Corey Yuen (; born Ying Gang-ming (殷元奎); 16 December 1951) is a Hong Kong film director, film producer, action choreographer, and former actor. Yuen was a member of the Peking Opera Schools and one of the Seven Little Fortunes. As an actor, Yuen is perhaps best known as Rubber Legs' student in 1979 kung fu comedy film Dance of the Drunk Mantis. As an action director, Yuen gained fame in American cinema beginning with 1998 film Lethal Weapon 4, followed by the 2000 blockbuster X-Men and six of Jet Li's American works: Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon, The One, Cradle 2 the Grave, War, and The Expendables. History and early career Born Ying Gang-ming on 15 February 1951 in Hong Kong, he was one of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao's best friends during their days in the China Drama Academy Peking Opera School and took a stage name of Yuen Kwai. They spent those days training in a harshly disciplined style under the watch of Master Yu Jim-yuen. He would go to appear as an extra in Hong Kong action films during the "chop socky" era of the 1970s. Acting In the 1970s, Yuen had three Hwang Jang Lee films: Secret Rivals 2 (1977) as Silver Fox's henchman; The Invincible Armour (1977) as Assassin; and film Dance of the Drunk Mantis (1979) as Rubber Legs' student. In the 1980s, Yuen played Devil Disciple Leader in the 1983 film Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain, alongside Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao and Mang Hoi. Yuen played SWAT Team Member in 1985 film Heart of the Dragon, alongside Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan. Yuen played Bad Egg in 1986 film Righting Wrongs (who also directed), along with Yuen Biao, Melvin Wong, Cynthia Rothrock, Peter Cunningham and Siu-wong Fan. Yuen played Judy Wu in 1987 film Eastern Condors along with Sammo Hung, Joyce Godenzi, Billy Chow, Yuen Biao, Siu-chung Mok, Yuen Woo-ping and Melvin Wong. In the 1990s, Yuen played Man in the Boat in the 1990 film She Shoots Straight, (who also directed) along with Joyce Godenzi, Sammo Hung and Yuen Wah. Yuen played Li Kwon Bon in 1993 film Fong Sai-yuk II (who also directed) alongside Jet Li. Yuen played Uncle Po in 1997 film Hero (not to be confused with the Zhang Yimou directed, Jet Li starring 2002 film of the same name) (who also directed) alongside