Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 15 (All Kickboxing Edition 2)
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.
This particular list EXCLUSIVELY includes individuals whose primary activities in the realm of martial arts include Kickboxing competition. Individuals who have competed in Kickboxing but are more authoritative in other sectors can be found in other lists.
Qualifications:
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I have begun crediting stunt performers for doubling others in fight scenes. I justify doing this for cases wherein the stunt performer is performing significant parts of the action themselves and is displayed on the screen as prominently or more than the actor or actress.
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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.
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**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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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Many thanks to Animelovers for suggesting entrys #35-41.
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Next list here
Previous list here
This particular list EXCLUSIVELY includes individuals whose primary activities in the realm of martial arts include Kickboxing competition. Individuals who have competed in Kickboxing but are more authoritative in other sectors can be found in other lists.
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
--------------------------------------------------
I have begun crediting stunt performers for doubling others in fight scenes. I justify doing this for cases wherein the stunt performer is performing significant parts of the action themselves and is displayed on the screen as prominently or more than the actor or actress.
--------------------------------------------------
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**
--------------------------------------------------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Many thanks to Animelovers for suggesting entrys #35-41.
--------------------------------------------------
Next list here
Previous list here
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- Actress
- Producer
JuJu Chan Szeto (aka JuJu Chan) is a Chinese American actress, best known for her fight action. She graduated with a Masters degree from the prestigious New York University-Tisch School of the Arts (Film/TV). An award winning actress, she's also a martial artist of several styles but is best known for her Taekwon-Do (ITF) where she was on the Hong Kong National Team winning several medals, including gold, in international competitions both in forms and combat. She was later recruited and trained by a Hong Kong champion Thai boxer, where she then beat a veteran opponent in WMC The One Muay Thai Championship. JuJu is also a master of the nunchaku, including double nunchakus. Because of her real fighting skills and mastery of the nunchakus she was coined as the Female Bruce Lee by the Hong Kong media.
In the beginning of her career JuJu competed in beauty pageants where she won in several competitions. After starring in some Hong Kong TV shows and on a web series, she was signed to a record management company. As an accomplished singer and songwriter she released an album in Hong Kong which won her two prestigious music awards. It was then she returned to acting where she finally showed off the martial art skills that she had from training since the age of 10. At the time, action actresses were not in vogue so up till then she never saw the use of showing off her martial art skills.
JuJu is best known for her role as Zan in Wu Assassins, a Netflix original 10 episode series, where she did all her own on-screen fighting for her character. She appeared in 9 of the 10 episodes, with the series ending on a cliff-hanger hinging on her character. To date she has worked with some of the best known martial art stars of the new generation including Donnie Yen, Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa, Scott Adkins, and Max Zhang.Tae Kwon Do (2nd Dan; ITF Bronze medalist), Muay Thai (TOL Champion)
Trivia: also trains with the nunchaku
Best seen in FIST OF THE DRAGON- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Howard Jackson was born on 27 June 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He was an actor, known for The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) and The Delta Force (1986). He died on 7 March 2006 in Duarte, California, USA.Tang Soo Do, Chun Kuk Do (7th Dan; Top 10 Nationals Champion; 2-time Battle of Atlanta Champion), Muay Thai, Kickboxing (2-time WKA Champion; WKBA Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; record: 23-2-1)
Trivia: was also a professional boxer (record: 12-7-1) and Nevada State Champion
Best seen in FULL CONTACT- Actor
- Stunts
John Wayne Parr is known for The Violent (2010), The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition (2021) and The Contender Asia (2008).Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Muay Thai (WKA, S-1 & IMF Champion; record: 75-29)
Trivia: was the first westerner ever featured on the cover of Muay Siam magazine
Best seen in THE VIOLENT- Actress
- Stunts
Luraina Undershute was born on 20 August 1978 in Canada. She is an actress, known for Sometimes a Hero (2003), G.O.D. (2001) and The Karate Dog (2005). She was previously married to Darren Shahlavi.Kickboxing, Muay Thai (ISKA & IKF Champion; record: 14-0)
Trivia: trains at Peterec's Kickboxing and Martial Arts Center
Best seen in SOMETIMES A HERO- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
A native New Yorker, David started acting and practicing martial arts when he was only 5 years old. He studied Kenpo for many years and received his black belt at the age of 16. As a young actor, David appeared in many commercials and TV shows. He also began training for full contact kick-boxing and turned pro at 18. He eventually became the youngest member of the W.A.K.O. full contact USA Kickboxing Team. After several years of fighting at the professional level, his hard work paid off and he became the U.S.K.B.A. World Welterweight Kickboxing Champion.
