How did you first hear about Land of the Kami and what attracted you to the project? 

I was first introduced to L.O.T.K when Pascal told me some of his initial ideas, and his aspirations to write a screenplay based on these ideas. I only fully realised the extent of depth and passion he has for this project when we were given, in typically grand Pascal style, the official introduction at the first production meeting with all of the team.

What was your initial reaction when you were introduced to your character Kohitsuji? 

I was totally blown away! Kohitsuji is a totally cool and righteous character. I will always be so grateful for the opportunity to bring some life to him. I just hope I can do the project justice and that I don’t completely suck!

If you were asked to briefly describe your character what would you say?

Kohitsuji was partially based on myself, he has a lot of the same traits, strengths and weaknesses that I have. He is an experienced martial artist, of various styles, but is really looking to follow a more peaceful path as a doctor. He is conflicted by his giri or obligations to his Samurai lineage and his wish to follow his heart.

Land of the Kami is a short action movie with numerous fight scenes, what is your current thinking about the fighting style for your character Kohitsuji? 

Kohitsuji is Samurai and a master of various Japanese arts. He is proficient with the Katana, Wakizashi, Jo and Bo. His weapons styles are battlefield Kenjitsu, Iaido, Kendo, Jodo etc. His unarmed combat techniques will come from Jujitsu, Aikido, judo, and Atemi Jitsu based with some Wing Chun and Ba Gua movements taught from his father who had visited China.

In a future interview I will ask you more about your martial arts background but could you tell us what you will bring to your character and Land of the Kami in terms of fight choreography?

I have been a fan of action and martial arts movies since I was about four or five years old. I hope to use my own fight experience, my inspiration from the movies and my warped imagination to bring a personal approach and some life to the action. I want to make it furious and hard hitting.

I would like to ask more about you as a fan of action cinema.Do you remember the first martial art movie you ever saw at the cinema?

I can remember my first ever visit to the cinema. I went with a family friend and their kids. We went to see some small movie called Star Wars!  Jesus H tap dancing Christ it was an awesome experience for me. I still get goose bumps when I hear the music on the opening scene.  I still believe to this day that my fascination with all things Samurai is a direct result of being brainwashed by all things Jedi.

Did your passion for action cinema start then or was it before?

I had already watched many Hong Kong Kung Fu movies, as my dad knew the owner of a local video shop. He used to borrow the movies and I would watch them any chance I could get. Then I would mimic the moves on my friends, they just loved that……… not!

Can you remember the first martial arts movie you bought on video? What about you’re first DVD?

The first movie was Fearless Dragons, an old Hong Kong movie that had great fight choreography and a lot of humour. I used to spend hours laughing at it. My parents thought I was mad! I think it starred the legendary Beardy, or Leung Kar Yan.

The first DVD, was Drive with the mighty Mark Dacascos, it’s an incredible movie that still stands up today. Also the fights and stunts choreographed by Koichi Sakamoto are inspired and way way ahead of their time.

I must confess I was amazed (and a little annoyed) when I realised that your movie collection was bigger than mine (boys will be boys I guess!). At its peak how many movies did you have in your collection? 

I had around 1500 videos and around 500+ DVDs. I’ve had to streamline the collection through circumstance and I bloody well hate it! It was like saying goodbye to my past. God I’m so sad!

I know this is going to be tough but can you list your:

a) Top 10 UK and European action movies

1. Brotherhood of the wolf
2. District 13
3. Snatch
4. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
5. Taxi
6. Taxi 2
7. Taxi 3….Is that cheating? (Pascal: Yes it is!)
8. Man Bites Dog
9. Crime Spree
10. Crimson Rivers

b) Top US action movies

1. The Hunted – Christopher Lambert
2. Crying freeman
3. Out ForJustice
4. Undisputed 2
5. Lethal Weapon
6. Big Trouble In Little China
7. Rapid Fire
8. Kickboxer
9. The Matrix
10. Fist Of The North Star

c) Top Asian movies

1. Way of the dragon
2. Fearless
3. Ong bak
4. Armour Of God
5. Seven Samurai
6. Hero
7. Street Fighter – Sonny Chiba
8. Zatoichi
9. Fist Of Legend
10. 36 Chambers Of Shaolin

What are the worst action movies you have ever watched?

Any 80s movie by Don Wilson, He is a first class martial artist but the fight scenes and production values were terrible. Karate Kid 4….. don’t even go there.

Now be honest, you know they are bad but you love watching them. Which movies are your guilty pleasures?

Any 80s movie, including Don Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, Michael Dudikoff, I love Avenging Force, China O’ Brien, and The Beast Master with Marc Singer. Those pole cats podo and kodo were so cool!

I know you would love to get involved in action film making. Could you tell us more about your dreams?

I would love to be involved in movies as a fight choreographer or stunt performer. Even the thought of second unit directing appeals to me. Of course I’d love to be a big action star but realistically, making the tea on set would do for me.

Thank you very much for your time and I will be in touch soon to talk about your martial arts background and your plans for the future.

Thank you for this opportunity. Peace brah. Paul.

Other Interviews:Pascal aka Producer and Director Part1

Pascal aka Producer and Director Part2

Derek aka Music and Sound Effects Guy

Simon aka The Kami

Steve aka Rishisune

Paul aka Kohitsuji