Lee A. Charles Interview

Have you always been athletic? What made you transition into martial arts after playing football in the UK?

Yes I’ve been pretty athletic since I was a small child. I actually started in the Martial Arts when I was 4 years old, my first ever lesson was traditional Japanese Jiujitsu and it was at a village hall in my home town. Unfortunately the classes stopped and I took up Shotokan Karate at the age of 6 and did this many years.

Football came into my life when I was was around 10 years of age and I found myself engaging in this all the way through till my late teens, I played to a pretty high standard and an unfortunate reoccurring injury cost me my career.

I was devastated at the time, but throughout my whole time playing football I had always continued my Martial Arts. I had a big love for both. The Martial Art influence coming from my father whilst the football influence from my Grandfather.

After the end of my football I decided to put my heart into my Martial Aerts and continue to be the best version of myself.

You’re a six-time world kickboxing champion and a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame—what led you into the film industry?

I have always been a massive movie fan (a big geek at heart) and it was seeing Bruce Lee in the Big Boss which lead me to learn the arts, this was pretty much the case for all Martial Artist around my age. Seeing him on the screen doing these truly incredible things made me want to be able to do the same. I used to constantly be in awe of his abilities and his presence on screen.

I always wanted to be like him and it was this that led me into my first Martial Arts class, to be honest I think my parents just wanted me to channel my energy outside of the house as I was always up and at it, never sitting still literally kicking and punching everything.

My Martial Arts journey really progressed when I joined master Brian McKinney club though, Sifu was a friend of my fathers and I had know him since I was a child. Master McKinney taught Chinese arts and it was these arts I really felt comfortable with and seemed to excel in.

I went on to win the British Karate Association Championships at the age of 16 in the Senior Blackbelt Category, at that time I was the youngest to ever win the Kumite coming up against grown men who had represented the country at World level, I was a Brown Belt at the time and had literally been graded that day, Master McKinney handed me the belt, informed me he had entered me in the Senior Black Belt Individuals and whispered “young boy wins”.

Reflecting on it now, that seemed like a movie in itself, ha. From there I continued to compete and then made the transition to Kickboxing where I got to represent Great Britain and fight all over the World being fortunate enough to win 6 World Titles.

I was never a truly gifted fighter but I had the desire to continue to push forward and keep going, I can honestly say I probably lost more fights than I won, I just got good at not getting beat. I always used to think, ok I lost that fight let’s work on what went wrong and adapt that to my next fight. I used to think every time I lost it was just one step closer to winning, eventually I continued to win and the rest as they say is history.

I think growing up in the 80’s/90’s we where spoilt with the action movies and stars it gave us, we were truly spoilt. My family used to have a Friday night movie night and every week I used to pick some sort of Martial Arts movie from al the great of that era, some of which I am now fortunate enough to call my friends. I knew deep down that somehow that was what I wanted to do when I grew up. In 2005 I went to Los Angeles and little did I know this trip would change my life.

Can you share how you met Benny Urquidez and how he influenced your life and career?

That trip to Los Angeles in 2005 was the start of my life taking a new direction. Before leaving I had managed to get in contact with The Jet’s Gym in North Hollywood, the home of my idol Benny The Jet Urquidez the Worlds Greatest Ever Kickboxer. I had asked if it was possible for me to come along and train there whilst I was on vacation.

Soon as I touched down and arrived at my hotel the first thing I did was call the gym and ask if it was ok for me to come down the following day and maybe possibly do some training. Upon arriving at the gym I was greeted at the front desk by Cody who proceeded to chat and talk with me and was extremely welcoming, made me feel completely at home, I went and got changed and had a workout on the bags.

During this work out I was approached by a lady who introduced herself and its was Beeny’s wife Sensei Sara, I was overwhelmed I got to meet her. She left and returned a few minutes later to inform me that Sensei Benny was on his way back and that he wants to meet me, she said once I was showered I was to sit in reception and he will meet me there.