David has appeared in many prominent TV series and films, working with some of the biggest names in the business. He recently wrapped Season 1 of Tulsa King, which allowed him to draw on his extensive action background. He is looking forward to switching gears and playing John Mitchell, the romantic lead in the film 116 MacDougal, which is currently in pre-production.Kenpo, Kickboxing (USKBA & KWG Champion; WAKO National Team member)
Trivia: was one of the youngest kickboxers to turn pro, at age 18
Best seen in DUEL OF LEGENDS- Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Meet Nick deKay the multi-talented stuntman who's made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. With over 150 film and TV credits, Nick is one of the most sought-after stunt performers in the business. But he didn't start out that way. Nick's journey began in Hiram, ME, where he discovered his love for adrenaline and physical challenges at a young age. He started training in Karate at the age of 6 and became a professional fighter in his twenties. While training and competing in Martial Arts Nick used his IT skills to start his own tech company and later become the CIO of a multi-state mortgage company. However, the thrill of the tech world wasn't enough for him, and he found himself drawn to the world of martial arts. He started what would become one of the most successful MMA gyms in GA, Unit 2 Fitness. While running the gym he was asked if an indie movie could use his gym as a filming location. Nick agreed on the condition that they gave him a part. The director agreed and Nick found a new passion in film.
It was a natural transition for Nick, who has always had a talent for performing death-defying feats. He quickly made a name for himself in the industry, performing stunts for some of the biggest films and television shows, such as Black Panther, Stranger Things, the Fast and Furious films, The Walking Dead, to name a few. He's known for his methodical approach and his commitment to his craft, making him one of the most respected and sought-after stuntmen in the business.
Nick is not content with just being a stuntman. He's also an accomplished race car and motorcycle racer, competing in races across the country. He has one several regional championships racing cars. He's a true adrenaline junkie, always seeking the next big thrill.
Now, with over a decade of experience under his belt, Nick is ready to take on a new challenge. He's set his sights on directing feature films, and with his extensive background in stunts, he's uniquely qualified to bring high-octane action to the big screen. With his passion, drive, and expertise, there's no doubt that Nick will make a seamless transition into directing and continue to thrill audiences for years to come.
His first feature film, a documentary The Ark of Lilburn is available on all major streaming platforms.Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt), Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is the founder of the Unit 2 Fitness facility of Atlanta, GA
Best seen in THE VAMPIRE DIARIES- Gokhan Saki, sportsman, actor and trainer. Born on October 19, 1983, in Schiedam, The Netherlands, from Turkish origin. He became Glory Light Heavyweight World Champion kick-boxing in April 2014 and fought in the USA in 2013 for the Heavyweight Belt. Gokhan is two-time Dutch and European Muay Thai champion and has 7 world titles on his name. He is known for Amsterdam Heavy (2011). Last year he played a Nike commercial and played in a Dutch Movie Pilot.Kickboxing, Muay Thai (United Glory & WFCA Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: fought Alistair Overeem in a Kickboxing match while injured with a broken arm
Best seen in AMSTERDAM HEAVY - Actor
- Stunts
Kickboxing
Trivia: competed professionally in kickboxing prior to becoming a stuntman
Best seen in ULTIMATE FIGHT- Stunts
- Actor
- Art Department
Ron Vreeken is known for Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001), Red Planet (2000) and Street Fighter (1994).Aikido, Jujitsu, Kyokushin Karate, Judo, Kickboxing, Muay Thai (Blitz Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: had 54 fights in his Kickboxing career
Best seen in DEATH FIGHT- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Dennis Keiffer is a former K.I.C.K. Super Middleweight Kickboxing Champion. He took his skills to Television and Cinema as an actor and stuntman. Early in his career he worked on fight movies such as "Bloodfist", "Shootfighter", and "Die Trying". In the past 15 years Dennis has been a stunt actor on shows such as "CSI", "House", Sons of Anarchy" and "True Blood" with theatrical releases such as "Death Sentence", "Indiana Jones", "The Green Hornet" and "Spiderman".Kickboxing (KICK Champion)
Trivia: was nominated twice for SAG awards as part of a stunt ensemble
Best seen in MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Hwa Rang Do, Kickboxing, Capoeira
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Benny Urquidez
Best seen in RE-CUT- Stunts
- Actor
- Writer
Damian Mavis is a Canadian actor and stuntman based in Vancouver Canada, he's worked on over 200 productions around the world as an actor or stuntman including feature films, TV Commercials, TV shows, infomercials and documentaries. Damian has played good guy roles from heroes, doctors, police and fathers to bad guys such as super villains, gangsters, fighters and monsters. He has extensive fight action and stunt experience to supplement his acting.Tae Kwon Do (3rd Dan), Karate, Muay Thai
Trivia: also practices grappling and sword-fighting
Best seen in IDDARAMMAYILATHO- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Cengiz Dervis was born in England and trained in the martial arts from the age of 5, competing extensively (former world kickboxing champion, martial arts master and coach). He trained as an actor initially in London continuing with classes, courses and workshops in New York and LA. Learning his craft working in student films along with fringe theatre before taking the lead in several award-winning festival short films, independent features and expanding into bigger production film and TV roles.
