Tony De Leon
Thursday, 24 November 2011 13:51
TONY DE LEON
Interviewed by Aurelien Henry OBAMA
Shiai Magazine: Welcome to Shiai Magazine “The International African Martial Arts Magazine” Tony De Leon, tell us about your life and what brought you in the world of martial arts?
TONY De LEON
Thank you for the invite to Shiai Magazine. It’s really great to be interview by this magnificent magazine!
Regarding your question about my life and the World of Martial Arts; Well, I guess you can say that my life is an open book for anyone who wants to read it. I was born in Chicago, Illinois USA. My parents are from the Island of Puerto Rico. While growing up in Chicago, I was a very hyper child with lots of energy, couldn’t stand still for a moment. At that time“The Green Hornet” Television Series with Bruce Lee was at its peak. That was my first introduction to the World of Martial Arts. I wanted to be so much like Kato that I was constantly imitating him and fighting in school just to see if what I had seen Kato do in the TV really work? You know, kids intuition! Well to my surprise it did worked and that only trigger more the hunger in me to continue to learn more on it! However my real first experience in Martial Arts was at the Boys Club of America In New York City, and my first style was Tae Kwon Do.
Shiai Magazine: Are you aware of the existence of African fighting systems?
TONY De LEON
No, not really. However, I have heard about the African skills reputation on the Arts of fighting in the battle field. I will do some reach search on it though, thanks to the world of the web; one can gained access to all the Martial Arts systems in the entire world. Martial Arts have a beginning, but it has no end. It’s a never ending continue process of growing.
Shiai Magazine: What is particularity of your martial arts system TDK compared to others?
TONY De LEON
Tada Ken DO (TDK) is a system that I created after years of training in several Martial Arts systems. I adopted was useful for me and what wasn’t, I disregard it; meaning that it’s honestly the way I express myself in battle. It has no set pattern, rule or forms. It mostly deals with one’s own ability to fight, like touch and speed. The system is mostly for street self defense survival rather than sport. In the street where I grew up constantly fighting, there were no set rules, so the correct technique was anything that scores. Like for example; if you push me, I’ll punch you… If you punch me, I’ll kick you and if you hold me, I’ll bite you! Is like that type of a thing! However after seeing that there was a demand and interest in my skills and way of fighting, I set it up the system for everyone to learn, but not in the way I feel it, for I can only show you the way, you have to walk the path. Than as time changes; the fitness industry grew and kickboxing was the latest trend, so I created a kickboxing system with a real curriculum and belt ranking, I called TDK Kickboxing, now known as Evolution Kickboxing X-trem.
Shiai Magazine: Have you been to Africa before?
TONY De LEON
I have not, but I look forward to visiting it in the near future, if God allows it.
Shiai Magazine: You have worked with famous people in martial arts and film industry, have you also worked with famous black people in the business and you can mention your experience working with them?
TONY De LEON
I have had the rare privilege in my life to work with all kinds of Nationalities in the world, and I must say that I look at every Nationality as Human Beings and not as a race or color, so the answer to your question is yes, I have worked with famous celebrity like Mr. Will Smith and Mr. Martin Lawrence in “Bad Boys”. I did mostly Stunts. Mr. Smith was always joking around with me; he would say Tony, I have to kill you in the movie but don’t take it personal. It’s only business, and I off course couldn’t resist laughing. Mr. Will Smith is a true professional and a warm person to work with. I had a great time on the set with him and rest of the Cast.
Shiai Magazine: What is the difference between sport martial arts, real life self defense situation and martial arts fight choreography?
TONY De LEON
The differences between Sport Martial Arts, real life Self Defense and Martial Arts fight Choreography are the following:
In sport Martial Arts there are rules and restrictions that one must follow. Therefore you are being limited with your ability and with the skills that you can use. It’s like clipping the wings of a bird and asking him to fly.
In real life Self Defense the situation changes since now you don’t have any set rules or pattern to follow but to fight but to survive. There is but one rule in street fighting and that is that here are no rules! So to me the correct technique is anything that will score.
