SHIAI MAGAZINE: Welcome my brother Master Tarek Hussein to Shiai Magazine. Tell us what brought you into the world of martial arts in your life in general?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
I always believed in the saying that there is no such thing as destiny, people are just destined to do certain things in their lifetime, Martial Arts is my calling and purpose in life. Ever since I was a young child I was fascinated with the Martial Arts. Before I even knew what Martial Arts were about, I would wear my silk chinese black robe my grandfather made for me and run around the house kicking and punching at 3 years old! At that point in time I didn't even know what Karate was, or even the point of a kick or a punch. The only thing I remember is I felt there was a certain connection, a certain energy for me to do so... 20 years later, I'm still punching and kicking, but it goes far beyond the technical aspect now. Martial Arts has become a lifestyle, a spiritual connection to me. There is a big difference between training in Martial Arts and living Martial Arts. I don't practice Martial Arts, I live it. I am a Martial Artist, I live a Samurai Life.

 

SHIAI MAGAZINE: Coming from Africa, especially from Egypt are you aware of traditional fighting systems in your country?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
Many believe Egypt is the birthplace of civilization, some even can argue that the first form of Martial Art and Combat Arts came from the ancient Egyptian civilizations. If you look on the scrolls and hieroglyphics, you can see Martial Art movements, patterns and fighting techniques carved on the walls. Some even say Egyptian wrestling can be dated as the first combat sport for man kind. Depending on which scholars you speak with, there is a big debate with which region the Martial Arts originated from. Martial Arts in Egypt can be dated back as far as 305-285 BCE. The ancient fighting styles in Egypt called Sebekkah and Tahtib were used for the warriors and the army for the Pharaoh, Menes. Although many of the historical evidence has been lost about these ancient fighting arts in Egypt, some will still argue that Martial Arts in general originated in Egypt/Africa rather than India where many believe that is the origin for the modern Martial Arts.

 

SHIAI MAGAZINE: What is the difference of Martial Arts  in Egypt vs. the United States?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
Martial Arts in Egypt is very different from that of the U.S. From my experiences, Martial Arts in the U.S. can be separated into two categories. Business and Sport. In the U.S. the budo spirit and lifestyle for Martial Arts has been lost. I can even go as far to say as there is no Martial Art spirit anymore here in the states. Everything that the Martial Arts is supposed to teach and encompasses goes against how the society here functions. The philosophy of Martial Arts consist of discipline, self-respect, self-control, humility, good character, morals and values... But when you are surrounded in an environment which contradicts the virtues of Martial Arts... Martial Arts becomes either just fighting, brutality for sport. Or it just becomes a watered down business with no regards to standards, just an easy way to make money off of false presumptions. When you are a Martial Artist, when one becomes a Black Belt the right way, one is a budo-ka. A budo-ka is someone who lives a Martial Arts lifestyle. Someone who lives life with integrity, strong character, and always functions with a strong conscious. Here in the U.S. I see many "Black Belts" who display none of these aspects. I see Black Belts cursing, drinking, fighting, abusing what they learn, then the next day they go to the dojo and teach children on  how they are supposed to be "disciplined" in life. It is absurd! I am not saying everyone here in the U.S. is like that when it comes to Martial Arts. But when you look at the ratio of who is real and who is fake, being true to the Martial Arts is not that common anymore. It's almost as if being a true Martial Artist is like being an outcast to this society. Just to be polite, to have courtesy towards one another, to be honest and respectful in this society... People will think you are strange or abnormal. It's a real shame that this is the state we are in today with Martial Arts.

 

Martial Arts in Egypt however is far different. We are talking about a country where they regard Martial Arts almost as highly as they regard religion. It's not just Egypt that you can see this culture, countries like Japan, Korea, China, Europe, Africa, all exhibit the way Martial Arts is supposed to be conducted. Even the technical level is far superior in those type of countries. Many countries especially Egypt, when you test for a certain rank in your style, you have to be tested in front of the federation. In the U.S. you can literally create your own style. I have never seen so many 10th Degree Black Belts in my life. There are more 10th Degree Black Belts in just one state here in the U.S. than there is all of Japan.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: How is the physical training back in Egypt?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
The training back in Egypt is very traditional. There are no fancy dojos with mats, air conditioning, nice equipment... It was just old school and hardcore. Those w ho weren't strong enough to adapt to the conditions were not welcome to train. Martial Arts in Egypt is a privilege, so someone who trains in the Martial Arts in a country like Egypt, has to represent it to the fullest. We had many of the best oriental masters migrate to Egypt to spread their arts. Hideke Okamoto from the JKA in Japan brought Shotokan Karate-do to Egypt. We had many of the top Korean masters come from South Korea to bring Tae Kwon Do to the country in the early 80's, as the same with Judo, Kung-Fu, and many other arts. We have produced many World Champions and Olympic Champions in Wrestling, Boxing, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Karate-do and Full Contact Kung-Fu, so Egypt has always been a strong country for Martial Arts.