Given he's knowledge, experience and skills, Cengiz has coordinated on screen action in a few film and TV projects. He also creates content with several film and TV scripts at various stages of development along with a few books released (graphic novel and children's books), others underway and some of he's original music on iTunes and Spotify (Cengiz, Cengiz Dervis, Strode Road).Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Shen Chi Do, Karate, Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, Wing Chun, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is also a published author
Best seen in GREEN STREET 3- Director
- Producer
- Actor
Micah Brock is an actor and martial arts filmmaker. He's an award winning fight choreographer and has received nominations for action direction, guerrilla filmmaking, stunt work, and screen fighting. Brock also has extensive experience as an indie film writer, director, editor, producer, and cinematographer. In his youth, Brock was a competitive martial artist.Tae Kwon Do (1st Dan), Muay Thai
Trivia: is an instructor at the Fjellman Fight Club in Port Townsend, WA
Best seen in SLUG STREET SCRAPPERS- Ray Wizard is known for The Master (1992).Kenpo (6th Dan; 20-time IKC Champion; 3-time NBL Champion; 2-time USA Nationals Champion), Kickboxing (WKA Champion; record: 11-2), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: is the founder of the Black Kenpo Karate Association
Best seen in THE MASTER - Muay Thai, Kickboxing (2-time K-1 GP Champion; record: 20-21), Mixed Martial Arts (UAGF Champion; record: 11-5)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 2-2)
Best seen in PIT FIGHT - Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Raised in Dover, Delaware and now living in Southern California, "Wolf", as he is known by many, has always believed in following his dreams, and attributes his work ethics and strong belief in compassion to his parents. Wolf has two kids, Paul and Monica, from a previous marriage. His present wife, Yolanda, took his name (Thunderwolf) as her last name.
Thunderwolf has taken on many challenges in life. Among his accomplishments is a four year term with the United States Air Force as a military firefighter.
He took up the art of Shotokan Karate in 1970 as well as a variety of other martial arts disciplines, including American and Thai Kickboxing and went on to fight among the best in the world. With his typical focus and dedication he became a respected and admired world class fighter.
Since his retirement from Kickboxing (1990) Wolf has focused his attention to the film industry including acting, independent productions, and more recently, writing and producing.
