This is an interview graciously given to us at Karate Kidz Online.

Firstly I would like to truly thank TJ for agreeing to this interview, his background and history are impeccable. I have to Say that it is an honor to have him on Karate Kidz Online and its a pleasure to know him.

Thank you Lou for giving me this interview. I am honored! You have a great publication!

LV:  How did you get involved in Martial Arts?

TJ: When I was very young, I had grown very fast. This left me with an immense amount of energy and, unfortunately not very much coordination. I managed to trip, quite a bit. I was very, very uncoordinated... So my Mom, seeing that I could use the extra discipline, not to mention the physical training, put me in Shito Ryu Karate, when I was very young. She even joined for a short while herself, to motivate me! Well, it worked... Not only did I study hard there, I eventually became more coordinated, skilled, and even decided to eventually study other arts!

LV:  Who inspired you the most which lead to your success today? in both Martial Arts and Acting.

TJ: I was inspired by first my parents. They always believed in me, and that gave me the courage to try anything, without fear of failing (even those piano lessons... sorry Mom...). And honestly, I have to say that as a child, TV motivated me somewhat as well, I remember Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan/Sammo Hung, and other masterful warrior-artists on Black Belt theater, every Friday night on TV! Comic books fed my imagination and stoked the fires of my spirit, while TV showed me what I was "supposed" to look and move like. (I used to get in trouble for kiai'ing like Bruce Lee in Karate Class...). As an adult, I look up to many people for inspiration in the acting world. Great actors like Anthony Hopkins and Denzel Washington, Daniel Day-Lewis and the holy trilogy (Deniro, Pacino, Hoffman). Now I understand that it not only takes immense effort to be a great actor, but a wise, business man as well. I am also inspired by those that consistently practice, and attain there next belts in any martial art, as it is a testament to the old saying... Aspiration, Perspiration, Determination. Mind, body and spirit in action!

LV:  Martial Arts in general have become a major part of your life, do you plan on increasing your knowledge or are you content?

TJ: In the words of James Mackintosh:

"It is right to be contented with what we have, never with what we are."

I am far from where I want to be, but I am so happy with the knowledge that others have shared with me, and strive to keep the knowledge alive and strong, as well as share it with others. So yes, I will continue to strive to learn more, and better myself both in the world of martial arts and life in general. I have much to learn!

LV:  You have starred in several film and television roles over the years, what is your most memorable to date?

TJ: I would have to say the most memorable to date was the TV series Conan: The Adventurer. We (Rolf Mueller, Danny Woodburn and crew) shot in Mexico, and had such a wonderful time! I learned so much, and had so many amazing adventurers. Everything from Horse back riding to Scuba diving to playing with lion cubs, and baby black panthers! I got to meet so many wonderful people from all around the world! I really enjoyed that!

LV:  You are not only a practitioner of Arashi-Ryu Karate, but you also have trained in several other martial arts styles, what is your ultimate goal in Martial Arts and your own personal ultimate goal?

TJ: My goal in Martial arts, is to keep the enthusiastic energy and hunger for knowledge of the youngest students, while gaining the vast wisdom and excellence of the oldest masters.

As for my "ultimate" goal... I want to be the most successful action - actor in Hollywood. And as I strive to attain that station, I want to help others achieve their dreams. I have already lived some of mine, and knowing how amazing that can feel, I want to share that experience and knowledge with others no matter what their dream!

LV:  How do you feel about martial arts becoming part of main stream America? Does that make it harder or easier for you as an Actor/Martial Artist to get decent roles?

TJ: I love that martial arts is becoming part of mainstream American life! It was that main streaming that gave me a glimpse into a world that I would have otherwise never knew existed... It has definitely made it easier for me personally to enter Hollywood, as I came with a skill, that is not easy to come by (martial arts) and the will to act. Together, those skills help make me focused and "special." I'm not just an actor, I'm an actor who can do his own fights, choreograph, be the dangerous bad guy, or the heroic good guy to save the day! Membership has it's advantages! :)

LV:  What are your feelings on "Full Contact Fighting" and how it exploded over the last few years?

TJ: I feel that Full Contact fighting is the gladiatorial arena of the millennium. It satisfies a specific crowd's needs, just as football, basketball, hockey, boxing and golf do. It is interesting from a martial artists viewpoint for obvious reasons, and interesting to non-martial artists as a visceral, and fierce Competition of skill, strength, and spirit. I just wish that the purse (the prize money) would reflect the training and years of painful dedication that such fighters should earn. Strength and Honor to the men and women of kickboxing and full contact sports.

LV:  With the big trend today in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing, what effect if any, do you think that will have on how martial arts is perceived?

TJ: Good question, and honestly, I couldn't say, as public perception can be a tricky thing... You hear many people repeat the now famous Gracie rhetoric, "All fights end up on the ground." But most people have no idea that that does not mean both opponents necessarily end up there... so they automatically assume that ground fighting is the best. Kickboxing and it's close cousins (Muay Thai, Savate) are also very popular now, primarily because of the Cardio kickboxing sensations (i.e., Tae Bo). I believe that these things will remain popular for a time, then as with all things, fade into the background as another more popular art comes to take it's place.

LV: You have been involved with martial arts and acting for several years and your devotion to both has led you to develop "Eye of the Storm Entertainment," how did that come about?