 

 

SHIAI MAGAZINE: Can you mention the names of various African masters you have trained with?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
I trained with the top masters, champions and fighters from Egypt. I trained Free Fight, Full Contact Kung-Fu and Tae Kwon Do with the nations most renowned martial artists. Master's Ramy Latchinian, Khaled Elsherif, Tamer Maher and Nasser Shehata are all credited with my growth and development as a Martial Artist.

Master Ramy Latchinian was the 3x Full Contact Kung-Fu (No Protective Gear) Champion of Egypt. He was also a national champion in Shotokan Karate-do and made the Egyptian National team for Karate-do. He was training to compete in the world championships for Shotokan before he had to move to the U.S. When he moved to the U.S. he switched to Tae Kwon Do and trained with a Korean Grandmaster. Shortly after he established his Tae Kwon Do school and turned it into one of the top Martial Art schools in the nation. He became the Maryland State head coach, and was a 5x U.S. National Team coach for Tae Kwon Do. He produced hundreds of national, international and world champions. Master Ramy is responsible for making Maryland one of the strongest states for Tae Kwon Do to this day.

 

Another one of my instructors was Master Tamer Maher. For a period of time, Master Tamer was ranked one of the top fighters in the country. Tamer won the National Championships in Full Contact Kung-Fu (No rules fighting) as well as Tae Kwon Do. Tamer made the national team for Tae Kwon Do and was one of the most intense martial artists and fighters I have ever trained with. Master Nasser Shehata was yet another master I had the privilege to train with. Master Nasser is one of the most legendary Tae Kwon Do champions and masters in the country. He won the national championships numerous times and was the team captain for the Egyptian National team. Master Nasser was also a vice president for the Egyptian Tae Kwon Do federation and played a very fundamental role for the African Tae Kwon Do federation and Tae Kwon Do in Africa.

Lastly, my Full Contact Kung-Fu instructor was Master Khaled Elsherif. Master Khaled Elsherif was actually my teachers instructor while in Egypt. Master Khaled was one of the most recognized Full Contact Kung-Fu instructors in the nation. He was responsible for training 3 of the top Kung-Fu teams in Egypt. My teachers trained with the Gezira Club, and Master Khaled produced many national champions including several World Champions in Kung-Fu and Xanda.

 

SHIAI MAGAZINE: What do you think can help African martial artists to improve their skills and be promoted internationally?


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TAREK HUSSEIN:
To be honest the technical level I have personally seen from African Martial Artists in Egypt, Gabon, and other African nations, has always been a superb level for martial arts. The problem is they haven't been exposed, or many don't have the funding to do so. I personally know martial artists that are world class and world champion level, they just never had a chance to compete at that stage. I think the most important way to expose the Martial Arts in Africa is to have one governing body for Martial Arts. Europe is a prime example. The level of Martial Arts in Europe is so strong because they have the organizations and governing federations to do so. In Africa Martial Arts is not united as it should be. You have the federations for different styles in Egypt, separate federations in Cameroon or Congo, but there has to be one main governing body. We need to see more African Martial Artists at the World stage. In Tae Kwon Do Africa is one of the strongest countries. Niger, Egypt, Ivory Coast, are some of the strongest teams internationally. However the same needs to be said with Karate-do, Judo, Full Contact, etc...

SHIAI MAGAZINE: What is your vision of cross training in various fighting systems?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
I believe cross training is something every Martial Artist should be engaged in, especially in this new ever evolving era we're in. My philosophy for cross training is very simple. I believe that one should have one base style for their foundation before they start to cross train. If you just start training in a little bit of everything with no base style, you will end up mastering nothing. I started cross training in different fighting arts after 8 years of Tae Kwon Do and Kung-Fu training. At the age of 12 I started to seriously cross train in numerous systems such as Boxing, Full Contact, Jeet Kune Do and Aikido. At 14 years old I began cross training in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Mixed Martial Arts (Freestyle Fighting).