His Company, Delaware Coalition Films (now closed), was created in 1998 and has produced three independent short films; the most recent being his first SAG signatory film "The Infamous Buddy Blade.Kickboxing, Shotokan & Ukidokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Benny Urquidez
Best seen in SHOOTFIGHTER- Semmy Schilt was born on 27 October 1973 in Zuidlaren, Drenthe, Netherlands. He is an actor, known for Transporter 3 (2008), Flikken Maastricht (2007) and Black Out (2012).Kyokushin & Ashihara Karate (2-time DJH Champion; 5-time IBK Champion), Kickboxing (4-time K-1 World GP Champion; K-1 GP Champion; K-1 Champion; 2-time GLORY Champion; record: 43-6-1), Mixed Martial Arts (King of Pancrase Champion; record: 26-14-1)
Trivia: set a K-1 record for the fastest championship win, in 5:33 minutes
Best seen in TRANSPORTER 3 - Igor Spanic is known for Hollywood Confidential (2008), Final Fu (2006) and Life After Death (2006).Tae Kwon Do (Krapina 95 Champion), Muay Thai (Croatian National Champion), Kickboxing (3-time Croatian National Champion; WKA Champion; Croatian National Team member)
Trivia: is also an amateur wrestler, having won the Faculty for Physical Education Championship
Best seen in FINAL FU - Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing (ISKA, KICK, WWKA, PFK & WMMA Champion)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 15-6-2)
Best seen in THE MARTIAL ARTS KID - Actor
- Stunts
- Make-Up Department
TJ Quicksilver (aka T. Jon Cuenca) is an actor, martial artist, & stuntman based in Las Vegas, NV. A master instructor in the Filipino Martial Art of Kali, his proficiency in bladed, blunt force, projectile and flexible weaponry is exceeded only by his love of the performing arts. His charming personality and wit are not evident in the roles that he plays, but given the chance to play meatier roles he can prove that he is more than a menacing sneer with a blood encrusted blade. With a doctorate degree in Dental Medicine, TJ chose to become a performer after a devastating hand injury. His martial arts skills became apparent to stunt choreographer/actor Sid Liufau and through Sid's tutelage, TJ learned the fine art of stunt choreography. TJ started his own stunt studio called LV Movie Masters in 2009 and the first professional knife throwing range in Las Vegas, NV called The Superhero Foundry, in Las Vegas, NV in 2014.Tae Kwon Do (3rd Dan), Muay Thai (US National Champion; record: 13-0-1), Escrima (FCS Champion)
Trivia: is also a professional knife-thrower and IKTHOF Champion
Best seen in MONEY FIGHT- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Robert Parham (Robert Dennis Parham, Jr., born January 24, 1966) is a former five time World Kickboxing Champion and former four time Sport Karate Champion. His kickboxing record was 17-1 with 9 knockouts. In his last match, he was stopped by Patrick Barry
While enlisted in the Air Force, he won the Mississippi's Silver Gloves championships and in 1988 he began earning karate titles, including Armed Forces Champion, Mississippi State Champion and pre-Olympic Taekwondo Champion.
From 1991 to 1993, he won the National Karate Championship and in 1991 he was the United States Karate Alliance World Karate Champion [1]. He was Sport Karate International's regional winner in 1990 and 1993, and world champion in 1991. In 1993, he earned the National Black Belt League's Regional and World Titles and the United States Karate Alliance Lightweight Koshiki World Title. Parham was also the captain of the Pepsi Karate Team.
Parham's karate accomplishments earned him the Air Force's Air Education and Training Command's Male Athlete of the Year for 1992.
The award-winning martial artist has claimed world kickboxing titles in five weight classes - middleweight in 1994, super middleweight in 1996, light heavyweight in 1995 and 1997, cruiserweight in 1997 and heavyweight in 2001.
In 1999, Robert was a feature participant in the inaugural show of the TV series "The Toughman World Championship on FX". He made it to the finals and lost a hotly disputed decision to the local favorite.
Robert has been inducted into the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the Masters Hall of Fame and several other Hall of Fames for his martial arts accomplishments.
After retiring from martial arts competition, Robert turned to acting, with minor roles in movies such as "Bad Faith", "The Insider" and "Hand to Hand". He had his breakthrough starring role in the mini- feature "Buster Jones". Robert has since then starred in "Predatory Lender" and was co-executive producer on "Jackson Bolt".
