Lee Donohue was born and raised in Hawaii.  He began his martial arts training in 1957 learning Judo and JuJitsu at Okazaki's Kodenkan dojo.   In 1964, Sensei joined the Honolulu Police Department and became a member of Honolulu Police Judo team.

In 1966, Sensei joined Te Ken Jutsu Kai in Honolulu to study karate from Sensei Takamasa Bingo.

In 1969, Sensei joined American Karate Kai which was founded by Sensei's Kenneth Nakamura, John Gerard and William Ozaki.

In 1972 Sensei was awarded his Shodan (Black Belt 1st Degree) from American Karate Kai.

In 1975, Sensei began his study of Okinawan Shorin Ryu and Kobudo under Hanshi Clarence Lee.

On February 16, 1999, Sensei was awarded his Seventh Degree Black Belt by Hanshi Lee.

On October 22, 2005, Sensei was awarded his Seventh Degree Black Belt and title of Kyoshi by the Hawaii Kodansha Kai, headed by Shihan Bobby Lowe and Shihan James Miyagi.

Sensei has also learned Tai Chi Chuan from Sifu Andrew Lum and Hanshi Clarence Lee.

Sensei is the sole owner of American Karate Kai.