The problem today with people who want to cross train is they train as a means to fight. Everything is just for combative reasons and principles. In my younger days when I trained, we trained in Martial Arts. We were learning Martial Arts. Now a days people just train in many different styles to fight. Take MMA for example. How can one MIX a Martial Art if they don't have a base in one to begin with? When I was training I never thought about fighting. Of course we could fight and defend ourselves when it was necessary because the training was real. I trained because it was a lifestyle and it was an art. All I see today is people rolling and choking people with no merit or no philosophy. It has almost become a game now a days. The way people play basketball or baseball is the way people do Martial Arts. When you train in Martial Arts you have to have a goal. Just to kick or punch or wrestle someone with no purpose means absolutely nothing.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: Tell me more about your training in Tae Kwon Do, which is your base style in Martial Arts?


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TAREK HUSSEIN:
Tae Kwon Do is my base Martial Art. Tae Kwon Do is the Martial Art I can say I have truly mastered the basics in. Throughout my career in Martial Arts I have trained in everything from Kung-Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Boxing, Full Contact, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Aikido, but Tae Kwon Do has always had a special meaning to me. In Tae Kwon Do alone, I grew up with some of the best champions and masters of that style. The Tae Kwon Do we trained in was not a traditional style but it was not an entirely a sportive style. The Tae Kwon Do I learned from my teachers was a comprised system blended with their experiences in Full Contact Kung-Fu, Street Fighting, Karate-do, joint locks, grappling, throws and take downs. I remember watching the black belt testings my teacher conducted when I was younger. We used to have a free fight portion where we'd see judo throws, grappling take downs, knee strikes, boxing, etc... Tae Kwon Do is a complete martial art. Many see Tae Kwon Do just as a kicking style or an Olympic Sport, but it depends how the art is taught and interpreted. Just in the poomsae (forms) if you learn the applications correctly, they contain knee strikes, elbow strikes, nerve and pressure point strikes, take downs, joint locks and throwing techniques. As a matter of fact I can credit all of my technical ability for fighting from Tae Kwon Do alone.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: What is the difference between using martial arts for sport versus self-defense?


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TAREK HUSSEIN:
Martial Art for sport and for self-defense are two completely different subjects. When we talk about self-defense you have to analyze the term self-defense. Self-defense means an act of defense to an individual when one is personally attacked or threatened. In that case we are talking about Budo. Budo is killing, maiming, immobilizing. For sport we are talking about a competitive nature. Your techniques are utilized for scoring points, knocking the opponent down, for winning. Self-defense it is about life or death. If you "lose" you are dead. Just the mentality and concept of knowing that your life is at stake changes everything. When you have to defend yourself you don't fight. You don't have time to fight. If you are fighting when your life is at stake, then you have already lost. In self-defense you have to end the situation before the attack starts. 

There is a difference when you stare your opponent down across the ring or across the street. One wants to take the title or the championship, the other wants to take your life. Martial Arts for self-defense is more of a mentality. Martial Arts for sport is more technical and physical ability. You have to differentiate between a soldier vs. a warrior. A soldier is trained how to react for a certain environment or a specific cause. A warrior is trained to confront life. When it comes to self-defense it's no different. If someone is about to attack me, just the aura and energy I will comprise myself will send a clear message that I am ready to die at any moment, and have no repentance if your life is taken while in combat.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: Many consider you a genius in the Martial Arts for your age. How did you obtain all your awards, accomplishments, distinctions and trophies at a very young age?


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TAREK HUSSEIN:
Am I a genius in the Martial Arts? If you say so, than I can be... But to be honest with you, I'm just a Martial Artist. I am nothing special, nothing great. I just believe in what I do, and that means everything to me. So I'm no "genius" in Martial Arts, I just live it. I don't do Martial Arts to fight or to harm people, I do Martial Arts to help people. Just to help someone in life is Martial Arts. I just believe in sincerity. Now a days in society people believe if you are too sincere you are "weird" in a way. The only strange thing is being sincere is not a common characteristic among individuals anymore. My whole life I've had teachers mentoring me in Martial Arts and life in general, so I find it to be a huge honor that I'm in a position now where I can do the same.

As far as how I obtained all my awards and distinctions... Just train. That's the answer to everything in life, just train. Interpret it however you like, but the answer to life's success is... Just train.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: What advice can you give to African children who want to follow their dreams in life, no matter the poverty and hardships they are going through?

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TAREK HUSSEIN:
There is no advice I am qualified to give. I can not even begin to fathom the conditions some African children are going through especially with all the poverty in some African regions. All I can say is to remain positive, have faith in God and always follow your dreams. Dreams lead to passions, passions lead to success, and success leads to happiness. When you are happy you can then truly appreciate the value of life.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: Any upcoming projects in which you would like to talk about?


