How did you get into the film business?
I met Chuck Norris at one of my fights in West Palm Beach, Florida and he was the first person in the entertainment industry to suggest I attempt a career as an actor. We became friends and I credit him for giving me the confidence that a local Kung Fu stylist-kickboxer could become an Action Film Star. I moved to LA in 1985 and starred in “Bloodfist” in 1988 and since that time have starred in 30 films. Thanks to Chuck and Roger Corman for giving me the idea and break I needed to begin my career in entertainment.
What is something that most people would never guess about the movie industry?
Most people would never imagine that it is ALWAYS a struggle even when you have been in the business working successfully as a star for almost 30 years! I am constantly looking for that “great script” and trying to work with the best directors, producers, actors, etc. Maybe, I am not “auditioning” for roles, but I am still in competition with many other stars for the better projects. I have said “NO” to MANY more projects than I have accepted and, at one time, I had dozens of starring roles offered to me in one year. I did a very risky thing once and starred in 5 films that were released on home video in 13 months. Entertainment Weekly did a story on me and TIME Magazine put my picture in an article dealing with the top independent direct to video companies and stars.
Who was your favorite co-star?
When you work with someone on a film it is very common to become close very quickly. That goes for men and women. Shelley Winters compared independent films to being on a sinking ship trying to make it to shore. “We’re all in this together, we either make it to dry land (a successful film) or sink and drown (a bomb)”. That is a healthy way of looking at filmmaking. It is a group effort and there are no real “stars” because without everyone on the 10
OFFICIALKARATEMAG.COM Spring 2013
set, there would be no film. The director is the captain of the ship and the producers arrange the financing so they “make it happen” for everyone else. Without my great stuntmen-friends, my fights would look weak and boring. I am just the “piano player” and do my job to the best of my ability. EVERYONE on a movie from preproduction to post is responsible for it’s success or failure. “I’ve been very lucky throughout my movie career” to work with caring and talented filmmakers and performers.
What do you want to be remembered for?
“I did my best”... and, I tried to share my knowledge so that others did not have to suffer the same negative consequences as I did to learn those life-martial arts lessons. Unfortunately, it seems that I have always learned “the hard way.” I found out how to do something right by doing it wrong first and then correcting my mistakes later. I hope that when I teach seminars I can help others avoid the negative results from getting it wrong the first time.
What’s in your future?
My brother James has created a very exciting company called TRADITIONZ. We hope to offer an “alternative” to the MMA brands currently featuring SKULLS, tatoo-like artwork, etc. It is currently a t-shirt clothing or apparel company.“Our mission statement is to promote the positive aspects of Traditional Martial Arts.” By promoting and popularizing our product line we hope to expand the martial arts fan base already established throughout the world. Our faith in the benefits and good affects that studying the martial arts can have on an individual, “inspired” the concept of a new clothing line which highlights those values. I have also teamed up with Cynthia Rothrock to partner with Genesis Pure, a nutrition company, to help bring products that promote health to martial artists.