He recently had a week designated in his honor in his hometown of Hillside, New Jersey and a day in his honor in his present residence of Fairfield, California.Tae Kwon Do, Karate (3-time National Champion; 2-time NBL Champion; USKA & Mississippi State Champion), Kickboxing (5-time WKC Champion; record: 17-1; Masters, Universal Martial Arts & USA Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: is also a boxer and former Mississippi Silver Gloves Champion
Best seen in JACKSON BOLT- Buakaw Banchamek is known for Legend of the Broken Sword Hero (2017), Yamada: Samurai of Ayothaya (2010) and Into the Fire (2011).Muay Thai (2-time K-1 Champion; 2-time Omnoi Stadium Champion; S-1, WMC, TMTT & Thailand National Champion; record: 227-23-12), Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is also a soccer player and member of the RBAC Football Club
Best seen in WAY OF THE SAMURAI - Yi Long is known for Captain America: Civil War (2016), Copper Skin and Iron Bones of Fang Shiyu (2021) and China Peacekeeping Forces (2018).Sanshou, Kickboxing (record: 25-7-1)
Trivia: is often promoted as a Shaolin monk, though the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province has disputed his status
Best seen in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR - Director
- Actor
- Writer
Anthony Elmore is known for Contemporary Gladiator (1988).Kickboxing (PKA, KICK, STAR & WKC Champion)
Trivia: is the first professional kickboxer to have received corporate endorsement, from the Adolph Coors Company
Best seen in CONTEMPORARY GLADIATOR- Muay Thai (Nong Mon Chonburi Stadium Champion)
Trivia: competed in his first Muay Thai match at age 11
Best seen in BEAUTIFUL BOXER - Actress
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Pernilla Johansson is known for Dyke Hard (2014) and Fallet - Hagamannen (2009).Karate, Tae Kwon Do (7-time Swedish National Champion; 2-time European Champion; 2-time WTC Bronze medalist), Kickboxing, Muay Thai (2-time Swedish National Champion; IFMA & WKA Champion; record: 14-0-1)
Trivia: has had 150 matches in Tae Kwon Do competition
Best seen in DYKE HARD- Actor
- Stunts
Néstor Varzé is known for Brigada cola (1992), Los extermineitors (1989) and Extermineitors II: La venganza del dragón (1990).Shotokan Karate (8th Dan, 2-time Argentinian National Champion), Kickboxing
Trivia: set a world record in 2007 by breaking 52 ice bars during a demonstration
Best seen in LOS EXTERMINEITORS- Joseph John Valtellini (born May 3, 1985) is a Canadian-Italian Muay Thai kickboxer who is the current world welterweight champion for Glory Promotions. Nicknamed "Bazooka Joe", Valtellini is a strong and explosive fighter possessing considerable punching power and powerful low kicks. After winning provincial and national honours as an amateur, he turned professional in 2010 and went undefeated while finishing all of his opponents over the next two years. Having recently shot scenes for the Kickboxer remake and with a documentary on his life and career about to be released, Joseph is taking his style, charisma and athletic physique to the world of film and television.Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Kickboxing (GLORY, IKF, CASK & CAMTAO Champion; record: 12-2)
Trivia: is also a physical education teacher
Best seen in KICKBOXER: VENGEANCE - Actor
- Additional Crew
- Director
Born in Madrid, Spain to nuclear physicist parents, Conrad came to Canada at the age of three. Between the ages of 18 and 32 he was a professional kickboxer and champion. After an injury, acting became his life. He studied with Danielle Schneider for one year and has been taking Ivana Chubbuck workshops in between projects. With his discipline and charisma he has proven that he can more than hold his own in difficult and complex roles. In a three-year span, his acting ability has been wowing casting directors all over North America.Kickboxing (ISKA Champion)
Trivia: is the founder of the Tristar Gym of Montreal, Canada
Best seen in REGENESIS- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing (KICK Champion)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 0-3)
Best seen in THE EASTSIDAZ- Kaoklai Kannorasing is known for Down for the Count (2009).Muay Thai (2-time Rajadamnern Stadium Champion; K-1 GP, IKKC & WBC Champion)
Trivia: at 175 lbs., he is the lightest competitor in the K-1 super-heavyweight division
Best seen in DOWN FOR THE COUNT - Ritika Singh is an Indian actress and mixed martial artist, who predominantly appears in Tamil films and also has appeared in Hindi and Telugu films. After competing for India at the 2009 Asian Indoor Games and then participating in the Super Fight League, she played a leading role in Sudha Kongara Prasad's Tamil film Irudhi Suttru, also shot in Hindi as Saala Khadoos alongside R Madhavan. She won Special Mention at the 63rd National Film Awards for her performance in Irudhi Suttru.Karate (1st Dan), Kickboxing (TOA Silver medalist, Indian National Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-3)
Trivia: also studies boxing
Best seen in IRUDHI SUTTRU - Florina Petcu is known for Inside Man (2006), Fender Saves the World (2001) and Winter Solstice (2004).Muay Thai (2-time WKA Champion; IKF Champion; IFMA Silver medalist; US National Team member)