TAREK HUSSEIN:


I am opening up my own Freestyle Fighting Martial Arts Academy, Kamikaze Martial Arts, with good friend Steeve Randy Essogo. Steeve Randy Essogo is a Martial Artist and champion from Gabon. Randy is an incredible Martial Artist who was the champion of his country in Karate-do and Full Contact Kick-Boxing. We are combining our talents together to open up, what will become, one of the best and most diversified Martial Art schools in the state of Maryland. We will offer classes in traditional Martial Arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan Karate-do as well as the full contact arts such as, Kick-Boxing, Submission Grappling and Free Fight.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: What has been the greatest accomplishment or accomplishments you have gained from Martial Arts?

TAREK HUSSEIN:



Just training for so long in Martial Arts is an accomplishment by itself. To me Martial Arts has always been a means of self-cultivation. I never did Martial Arts to win awards or to be recognized. I could care less about my physical prowess. All I know because of Martial Arts, I am the person I am today. But the one thing I took away from Martial Arts is how to be a good person. As cliche as it might sound, Martial Art's develops character. When parents enroll their children in Martial Arts, the intention is not how to learn how to fight, it's to develop character. 20 years later I still don't know how to fight. I don't care about fighting. I don't need to fight... All I know is I like to help others and because of Martial Arts I have gained certain values and morals that will stay within me for the rest of my life. Martial Arts has given me the ability to confront life. I can say with confidence because of the training I have been through, I have no fear of death... More importantly I have no fear of life itself.

SHIAI MAGAZINE: Than you brother for accepting our interview, we hope you shall visit us in Cameroon one day. God bless you and your entire family.

TAREK HUSSEIN:


Osu.

Shiai Magazine: Welcome Brother Leo UCHE to Shiai Magazine, tell us what pushed you to practices martial arts and your life in general?

LEO UCHE: it’s a way of life to me and it gives me joy.  I was five time National Nigeria Kung fu champion.  I’m now action filmmaker, fight choreographer and actor who has played in following movies such as Tribe, Unges War, Dangerous Men, Zunguru Mantles and even appeared in TV series. My friends calls me the Jet Lee of Africa

LEO UCHE: Yes I’m aware of the existence of African fighting systems but I’m more acquainted to practices of Kung fu

Shiai Magazine: What was your role in the upcoming African action martial arts movie Tribe?

LEO UCHE: yes I participated in the film Tribe as a sword instructor and stunt fight choreographer. And also I was an actor in the movie tribe.

Shiai Magazine: Many Africans have the impression that nothing good come from Africa and that all world martial art champions are not Africans, what do have to say about that?

LEO UCHE: Not true

Shiai Magazine: What is particularity and difference of Kung fu and African fighting systems?

LEO UCHE: the culture and believe makes us both different

Shiai Magazine: What is the difference between sport, self defense and real fight situation in the martial arts?

LEO UCHE: in sport we have rules and a real fight has no rules.

Shiai Magazine: What is work of stunt film director and fight choreographer? Is it easy to make action films in Africa?

LEO UCHE: a fight choreographer infuse the beauty and sweetness of the fight in an action film, and with the right people it easy to make a film in Africa

Shiai Magazine: Tell us more about Dangerous men which came out recently and also the upcoming African action epic film Tribe? What do you think of the film directors of those movies?

LEO UCHE: well directors are creative individuals that has different ways of depicting a picture (film) or story


Shiai Magazine: Now in Africa many upcoming action movies are seeing the light such as Countdown (Mali), lost Brother (Cameroon) and many other nations. Do you think world is ready to watch new African action heroes in the cinema?

LEO UCHE: Yes as a matter of fact dangerous men (Nigerian action martial arts movie) is making great impact in Africa already

LEO UCHE: Well I will say its great and above all wonderful that the Africans martial art is now be recognized 

Shiai Magazine: Living in the big city Lagos of Nigeria, what do you have to say to those poor kids who lack means to succeed but who want to follow your footsteps in life?

LEO UCHE: I will like to say to them all that they should never give up, they should always believe in their self and in God almighty

LEO UCHE: Yea sure pretty soon

Shiai Magazine: Any upcoming projects?

LEO UCHE: yea still working on that

LEO UCHE: Yea sure it’s a good concept

Shiai Magazine: Any last words?

