Martial Artists In Movies
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Don "The Dragon" Wilson is considered the greatest kick-boxing champion in the sport's history. A native of South Florida, Wilson began fighting in the late 1970s. In a career which spanned 4 decades, he won 11 world kick-boxing championships, among them the WKA, STAR, WKC, PKO Lightheavyweight World Championships, WKA, STAR, ISKA World Cruiserweight Titles, and the WKA and STAR Super-Lightheavyweight World Championships. He posted a record of 72-5-2 with 47 wins by knockout. Wilson defeated such world champions as Dennis Alexio, Oaktree Edwards, and Dick Kimber. He retired from the sport in 1990, but launched a comeback on May 14, 1999. Since his return he has knocked-out Dick Kimber and defeated Dewey Cooper.- Stunts
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, James Lew's destiny was to answer a cattle call in Hollywood for the hugely popular Kung Fu (1972) television series. He went on to star in the now collectible Hong Kong film, Young Dragon (1979). He made the move to big budget studio films in 1984. John Carpenter handpicked him as the Martial Arts Choreographer for 20th Century Fox's now cult film, Big Trouble in Little China (1986).
Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mel Gibson, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Dwayne Johnson, David Carradine, Chuck Norris, Dennis Quaid, Kurt Russell, Jeff Speakman Madonna, Charlie Sheen, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kathleen Turner, Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Lee, Snoop Dogg and the list goes on and on as his co-stars.
James was voted "Favorite Action Star" by fans of Inside Martial Arts magazine. Internet fans voted him into the Hall of Fame in the Martial Arts History Museum. Inside Kung Fu Magazine inducted him as one of the "Martial Arts Greats" alongside legends as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and his longtime friend Jackie Chan.
Hit Parader Magazine dubbed him "the king of big-screen martial arts villains." From the deadly killer in Red Sun Rising (1994) to the deadly fighter in the comedy spoof Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993), Lew has proven his chops in both drama and comedy. As a stunt/fight coordinator his creative talents shone in the television series The Crow to recent work on the hit video game, The Matrix: Path of Neo (2005). He handpicked elite members for his company, "Hong Kong Wire Action Team," to bring state of the art action to movies. His formula for longevity in the film industry is diversity, hard work and having a whole lot of fun.
Most recently, James Lew wrote, directed and starred in a movie inspired by his personal experiences in the business titled 18 Fingers of Death! (2006). The story follows Buford Lee (James Lew), the most famous unknown "B"-minus, low-budget, martial-arts movie star and Ronald Mack (Maurice Patton), a young black kid from the hood. Together they laugh and bond together on their quest to finally make Buford's break out movie, 18 Fingers of Death! (2006).- Carrie Wong is known for G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and The Gathering.
- Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Inducted into the "Inside Kung Fu: Hall of Fame" at the age of 14, Travis has been featured in 30+ international ad campaigns, choreographed for artists Jennifer Lopez, Jason Derulo, Chris Brown, Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, Miley Cyrus, and performed on stages from Universal Studios to the red carpet in Cannes.
Travis recently completed Stunt Coordinating "Back In Action" for Netflix starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz' return to the big screen, as well as the upcoming horror remake of the feature film "Witchboard." In addition to coordinating "Minions: The Rise of Gru. (2022)" and additional photography on "Snake Eyes (2021)," he was the fight coordinator of ABC's "STUMPTOWN, " 2 seasons of Marvel's LEGION on FX, and the assistant fight coordinator to Jeff Imada on "Furious 7." Travis has also choreographed and shot/edited previs on "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile," "The First Purge," "Pacific Rim: Uprising," "Doctor Strange," "The Happytime Murders," and more!
While obtaining a B.A. in Dramatic Arts/Theater & Dance from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Travis was introduced to parkour & freerunning. He was 1 of only 30 international athletes selected to represent the World Freerunning & Parkour Federation (WFPF) pushing the boundaries of this evolving discipline, and was the parkour consultant for Cirque Du Soleil's show "Volta." He was the Co-Host of MTV's Ultimate Parkour Challenge and and utilizing his extreme sports expertise to host Red Bull "Kick It" and multiple years of the Red Bull "Art Of Motion."
