayor Bruce Harrell honors Mak Fai’s 50 years of community service and cultural leadership in Seattle.

— City of Seattle Mayoral Proclamation, August 2024

Support Us

Donate to Our Mission

Mak Fai is a nonprofit sustained by the community. Your support helps keep our programs open to the public and our training accessible to those who will carry the traditions and values forward.

Youth and Scholarships

Your support helps make tuition, uniforms and equipment more accessible for youth and families who need it most.

Equipment and Training

Your support helps us maintain, repair and replace the equipment our students and performers rely on.

Education and Programs

Your support helps cover the everyday costs of keeping our doors open, classes running, and our programs accessible to the community we serve.

Donate to Mak Fai

Mak Fai is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Recognition

Awards & honors

Five decades of competing, teaching, and showing up for our community — and recognition earned along the way.

Competition

2026 USA Lion Dance National Championships

Competing in Grand Prairie, Texas, Mak Fai entered teams in both the High Pole and Traditional categories, placing 5th overall in the Traditional Competition with a high score of 9.00.

Honor

Lifetime Achievement Award (2026)

The USA Shaolin Open (USASO) presented founder Grandmaster Mak Hin Fai with a Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating his legacy as a Chinese martial arts pioneer in the United States since 1974.

Milestone

50th Anniversary Milestone (2024)

The organization marked its historic 50th Golden Anniversary with major global martial arts dignitaries in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID).

City honor

Mayor Bruce Harrell Commemoration (2024)

Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed August 24, 2024 as Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association 50th Anniversary, honoring Mak Fai’s community commitment, cultural leadership, and preservation of Chinese arts in Seattle.

1st
2025 Can-Am International Lion Dance Championship Gold Medal Winner — Richmond Olympic Oval, British Columbia
1st
2026 Can-Am International Lion Dance Championship (Mak Fai Team A) Gold Medal Winner — Richmond Olympic Oval, British Columbia
2nd
2026 Can-Am International Lion Dance Championship
(Mak Fai Team B) Silver Medal Winner — Richmond Olympic Oval, British Columbia

Bookings

Bring Mak Fai to
your next event.

Lion dance · Dragon dance · Kung fu · Cultural performances

From Lunar New Year to grand openings, weddings, and festivals — reach the association below, or book the performance team directly on the lion dance site.

Request a booking text or call (206) 437-8131

Contact

Reach the
association.

Studio606 Maynard Ave S, Ste 107
Seattle, WA 98104

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