TJ: The word Martial Art literally means "Warlike self expression." I have always enjoyed the art of war as viewed on the big screen (not a big fan of real wars...). I love to write, and create, so some friends and I put together Eye of the Storm Entertainment. A chance for us to create the kind of action we all loved, in the way we saw it!

LV:  Can you explain what your goals are with "Eye of the Storm Entertainment"?

TJ: Our goal at Eye of the Storm Entertainment is to combine art and action with strong story elements, to bring unsurpassed films and television to the world! Simple right?

LV:  Do you mind if we get a little personal? You accomplished a lot in martial arts and acting during your lifetime, it wasn't an easy road and you had your ups and downs, I am sure that your fans and Martial Artist in general are curious on how being involved in Martial Arts has changed your life?

TJ: Martial arts have changed my life in many ways. It has given me an incredible degree of discipline to go after the goals that I set for myself. It has given me the coordination that I so badly needed so long ago. It has given me great friends through shared training over a long period of time. When I could have been out getting into trouble, I was usually in the dojo, training, and in doing so, improving myself, and the lives of those who I would eventually meet and teach! And hopefully, some of them will say the same things that I am saying here now.

LV:  You have been featured in martial arts publications worldwide, numerous movies and television programs, do you have any plans on releasing a book or training video in the future?

TJ: I want to share the lessons I have learned. So in short yes, someday, when I feel that I have accomplished enough to share and make a difference in the lives of others via a book or broadcast, I would like that opportunity.

LV:  Are you working on any new movies or television projects? and how can your fans get a hold of your latest DVD/Video releases?

TJ: We are currently developing several projects for the networks. I am also preparing to shoot a new film near the end of February called "First Friend" ! Those who are interested can check in at www.eyeofthestorment.com  for more info!

LV:  Do you think that there is room out there in movieland for other up and coming action stars or do you feel that the Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's of the world have cornered the market?

TJ: The world is ever changing, ever growing, and I hope to expand that cornered market... You don't think they would put up a fight do you? :)

LV: What are your feelings on young martial artist today?

TJ: Nothing is more magical than seeing young martial artists come up through the ranks... The young warriors of today are the Heroes, Leaders, and Trailblazers of tomorrow. Strength and Honor to the young Martial Artists ... and don't be afraid to ask you mom's for help!

LV: There are Martial Arts "Schools" around today that are extremely commercial, they have been referred to time and time again as "Black Belt Factory's" in numerous publications. The "Instructors" main concern is lining their pockets and promoting their students through belt ranks quickly to keep them interested and keep them paying. Many feel that this gives these students a false sense of security and a false representation of the what martial arts is really about. What effect if any do you think these actions have on martial arts as a whole?

TJ: I can't say that this is a good thing. But... to those I have known that have received their black belts easily, upon finding out that there is more than just a few punches and a black strip of material, I was thrilled to see them look for higher learning in the martial arts. Often they (the McBlack Belts) will say, "Yea, I have a black belt in this, and it took me a whole 8 months!" then they will learn that they have just barely scratched the surface, and then most of the time they say... "Oh... Wow... ok... so where should I go next?" That's the spirit! I really don't mind how you got here, I just want to see you grow. But for those who have not yet started yet, I would suggest looking into the martial art you wish to study. Use common sense... it takes 4 years to get through college, do you think Martial arts would be any easier?

LV:  Beyond Acting and being a Martial Artist, you are also a Martial Arts Instructor, do any of your students compete in tournaments?

TJ: No, not yet at least. My schedule is tough, so we train to master the basics. I find that tournaments require a whole extra set of training regimen, and that can be quite time intensive.

LV:  Have any of your students had success in the film industry?

TJ: Actually yes. I am very proud of Ms. Melissa Barker (who recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy)! She is the stunt double of Sarah Michelle Geller on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She trained hard in martial arts, as well as gymnastics! Congrats Melissa! Some of my other students are actors and actresses and stunt men as well (Paul Eliopoulos-Minority Report-Windtalkers, Joe Ochman-CSI, Dawn Ann Billings-Trancers-Warlords, Paris Tanka-Crossing Jordan, Tahitia Hicks-Urban Menace... lots of others)

LV:  What are your feelings on Martial Arts becoming an Olympic Sport?

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!

LV:  Being the President of "Eye of the Storm Entertainment" gives you access to a lot of Martial Arts Actors and Actresses, who are some of the great talents that came through your door?

TJ: Stephanie Cheeva, Van Ayasit, Paul Logan, Paul Eliopoulos, and I've gotten to work with numerous others on several other projects, including Roger Yuan, Reggie Cabasal, Robert Chapin, Xavier Declie and others!

LV:  How can someone that is interested in acting and is a martial artist submit their resume to "Eye of the Storm Entertainment" for consideration? what are you looking for presently?

TJ: They can check out our website, and email me (www.eyeofthestorment.com) or shoot me a headshot at the address posted on our website! I am always looking for great talent to work with us or push in the right direction on another project that passes my desk.

LV:  And Lastly, Do you have any advice for the martial artist reading this interview?

TJ: I will say this: Aspiration, Perspiration, Determination. Have these and a goal, and you have a solid beginning! OSU!

Let me take this opportunity once again to thank TJ Storm for agreeing to this interview, hes an asset to the martial arts community as well as the film industry. Thank you TJ.

To find out more about Storm Entertainment or TJ Storm visit them at www.eyeofthestorment.com or just surf the gateway below.

http://www.karatekidzonline.com/maincontent/tjstorm.html

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