LEO UCHE: Africa is a blessed continent and I believe that we are great in all things. I like to say to those of us in martial arts world that we have great future ahead of us and no matter what happens, let us all keep our head-up and believe in God almighty to take us there.

Christopher Cole

interviewed by Aurelien Henry OBAMA

Shiai Magazine : Welcome my brother Christopher Cole to Shiai Magazine, can you tell us what pushed you in practices of martial arts and your life in general?

Christopher Cole: Thank you so much for having me. I began practicing martial several years ago after healing from an injury from playing professional sports. Martial Arts is an art of self-discipline and self-recognition and I have always lived my life in a disciplined manner. I was raised in a very disciplined family, my parents installed discipline to my brother and I at a very young age, growing up I didn't quite understand why my parents were so strict, especially my father but it made me into a man, and what I mean by that it created discipline, hard work, Integrity, and most importantly faith, in order to be successful at anything you must have those four key ingredients.

Shiai Magazine : Are you aware of the existence of African fighting systems ?

Christopher Cole: Yes I' am. My Sifu, by the name Sifu Sam Norman and Sifu Joe Jackson have been broadening my knowledge of the roots of martial arts. Many People who are not studying the art may think it originated from Asia, but that is not true. If you were visit Asia you would see that they give homage to the Africans for their influences in Martial Arts and History as well.

Shiai Magazine : Have you been to Africa before?

Christopher Cole: Yes, I was actually blessed to visit Cairo, Port Said, Alexandria and Giza Egypt two years ago, but I have not been to southern Africa. I was able to see the pyramids and the mystical sphinx and be in awe of the great empire that our ancestors created.

Shiai Magazine : Have you worked or trained with Africans/ Blacks in martial arts ?

Christopher Cole: There are many cultures that study martial arts, and through this discipline, I have had the honor of meeting many talented individuals some of who are African/Black. My core teachers, who I call the three wise men, which are my three Sifu's are all black, and one of my most prominent mentor is from Ghana Africa.

Shiai Magazine : Have you experienced racism in the martial arts ?

Christopher Cole: As a man of color I have experienced racism in many aspects of my life. As humans beings we all have our insecurities and down falls, but I think many people have the misconception that only Asians are skilled martial artists, but that’s not the case. I recently visited the Martial Arts Museum in Burbank California, and there is a no acknowledgement towards African Martial Arts. While I may have not faced overt racism in martial arts, I feel that by not acknowledging a culture as the true originators of martial arts keep a lot of people in the dark.

Shiai Magazine : What is difference between sport martial arts, real life fighting situation and film fight choreography ?

Christopher Cole: Sport Martial art: There are rules that one has to abide by such arts include Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Boxing even MMA. Real life fighting arts include Kaliescrima, Silat, Jeet Kune Do just to name a few, they have no rules you can do anything and use anything as a weapon, In film fight choreography everything is at a controlled speed and power that looks great for camera, heavily rehearsed until both parties or however many are in the scene are ready to acquire the most realistic shot.

Shiai Magazine : What advantage do you gain by practicesing several form of martial arts and cross training ?

Christopher Cole: The advantages I have is that I can go into Gung-Fu, then back to Boxing, over to Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, JKD, Kaliescrima and Wingchun. There is so much beauty and richness in all martial arts and the more you study the more humble spirited you become. I have played Football at a Professional along with Track and played baseball semi-professionally, so I approach Martial Arts, Entertainment Business with the same relentless commitment and passion, with all areas of my life with a strong body, mind that can only be developed through development of exploring yourself knowing who you are most importantly developing you're spirit, that’s were the Martial Arts or as my Sifu always says the Martial Science comes into play.

Shiai Magazine: Today many Africans and Africans of Diasporas are promoting their cultural influence in the martial arts through books, films, DVD, seminar, events and so many other things. What do you think about it?

Christopher Cole: I think, well excuse me I know we as a people and culture need the truth too much in modern society has been fabricated or hidden, the truth has been hidden for so long but it's up to us to make sure no one is left behind, so we must educate the ones who don't know or are to closed minded to accept the truth it seems like it's a hard pill to swallow but as they "It is what it is" I love this quote they say the truth will come to light, you cannot hide the truth, People have gone to great lengths to bury, burn, shoot up ,destroy the truth but to GOD be the glory, people of multiple cultures are finding out the truth, but it's our responsibilities to pass it on to the  younger generations and give them something to pass on to the next.

Shiai Magazine: Do you think Africans can succeed in martial arts film industry?

