http://www.davidtorok.com/
David Torok is an martial arts actor/choreographer who recently starred in movies such as Chinese Zodiac (Jackie Chan) and Tai Chi O (Yuen Biao,Xu Huihui). David as been into martial arts for most of his life and getting parts in movies like the ones mentioned above, will surely be a big step into the world of martial arts cinema in the future.
I don't want to give to much away at this moment as you will read what David has to say about movies, his background and martial arts in the interview below, enjoy.
1.Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in Germany in the late 70's and spent my early childhood years in the communistic half. Later on my family moved to the west side where I had my first contact with the martial arts.
2.When did you first become involved in martial arts and what styles did you learn over the years?
I joined my first Wushu (Kungfu) school at the age of ten and was mostly trained in traditional northern styles. After some years of training I've met a Beijing Opera master who would become my teacher for a period of two years and after that I switched to the competitive form of Wushu and made several educational trips into various other styles
3.What actors or movies got you into this genre and do you have a favorite actor or movie you would like to share?
Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li.
4.I realized you played a soldier in the recent movie Tai Chi O, how did that role come about?
Sammo Hung, the action director for Tai Chi Zero was looking for professional foreign martial artists and the production invited me for a demonstration. They were quite impressed and I eventually got this job.
5.What was it like working on the movie Chinese Zodiac and working with such a legend like Jackie Chan?
To play and fight with him in his last big action movie was a special honor for me.
Chinese Zodiac was an intense and emotional experience, because I was working with one of my childhood heroes and one of the best stuntteams in business. A very professional and creative environment and JC had his hands on everything and took good care of everyone on set.
6.I know Jackie is now 58 years of age, but in the movie he moves very fast and hits with power, did he sustain any real injuries on set?
Yes, he is still in very good shape for his age. Only in brief moments you are able to detect the ‘old' Jackie. As far as the factory-fight in CZ12 is concerned, I witnessed only one bigger injury he got while doing a complicate move. Shooting stopped immediately and he needed medical care. He then wasn't able to finish the take, so we continued with his stunt double.
7.I see you also choreograph your own stuff, how long have you done this for and is it very challenging on your body?
I started working in the film/tv business in 2000. Back then I had my first small role in the tv series ‘The Puma' directed by Donnie Yen, where I unfortunately ripped my ACL during a choreography training. Despite the worries of the production, I continued to work and even did the stunts by myself.
This event, however, was the door opener for a new way and since then I was in charge of various projects.
It wasn't so much a physical challenge but a creative one, as I was a professional athlete and been through a lot physical training in my life.
8.Do you have any dream projects you would love to work on and any kung fu stars you would love to work with?
I am open to everything that comes my way.
9.Do you have any future projects you would like to share with us at Asian Movie Pulse?
Some projects are in work, but it's still too early to talk about it. AMP will get the news first!
10.Finally, do you have any message for the people who read Asian Movie Pulse and your fans?
Keep the true spirit of Martial Arts alive!
Peace
I would like to thank David for taking time to answer my questions and wish him all the luck in future projects and life.
Martial Arts Experience
Martial Arts Actor / Fight Choreographer 2000 – 2012
Wushu Head-Coach “Berlin Wushu Team” 1999 – 2009
Owner & Headcoach “Berlin Wushu Sports School” 2005 – 2007
Wushu Head-Coach “Shaolin Temple Germany” 2001 – 2004
Martial Arts Acting Coach “Die Etage” Acting School Berlin 2004 – 2005
Wushu Coach “Holmes Place Wellness Club” 2004 – 2006
Professional Wushu Athlete 1994 – 2009
Beijing Opera (Acting, Martial Arts, Singing) 1992 – 1994
Traditional Wushu (Kungfu) 1989 – 2011
Martial Arts Skills
Traditional & Modern Sport Wushu, Taichi, Beijing Opera, Acrobatics
