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This is an interview graciously given to us at Karate Kidz Online. Interview with Martial Arts Superstar, Gold Medalist, and Action Movie Star Stephanie Cheeva interviewed by Louis Velazquez I have to take this opportunity to thank Stephanie for this interview. She is definitely an asset to the Martial Arts and Hollywood communities. Her accomplishments are impressive and inspiring, she was a member of the Bulgarian National Team and competed all over the world. Over a period of eight years Stephanie Cheeva won 21 Gold Medals, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze and the titles of World Champion 1995, two time European Champion '92/'93, She is an eight time Bulgarian National Champion (1989 through 1995). Through great obstacles and hardship, Stephanie has become a shining star in Hollywood and is set to accomplish even greater things in the future. I have to say that she is such a great person and one of the most talented women in martial arts today. I was honored to have been granted this interview with her and am privileged to know her. I look forward to updating everyone on her career as it gets brighter and brighter. December 2002 LV: How did you get started in Martial Arts? SC: The death of my mother triggered a desperate need for me to look for a source of strength for survival. I was nine years old. LV: Who inspired you the most which lead to your success today? SC: Well, it depends how we chose to define "success". Ultimately I see that God was and is the one leading me and inspiring me all along. The tangible representation of that inspiration in Martial Arts was Bruce Lee. And later on also the Shaolin Monks, my coach and my team mates. As an actress I have definitely been inspired by Meryl Streep and by every brilliant performance I've seen. In my personal life I am inspired by people who strive to love. LV: Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts in general has become a major part of your life, do you plan on increasing your knowledge or are you content? SC: I feel a sense of contentment because of the many gifts the Martial Arts have already given me. The most precious of which in my view is understanding. However I want to always be learning and growing in the best of ways. I think contentment and growth do not contradict each other. They rather go hand by hand. LV: You have been in numerous martial arts and action movies and television shows, how did you get started on your road to Hollywood fame? SC: My first TV appearance was back in Bulgaria first in numerous news reports from different championships I won, then I was given a regular TV program for self-defense, and then e teaching one when I was coaching the junior national team. My first job in Los Angeles was playing "Alex" in the low budgeted feature film "The Ultimate Game". There I met some great people who still hold a very special place in my heart. Good friends who helped guide my first steps into the entertainment industry. My first "real" (meaning- Union-SAG) job was on the pilot episode of "Martial Law" on CBS with Samo Hung. Merrit Yohnka hired me. I'll never forget that first day on set in the "big game" ...:), I was sooooo "green" (^_^)LOL. LV: You are not only a practitioner of Tae Kwon Do, but you are a Kickboxer and a 21 time Bulgarian Gold Medalist, what is your ultimate goal with your martial arts and what is your own personal ultimate goal? SC: They sort of blend together-my goal is to live a life worthy of the calling I have received. The way I believe I could achieve that goal is to never give up striving to be the best I can be. LV: How do you feel about martial arts becoming part of main stream America? SC: It's a blessing. The Martial Art reveals and challenges who we are and in that way it is very empowering. It builds character strength. LV: What are your feelings on how women are portrayed in Hollywood and on Television today? SC: I think acting in general is a craft that aspires to illuminate the human condition. It portrays the reality of life. In this world there's good and bad. I chose to be a part of projects which give a realistic, sobering view of life, yet at the same time inspire the audience for the better. As artists and people we all have the ability to choose what purposes we serve. I see that Hollywood provides opportunities for all kinds of artistic expression for men and women alike. LV: With the growth of martial arts on an international scale do you think that will force Hollywood to take notice of great female martial arts movie talent, such as yourself, and give them a big push as they have for the Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's of the movie world? SC: I certainly hope so. It seems that the market for female action heroes is growing rapidly and is something that is enjoyed by all male and female audiences alike. I hope that the story plots will become even better and deeper, but for now I think that Hollywood is sold out just on "hot chicks" and "impossible" adventures. It's actually nice if an action film has some depth and a message, but it is very rear. I don't understand why... LV: You have held many martial arts titles in your career, what is your most memorable? SC: My first championship. It was a national. We had European judges, to provide objective judgment. I told to my family and friends that I'm going to go and compete and I am going to win first place in every discipline. None of them believed in me at that time. They all thought I am crazy and laughed it off. But I did exactly as I'd said I'd do. I won 4 gold medals-in sparring, forms, special techniques and ultimate team sparring. I was 42 kilograms, I fought in 72 kilograms category for the title and I won. At that time I became a member of the Bulgarian National Team. LV: Do you mind if we get a little personal?, I am sure that students of all martial arts in general are curious, You have overcome many hurdles in your life but in spite of the odds against you, you made a success of yourself, can you tell us about your struggles and how has your involvement in Martial Arts changed your life? SC: Thank You for the compliment even though I still struggle with applying the term "success" to my self, yet I am learning