Christopher Cole: Yes Anyone can succeed, you just have to know what your product is and how to sell it not someone  else's but your own and what makes you unique and continue to perfect your craft.

Shiai Magazine: Tell us more about your film career?

Christopher Cole: I'm still new to L.A. but my experience spreads from T.V. and Film, Commercial, and Music Videos I also have a B.A. degree in Mass Media Productions so I did a lot and I mean a lot of Student Films lol :-) I'm still new to L.A. six months in, I'm still green as they say here, but I've already done major commercial, appearances on CSI, Criminal Minds and Recently the Closer, and hopefully an upcoming spot on Steve Harvey's new movie think like a Man. I will continue to work on larger projects, but I have to say some of the most fun and creative sets have been on small budget projects, were we are filming in what we call gorilla style get it how you live man that's the most liberating feeling as an artist, for example using car head lights while filming fight scenes and the budget being to small to even have craft service, speaking of crazy it reminds me of Arena Football were they barely make enough money to pay a phone bill lol:-) but I see any job regardless of the pay as a way to better my talents, But I work to provide a better life for me and my  family and love ones ,friends, frienmies or whatever to provide them opportunities that I had to bust my hump to get and allow them to pass through the doors with out having to go through all the trials heartaches and tribulations that I had to go through, that’s my motive.

Shiai Magazine : In Africa upcoming movies like Dangerous men (Nigeria) , Who owns da city (Ghana), Lost Brother (Cameroon), Countdown (Mali) , Tribe (Pan african) and many others are coming out proving that Africans can make great action films with fight sequences , what do have say about the evolution in African cinema ?

Christopher Cole: You can't hide the truth; we have something very natural or organic as they like to say in L.A. the rhythm, footwork, athleticism the list goes on. I think NO I know that if shot right; using marketable talent it would take the action game to another level. African/African American has an organic swagger about ourselves, it's not practiced or put on, it is what it is man, it's something that can't be duplicated.

Shiai Magazine: What advice can you give to African child who suffers in life but want to succeed in life?

Christopher Cole: Trust In GOD, work hard, dream harder, Inspire to be a game changer in anything you do, there is beauty as well inspiration around all of us, take pride in you and know despite you're circumstances GOD has created you in his vey own Image you are not a mistake, three greatest key to happiness in life is Faith, Hope and love, treat others as you want to be treated, think and live B.I.G. " Believe in GOD Believe In Your Greatness Cris Cole"

Shiai Magazine: Do you have any upcoming project?

Christopher Cole: } A few Martial Art short film, I’ve been doing a lot of auditions currently, and working on my music and voice, along with practicing martial arts four to six days a week, the crazy thing about being new or a small fish in a big pond sometime you get a lot of scrapes and sometimes you don't, you just keep working stay positive and at the right moment I will become a big fish, that's how it works in this town so to keep it short and to the point it is unpredictable.

Shiai Magazine: What do you think of this online African martial arts, do think it should be supported by international martial arts community?

Christopher Cole: Normal 0 21 false false false FR X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable : It's a great opportunity to show the World great martial artist such as yourself (Aurélien Henry OBAMA), Master Bakeri, Kilindi Iyi and others such as a Sifu Sam Norman Sifu Joe Jackson (Kick boxing Hall of Famer) to name a few, we need more seminars across the States for them so more cultures can see for themselves especially Shackled hands technique literally blew me away.

Shiai Magazine: Do you have any last words?

Christopher Cole: I just want to say thank you Brother Aurelien for the opportunity, may GOD continue to shine HIS light on you and bless you and all the ones you love and inspire. GOD Speed Cris Cole

Shiai Magazine: Thank you for accepting our interview, I hope you shall visit us in Cameroon “Africa in miniature”, God bless you and your entire family

Shiai Magazine: Welcome Gugu E. Michaels to Shiai Magazine, please tell us about your film career and your interest in the martial arts? Why promoting action films in Africa?


GUGU Michaels: Thanks for having me, well my film career started in the mid 90s. I use to own a record company named REDRUMM RECORDZ, and the label was very popular in Texas, USA. I had artists that needed music videos so me and a cinematographer by the name of Jerome Sheffield started shooting all my artists music videos and from there it grew. In 1998 I shot my first full length feature. As for my interest in Martial Arts? I am a martial artist. I use to fight in full contact sports before it was legalized and now known to the world as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in the mid 80s-early 90s. I retired in 1992 with a record of 5-0-0. I'm promoting action movies in Africa because I want the world to know that Africa has talent just like any other countries in the world. No body takes us serious when it comes to movie productions and I think is time the world noticed Africa.