In Martial Arts fight Choreography it’s all make believe. You know what is coming so all that you have to do is sell the blow and make it look real, Sound simple but it really isn’t, if your timing is wrong or off, many injuries can occurred.
Shiai Magazine: Is crossing training in the martial arts effective?
TONY De LEON
Yes it is because it makes you reach a better and more efficient way of fitness; it improves your skills and ability. In addition, it separates you from reaching a plateau. Meaning that one is not being stuck in the same level of fitness, always reaching new highs.
Shiai Magazine: Many Africans and blacks across the world are big fans of Bolo Yeung, how manage did you became a good friend to him?
TONY De LEON
I met Bolo on the set of Shootfighter 2 in 1995 and we became very good friends. We had deviated there for a while, everyone was doing their own thing with life, but thanks to Mr. Pavel Nyziak whom contacted me for an interview for Bolo’s website, that we decided to reach out to one another all over again. We have been doing so ever since!
Shiai Magazine: You are working on a big film project called Trigger Reaction, the particularity of storyline is about human organ trafficking which is a big problem in Africa and third world nations, tell us how the idea came about?
TONY De LEON
The idea for the movie came up from an experience I had while in a routine checked at a Hospital. I went in for check up and some tests, the Doctors ran me through every possible one that the insurance would cover, including Electrocardiogram (EKG). My wife was with me. We notice that there was some kind of commotion going on relating to my EKG results, so a second one was performed with several Students Doctors attending it. I kept my cool but was starting to feel unease. Afterwards the Doctor came to see me with the final results. They congratulated me and said that I had a very powerful heart. They were all impressed to see just how healthy my heart was. One of them even asks if I was an Organ Donor. I was surprised to hear that kind of question and so was my wife. I looked at her, and said in Spanish; don’t leave and keep a sharp look at what type of medicine these Doctors are trying to put on me. I told her, I think they are planning to do me in. We laugh after they left, but it triggers a reaction on me. I started to investigate the black market of Organ trafficking, and after discovering just how real it was; I decided to write an Action Cop thriller based upon MY EXPERIENCE at the hospital. I called it “Trigger Reaction”. That’s how the story for the script was born.
Shiai Magazine: With all great cast and crew attached to film project Trigger Reaction are there any Blacks who will be part of the film?
TONY De LEON
I much rather address individuals as Human Being. The answer to your question is that we have assembled a Cast of all Nationalities. One of our Cast members is Michael Wright who’s known for such movies hits like “Sugar Hill”, “The Principal” and “The Five”. Another one of our Cast Members is Reggie Pierre, he is known for “Transporter 2” and “Bad Boys 2”. In addition; we are introducing Munifa Canterbury from South Africa.
Shiai Magazine: Do you really believe that Trigger Reaction has the right vibe to become a great movie?
TONY De LEON
Yes, without a doubt in my mind! The plot is a Cop action thriller based on the Black Market of Organ Trafficking which is a subject that is very real. The kind of action that you can expect from “Trigger Reaction” can be compare with such movies like “The Bourne Identity” trilogy, “Taken” and “Vantage Point” which takes the audience through an adrenaline rush throughout the movie. Plus we have fans all over the world that can’t wait for us to finally start shooting the movie and release it. They have made their own sample posters, videos and some of them have even used the same poster sample that they’ve made for their facebook profile pictures. It’s been a blessing from God to see the response that we have been getting. In addition to it, we have also been receiving a great deal of interest from the press, to the point that we are being compare to the next “Expendables” because of the cast assembled which includes Bolo Yeung, Richard Norton, Cynthia Rothrock, Mathias Hues and Oleg Taktarov.
Shiai Magazine: Tell us about graphic novel version of Trigger Reaction?
TONY De LEON
The Graphic Novel version for “Trigger Reaction” is going to take the Characters to an earlier point of view before the characters became who they are at the present time. It’s more like a flash back to when they all first met. The idea for it came from my son Tony Jr. He has his own company for graphic novels, Fantum Breed and he and his company will be heading the graphic novel.
