Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 3
"Wait a minute! Haven't I seen this list before?"
In 2009, I used Amazon.com to begin compiling a cumulative list of genuine martial artists who also appeared in movies, accompanied by trivia. About two years later, an IMDb user pasted my entries into this format to create a clone list (he wasn't the first: a user on the Action Fans forum did the same thing).
"Why should I check out this list if I've seen the other one?"
Better and more up-to-date information. I regularly revised the Amazon lists, and as a result have more current entry and trivia information.
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This is a list of legitimate martial artists appearing in movies, accompanied by the styles they practice(d), the recognition they've received for them, and individual trivia.
Qualifications:
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NOTE: a lot of the trivia listed here did originally come from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources as well.
--------------------------------------------------
**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes and therefore make no claims about this list's infallibility**
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Next list here
Previous list here
In 2009, I used Amazon.com to begin compiling a cumulative list of genuine martial artists who also appeared in movies, accompanied by trivia. About two years later, an IMDb user pasted my entries into this format to create a clone list (he wasn't the first: a user on the Action Fans forum did the same thing).
"Why should I check out this list if I've seen the other one?"
Better and more up-to-date information. I regularly revised the Amazon lists, and as a result have more current entry and trivia information.
--------------------------------------------------
This is a list of legitimate martial artists appearing in movies, accompanied by the styles they practice(d), the recognition they've received for them, and individual trivia.
Qualifications:
- the performer must be an actual practitioner of a martial art; simply portraying martial artists in film, no matter how well or how often, is not enough
- the martial art(s) in question must be able to be identified and verified by a source other than hearsay
- individual accomplishments (e.g. tournaments won, belts held) must likewise be verifiable
- Mixed Martial Arts, Tai Chi, and weapons-based styles can only be credited if the person in question practices another style as well (I reserve the right to make exceptions)
- Kickboxing is considered a martial art
- Tae Bo, boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics are not considered martial arts
- styles incorporating firearms usage (e.g. Systema) are not considered
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: a lot of the trivia listed here did originally come from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources as well.
--------------------------------------------------
**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes and therefore make no claims about this list's infallibility**
--------------------------------------------------
Next list here
Previous list here
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- Stunts
- Actress
- Producer
As an established and extremely talented stunt double and actress, Zoe Bell has made a name for herself through her unparalleled dedication, skills, and focus.
Zoe Bell was born on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, to Tish, a nurse, and Andrew Bell, a doctor. She has a background in gymnastics and martial arts. She began working as a stunt woman when she doubled Lucy Lawless on the cult favorite TV series Xena: Warrior Princess (1995). Bell also appeared as a double in the ABC thriller Alias (2001) and on an episode of Cleopatra 2525 in 2000 as a double for Vicki Pratti. In the action packed-documentary Double Dare (2004), Bell, along with legendary stunt-woman Jeannie Epper, give an insight into the career of women who take falls and punches for a living. Double Dare also gives a glimpse into the struggles of stunt-women to stay thin, employed, and sane in a male-dominated career.
After the cancellation of Xena, Bell's next gig was working with Quentin Tarantino in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), playing the stunt double for Uma Thurman's role, The Bride. Bell was nominated for her work in Kill Bill, Vol. 1 in the categories of Best Stunt by a Stunt Woman and Best Fight for the Taurus World Stunt Awards, both of which she would win the following year for Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Bell also showed off her stunt-woman skills as a double for Sharon Stone in Halle Barry's Catwoman (2004).
Bell was injured in the final days of filming, requiring surgery, but she has since recovered and returned to work. Bell appeared along with legendary stunt woman Jeannie Epper in Amanda Micheli's acclaimed documentary Double Dare (2004), which offers a glimpse at the lives and careers of both women, as well as the friendship they share.
Bell debuted her acting career, with her already famous stunt skills, in the double feature Grindhouse (2007) written by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. She was hand-picked, by Tarentino himself, to star in his segment of the double feature, Death Proof (2007), about four women working in the film industry that are stalked by a murderer in his Death Proof car.
Bell, a native of New Zealand, resides in Los Angeles but hopes to someday own a home in New Zealand.Tae Kwon Do, Wushu
Trivia: began her stunt career after she acquired the phone number of an injured stuntman being treated at her father's emergency room
Best seen in ANGEL OF DEATH- Actor
- Stunts
Born 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, Danny Pesina has been studying martial arts since 1972. He began his formal training with Master Guo Jianhua in 1989 studying both external and internal Wushu. He has also studied under many other Chinese living instructors including Hu Jianqiang (the former Chinese National Champion), Lo Minghan (former Hubei Wushu Team member), and Lin Jianhua to name just a few.