 

Shiai Magazine: As an African from Nigeria who lives in America; are you aware of the existence of traditional African fighting systems?


GUGU Michaels: LoL, to be honest with you, NO! I'v lived in U S all my life and I was not aware that Africans, Nigerians had a fighting system until I visited Nigeria in 2008. That was when I discovered that Africa is over looked by the world when it comes to fighting and action movies . I saw guys that was doing things I couldn't believe. The same very things that Jackie Chan was doing and being glorified for, guys in Nigeria was doing it with ease! I mean, I was shocked to say the lease.

Shiai Magazine: Do you think that martial arts and sport combats in African movies can revalorize the African cinema?


GUGU Michaels: Yes I do! At the level of the competition thats coming out of Africa, it's only a matter of time before we explored into the global scene.

 

Shiai Magazine: In the past many Africans grew up watching Asian and American action films. Although today African Americans are becoming popular heroes in big movies but when will Africa have their own action stars?


GUGU Michaels: Well my brother that is what I am aggressively working on but you know it's not easy. Especially when you are doing it right. You have to understand that we come from a very strict culture, even our government have issues with us show casing our talent in that form. We come from a drama/love story culture so anything different from that will wake up the powers that be. When you bring it on the screen in the right way, it looks very believable therefore creating the illusion that it's real. That scares our government! My movie "Dangerous Men" that's coming out in all Cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana July 22nd, was put together very well. I choreographed the fight sequences and my stunt coordinator who  was the 5 times Kung Fu champion "Leo U' Che"assisted with the stunts. I mean this movie looks no different from any movie by Wesley Snipes or Jet Li. I mean, the fight scenes is on the same level as any movie out there right now but the powers that be, had a problem with it in my country. So these are some of the things thats holding Africa back from exploding into the global market with our action movies. Look at it this way, you spend all your money, time, energy and experience and put something together but at the end of it all, the powers that be tells you to take it out of your movie or your trailers. I mean, without the action scenes, your movie becomes drama. So that is one of the major things that's holding us back. I mean, the so called action movies that are done very poorly gets the green light to come out but the one's done on an international level gets banned or held back until they change a lot of scenes. So to answer your question? Africans will have an African hero when the powers that be open their arms to us and give us a little more push and support. That is my humble opinion on that matter...LoL!!!

GUGU Michaels: Nna man!! YES! LoL, making Dangerous Men was very-very difficult at all levels. I mean from pre-production to post-production to distribution, Dangerous Men was difficult as hell. First of, Dangerous Men is a very big budget action movie by African standard. Just the budget alone sets it aside from the rest. Then not to mention the "419" I encountered from those that call themselves location managers and costume designers...you have to understand, this was my first time going to Nigeria and shooting a big budget picture. I was not aware of all the things that goes on in Nigeria when it comes to making a movie. A lot of people took advantage of me..I was spending hundreds of thousands of Naira a day on locations that was N30,000-50,000 a day. My so called costume designer was hitting me with bills that I could have used to shoot another low budget love story. I thought it was normal because I was use to spending that kind of money in U S, that was until I discovered I was being robbed by the same people I hired to do a job, but you know? All that made me a stronger filmmaker. Now, I know how to hunt for locations myself. I know how to buy costumes myself. I learned a lot from that experience. Then after I went through all that, now comes the censor board. LoL..my brother this movie has seen hell ..LoL..They banned Dangerous Men, we had to change a lot of things in the movie. We had to take out a lot scenes in the movie. It took us almost 6 months to finally get the green light to release Dangerous Men. The movie is still powerful may be not as aggressive, political and uncut as I would have liked but still a very powerful movie. Not just for the fights but the subject matter is something that the whole African continent can relate to. After censor, now comes the theaters..LoL, they've changed the release date couple of times now on Dangerous Men so I am praying to God that this new date July 22nd will be our final release date.

Shiai Magazine: Who are the stars of the movie Dangerous men? You even play inside the film? Do we have a chance to see you fighting?


GUGU Michaels: George Davidson and Leo U' Che are the main Characters of the movie. Yes, I am in the movie and yes you will see me fight!

http://www.youtube.com/user/guguemichaels?feature=mhee&hl=en

Shiai Magazine: tell us more about other projects of your company New Era Pictures?  Will we have the chance to see more action coming from Africa?


