Yuen is now one of the top action directors to hit both Hong Kong and the United States. In July 1981, Yuen made his Hong Kong directorial debut in 1982 film "Ninja in the Dragon's Den", along with Hiroyuki Sanada, Conan Lee and Hwang Jang Lee. In June 1985, Yuen made his American directorial debut in 1986 film "No Retreat, No Surrender", which marked the film debut of Belgium martial artist actor Jean-Claude Van Damme. He has worked with most of Hong Kong's top stars at one time or another, and began Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock's career in 1985 with "Yes, Madam". He directed in 1990 film "All for the Winner" alongside Stephen Chow, followed by its 1991 sequel "Top Bet" alongside Anita Mui. He has also directed Jackie Chan with Sammo Hung in 1988 film "Dragons Forever", and directed Anita Mui, Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok in "Saviour of the Soul".