Danny has competed both nationally and internationally. He has won numerous first places and awards in forms, weapons and fighting on the A.A.U., N.A.S.K.A., and U.S.A. KungFu/Wushu circuits.
Starred in the first two Mortal Kombat video games as characters such as: Johhny Cage, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Reptile and Smoke. His brother, Carlos Pesina also worked with him in these projects, he played the character of Rayden the thunder god.Wushu, Bagua Zhang (AAU & NASKA Champion)
Trivia: has studied under Masters Guo Jianhua, Hu Jianqiang, Zhu Bao Jian, and Lin Jianhua
Best seen in BOOK OF SWORDS- Actress
- Stunts
Born 1973 in Chicago, Illinois. She holds 3 black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Goju Karate and Shorin Ryu Karate with 21 years of experience in martial arts and 14 years of experience with boxing. She has the title 'Sifu', and is a national and international fitness presenter. She's a certified trainer with ACE, AAFA and ISMA. She also masters many other arts such as Wushu and Jiu Jitsu. Her talents can be seen in games and movies as she played three roles (Kitana, Mileena & Jade) in the arcade video game Mortal Kombat 2.Shorin-Ryu & Goju-Ryu Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is also a writer for sports and fitness publications, including Black Belt Magazine, Women's Sports and Fitness, and Chicago Boxing
Best seen in BOOK OF SWORDS- Stunts
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
BRAD ALLAN: Born with an inherent fascination of all things Chinese, Brad Allan started studying martial arts, boxing, gymnastics and Chinese circus arts from the age of 10 years. At age 15 years, Brad met two of China's greatest wushu athletes Liang Chang Xing and Tang Lai Wei of the renowned Beijing Wushu Team (the same team as Jet Li). Under their expert guidance Brad quickly rose to become one of Australia's top wushu athletes. At the age of 22 years Brad returned to Australia after several years studying language and martial arts in Asia. It was in his home town of Melbourne that he met his mentor and master, Jackie Chan. A chance encounter gave Brad an opportunity to demonstrate his skills to Jackie and his team; a dream come true that would change his life forever. As the first non-Asian member, Brad spent the next 12 years traveling and performing around the world as part of the illustrious Jackie Chan Stunt Team. It was during this time and under Jackie's direct guidance that Brad progressed from stunt performer, to action choreographer, to stunt coordinator and finally action director. Brad Allan traveled one of the more unique paths to Hollywood and brought a unique visual style that combined the best of the east and west. Action transcends language and cultural boundaries; It can excite us, move us and make us laugh. Brad Allan had a global vision for action film making. He worked with an international team of skilled professionals from all over the world united by their passion for action and film making. His goal was to entertain, excite and motivate the human race.Wushu, Aikido, Karate, Kickboxing
Trivia: is first non-Asian member (and subsequent leader) of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team
Best seen in WHO AM I- Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Before Ron Balicki got his start in the entertainment field as a stuntman and a fight / stunt coordinator, he grew up in the windy city of Chicago. Ron has trained the Martial Arts for over 35 years. After an in-depth study of the subject, Ron sought out the legendary martial artist, Dan Inosanto. After many years of study, Ron earned Full instructorships in Bruce Lee's art of Jun Fan Gung Fu (Jeet Kune Do Concepts), Maphilindo Silat and Filipino Kali from Sifu Dan Inosanto. In 1987 Ron became a Cook County Deputy Sheriff stationed in Chicago, Illinois. Ron helped form the Cook County Sheriff's Special Operations Resistance Team (S.O.R.T.), a team of officers trained to handle riot control. At this time Ron also began working as a bodyguard for various Hollywood movie and music stars. Ron has traveled as far as Japan and Indonesia to train and compete in "No holds barred fighting tournaments. As a professional Shoot Wrestler Ron has competed numerous times in Japan and America. Ron also earned instructorships in Thai Boxing, Savate, Lameco Escrima, Wing Chun Gung Fu, Latigo y daga (whip fighting), and Shoot Wrestling.
Military, DEA, SWAT, FBI, Home Land Security, Law Enforcement from America and abroad, Anti-Terrorist groups and the French President's Secret Service have all sought Ron out for his experience and teaching skills. He is the author of numerous articles for magazines worldwide, and has written his own best selling book on Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do. Ron has produced a widely respected series of martial arts training videos. He has stunt coordinated several films.
Ron can be seen performing stunts consisting of fights, car crashes, Ratchets, Air Rams, high falls, and Full body burns.