Trivia: is also a soccer player and co-captain of the Brooklyn College team
Best seen in WINTER SOLSTICE - Writer
- Actor
- Director
Sanshou (2-time Indonesian National Champion; Indonesian National Team member)
Trivia: won his first national championship at age 16, making him the youngest Indonesian Sanshou champion in history
Best seen in BRUSH WITH DANGER- Actor
- Stunts
Alain Ngalani is known for Man of Tai Chi (2013), Naked Soldier (2012) and The Law of Destiny (2021).Judo, Shotokan, Koshiki & Kyokushin Karate (4-time WMACE Champion; 2-time WKKF Champion), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Savate, Kickboxing (4-time UFABA Champion; 2-time Battle Planet Champion), Muay Thai (WMC & WPMF Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-3)
Trivia: is also a former bodyguard
Best seen in MAN OF TAI CHI- Actor
- Stunts
born Martin Kimko Luckhurst in Japan to Korean mother Ai Hyun Kim and American father former Darby's Ranger Sargent Judson Baker Luckhurst. Fourth child out of five siblings, soon they divorced when he was aged 3 and brought up at age 7 by his stepmother Ottillie Weinholdt who married his dad in Warwick, Rhode Island then moved to Lake Wales, Florida last few years of high school. He hitchhiked the south eastern states in his teens, before hitch hiking across country to California at the age of 20. His father showed him some Japanese Jujutsu moves at an early age and Green Hornet's Kato (Bruce Lee) movies really inspired him, then in his teens got heavily into Taoism when the TV show Kung-Fu came out and that piqued his interest. Studying Kung-Fu and all other martial arts at the age of 14 was his love and still is to this day. He had the dream of being the kickboxing champion of the world when he had seen in 1975 on the wide world of sports network kickboxing greats Joe Lewis and Bill (Superfoot) Wallace fight. Holding a 1st degree black sash in Kung-Fu San Sui and some Judo coming to San Diego California later trained in Tang-Soo-Do, American Kenpo Karate and Judo. Living in the Dojang and Dojos (schools) teaching and cleaning them for the rent and fighting as an amateur boxer with a record of 23 wins and 2 losses in 1978-81 then turning pro boxer in 1982. He later became a world ranked kickboxer in 1986-90 retiring with a record of 14-2-1 rated 8th in the world. Always interested in acting thought he could follow his hero Bruce Lee's footsteps or better yet Chuck Norris, but realized it was not to be. But one day in 1992 on his Harley Davidson in San Diego, riding with his buddies with a few girlfriends in tow, one of them said they needed extras that had Harleys for a show called Renegade. He showed up and he happened to look like one of the actors and they asked him if he wanted to do stand-in double work and he did for a season, learning on the job, things they don't teach in school or classes he had often stated. He finally made the move to Los Angeles in 1994 landing a few minor roles then in 1995 TV shows like Super Dave Osborne Vegas Spectacular playing a kickboxer/stuntman challenging Super Dave for the best stunts. Always cast as a heavy but later on in years now playing dads and nice uncles in comedies. His love of westerns has got him into horses at a later age of 25, owning his first horse at age 28, now an expert horseman/wrangler worked on ranches for several years from San Diego Cuyamaca/Julian to Topanga Canyon/Santa Monica Mountains and all the way to Maui/Hawaii. He still rides his Harley and horses and is teaching martial arts when he is not acting.Jujitsu, Judo, San Soo, Tang Soo Do, Kenpo, Kickboxing (record: 14-2-1)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 0-1)
Best seen in SUPER DAVE- Muay Thai (3-time IKF, 2-time ISKA, 2-time WPMF, 2-time WIKBA & 2-time WPKL Champion; WBC, Backstreet Brawler & Top King, WMC, NMF/ITMF, Golden Belt, IMKO, Capital Punishment, BMBC, FIST, WKA & BKK Champion; ISKA & Fighters Hall of Fame entry; record: 52-9)
Trivia: is a 2-time ISKA Fighter of the Year
Best seen in THE SHOT - Naoko Kumagai was born on 8 August 1971 in Yamanashi, Japan.HONORARY ENTRY
Muay Thai, Kickboxing (2-time WKA Champion; UKF Champion; record: 31-4-1)
Trivia: reportedly defeated a male Marine in Muay Thai competition at age 19 - Masaaki Satake is known for Ichi, ni no sanshiro (1996), Fatal Fury: Legend of the Hungry Wolf (1992) and Gokudô kôshien (2004).Karate (World Cup & UKF Champion), Kickboxing (2-time K-1 GP Champion; WKA & ISKA Champion; record: 28-11-5), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-8-1)
Trivia: is also a published author
Best seen in ICHI, NI NO SANSHIRO - Kevin Rosier was born to a family of farmers in Buffalo, New York. His introduction to combat sports began when he trained in boxing at the Boys & Girls Club in East Aurora, New York. Sensei William James Gallant awarded him his first black belt. At age sixteen, Rosier's massive stature earned him work as a security guard at local clubs in Buffalo. Rosier later became a bodyguard for the likes of Rick James, Billy Idol, and Debbie Harry.