Travis is also the co-owner of the world renown Joining All Movement Center - JAM Gym (Van Nuys, CA) previously known as the White Lotus Martial Arts Center (Northridge, CA).- Actor
- Stunts
- Director
At five years old, all Marcus wanted to become was Superman. When he realized that couldn't happen, he decided taking Karate lessons was the next best thing. Marcus went on to earn a black belt in Karate, but along the way he began developing a love for various martial art forms. In addition to Karate, Marcus began intensive training in: Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and Hapkido, and has more than twenty years of training in these forms. Marcus holds the rank of Kru in Muay Thai. Marcus also trains in several other martial art forms including: Kung Fu, Boxing, Judo, Ninjitsu, Gracie Jui Jitsu, etc. He has fought in tournaments and won titles including: the NJ StateTaekwondo Champion 1994, YB Choi Taekwondo Invitational Champion 1995, and the Muay Thai Warriors Cup Super-Heavy Weight Champion 2010. He has also worked as a certified personal trainer, gym owner, professional fighter, bodyguard, and has taught martial arts and self-defense locally and internationally for the last twenty-four years. Marcus also works as an actor and stuntman, where his strongest areas are fight scenes, stunt doubling, choreography, and stunt falls. Although being Superman was unrealistic, he's found that being a student of martial arts was far more rewarding. Marcus has 40 years of experience in martial arts and is hoping for many more years of learning and teaching the art form he came the art form he came to love as a child.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Born in Indiana, raised in Hawaii, Storm is a world class martial artist who has trained in various styles for over 19 years. Storm holds belts in Arashi-Ryu Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Ninjitsu, Jujitsu and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu.
If you ask three time "Martial Art Masters Hall of Fame" inductee Storm how his action career started, you might not expect to hear that his Mother forced 8 year old Storm to take Karate because he was "hyperactive and clumsy". However, hardly anything about Storm is as it appears. Storm was born "Juan Ricardo Ojeda" to an African-American Father and Puerto Rican Mother and was then adopted by a Native American-Caucasian mother and Mexican-American father. Storm was brought up in the Asian/Polynesian culture of Honolulu, Hawaii. Storm truly is an "All American" - melting pot meets cultural mosaic - one that always had to check the box marked "other." In high school Storm was shy and started break-dancing as a way of trying to "fit in". This quickly became his passion and eventually led to Storm winning over 200 dance competitions in the genres of hip hop and break-dance. Storm received a dance scholarship, which paved the way for him moving to LA and dancing in music videos.
Although dancing was his passion, it only provided him with enough money for rent and a diet of ramen noodles and pop tarts with little left for anything else. Being devoted to the martial arts, Storm found himself stopping by and observing an outdoor Northern Shaolin class on his way home from work. Eventually Storm was approached by the teacher and asked to join, thus allowing him to broaden his knowledge of the martial arts. Wanting to further pursue his creative energies Storm began acting. He then graduated from the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Acting Academy. While playing the role of Bayu on the television series, Conan The Adventurer, Storm developed the unique style that he is known for. This brand of action is a combination of martial arts, acrobatic skill, comedic timing, and an almost balletic grace. Storm has since gone on to work with Jet Li, Samo Hung, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Kelly Hu, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Michelle Rodriquez, Neal McDonough and Kristanna Loken.- Actor
- Additional Crew
Bill "Superfoot" Wallace is a living legend in the world of martial arts and professional kickboxing. A pioneer in the sport, he began his martial arts career as a Karate point-fighter. He competed along with such immortals as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis, and Skipper Mullins. After an incredible career in point-fighting, Wallace made his professional debut as a kickboxer in 1972. He quickly captured the World Middleweight Championship and retired as the undefeated champion after compiling a record of 23-0. With the urging of his friend Chuck Norris, Wallace has appeared in a number of motion pictures, mostly as the "heavy" in martial arts films. Wallace, a college graduate, continues to give exhibitions and trainings around the world.- Actor
- Producer
- Stunts