how to appreciate and enjoy each little victory. The Martial Art helped build a strong spirit in me. Ever since the first day of my martial art training I always said that I wanted to be the best warrior. I was not interested in getting gold medals, I wanted to be the best. I've come to realize that the through warrior is the one who stands after he falls. And that's where his power is hidden. LV: Your devotion to martial arts has lead you to a very successful film and television career, but you still find time to give back to the martial arts community, how do you manage that? and do you find personal fulfillment in doing so? SC: Well, I would love to tell you that I was so busy on the set all the time that I could hardly find the time to "give", but that would not be the truth exactly. However even at the times that I have been and will be, I still find fulfillment in sharing all that I have been blessed with. It all about the balance of give and take. The Bible says: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". I've discovered that it is the truth and it's wonderful, that's way I try my best to live by it. LV: You have been featured in publications worldwide, numerous television/radio appearances, do you have any plans on releasing a book in the future? SC: Maybe...... if my English vocabulary increases, or I'll need a lot of help.....(^_^)hahaha LV: What are your feelings on young martial artist today? SC: They are so talented. Some of them are so highly skilled and so devoted. It blows me away! LV: Where do you see yourself in the future? Hollywood and in Martial Arts? SC: I see my self getting an Oscar. As far as the Martial Art-it is a part of me or the rest of my existence, I'll let it breath.. LV: What is the most inspirational movie or television role that you have played to date? SC: The film "Last Call". LV: And Lastly, Do you have any advice for the martial artist and potential movie talent reading this interview? SC: Follow your dreams with faith and devotion. Thank You, Lou for giving me the opportunity to share. I wish you the best in upholding the wonderful cause of "Karate Kidz Online". Stephanie* Stephanie is one of the greats and her courage is enough to inspire the anyone. I have to thank you once again for allowing me to interview you and have our visitors have the unique opportunity to take a glimpse into your life. I know that I speak for all of your fans when I say that you are an amazing person and I look forward to seeing more great things form you in the future. God Bless! To find out more about Stephanie Cheeva and her upcoming events, television appearances and movies go to her website www.stephaniecheeva.com or just scroll down below to view it. www.karatekidzonline.com/maincontent/stephaniecheeva.html Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 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This is an interview graciously given to us at Karate Kidz Online.
Interview with Martial Arts Superstar, Gold Medalist, and Action Movie Star Stephanie Cheeva interviewed by Louis Velazquez
I have to take this opportunity to thank Stephanie for this interview. She is definitely an asset to the Martial Arts and Hollywood communities. Her accomplishments are impressive and inspiring, she was a member of the Bulgarian National Team and competed all over the world. Over a period of eight years Stephanie Cheeva won 21 Gold Medals, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze and the titles of World Champion 1995, two time European Champion '92/'93, She is an eight time Bulgarian National Champion (1989 through 1995). Through great obstacles and hardship, Stephanie has become a shining star in Hollywood and is set to accomplish even greater things in the future. I have to say that she is such a great person and one of the most talented women in martial arts today. I was honored to have been granted this interview with her and am privileged to know her. I look forward to updating everyone on her career as it gets brighter and brighter.
December 2002
LV: How did you get started in Martial Arts?
SC: The death of my mother triggered a desperate need for me to look for a source of strength for survival. I was nine years old. LV: Who inspired you the most which lead to your success today? SC: Well, it depends how we chose to define "success". Ultimately I see that God was and is the one leading me and inspiring me all along. The tangible representation of that inspiration in Martial Arts was Bruce Lee. And later on also the Shaolin Monks, my coach and my team mates. As an actress I have definitely been inspired by Meryl Streep and by every brilliant performance I've seen. In my personal life I am inspired by people who strive to love. LV: Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts in general has become a major part of your life, do you plan on increasing your knowledge or are you content? SC: I feel a sense of contentment because of the many gifts the Martial Arts have already given me. The most precious of which in my view is understanding. However I want to always be learning and growing in the best of ways. I think contentment and growth do not contradict each other. They rather go hand by hand. LV: You have been in numerous martial arts and action movies and television shows, how did you get started on your road to Hollywood fame?
SC: My first TV appearance was back in Bulgaria first in numerous news reports from different championships I won, then I was given a regular TV program for self-defense, and then e teaching one when I was coaching the junior national team. My first job in Los Angeles was playing "Alex" in the low budgeted feature film "The Ultimate Game". There I met some great people who still hold a very special place in my heart. Good friends who helped guide my first steps into the entertainment industry. My first "real" (meaning- Union-SAG) job was on the pilot episode of "Martial Law" on CBS with Samo Hung. Merrit Yohnka hired me. I'll never forget that first day on set in the "big game" ...:), I was sooooo "green" (^_^)LOL. LV: You are not only a practitioner of Tae Kwon Do, but you are a Kickboxer and a 21 time Bulgarian Gold Medalist, what is your ultimate goal with your martial arts and what is your own personal ultimate goal?