Ron and his wife Diana Lee Inosanto along with their manager Tarik Heitmann have now started their own production company , Zen Mountain LLC. Their first film "The Sensei". has completed post production.Jeet Kune Do, Escrima, Silat, Muay Thai, Savate, Wing Chun, Shooto, Latigo y Daga, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-1)
Trivia: has taught martial arts to the French Secret Service, the French Anti-Terrorist Team, and the DEA
Best seen in FORCE OF EXECUTION- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Osric Chau was born in Vancouver, Canada, to a father from Hong Kong and a mother from Malaysia. He had spent years training martial arts with aspirations to work in stunts when he landed his first leading role alongside the late David Carradine in Kung Fu Killer (2008) that was shot in Hengdian, China.
The following year Osric played Nima, the Tibetan monk, in Roland Emmerich's 2012 (2009), working with veteran actors John Cusack and Thandiwe Newton, that grossed over $760 million worldwide. That success brought Osric back to China where he worked on the Chinese Remake of What Women Want (2012) alongside Andy Lau and Gong Li and The Man with the Iron Fists (2012) with Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu and director, writer, actor and rap musician RZA.
In 2011 Osric landed another leading role in Paramount's Fun Size (2012) with Victoria Justice, Thomas Mann and Jane Levy. The Halloween comedy also includes Chelsea Handler, Josh Pence and Johnny Knoxville.
In 2012 Osric started work on Supernatural (2005) as genius high school student pulled into the role of prophet, Kevin Tran, a character he played on the show over 16 episodes in seasons 7-9 and 11. This work got him noticed and his acting roles have become more prolific since his appearance in the series.
In the process Osric has more than found a passion for acting and filmmaking. He still enjoys stunts, and has enormous appreciation of the skill and sacrifices involved but he'll settle with doing as many of his own stunts as a production will allow..Wushu (Canadian National Team member)
Trivia: has studied the martial arts since age 13
Best seen in KUNG FU KILLER- Stunts
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Additional Crew
Andy Cheng is known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), Rush Hour 2 (2001) and Shanghai Noon (2000).Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: is a former stunt double of Jackie Chan
Best seen in US SEAL 2- Actor
- Additional Crew
Master Hee Il Cho was born on 13 October 1940 in Korea. He is an actor, known for Best of the Best (1989), Future War (1997) and Fight to Win (1987).Tae Kwon Do (9th Dan; Black Belt & Tae Kwon Do Times Hall of Fame), Tang Soo Do
Trivia: taught martial arts to the Army Special Forces of Korea and India
Best seen in BLOODSPORT 3- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Ilram's parents are from Korea. But Ilram himself was born in the U.S. As soon as he learned to walk, he began training in Tae Kwon Do. Besides the regular training, Ilram would learn by imitating the better martial artists and athletes, including his father.
Ilram would soon make his way into making movies with Homevideo Movies. He did this with his friends who taught him various more martial arts such as: Judo, Aikido, Kung Fu, Wushu, Tai Chi, Ninjutsu, Wing Chun, Thai-Boxing, Chinese Boxing and Capoeira. meanwhile, Ilram attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and pursued his career in Visual Effects.
Ilram is getting better as an actor, stuntman, coordinator, producer, director, writer, edit etc. and is now ready for the big screen on which he has already appeared.Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Judo, Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Ninjutsu, Capoeira
Trivia: began training in acrobatics by imitating his father
Best seen in UNDISPUTED 3- Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Collin Chou was born on 11 August 1967 in Taiwan. He is an actor and producer, known for The Matrix Revolutions (2003), The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008). He has been married to Wanda Yung since 10 December 1997. They have two children.Fu Jow Pai, White Crane, Leopard & Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Trivia: started his stunt career at age 12
Best seen in THE MATRIX RELOADED- Stunts
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Sophia Crawford was born in Hammersmith, London, and is one of Triplets. She left England in 1986 and took an incredible journey on a bus overland from London to India. After spending some time in India and Nepal, Sophia headed to Thailand, where she began her movie career. At first she was an editorial model and an extra in American productions such as: Kickboxer (1989) and Around the World in 80 Days (2004). After working with several crews from Hong Kong, Sophia decided it was time to make a move and try her luck in Hong Kong cinema. She went around to the various studios looking for work. Her first role was New Kid in town (1990) (New Kids in Town). The director had asked her if she could fight. Thinking this would be easy, she said yes and was consequently killed off because she was so terrible. Humiliated, yet determined, Sophia had found her niche. For the next five years, she studied Martial Arts and stunts with some of the top names in the business. She co-starred in more than thirty movies and became the first Western woman to join an Asian Stunt team. Sophia moved to the United States in 1993 and has appeared in hundreds of movies and television shows. Including; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993) and WMAC Masters (1995). She was Sarah Michelle Gellar's stunt double on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) for four years and has helped numerous actors with her Martial arts prowess. She is currently President of the United Stuntwomen's Association.Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: has doubled over 45 different actresses during her stunt career
