By We are both passionate action movie fans, and that passion has driven my magazine since 2009. What inspired you to launch the Viking Samurai YouTube channel in 2019, focused on action films and the legends of the 1980s and 1990s?
I was bored working full time as a stock broker and needed a creative outlet, so I created the Viking Samurai YouTube channel. I was always a huge fan of the 80s and 90s action and martial arts films and wanted to explore that world and find out some cool information about these films. It just made sense to share what I discovered with others, and YouTube was the perfect place to do it.
Which episode helped put the channel on the map and which episode are you most proud of as Viking Samurai?
The video I made about Mike Tysons comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr really brought the channel to life and ended up going viral. Prior to that, which ended up with nearly a million views, my channel rarely got 100 views per video. A bunch of my older videos started getting 10s of thousands of views shortly after.
What was your first experience with martial arts? Which style is your favorite today? What achievements are you most proud of in martial arts?
My first experience with martial arts was around the age of 6 with Judo. I would later come into TaeKwonDo at 13. I do not have a favorite style. I always appreciated Bruce Lee’s philosophy when it came to this, “Use what if useful, discard the rest”. More recently, I trained a lot more in Krav Maga and Boxing, but still keep my kicks as sharp as possible. As far as martial arts achievements I’m most proud of, basically being an ambassador and promoting the arts in a positive light while getting recognized in several Hall of Fame as a result.
You grew up on military bases. How did that shape your personality and life habits?
Growing up on military bases builds discipline and makes moving around, meeting new people and making friends easy. It helps adaptatibilty and also makes you respect the great country of the United States and to not take the freedoms we have here for granted.
You spent time training with Don “The Dragon” Wilson. What was that experience like?
Training with Don Wilson is fantastic as he is such a wealth of knowledge. As a person, I’d say he’s easily one of the most stand up guys you’d ever met. Anyone would be extremely blessed to know such a man.
How did you get into peak physical condition, and how do you maintain it?
Getting in and staying in peak physical condition just comes to consistency with training and diet. I train 6 days a week and primarily stay away from processed foods.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in film and acting? Where did that ambition come from?
I was inspired by several Stallone and Van Damme films as a kid and the desire to be an actor was planted at an early age. Careers that Matt Damon, Keanu Reeves and Mark Wahlberg have are what inspire me mostly now as an adult.
In 2023, you joined The Last Kumite, which has become a favorite among action fans. What can you share about your role and the film? What was it like working with legends such as Cynthia Rothrock, Billy Blanks, and Matthias Hues?
In The Last Kumite, I like to say my character is the real hero of the film. It’ll make sense after you see the film. The experience was surreal, because I got to work alongside many of the martial art greats I grew up watching in movies.
In 2025, you headlined your first project as a lead, Bloodstorm, directed by Rene Perez. What can you tell us about the film?
Bloodstorm is a fun throwback to 80s style action. It’s the type of film Stallone, Chuck Norris or Van Damme would’ve made in their early career.
Hard Redemption is an upcoming film starring Jino Kang and Lou Ferrigno. How did you land that role?
Writer and co-producer David J. Moore recommended me for the film. After sending in my taped audition to director Jino Kang, I was offered the role.
You recently worked on Order of the Dragon, a new project involving Steven Seagal. What was it like joining that production?
It was a great production. I enjoyed my time in Serbia working with everyone.
Can you talk about Celebrity Boxing Showdown, your fights, and what the event is about?
With Celebrity Boxing, I had the fight with Will Stronghold in 2024, and Mosley was going to be after that. The Mosley fight fell though in Sept 2024, and again with a different promotion in 2025. Now in 2026, I believe third time will be the charm for my big fight, but it won’t be against Mosley.
What are your three favorite martial arts films of all time?
My three favorite martial arts films of all time are Bloodsport, Lionheart and Enter The Dragon.
What are your two favorite fight scenes in film history?
The end fight between Van Damme and Bolo in Bloodsport is beautifully shot and expertly paced.
Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon against Bob Wall. It’s not the most competitive fight, but Bruce Lee really shines and it shows a lot of character and charisma.
Which three recent action movies would you recommend watching?
I haven’t seen a lot of recent films, but I do highly recommend The Rip with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