Rosier competed in boxing, karate, kickboxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. He was most successful in kick boxing, where he had his most wins by knockouts and technical knockouts in amateur and professional bouts. In 1987, he became the US Kung-Fu Karate National No-Rules Champion. Two years later, he competed in Japan and won to become All-Japan World Champion. The following year, 1990, he won the ISKA North American Super Heavyweight and WKA Super Heavyweight championships.
Rosier experienced the difficulties of short-lived promotions, and promoters whom paid little or no money. Undettered, Rosier contacted the organizers of upstart Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. They recognized him and added him to the event. Rosier fought Zane Frazier in the opening round of UFC 1: The Beginning (1993). He delivered punches and a knee to the face which sent Frazier down. Rosier followed him to the ground with more punches. Frazier recovered,stood up, and get the better of punching exchanges with Rosier's back against the cage for most of the time. Frazier later backed away, and in doing so Rosier knocked him on his back with more punches, and delivered two face stomps to end the fight. Unbeknownst to others at the time, Frazier suffered an asthma attack. Rosier advanced to the second round against Dutch striker Gerard Gordeau. Gordeau targeted Rosier's left leg early, which fell him, then ended the bout with elbows and a foot stomp. Rosier's corner personnel threw in a towel to stop the fight which lasted almost one minute.
Rosier's third and last UFC appearance happened at UFC 4: Revenge of the Warriors (1994) He quickly lost by an arm-lock to Joe Charles. Rosier returned to kick-boxing competition that year, winning the WKCC World Superheavyweight Championship. In 1998, Rosier fought Dan Severn in Extremely Challenge. Rosier quickly took the decorated wrestler down, but Severn quickly squeezed himself from underneath, and pushed Rosier on his back, struck his face with a few knees until the referee stopped it. Extreme Challenge's owner Monty Cox would later say that Rosier told him after that he just needed a few weeks training in grappling to beat Severn. Rosier fought Severn a second time that year for Cage Combat, and lost again. Rosier competed twice more under MMA rules. In International Fighting Championships, he first beat Joe Bramante, then later lost to Brad Gabriel on January 22, 2000.
