BI - Jean where and when did you get your start in martial arts? Jean Frenette.: I started when I was 6 years old with Judo, then at the age of 10 I started Sankukai Karate with Maxime Mazaltarim, I trained with him and the founder of Sankukai Yoshinao Nanbu until early 80's. BI - Why did you change from Shito Ryu to Goju Ryu? Jean Frenette.: I met with Sensei Chuck Merriman in the late 70's and had many discussions about the origins of karate and in particular Goju-Ryu; It was in 1988 that I switched to GojuRyu Karate-do under Merriman Sensei. BI - How did you get your start in Hollywood? Jean Frenette.: I started TV work in 1978 where I was doing demonstrations and fight choreography; then in 1982 I started working in films; I did music videos, a TV movie called “In Like Flynnt” and “Police Academy”. BI - What are the biggest projects you have worked on to date and in what capacity? Jean Frenette.: There are many but in a nut shell, The best project that I
“There are many but in a nut shell, The best project that I had an amazing time working on was “300” where I was involved as a stunt performer and Immortals where I was Fight Coordinator.” had an amazing time working on was “300” where I was involved as a stunt performer and Immortals where I was Fight Coordinator to name a couple. BI - What projects are you working on now in Hollywood? Jean Frenette.: I just finished a project called JAYA; starring
international phenomenon Parkour founder David Bell. BI - Are you still involved in martial arts as far as teaching and doing seminars? Jean Frenette.: Absolutely; I still have my dojo in my hometown; we are celebrating our 38th anniversary, I also have dojos across Canada, in California and in 6 countries in Europe. BI - How often do you train personally and what do you do in your own training? Jean Frenette.: I try to train everyday for at least an hour; my regiment is always stretching, karate basics and katas, and of course cross fit training. BI - We understand that you are organizing a major seminar in Montreal later this month can you tell us who will be coming and who is welcome to participate. Jean Frenette.: Yes! We are organizing an International Gasshuku on Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-do with Kinjo Tsuneo and Gima Tetsu Sensei, both from the Jundokan in Okinawa; everyone is welcome if they have a keen interest in Goju-Ryu.