Best seen in US SEALS 2- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Producer, stunt coordinator, actor, publisher, and world renowned martial artist, Michael DePasquale Jr, is the creator of the Action Film Academy which was held at several different locations including Burbank, Atlanta, New York State, Ohio, and Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina. As an actor, stuntman and stunt coordinator. Michael Depasquale Jr has appeared in the movies Bloodmoon (1997), The King of the Kickboxers (1990), No Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers (1990), American Shaolin (1991), and The Power Within (1995). He has starred in "China Heat" and "The Cutoff" (for which he was also producer, casting director, and stunt coordinator). He has appeared in numerous TV shows and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He is also the president and founder of the Screen Action Stunt Association, which is listed in the prestigious Ross Report Book under Unions and Associations.Yoshidune-Waza Jujitsu (9th Dan; AAU Champion), Judo, Karate, Aikido
Trivia: is a trained security and law enforcement professional
Best seen in CHINA HEAT- Stunts
- Actor
- Director
Canadian Filmmaker Bruce Fontaine got his start in film by moving to Hong Kong in 1988 (considered by many the Golden Age of Hong Kong film) where he worked as an Actor & Stunt Performer working with many of Hong Kong's action icons including Jackie Chan ('Operation Condor'), Stephen Chow ('Curry & Pepper'), Sammo Hung ('She Shoots Straight') & many more. Fontaine, a martial arts expert, made a name for himself with his remarkable flexibility and kicking ability, and became one of the most prolific actor/fighters during the "gwailo" bad guy boom of Hong Kong cinema.
Returning to Vancouver, Canada in 1996 Bruce worked as an Actor, Stunt Performer, Fight Choreographer & Stunt Coordinator and also worked extensively in the field of Motion Capture for Electronic Arts. He would also go on to 2nd Unit Direct, Produce & Direct. Bruce made his Directorial debut in 2015 with his independent Action feature film 'Beyond Redemption'. Shot for a budget of $45,000, it was released in the US in 2017 through Well Go USA (& sold over 30 countries), received a worldwide BluRay release & was seen on Netflix. Beyond Redemption was done as a homage to the Hong Kong films Bruce worked in the 80s/90s.
Bruce is developing several other independent action films targeting Western & Asian markets.Wushu (Canadian National Team member; IWUF Bronze medalist), Choy Lay Fut, Bajiquan, Nan Quan
Trivia: is the founder of the West Coast Chinese Martial Arts school
Best seen in ARMOUR OF GOD- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Summer is a native of San Antonio, Texas. She's been a ballerina most of her life. Her debut was in various commercials and a guest appearance on the WB's Angel (1999). She has gone on to star on the TV series Firefly (2002) as well as its follow-up movie Serenity (2005) and the TV series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008).Wushu, Kickboxing
Trivia: was formerly a dancer, until an ankle injury began her acting career
Best seen in SERENITY- Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Rorion Gracie is the oldest son of Helio Gracie. Helio, and his oldest sibling, Carlos Gracie, had helped spread the family's reputation in their native Brazil with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a ground-based martial art they successfully modified from Japanese jujutsu. Helio taught his children, and, with Carlos, the Gracie family members would challenge practitioners of other martial arts with "The Gracie Challenge", and often won. At age seventeen in December 1969, Rorion Gracie traveled to the United States for the first time on vacation, and for a year he toured New York, Los Angeles, and Hawaii. Gracie had kept cash and return trip airline tickets at a YMCA in Hollywood, California. When his money and airline tickets were stolen, he worked in a restaurant, and later at a construction site where he would often sleep. When he became destitute, he begged for money on the streets until he was able to return to Brazil in 1970. He spent five years studying law at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and earned a degree.
In 1979, Rorion Gracie returned to the United States and settled in Torrance, California. He trademarked and started using the term "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" to prevent confusion with that of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie brought his version of "The Gracie Challenge", which included a $100,000 prize to opponents who could beat him with their fighting style. Gracie met noted kick-boxer Benny Urquidez and demonstrated Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in practice sessions. Gracie challenged Urquidez to a fight, however it did not happen because the two could not settle on terms. While teaching out of his garage, Gracie did various jobs, including cleaning homes. While on a house cleaning job, he met a woman whose husband was a television and film producer. She recommended that Gracie become an actor. It was while working as a background actor on set of Lethal Weapon (1987) that he caught the attention of director Richard Donner, to whom he gave lessons. Donner had seen a video of Gracie fighting and defeating Ralph Alegria, a kick-boxer, and asked Gracie to choreograph fights scenes in the movie.