Silvio Simac, was born in Croatia. A dedicated martial artist, Silvio trained in Taekwondo and became a world champion during his competitive years. His film career began in 2001 on an episode of Lexx (1996). Silvio's martial arts background served him well for a part in the action film Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006). He had the privilege of fighting Scott Adkins in the opening sequences of the film. Silvio also appeared as the fighter Leon from the video game-turned action film DOA: Dead or Alive (2006). His next notable film project was in the high-octane action feature Transporter 3 (2008). Outside of acting, Silvio enjoys training hard, traveling, cooking, and even shopping. Silvio also enjoys Italian food and is a constant adventurer.- Actor
- Stunts
- Director
Asian American actor & stuntman has picked up a cult fan following based around his numerous appearances in high voltage action flicks from the mid-1980s onwards. Al nearly always turns up as a bad guy with his lean muscled physique, incredible agility, amazing martial arts skills, wispy black hair, and Fu-Manchu style mustache!! Best known on-screen as "Endo" torturing 'Mel Gibson' with electric shocks in Lethal Weapon (1987), as "Uli" the chocolate bar stealing terrorist in Die Hard (1988), one of the Wing Kong members in Big Trouble in Little China (1986), as a short Genghis Khan in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), and as "Minh" the henchman punching on with 'Brandon Lee' in a blazing laundry in the climax of Rapid Fire (1992). Made his directorial debut in 2000 by writing & directing the low budget Daddy Tell Me a Story... (2000).- Sasha Mitchell is a model, actor, and kick-boxer, who will forever be known for two roles. From 1990 to 1993, he took over for Jean-Claude Van Damme in the Kickboxer series, ending it with the fourth installment, Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor (1994). A black belt in tae kwon do, Sasha was once an amateur kickboxing champion, and it helped him land the role of a boxer in 1988's Spike of Bensonhurst (1988). In 1991, Sasha got the role of Cody Lambert on the popular TV series Step by Step (1991). He played Cody from 1991 to 1996, and after some personal problems, returned for its final season in 1998.
Prior to acting, Sasha modeled exclusively for a year with famed fashion photographer Bruce Weber and studied acting in New York City at the National Improvisational Theatre. He made his television film debut in Pleasures (1986), and burst onto screens as Ruggieri in the action thriller Death Before Dishonor (1987).
Three years later, he joined the soap opera Dallas as James Beaumont, the illegitimate son of J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman). Immediately following his exit on Dallas in 1991, Sasha was chosen to be Jean-Claude van Damme's replacement in the hit movie installments Kickboxer 2: The Road Back as the lead character David Sloan. The movie was so popular that Sasha reprised the role in Kickboxer 3: The Art of War (1992) and Kickboxer 4 (1994). In that same year, Sasha re-teamed with Dallas co-star Patrick Duffy as Duffy's nephew, Cody Lambert, on the television show Step By Step, which he played for 7 years and was in 114 episodes. In 2000, Sasha made his return to films with Gangland (2001), directed by Art Camacho. After Step by Step's cancellation, Sasha went on to guest appear in television shows such as ER, JAG, NYPD Blue and films such as L.A. Confidential, Abelar: Tales of an Ancient Empire, Cyborg Nemesis, City of Blood, and The Kickboxer: Empire of the Dead.
Now even more beefed up, he is the proud father of three daughters and one son, and continues to make movies. Sasha loves to cook, is a certified welder, and speaks fluent Spanish. - Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Paul Logan, an accomplished martial artist, stuntman and actor may be one of the hidden jewels in the treasury of action cinema to not [yet] hit superstar status. Born in the state of New Jersey on October 15, 1973, Paul Logan attended SUNY Purchase (State University of New York) completing a degree study in bio-chemistry before moving to Los Angeles to study Chiropratic at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. Logan's career in acting began after deciding to pursue it full-time. In 1996, Paul Logan embarked on his new career path. After a few small parts on a few early films and television episodes, Logan gained better screen time with the movie Killers (1997). He notched several other credits to his performing belt through the course of the 1990s and into the 21st century. In the mid 2000s, Paul Logan worked in several fantasy, Sci-Fi and/or creature films. The first of these was The Curse of the Komodo (2004) followed by the supernatural horror film Way of the Vampire (2005) in which he starred as Dracula. Next he appeared in the creature/horror film Komodo vs. Cobra (2005). From 2001-2005, Logan appeared on Days of Our Lives (1965) as a recurring character. Between 2009 and 2010, Logan worked with small-budget TV/direct-to-video production company The Asylum. His first project with that company was the 2009 disaster thriller MegaFault (2009) (starring the late Brittany Murphy ). Logan's second project that same year was in the Sci-Fi "man vs machine" film The Terminators (2009). His third film with The Asylum saw him in a leading role as the US commando sent to South America to stop mutating killer-fish in the SyFy original Mega Piranha (2010). His athletic background came in handy for the martial art-styled action film Ballistica (2009), again with a leading role as a top-notch CIA agent trained in the title art of Ballistica (hand-to-hand combat with firearms). As a highly-versatile athlete, Logan is experienced in most sports, including football, baseball, swimming and boxing. His martial art repertoire includes Karate, Kendo (sword-fighting), Aikido and Jiu Jitsu.- Actor
