Introducing actor-stuntman Chuck Johnson

Michigan native Chuck Johnson is living at least part of the dream of many aspiring stuntmen and martial artists here in America. He’s living in Japan where he has been training for the past seven years with a local film stunt team and working in the entertainment industry. While it’s been a struggle to make ends meet while pursuing a challenging career in film stunt fighting, he has managed to nab parts in TV shows and films, in addition to working with some of Japan’s leading action talents including Yuji Shimomura and Tak Sakaguchi, notably on their film DEATH TRANCE and the action short YASSY, which we recently showcased on this site.

Not too long ago, Chuck was featured on an episode of THE ART OF FIGHTING, a half-hour, 13-episode TV documentary series produced by Robert Clyne. A preview of the episode is available below.

THE ART OF FIGHTING is about the world of fighting and fighters in Japan and Thailand from the lofty world of Japanese archery to the blood and guts world of bare-knuckle fighting; from fighters on a spiritual quest to rough and tumble guys just trying to earn a buck.

According to Clyne, it’s an up-close and personal look at fighters, fighting techniques and the cultures that made them.

The series has yet to air and Clyne is currently seeking sponsorship and opportunities to do so. You can find out more about the series by visiting Clyne’s Youtube channel.

In addition to being an action actor, stuntman and martial artist, Chuck Johnson also blogs about martial arts and film fighting on GaijinPot. I recommend checking out his first entry on “action acting vs. martial arts” and his interview with Yuji Shimomura where he discusses the art and science of action directing.