In 1989, Gracie created the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California. He gave an interview published in Playboy magazine touting the Gracie Challenge. The article got the attention of Art Davie, a marketing professional. Davie was based in Los Angeles and employed by J &P Marketing, and sought new ideas on what to market. Davie met Rorion at the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California. They met again when Rorion invited Davie to watch Gracie Jiu-Jitsu being used on visiting karate opponents. Davie met film director and screenwriter John Milius, while witnessing Royler Gracie defeating karate opponents. Gracie and Davie became business partners, seeking a large media platform for Gracie Jiu Jitsu. They formed WOW Promotions on May 12, 1993, to seek investors. Davie received interest from Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG) when he sent them fight videos of the Gracies. SEG programmer Campbell McLaren convinced his boss SEG President Robert B. Meyrowitz to invest. There was early friction between Gracie and Meyrowitz. Gracie was a purist in wanting the bouts to emulate real street fights as much as possible without rules or time limits. Meyrowitz, a veteran producer of radio and television content, was conscious of timing and presentation. On November 12, 1993, UFC 1: The Beginning (1993) was held and aired live on Pay-Per-View. Rorion's brother, Royce Gracie, competed in the tournament and defeated Art Jimmerson, Ken Shamrock and Gerard Gordeau to become UFC's first ever tournament champion. Royce's victory also validated the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu against traditional martial arts. Royce would become tournament winner of UFC 2: No Way Out (1994) and UFC 4: Revenge of the Warriors (1994). Seeking to capitalize on Royce Gracie's dominance and popularity, Robert B. Meyrowitz arranged a meeting for him to act in movies and merchandise be made based on him. Meyrowitz wanted a financial share in any such ventures, which Rorion opposed. This further heightened tension between Meyrowitz and Rorion. Rorion later sold his stake in UFC, and Royce stopped competing in the promotion. Rorion continued his family's legacy of teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (9th degree black belt; Black Belt Hall of Fame)
Trivia: is the founder of the UFC
Best seen in AMERICAN TIGERS- Actor
- Editorial Department
- Director
Roy Horan, presently CEO and founder of Innovea Ltd., began his career as a martial arts student of renowned Korean taekwondo master and popular Hong Kong movie super-villain "lord of the super kickers" Jeong-lee Hwang. American-born Roy had emigrated initially to Taiwan and finally Hong Kong after graduation from the University of Rhode Island. In 1975, with Hwang's help, he broke into Hong Kong film acting with roles in "Bruce Lee's Deadly Kung Fu (1977)", "Snuff Bottle Connection (1977)" and "The Ring of Death (1980)".
Roy soon became best-known to kung-fu movie fans as the evil "Russian Assassin" disguised as a Jesuit priest in Jackie Chan's "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)" and later, as "Lewis", a wealthy kung-fu fighter who befriends "Tang Lung" (Bruce Lee's stand-in), in "Game of Death II (1980)".
Between 1978-1989, Roy served as executive-in-charge of distribution, sales, marketing and international production for Seasonal Film Corporation in Hong Kong during the era in which the company produced Jackie Chan's first comedy kung-fu hit films. During his tenure at Seasonal, Roy also formulated and directed an instructional video series including, in 1980, "The Art of High Impact Kicking (1980)", based on Hwang's legendary kicking methodology. In 1987, he wrote, produced and appeared in "No Retreat, No Surrender 2 (1987)", performing on-camera as the "American Consular General". This role was his final acting gig. He subsequently left Seasonal Films to establish other companies for TV and video production, sales and distribution.
In 1999, Roy shifted to an academic career and became a professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Design where he taught filmmaking, helped establish the Multimedia Innovation Centre and, in 2005, conducted neuropsychological research on how to enhance creative thinking. A longtime mediator, he has also taught meditation since 1992.
In 2011, Roy retired from the university to develop Innovea Ltd., a company that designs and conducts innovative psychological assessments. The company further consults for individuals and organizations in the areas of high-performance and well-being.
Roy's daughter, Celina Jade, joined the entertainment industry first as a teen pop singer with the Chinese market hit songs "Good News Bad News" and "Kwong Ying Zi Gan" and, more recently, as an action actress portraying the "Dragon Inn Singer" in Universal Pictures release "The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)" and "Shado" in the CW Television Network actioner "Arrow (2012)" starring Stephen Amell.Tae Kwon Do, Eagle Claw
Trivia: trained under Hwang Jang Lee
Best seen in SNAKE IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Noted Filipino-American martial arts practitioner, who studied "jeet kune do" from fellow martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. Always seeking to improve his knowledge, Inosanto holds numerous belts in various martial arts including Asian, American & Brazilian disciplines such as Muay Thai, Pentjak Silat & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. An accomplished weapons practitioner, he has showcased his skills in Game of Death (1978) fighting Bruce Lee, he gave detective Burt Reynolds a grisly "manicure" before being speared to death in Sharky's Machine (1981), appeared in the John Carpenter fantasy - martial arts adventure Big Trouble in Little China (1986), and clashed pool cues with Steven Seagal in the violent Out for Justice (1991).