A military veteran, Rosier spent many years in between Veterans Affairs hospitals due to health issues, including heart surgery and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. After a heart attack, Rosier died on April 14, 2015 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.HONORARY ENTRY
Goju-Ryu, Isshin-Ryu & Roju-Ryu Karate (founder), Kickboxing (3-time WKA Champion; ISKA, WKKC & All-Japan Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 2-6)
Trivia: was also a professional boxer (record: 7-17) - Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Ukidokan Karate, Muay Thai, Kickboxing (IKF Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: was certified to teach Ukidokan Karate by Benny Urquidez
Best seen in BLOODMATCH- Kyokushin Karate (World Open Gold [2x] & Bronze medalist; 3-time South American Championships Gold medalist; 4-time Brazilian Open Gold medalist; Paulista Championships Gold [4x] & Silver [2x] medalist; Mundialito & Uruguayan Open Gold medalist), Kickboxing (K-1 GP Champion; record: 16-7-2)
Trivia: is also a martial arts trainer, having coached Nicholas Pettas and Vitor Belfort
Best seen in LORENZ FRACTAL - Music Department
Matt Skelton is known for Cold Brew (2022), K-1 Grand Prix '98 (1998) and K-1 Grand Prix '99 (1999).HONORARY ENTRY
Muay Thai, Kickboxing (IAMTF, IKF-PRO, WKO & IKO Champion; record: 63-8), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-1)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 28-9) and former BBofC, Commonwealth, EBU & WBU Champion- Scott Thorson is known for Baywatch (1989).Kickboxing (California State Champion)
Trivia: is also an ordained minister
Best seen in BAYWATCH - Writer
- Actor
- Stunts
Matt Diagostine is known for Enter the Blood Ring (1995), Deadly Eyes (1994) and L.A. Task Force (1994).Savate (silver glove)
Trivia: co-owned the Lomita Fighting & Fitness Academy in Los Angeles alongside Steve Crane and Barry Jahn
Best seen in LA TASK FORCE- Rickard Nordstrand is known for Hamilton: In the Interest of the Nation (2012), Agent Hamilton: But Not If It Concerns Your Daughter (2012) and Storfräsarpodden (2018).Kickboxing, Muay Thai (5-time Swedish National Champion; IFMA & WMC Champion; record: 27-8-2)
Trivia: trains at the Vallentuna Boxing Camp in Stockholm
Best seen in HAMILTON: IN THE NAME OF THE NATION - Pele Reid is known for On the Ropes (2011).Kickboxing (2-time WAKO Gold medalist)
Trivia: is also a former pro boxer (record: 20-6-2) and WBO Champion
Best seen in ON THE ROPES - Actress
- Stunts
Kickboxing, Muay Thai
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 5-1)
Best seen in FIGHT LIKE A GIRL- Actor
- Additional Crew
Ernesto Hoost is known for Vechtershart (2015), K-1 Star Wars '96 (1996) and K-1 Grand Prix 2001 (2001).Savate (World Cup Champion), Muay Thai (4-time WMTA Champion; WMTD & ISKA Champion), Kickboxing (4-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion; 3-time K-1 Champion; 3-time WKA Champion; 2-time ISKA Champion; K-2 Grand Prix, K-2 Plus & WKO Champion; record: 99-21-1; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: is one of only two four-time winners of the K-1 World Grand Prix
Best seen in VECHTERSHART- Actor
- Producer
Rico Verhoeven (1989) was born and raised in The Netherlands. Already started practicing martial arts at the age of 7 and later signed with the world's biggest kickboxing promoter GLORY, he is a force to be reckoned with. In 1996, Verhoeven started training kickboxing. A natural at it, he made his professional debut in the ring at the age of sixteen. Over the years Verhoeven has grown through fights against some of the world's greatest fighters. Resulting in becoming the undisputed and reigning GLORY Heavyweight World Champion since 2013. Rico is known for his powerful and athletic build, sympathetic character and marketable looks. With the mind of a mature fighter and the body of a young athlete, Verhoeven has an extremely favorable future perspective leading him the world of acting during his active career as a professional athlete.Kyokushin Karate, Muay Thai, Kickboxing (2-time GLORY Champion; record: 53-10-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 1-0)
Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 1-0)
Best seen in VECHTERSHART- Bahadir Sari is known for Kara Murat: Mora'nin Atesi (2015) and Fatih'in Fedaisi Kara Murat (2015).Muay Thai (2-time Kazakhstan National Champion; 2-time ISKA; IFMA, WMC, WKN & Tatneft Arena Champion; record: 35-6)
Trivia: currently competes under the name Turpal Tokaev
Best seen in KARA MURAT: MORA'NIN ATESI - Actor
- Additional Crew
Kensaku Maeda is known for Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (2005), Rokudenashi Blues II (1998) and Rokudenashi blues (1996).Muay Thai (WKA & AJKF Champion)
Trivia: is the founder of the Dragon Dojo in Tokyo, Japan
Best seen in ROKUDENASHI BLUES II- Stunts
- Actor
- Cinematographer
Dustin Etan David Tanner is known for Future Stakes (2016) and Dating a Zombie (2012).Kickboxing, Silat, Escrima
Trivia: is the founder of the Dynamic Fighting Science system
Best seen in DATING A ZOMBIE- Gregory C. Wilkinson is known for Blackbelt (1992) and Freddy's Nightmares (1988).Karate, Kickboxing
Trivia: operates the American Freestyle Karate Dojo in West Los Angeles
Best seen in BLACKBELT