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
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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.
--------------------------------------------------
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- Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
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 The Tai Chi Master (2022).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