He currently operates a martial arts school (The Inosanto Academy) in Marina Del Rey, California.Jeet Kune Do, Escrima, Kuntao, Pentjak Silat, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shooto, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is the only person to be granted full instructorship of Jeet Kune Do during founder Bruce Lee's lifetime
Best seen in GAME OF DEATH- Actress
- Director
- Producer
For Diana Lee Inosanto, joining the cast of the new Star Wars series, Ahsoka and becoming part of the iconic Star Wars franchise may seem like a dream, but it is very much the real-life culmination of 30 years of dedication and hard work. Originally, Diana was featured in The Mandalorian for the show's second season as the Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth after doing most every job Hollywood has to offer as a struggling actress caring for a child with Autism, from stunt person to director. But mostly, Diana credits her success to having the good fortune of being raised in a charmed circle of actors, renowned martial artists and stunt-people who paved the way for so much of the excitement in today's action filled media.
Diana Lee Inosanto is the daughter of martial arts legend, Dan Inosanto and his wife Sue Inosanto. She is also known as the goddaughter of global icon, the late Bruce Lee (hence, Diana Lee). As an American actress, director, writer, martial artist, stunt woman, and children's book author, Diana paved a way in the Hollywood ecosystem that is unique, modern, and inclusive.
During her youth, Diana began learning the Theater Arts under the guidance of her aunt, Asian American actress, Lilia Inosanto, also known by her stage name Lona Nai . Upon graduation, her Aunt Lilia "Lona Nai" guided Diana to study with famed Broadway casting director and acting teacher, the late Michael Shurtleff, (author of the renowned book 'Audition' a bible for aspiring actors.) Years later, she would go on to study with Asian American character actor, Tzi Ma through East West Players' workshops and joined the Lodestone Theater Ensemble, continuing to grow as an actress, participating in everything from Shakespeare to contemporary plays. She furthered her training in the Michael Chekhov method with Lisa Dalton and got the basics of Improv at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Training Center under Johnny Ray Meeks.
Diana was also a fight and stunt choreographer for several stage productions. This would pave a road for years to come with Diana becoming a "Sensei to the Stars," preparing the who's who in Hollywood for their action roles. Stars like Melissa McCarthy (Spy), Rosa Salazar (Alita:Battle Angel), Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer), Katherine McNamara (Shadowhunters) and Aaron Eckhart & Socratis Otto (I, Frankenstein) were some of the performers under her tutelage.
Throughout her professional career in Hollywood, when it came to acting and directing, Diana discovered that the Hollywood system was not particularly inclusive. As a young mother of a son with Autism, the road was not easy. In time Diana met her future husband, Ron Balicki, a former deputy sheriff and renowned martial artist turned stuntman, action coordinator & choreographer in Hollywood. Throughout their years together, they formed MARS Action Group and would teach martial arts across the country and internationally.
After being spotted demonstrating a fight scene with Ron Balicki, the producers of the movie 'Barb Wire' asked her to take on a role originally cast for a man. The scene, featuring New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison (known internationally for portraying Jango Fett in Star Wars: Episode II and Episode III) gave Diana her first break as a stunt woman. Diana straight away became the martial arts double for actress Sarah Michelle Gellar for the presentation to pitch Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a TV Show, directed by Joss Whedon. This would be the beginning of Diana's years as a stunt woman in Hollywood where she found tremendous success working on popular films and TV shows.
Taking inspiration from notable indie filmmakers she got to know over time, Diana decided to seize control to create her own film project. Making the most of her stunt work, Inosanto learned about the filming process by watching and absorbing while on set the craft from such A-list directors, like Ang Lee, John Woo, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Chris Columbus. By 2010, Inosanto's first Indie film, The Sensei, a film she wrote, directed, and starred, would be one of the earliest digitally released films distributed on Netflix and I-Tunes. Filmed on a tiny budget, The Sensei took place in the 1980's and tells the story of a gay teenager, bullied in a rural town during the height of the AIDS epidemic. The film would go on to win awards and accolades at film festivals like the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival where she had her world premiere at the DGA, New York's Newfest, San Francisco's Frameline, Hoboken International Film Festival, Philadelphia Asian American Film Fest, Germany's Verzaubert Film Festival and LA Femme International Film Fest to name a few. The film, supported by the Matthew Shepard Foundation, earned Diana the Asian American Justice Center, 2011 American Courage Award, presented at the time by Tom Perez (DNC Chairman, who was at that time Assistant Attorney General for Civil rights) in Washington, D.C., where several members of Congress and humanitarian activists were present. Shortly thereafter, Diana became the first woman to receive the Maverick Award at the AOF International Film Festival.