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- Writer
Though not Hispanic, Autry's parents named him "Carlos" after a Louisiana politician admired by his father. The couple soon divorced, however, and Autry's mother took him to be with her family in central California. Carlos Autry now became Carlos Brown. Autry played sports in high school and earned a scholarship to the University of the Pacific where he played quarterback and then tight end on the football team. He attracted attention in the 1975 football draft and wound up playing for the Green Bay Packers. He started three games as quarterback but his efforts were disappointing and coach Bart Starr cut him from the team in 1977. Autry then moved into acting and played small parts in North Dallas Forty (1979) and Popeye (1980) under the name "Carlos Brown". While filming Southern Comfort (1981) in Louisiana in 1981, he again made contact with his father and afterwards decided to change his name back to Autry. He also dropped the "Carlos" and began to use his middle name -- Alan. His acting career peaked when he played a small-town Mississippi policeman in the In the Heat of the Night (1988) TV series which ran from 1988 to 1995. Later, Autry moved into politics and was elected mayor of Fresno, California, in 2000. In 2004, he was re-elected.- Actor
- Producer
- Visual Effects
Phillip Rhee is a master martial artist, actor and filmmaker best known for creating the "BEST of the BEST" film franchise with his producing partner and mentor Peter E. Strauss (Former Chairman of Lions Gate) and Frank Giustra, a Canadian Billionaire and founder of Lions Gate. The first "Best of the Best" starring academy award nominated actors, James Earl Jones, Eric Roberts, Louise Fletcher, Sally Kirkland and Chris Penn was distributed through Sony Pictures. "Best of the Best 2" through 20th Century Fox and "Best of the Best 3", directed and starring Rhee and Gina Gershon was picked up by Miramax, and the fourth installment of "Best of the Best: Without Warning", directed and starring Rhee and Ernie Hudson was also acquired by Miramax/Dimension Films.
2015 AMC Movie Review by Chief Editor John Campea chose "Best of the Best" as his favorite movie of all time.
In 2015, "Best of the Best" was chosen by Fandango's 15 most inspirational sports movies of all time along with "Rocky".
In 2010, Rhee partnered with former President of Warner Bros, Jim Miller and launched "Stereo Pictures" a 3D conversion technology studio based in L.A. and Korea, servicing major Hollywood studios and consumer electronic giants such as Samsung, LG and game developers Blizzard.
Rhee, an avid martial artist holds a 7th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, 3rd degree in Hap Ki Do and Kendo and is one of the most sought after teachers in the world. His former students include the son of President, Ronald Reagan, Chairman of Warner Chappell, former Chairman of Fox, Chairman of ACI and numerous sports and film celebrities.
Rhee speaks three languages and lives with his fashion designer wife, Amy and his son Sean.- Actress
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- Director
Cynthia Rothrock is a martial arts expert and athlete, who went on to become a film actress, starring in a number of highly successful martial arts action movies. She first made a name as an action actress in Hong Kong before going on to wow audiences in her home turf. At the time of her popularity, she was well-known as the "Queen of Martial Arts films".
Cynthia Rothrock is the World Champion in martial arts Forms and Weapons (1981-1985). Her goal was to be undefeated and retire after five years. With over 100 competitions, she holds the undefeated worldwide record in martial arts Forms competition. In weapons competition, Cynthia is the first and only woman to win number one in North America against the men-at that time, women had to compete with the men. She holds five Black Belts with a rank of 8th Dan Grandmaster.
Upon completing her goal of being undefeated in competition, she began her martial arts acting career starring in movies produced and filmed in Hong Kong. Her first movie, Yes, Madam alongside Michelle Yeoh, broke box office records making her a massive star in Hong Kong. After three years of living in Hong Kong, finishing seven films, she returned to the United States to continue her acting career. Today she has starred in over 60 movies.