GUGU Michaels: Well my company name is Gu International Pictures, Ltd (GIP)  not New Era. New Era was a company I was involved with in U S. I shot over 4 movies for New Era before I went to Nigeria to start my own company. There was too much politics in that company. Too many back stabbing and I couldn't trust anyone from that company anymore so I decided to break away and start my own. Yes, you will see many more action movies from Africa coming out of GIP camp. Gu International Pictures is here to stay, along with my partner Christian Nnawpka, we will be creating movies that will compete with any western movies. Though we don't have the budget as Major Hollywood studios, but we have the vision and the eye to make quality international movies.

GUGU Michaels: Well I can only speak for GuGu E. Michaels so this is only my opinion. I have not seen the movies you've mentioned but if they are put together correctly and our government don't force them to take away scenes or re-edit their movies then YES! If the powers that be support our creativity and vision; and give us the creative control over out final edit, then I believe very soon, Africa will have it's first international action hero. It's first notable director(s) /producer(s) and action super stars! I truly believe that.

Shiai Magazine: What advice can you give to African child who wants to succeed in life?


GUGU Michaels: Well I always say this to people. I am in no position to give advice because I'm still learning and growing but I can share my experience so no one will make the same mistakes I'v made. First and foremost, GOD should be the main factor in anything you want to do, then you should have the passion for what ever you want to do in life, not just for film makers but for everybody. Without the passion, you will give up. I promise you that. So that passion must be the first thing. Second, be aggressive in chasing your passion, never take "NO" for answer and never give up no matter how many doors that slam in your face. Lastly, always be fare to others because these things are spiritual and we do reap what we sow. Be a man/woman of your word. Let your "Yes" be a yes and your "No" be a no. Never compromise who you are for money!!!!!

 

Shiai Magazine: You also work in promoting African hip hop music, tell us more?


GUGU Michaels: Oh yes, music was my first love! I came from music back ground.  I am who I am today because of music. I've put out 5 GuGu albums in U S in the early 90s - early 2000s. I still have fans all over the world with my music..LoL..as a matter of fact, more people know me for my music than my movies...Yes, I use to rapp..LoL. Right now, I have a show called "Naija "A" List" co-produced by Deo KiKi of AD-sHAS. The show is about Naija(African) Hip-Hop. Right now we are talking to couple of TV stations here in the states to put it on air. It may be finally coming out this fall (Oct-Dec) it hasn't been easy but by the grace of God, it will start airing this fall or early next year spring. We'll see how it goes! I'm also working on my 6th Album. It will be a mixture of African flavor with Yankee crunk music and film score sounds. Something different from your regular Naija Hip-Hop and American Hip-Hop! I'm excited about that.

Shiai Magazine: Do you have any projects you will like to talk about?


GUGU Michaels: Oh yes, my plate is full from now till next year summer time. I have the "Nduma Boys" A TV series  (Action) coming next Summer. It's a story about a Nigerian family living in Dallas, Texas and what they go through. Then there's my next African movie "Jacob's Eye" a wicked action horror, coming soon. Like I said before, Naija 'A" List - the African Hip-Hop tv show.  Then I have a graphic novel "HEAVEN SENT" coming soon and the movie follows right after. Lastly but not least, my 6th Album, I don't have a title for it yet but I will definitely let you know once thats done. So thats about it for now..Oh, almost forgot, there's an Italian designer by the name of Giamani...we are in negotiation now with him and his company to bring his clothing line to U S..thats a really big deal for me once everything is concluded..so like I said, my plate is full till next year, all glory to GOD!

Shiai Magazine: What do you think of this online African martial arts magazine? Do you think it need to be supported in any manner?


GUGU Michaels:I love what you guys are doing with this magazine. Yes it needs to be supported by Africans across the glob. To me it's a platform thats needed for us Africans both home and abroad to showcase and promote what we do. It's not easy to do what we do on this level and our people need to see and read about what we go through to bring out these movies. Again, I believe us Africans need to push and support guys like you so you can continue to push forward and make this kind of platforms a global success.

 

Shiai Magazine: Any last words?



GUGU Michaels: Um, Dangerous Men is coming out July 22nd  in all Nigerian theaters, so if you are in Naija or Ghana, go check this movie. I promise you, you will love it. It's a movie Africans can be proud of and we shot it entirely in Nigeria Africa!

Shiai Magazine: God bless you brother, hope you will visit me soon in Cameroon


GUGU Michaels: God bless you as well and I pray you grow and get the support you deserve from all of us Africans around the world, because you are needed in this arena...I look forward to visiting you in Cameroon! One love, GuGu E. Michaels

http://www.guguemichaels.com/

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