In later years, she would also participate as an activist for several causes, including the recent participation in the nationwide Wash-the-Hate PSA, a campaign that would address the growing hate incidents against Asian Americans since the outbreak of Covid-19. She was asked to speak with other prominent Asian Americans in the film and fashion industry, speaking in front of a virtual panel for NIKE 's employees worldwide. In 2016, during President Obama's administration, Diana was also a guest at the White House joining Asian American leaders and Influencers for the Filipino History Month, championing the Congressional Gold Medal Bill for WWII Filipino American Veterans.
As a woman of many interests, Diana has now released a children's book, teaming up with her adult Autistic son, an illustrator, S.G Inosanto and telling their story in The Curious Mind of Sebastian-an amusing tale about Diana as a young mom, curiously trying to understand the mysteries of Autism through her four-year-old son's quirky behavior. Sebastian's inability to verbally express his love led Inosanto on an incredible journey to find out that love will always find a way to speak.
In 2018, Diana joined Oscar winning producer, Mark Gordon (Saving Private Ryan) and Matt Jackson (Molly's Game) in developing the story on her father Dan Inosanto's work creating a secret training program for the 1977 Dallas Cowboys that helped them to win Super Bowl XII.
Diana feels that her personal philosophy of life is best expressed by Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut: "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations."Jeet Kune Do, Wushu, Escrima, Muay Thai, Pentjak Silat, Savate
Trivia: is the goddaughter of Bruce Lee and childhood friend of Brandon Lee
Best seen in THE SENSEI- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Stunts
- Actor
John got his start in the film business as a stunt man in 1990 on the film The Perfect Weapon. At the age of 9, he started studying boxing, kickboxing, gung fu, kali and escrima and eventually Bruce Lee's art of Jeet Kune Do under Dan Inosanto and Richard Bustillo at the original Filipino Kali Academy in Torrance, California. With over 100 film and television credits he is now one of the top Stunt Coordinators and Fight Coordinators in Hollywood. HYPEBEAST named John one of the top 5 Stunt Coordinators / Fight Coordinators for his work on the Sony AMC television show Preacher. He continues to set himself apart with the ability to fight choreograph, stunt coordinate and second unit direct entire action sequences.Kickboxing, Escrima
Trivia: is a student of Dan Inosanto
Best seen in ULTIMATE TARGET- Peter Kwong is a veteran of film, television and stage, best known for his roles as Rain in Big Trouble in Little China and as Tommy Tong in Eddie Murphy's Golden Child. He just finished filming Cooties, starring Elijah Wood, and has appeared in more than 100 film and television roles.
Other favorite films include roles in The Presidio, Angel Town, Never Too Young To Die, Gleaming The Cube, Steel Justice, Theodore Rex with Whoopie Goldberg, Row Your Boat with Jon Bon Jovi and Bai Ling, and Pearl S. Buck's historic epic The Living Reed as the King of Korea. On television you may have seen him in "Sullivan & Son," "Malcolm and Eddie," "Sisters," "The Wayan Brothers," "Daddy Dearest," "Renegade," " Top Cops," "Full House," "Doctor, Doctor". On stage, Mr. Kwong portrayed the lead role as Dr. Haing S. Ngor in The Survivor: A Cambodian Odyssey by Jon Lipsky at the Actors Theatre of Louisville/Humana Festival, and stretched his musical theater skills in Mame with the late Juliet Prowse.
In addition to his thriving acting career, Kwong recently served on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for two terms and served on The Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA, chairman of the Committee for Racial Equality of Actors Equity Association, and the Vice-Chairs of the Ethnic Equal Opportunities and the Young Performers Committees of the Screen Actors Guild. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences & Television Academy. He has also served with the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Heritage Week. He has emceed events for Visual Communications, The Lotus Festival, Asian Business League, and the Los Angeles Miss Chinatown Pageant four times and had the privilege to go to Namibia, Africa to judge the Miss Universe Pageant.
Kwong's talents have won him an honorary membership in the Los Angeles Mime Guild. He is featured dancing on numerous music videos, including Ed Sheeran's Sing.
He studied Northern Shao lin Kung-fu which has allowed him to do many of his own stunts and eventually branch off to more meditative disciplines such as Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Meditation. He teaches Tai Chi Chuan.Northern Shaolin, Sil Lum, Tai Chi
Trivia: currently teaches Tai Chi in Pasadena, California
Best seen in BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA - Actor
- Stunts
- Writer
Jeff Langton was born on 11 December 1956 in Pasadena, California, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for Die Hard 2 (1990), Road House (1989) and Street Fighter (1994).Tae Kwon Do (California State Champion; Choi's Institute Team captain), Dan Kyu Choi, Kickboxing
Trivia: is also a boxing and kickboxing trainer and cornerman, having worked with the likes of Ricardo Mayorga, Tony Tucker, and Benny Urquidez
Best seen in FINAL IMPACT- Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
John Machado is known for Finding the Balance (2019), Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) and Redbelt (2008).Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (5th degree black belt), Sambo (2-time Pan American Champion)
Trivia: operates martial arts academies in Culver City and Torrance, California
Best seen in BRAZILIAN BRAWL- Judson Mills was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in northern Virginia in a house built by George Washington. Washington was a young surveyor in the area and the home is a historical landmark. Mills grew up hunting and fishing, and was most interested in sports, particularly football.