SC: They sort of blend together-my goal is to live a life worthy of the calling I have received. The way I believe I could achieve that goal is to never give up striving to be the best I can be. LV: How do you feel about martial arts becoming part of main stream America?
SC: It's a blessing. The Martial Art reveals and challenges who we are and in that way it is very empowering. It builds character strength. LV: What are your feelings on how women are portrayed in Hollywood and on Television today?
SC: I think acting in general is a craft that aspires to illuminate the human condition. It portrays the reality of life. In this world there's good and bad. I chose to be a part of projects which give a realistic, sobering view of life, yet at the same time inspire the audience for the better. As artists and people we all have the ability to choose what purposes we serve. I see that Hollywood provides opportunities for all kinds of artistic expression for men and women alike. LV: With the growth of martial arts on an international scale do you think that will force Hollywood to take notice of great female martial arts movie talent, such as yourself, and give them a big push as they have for the Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's of the movie world?
SC: I certainly hope so. It seems that the market for female action heroes is growing rapidly and is something that is enjoyed by all male and female audiences alike. I hope that the story plots will become even better and deeper, but for now I think that Hollywood is sold out just on "hot chicks" and "impossible" adventures. It's actually nice if an action film has some depth and a message, but it is very rear. I don't understand why... LV: You have held many martial arts titles in your career, what is your most memorable?
SC: My first championship. It was a national. We had European judges, to provide objective judgment. I told to my family and friends that I'm going to go and compete and I am going to win first place in every discipline. None of them believed in me at that time. They all thought I am crazy and laughed it off. But I did exactly as I'd said I'd do. I won 4 gold medals-in sparring, forms, special techniques and ultimate team sparring. I was 42 kilograms, I fought in 72 kilograms category for the title and I won. At that time I became a member of the Bulgarian National Team. LV: Do you mind if we get a little personal?, I am sure that students of all martial arts in general are curious, You have overcome many hurdles in your life but in spite of the odds against you, you made a success of yourself, can you tell us about your struggles and how has your involvement in Martial Arts changed your life?
SC: Thank You for the compliment even though I still struggle with applying the term "success" to my self, yet I am learning how to appreciate and enjoy each little victory. The Martial Art helped build a strong spirit in me. Ever since the first day of my martial art training I always said that I wanted to be the best warrior. I was not interested in getting gold medals, I wanted to be the best. I've come to realize that the through warrior is the one who stands after he falls. And that's where his power is hidden. LV: Your devotion to martial arts has lead you to a very successful film and television career, but you still find time to give back to the martial arts community, how do you manage that? and do you find personal fulfillment in doing so?
SC: Well, I would love to tell you that I was so busy on the set all the time that I could hardly find the time to "give", but that would not be the truth exactly. However even at the times that I have been and will be, I still find fulfillment in sharing all that I have been blessed with. It all about the balance of give and take. The Bible says: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". I've discovered that it is the truth and it's wonderful, that's way I try my best to live by it.
LV: You have been featured in publications worldwide, numerous television/radio appearances, do you have any plans on releasing a book in the future?
SC: Maybe...... if my English vocabulary increases, or I'll need a lot of help.....(^_^)hahaha LV: What are your feelings on young martial artist today?
SC: They are so talented. Some of them are so highly skilled and so devoted. It blows me away! LV: Where do you see yourself in the future? Hollywood and in Martial Arts?
SC: I see my self getting an Oscar. As far as the Martial Art-it is a part of me or the rest of my existence, I'll let it breath.. LV: What is the most inspirational movie or television role that you have played to date?
SC: The film "Last Call". LV: And Lastly, Do you have any advice for the martial artist and potential movie talent reading this interview?
SC: Follow your dreams with faith and devotion. Thank You, Lou for giving me the opportunity to share. I wish you the best in upholding the wonderful cause of "Karate Kidz Online". Stephanie*
Stephanie is one of the greats and her courage is enough to inspire the anyone. I have to thank you once again for allowing me to interview you and have our visitors have the unique opportunity to take a glimpse into your life. I know that I speak for all of your fans when I say that you are an amazing person and I look forward to seeing more great things form you in the future. God Bless!
To find out more about Stephanie Cheeva and her upcoming events, television appearances and movies go to her website www.stephaniecheeva.com or just scroll down below to view it.
www.karatekidzonline.com/maincontent/stephaniecheeva.html
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