What is your martial arts background, and what influenced you the most? Do you remember the moment that first pushed you into a dojo?
I started martial arts as a kid with my older brother. We learned from a guy named Kimjay. To me, he was a master practitioner. He didn’t have a dojo. We trained in the garage, and it was just about building confidence, learning, and understanding martial arts philosophy. Master Kimjay taught me a lot about Bruce Lee and the concept of being “formless.” His core teaching was about adaptability. I really appreciate that he took the time to put me on a good path in life.
How did you land your first movie role, and was the experience what you expected?
My first role came about because of Dave Bautista. I traveled with him for years as his personal martial arts trainer. When he decided to pursue Hollywood, he asked me if I had ever thought about being in movies. I told him I had always wanted to be like Bruce Lee. So, he introduced me to a director friend of his, and that was how that journey started. I’m grateful.
I first noticed you in Wrong Side of Town (2010), around the time Dave Bautista was beginning his rise in Hollywood. Could you share any stories from filming, especially since you also worked as a fight choreographer on the movie?
Wrong Side of Town was actually my first film, and it was Dave Bautista’s debut as well. It was an honor to step into that world with him, and it was cool that we got to fight each other at the end of the film! And yes, I was both an actor and fight choreographer for that film, so I learned a lot on that first movie.
How did you become the American protege of Ong-Bak creator Master Panna Rittikrai? Could you also talk about his fighting style and approach to action choreography?
I watched Ong-Bak on DVD when it came out. It was amazing! I pointed at my TV screen and said, “I can do that!” It awakened something in me. I had to go there. I had to meet the people who made the film. So, I made a decision and started finding a way to travel to Thailand. Eventually, I got in touch with the director of Ong-Bak, and he invited me to meet him in Bangkok. A lot of things had to manifest for it all to happen, and I’m glad it did!
Once I arrived in Thailand, I was introduced to Master Panna Rittikrai. From the moment I met him, he treated me like a son, and his training style reminded me of what I had learned many years earlier with Master Kimjay. I felt like I was in a Karate Kid movie, and Master Panna was my Action Movie Miyagi.
In 2013, you joined Warrior King 2, where you faced Tony Jaa. How was that experience?
It was an honor to work with Tony Jaa. He is amazing and very talented. He’s a true legend.
In 2016, you worked on the Indian film Sultan. How did the filmmaking and action approach differ from Thailand and the United States?
It was actually very similar. I enjoyed working in India. The production was great, and everyone was very kind.
Ron Smoorenburg, Brahim Chab, and Tyron Woodley were also part of the cast. What was it like working with them?
It was fun working with so many talented people. I got to see each person bring their unique abilities to the project. It was really awesome to experience.
In 2020, you joined Michael Jai White in the Sudden Death sequel, where Larnell Stovall served as fight choreographer. Could you share his approach, and was the choreography different from what you and Michael originally imagined, or was it more of a collaborative process?
It was a collaboration, and working with both of them allowed us to come up with some core ideas. Then we could add our individuality within that framework. It came together well.
Later, you joined Jiu Jitsu, starring Nicolas Cage, Alain Moussi, Tony Jaa, Frank Grillo, and Frank Machado. Could you share your experience working on that project?
This was the first time I got to really play a sci-fi character and utilize more weapons skills alongside my empty-hand techniques. I really loved the concept of being a protector of Earth. It was cool!
Your next project is Paper Made, where you star alongside Michael Jai White and Taimak. What can audiences expect from the movie?
This project really is something special. Michael Jai White, Tai Mak, and Walter E. Jones are all awesome and inspiring martial artists and actors, and Paper Made allows us to do it in a way that honors African-American heritage and brotherhood. All of this while showcasing martial arts! It was great working with our director, Ryan Watson.
You’ve also worked as a stunt trainer for members of the Black Panther cast. Could you share that experience?
I could write a whole book on that experience. For now, I will say Chadwick was great to work with, and being on set every day filming such an important movie really changed my life forever. I’m very grateful that I was part of the team.
How has your approach to fight choreography evolved over the years?
Everything I learned about choreography was taught to me by Master Panna Rittikrai. My martial arts knowledge and skills are always evolving, and so is my action style. They are deeply connected.
On TikTok, you go by the nickname “crumpninja,” where you post videos wearing a black suit. Could you share the idea and inspiration behind that project?
I am a student of An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes. As a kid, I read his books and trained in his system, and I still do today. The ninja path has always been a way of life for me.
What are your top three favorite martial arts films of all time?
- Enter the Dragon
- The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
- Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
What are your two favorite fight scenes in film history?
- Bruce Lee – the whole film Enter the Dragon.
- Tony Jaa – the whole film Ong-Bak.
Which three recent action movies would you recommend watching?
I usually watch old-school films, but I did go see The Furious. It was awesome!!
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