Judson attended High Mowing in Wilton, New Hampshire, a private school, for his junior and senior year. It is a Waldorf school and rich with history and the arts. Not until his senior year did he involve himself in the theater. He was pushed into performing in his first play and received a standing ovation for his relatively brief cameo.
This approval met Judson's liking and he began pursuing a career in acting. Judson first attended Barry University, a liberal arts college in Miami, Florida, but quickly realized that training in New York was what he needed if he really wanted to succeed.
He moved to Long Island with the intention of attending the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He auditioned and was accepted. Only 250 people are accepted for the first year of their program, and of those, only 60 are asked back to the second, final year. After two years at AADA, and only two weeks before graduation, Mills was thrown. His bold, reckless personality would prove to be an asset as well as a handicap throughout his career.
While being made an example of for his tardiness and absences was humbling, it also fueled his drive. Two weeks later As the World Turns (1956) called AADA looking for an actor for a summer romance storyline. They spoke to a faculty member who was a friend and fan who recommended him for the audition. Judson audition and gained the role
Mills spent two and a half years on the show, laying the foundation for the rest of his career. He was then signed for an episode of Law & Order (1990). Realizing California had more career options, he left everything behind and moved to Hollywood.
The cocky young actor landed a role in a made-for-TV movie starring Alyssa Milano and Jamie Luner shortly after arrival. But again, Mills brash attitude and wild personal life continued to be his worst enemies. Over the next decade, Mills appeared on upwards of 30 TV shows including NYPD Blue (1993), JAG (1995), Murder, She Wrote (1984), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990), The X-Files (1993), and CSI: Miami (2002). He also broke into feature films, starting in independents like American Perfekt (1997) with Paul Sorvino, Robert Forester, Amanda Plummer, and David Thewlis, Joyride (1997) starring Tobey Maguire, 'Benicio DelToro', and Adam West. Judson's first starring role was as surfer/pitcher Hog Ellis, in the third installment in the Major League trilogy, Major League: Back to the Minors (1998). He also went on to work with such greats as Cuba Gooding Jr., in Chill Factor (1999), Sir Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser in the Academy Award-nominated Gods and Monsters (1998), and Charlize Theron and Bill Paxton in Disney's Mighty Joe Young (1998). He also spent two years in Dallas with Chuck Norris filming the last 52 episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger (1993). Connection with the Norris family (Chuck, his brother Aaron, and son Eric) proved to be valuable when after finishing Walker, they continued working together filming the movie of the week The President's Man: A Line in the Sand (2002). The movie drew 16 million viewers opposite the Golden Globe Awards. Talk of a spin-off series was shelved due to 9-11.
Judson lives in Los Angeles with his two sons, Jagger with wife Morgan and Dalton with ex-wife Julie. He is very close to his mother and father, who have been married nearly 40 years, as well as his brother and sister-in-law.Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: grew up in a house built by George Washington
Best seen in WALKER, TEXAS RANGER - Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Byron Mann was born in Hong Kong, British Crown Colony. Byron is an actor and producer, known for The Big Short (2015), Skyscraper (2018) and Altered Carbon (2018).Wushu
Trivia: is a former lawyer, certified by the California Bar
Best seen in STREET FIGHTER- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Geoff began as a stuntman working in the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, where he worked in the "Wild West Stunt Show", "The Adventures of Conan", and "The Miami Vice Action Spectacular." Using that as a springboard, Geoff performed almost all of his own stunts as an actor, from going through glass windows, to highfalls, to car chases, to doing all of his own extensive fighting with stars such as Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, and Mark Dacascos.
As a playwright, Geoff has had five original plays produced in Los Angeles. He directed four of them, and starred in all five.
After being severely injured on a TV movie in 2012, which turned into a workers comp lawsuit, Geoff "semi-retired" from acting, and opened his own fitness/martial arts studio in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, while loosely keeping his foot in the door in Hollywood. In November 2016, he returned to Los Angeles t pick up again, after a much needed break.Shaolin Kenpo, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Kyokushin Karate, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is also a stuntman, motorcyclist, and horseback rider
Best seen in KICKBOXER 5