BOLO YEUNG-The Unofficial Website-INTERVIEW WITH GARY DANIELS

Gary Daniels (born May 9, 1963) is a British born kickboxer, martial artist, and
martial arts actor. Daniels appears mostly in action-oriented B-movies. Daniels
has been in over 50 films since his start as an extra in an episode of the 1980s
television series "Miami Vice". Daniels began his film career in the Philippines,
appearing in two low budget films. His first starring film role was in the David
Huey film "Capital Punishment" in 1991. He played a villain alongside Richard
Norton in the film adaptation of "City Hunter" starring Jackie Chan. By 1996
Daniels had begun working on projects as a producer. His first producer credit
occurred in the Joseph Merhi film "Rage". Throughout his career he has also
served as a fight coordinator. He can also be seen in the Steven Seagal project
"Submerged", directed by Anthony Hickox. He is still best known for
portraying the heroic Kenshiro in the live-action American version of "Fist Of
The North Star".
He will next portray Bryan Fury in the upcoming film version of the popular
video game series Tekken, which is released next year. He has just completed
filming in Thailand.

1.Gary, you are a great martial artist. Can you relate your martial background and the styles you learnt ?

I started training when I was 8 yrs old in a system called Mongolian kung fu which was really a combination of karate, kung fu
and Aikido, it was very rough , like a systemized form of streetfighting which included techniques for pulling hair and eye
gouging. I moved on to TKD when I was 12 or 13 and ended up teaching in 3 schools in the London area. I started kickboxing
and fighting for the PKA when I was 17 and have fought for the w.k.b.a and Muay Thai Association. I have trained in Sillum
Wong ka Kune for the past 17/18 years with my sifu Winston Omega.

2.How did you start in the movie business ?

I had moved to Florida where I was taking acting classes, but got into films when I was living in the Philippines. When I
returned to the States it just took off.

3.Who are your favorite martial artists?

Well Bruce Lee was my main inspiration but my sifu has guided me for the past 18 yrs. I enjoyed watching Jackie Chan, Whang
Jang Lee and Tam Tao Liang when I was younger.

4.How was it like working with other martial arts greats such as Jackie Chan, Richard Norton and Don 'The Dragon' Wilson?

Don and Richard are both great guys but Jackie and his team are really masters of the craft of film fighting so I learned a lot
from them.

5.What was it like working on Bloodmoon?

Bloodmoon was a lot of hard work, anytime you work with Hong Kong action directors they tend to get the best out of you
but bcoz the chinese way of choreography is so different it can be very taxing but enjoyable.

6.How was the work with Seagal, and how was your relationship with him on the set?

Seagal has his own way of doing things and when a film is being financed on his name then you have to respect that way. I
believe in respecting all human beings regardless of personal feelings.

7.What you think about digital special effects in action films?

Digital effects are the way forward. I believe they have their place in certain types of films but for me , if we are talking about
action/martial arts films then I like to see good fighters, good choreography and good stunts without all the green screen and
wire work, like Hong Kong was doing in the 80's. But we will never stop progress. If it is used to prevent and avoid accidents on
the set then I approve of it.

8.What is the role you are the most proud of?

I have enjoyed most of the work I have done but I am not really proud of it. I feel the best is yet to come.

9.Are there any movies or roles you have turned down in the past?

I have turned down a couple of roles in action films but nothing major. I recently had to turn down a part in the directorial
debut of Xin Xin Xiong and I really wanted to work with him.

10.Do you know Bolo Yeung. What is your opinion about ''Enter the Dragon" and "Bloodsport" ?

I have met Bolo several times, he seems to match his on screen persona in real life. He always plays a fantastic bad guy and his
performances in Enter and Bloodsport were both memorable.

11.You play the role of Bryan Fury in the movie "Tekken". What was it like working on the film?

Working on Tekken was a very good experience, such a professional crew and very talented cast of actors and fighters. I
have seen some footage cut and it looks terrific.

12.What advice do you have for anyone who wants to make it in Hollywood?

To make it in Hollywood you have to believe in yourself and be persistant. Work on your acting and your martial arts skills
constantly. It can be a frustrating business but you gotta stick with it.

13.How much do you train?

I train 6 days a week, I lift weights, run, jump rope, hit heavy bags, work my iron bag and mook jong. sometimes 2 or 3
sessions a day. But I listen to my body , if I am injured or feel overworked I take a day or 2 off. You must train smart as well as
hard.

14.What are your next project ?

My next film will be an actin film in Thailand called "The Sanctuary".

15.Would you have a final word for all the people all over the world who enjoyed watching your movies and visited the
website?

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to watch 1 of my films, I have made some good ones and some bad ones but always
give 100 %.

Thank you Gary for accepting the interview.