Rothrock has been a role model for women in martial arts and film. She made history by becoming the inaugural woman to grace the cover of Karate Illustrated (August 1981) and holds the distinction of being the first woman featured on the cover three times in the magazine's history.
In March 2024, Black Belt Magazine named Rothrock number one in its list of "The Most Influential Women Martial Artists on the Planet.". Rothrock is a proud inductee into the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame, along with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. In 2016 she was the first martial artist (male or female) to be inducted into the prestigious International Sports Hall of Fame by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dr. Robert Goldman.- Actor
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Kiefer Sutherland was born in London, England, UK, to Canadian actors Shirley Douglas and Donald Sutherland, who moved to California shortly after his birth. His maternal grandfather, Tommy Douglas, was a Scottish-born Canadian politician who was a Premier of Saskatchewan for over 17 years and led the national NDP party for almost 10.
Kiefer got his first film role in the comedy drama Max Dugan Returns (1983). Sutherland's first major role was in the Canadian drama The Bay Boy (1984), which earned Sutherland and director Daniel Petrie, Genie award nominations for best actor and best director, respectively. Following his success in The Bay Boy, Sutherland eventually moved to Los Angeles and landed television appearances in "The Mission", an episode of Amazing Stories (1985) and in the telefilm Trapped in Silence (1986) with Marsha Mason.
In 1992, Sutherland starred opposite Ray Liotta and Forest Whitaker in Article 99 (1992) and in the military drama A Few Good Men (1992) also starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. Later, in 1994, he starred with Jeff Bridges and Nancy Travis in the American version of The Vanishing (1993) for 20th Century Fox. In 1997, he co-starred with William Hurt and Rufus Sewell in Dark City (1998), directed by Alex Proyas, which was a special presentation at the Cannes Film Festival. Sutherland also added his second directorial credit and starred in Truth or Consequences, N.M. (1997) alongside Kevin Pollak, Mykelti Williamson, Rod Steiger and Martin Sheen. He stars in the Fox drama series 24 (2001) as Jack Bauer for which he has earned a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Most recently, he has been seen in the movie Phone Booth (2002) as a man who calls up someone at a phone booth and threatens to kill them if they hang up.- Actor
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Hank Garrett was born on 26 October 1931 in Monticello, New York, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Death Wish (1974), The Amityville Horror (1979) and Nothing to Lose (1997). He has been married to Deanna Marie Smith since 23 July 2017.- Actor
- Producer
Quintessential action movie villain Mel Novak has battled a who's who of legendary Hollywood heroes and is best known as Stick the Assassin in Bruce Lee's Game of Death. Through his appearances in several highly regarded martial arts films, Mel quickly gained a cult following among action film fans. He has also starred in Black Belt Jones, The Ultimate Warrior opposite Yul Brenner, An Eye for an Eye opposite Chuck Norris, & Christopher Lee, Tom Horn, opposite Steve McQueen, Garry Marshall's Exit To Eden opposites Dan Aykroyd & Rosie O'Donnell, and more recently Mel was featured alongside Mel Gibson in Greg Laurie's documentary, Steve McQueen American Icon, which ranked #3 at the box office on it's opening night right behind The Kingman : The Golden Circle & Stephen King's It.
His first appearance was a villainous role, where he portrayed a Nazi opposite Jerry Lewis in Which Way to the Front. His first villainous TV role was as a hit man opposite Mike Connors and Abe Vigoda in the classic series Mannix. This role was also his first kill. While he is the ultimate villain on screen, in real life, he is a true hero. Mel is also inducted into five various Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He has been bestowed with numerous awards for his acting work as well as humanitarian awards for all his numerous charitable endeavors. He has been volunteering on Skid Row for over 30 years and has counseled prisoners at the most dangerous prisons in the country and has also volunteered with the Special Olympics.- Casting Director
- Casting Department
- Actress
Carollyn De Vore had her start on The Dean Martin show, and has remained a member of SAG for decades. She then later set her sights on her own Hollywood Agency, later becoming an independent Casting Director. She specializes in Union and Non-Union films and commercials, in Hollywood and Central Valley. Her office is based in Hollywood, CA. She has been married to Location Scout John West for 28 years. Carollyn's daughter is Heather Haase: Actress, producer, cinematographer...- Actor
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Brett Prieto is known for Victory by Submission (2017), Hollywood Road Trip (2015) and Firefall: An Epic Family Adventure (2012).