Shiai Magazine: Will there be a sequel or part2 of Trigger Reaction filmed in Africa?
TONY De LEON
Yes, if God allows it!
Shiai Magazine: Modern day African filmmakers and actors are now adventuring in an action and martial arts movies to portray to the world that Africa can have their own action heroes; do you believe they can be successful?
TONY De LEON
I believe that anything is possible in life when determination, perseverance, hard work with a positive outlook and determination can happen. So yes, I believe they can truly be successful with God’s blessing.
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 ?
TONY De LEON
I think that is great thing to hear of such films success come out of Africa. It’s really Awesome that is happening! Congratulations to all the film makers in Africa!!! Keep up the good work, your time to shine has arrived! :-)
Shiai Magazine: If you are contacted to help an African action film production will you give helping hand with your great experience in the domain?
TONY De LEON
Yes, I would with open arms and heart. I would considerate it an honor to do so!
Shiai Magazine: What advice can you give to the African child who wants to succeed in life although poverty is a serious problem in his life?
TONY De LEON
I would say to that child to be strong, to have faith in himself, to believe in himself and too never give up his dreams even though poverty may be an obstacle at the present time. I would encourage him to go on forward with his dreams and with life itself, that he has control over his destiny no matter how obscure the future may look, that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I would also remind him that happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true; that just because the rain is going on strong today, it doesn’t mean that the sun won’t come out tomorrow. There is always a tomorrow to look forward too!
Shiai Magazine: How does your faith in God help you in your daily life, martial arts and film career?
TONY De LEON
My faith in God is very strong. Its life itself in abundance, without him I would never had been. If I am here today is all because of his will and doing. Whatever skills I have acquired or knowledge and even success in my life, were all given to me by him. In other words, my life belongs to God!
Shiai Magazine: Any other thing you will like to talk about?
TONY De LEON
Yes, I would to thank Mr. Stefano La Gotti, CEO and President of Under Ground Fighters – National amateur MMA tournament Federation for the opportunity in Hosting his up and coming reality TV Show for UGF. Mr. Stefano La Gotti formerly known as “Papa La Gotti” has held Muy Thia and Kickboxing titles for small federations. He has always been a competitor and MMA enthusiast which ultimately lead him to form his own federation (UGF). In addition, Mr. Lagotti holds Black Belts under Hanshi Johnny Giordano out of Miami, Florida, Kyoshi George Keriopoulos out of Queens, NY and me.
Mr. La Gotti will be participating in “Trigger Reaction” as one of the producer and will be playing a small role.
Thank you again for your all your support and believe! God Bless!
Also, I would like to sincerely thank my brother and partner Pavel Nyziak for all the hard work that he has been doing with our project “Trigger Reaction” and with our Production Company, Inter Choice Productions, Inc. Mr. Nyziak will also be making his acting debut in Trigger Reaction. He is also Associate Producer. Congratulations little brother and God Bless!
Shiai Magazine: What do you think about this African online martial arts magazine whose objective is to promote African martial artists, African fighting systems and make other martial artists known in Africa and Black community?
TONY De LEON
I honestly believe that this magazine is doing a very beautiful thing for Africa and its people. I am also encouraging and challenging it to continue to go forward with pride and honor, but most of all to keep your faith in God and to never surrender. You guys are the shining stars of your country, so please don’t allow it to burn out. Keep it shinning for this is only the beginning of good things to head your way! :-)
Shiai Magazine:Any last words?
TONY De LEON
Keep up the Great work! Best wishes and regards to all! :-)
Shiai Magazine: Thank you brother for accepting our interview, I hope one day you will visit us in Cameroon« Africa in miniature”, God bless you and your entire family
TONY De LEON
Thank you for the interview and I look forward in the near future to visit Africa, if God allows it, and too shoot film there as well! Take good care and God Bless! Tony De Leon (TDL)