I remember feeling so excited but nervous at the same time, he was a massive idol of mine and to this day still has the best on screen fight in any movie alongside Jackie Chan in Wheels on Meals.

I sat in reception and Sensei Benny came in walked straight over shook my hand and gave me a hug, we sat down and talked for what seemed like hours, it was incredible. At there end of our conversation Sensei spoke with Cody who gave me an address and Sensei said to me “be at this address art 9am tomorrow”. Of course I said I would, not knowing in the slightest what it was I was going to do. All I remember thinking was if Benny the Jet wants me too be there at 9am ill be the for 9am.

The next day I arrived at the address and I was at the Lee Strasberg Institute. The beginning of something really special. As I was leaving LA Sensei said that was now part his stunt team and his ambassador, I just thought this was a nice gesture until several weeks after arriving back home in England I received a phone call and it was Sensei offering me work on a John Cusack movie that was filming in the UK.

There say you should never met your idols, but that’s rubbish, I will forever be indebted to Sensei for opening his arms to me, taking me in and introducing me to the world I am in now. Thank you Sensei.

The first time I noticed you was in Green Street 3: Never Back Down (2013), alongside Scott Adkins—how did you land that role?

I was approached by Joey Ansah who got in touch and said would I be interested in doing a movie they are doing. It would involved a small fight scene with Scott Adkins and obviously I jumped at the chance. I consider Scott to be the greatest western martial arts action star, he’s extremely talented and has a special screen presence that all the greats have.

I went down and met with the team and we outlined what we would be doing, and how things would go on set. After we shot the scene Scott praised my performance and said we would definitely work together again in the future. Since then we’ve collaborated on several movies together each time him kicking my ass haha. I consider this to be an honour and a privilege to do so.

You’ve since appeared in several of Scott Adkins’ films, including Eliminators (2016), Accident Man (2018), Avengement (2019), One Shot (2021), and Reckless (2025). Have you become friends over the years?

Yeah I’ve considered Scott to be a friend of mine now for many years and I always love performing on screen together. I think we just know how the other performs and he always brings the best out of me. I’m grateful for his friendship and the opportunities that are put in front of me to work with him.

As we speak I’m currently working on his directorial debut “Brawler” but that all I can say for now. Except all his fans should prepare for something special, as always with Scott.

In the TV series Gangs of London (2020), you had a brutal fight scene with Sope Dirisu—how was it choreographed, and what was the most challenging part to film?

This was a massive turning point in my career for me. The stunt/fight coordinator Jude Poyer (if any of the readers don’t know Jude I would suggest doing some research, his pedigree is exceptional and a massive talent both in front and behind the camera), anyway Jude got in touch and asked if I would be up for auditioning for a role in the series. He informed me that it was a series being put together by Gareth Evans (The Raid) and that there was a role he thinks I would be ideal for.

I auditioned and got the part on the premise that I add some weight for the look of the character (I eventually put on over 2 stone). I was extremely excited to work with Gareth as I saw The Raid with my father it was the first time we had sat together and watched a film like we used to when I was a child and we where both blown away, it was incredible.

When we rehearsing with Sope I got to understand the intensity that was required for the role to bring the drama to the screen for the audience, and this was all down to performance. So as well as remembering the choreography and performance in the movements I was also required to bring the character to life so that I could convince the audience that Sope was in serious trouble.

The actual shoot was intense to say the least, being angry for 12 hours a day was seriously hard work, headaches literally all day and then the performance which we shot in December in the cold and as you know I only had underpants and a pair of wellies on ha so it wasn’t the warmest of environments. Also because I didn’t have any clothes on there was nowhere to put pads to help with the hits and falls etc, but I didn’t mind that, to me that’s the fun bit.

I put everything I had and a little bit more into process and the response I received was incredible, to this day people still pull me and talk about the scene. This always brings a smile to my face and makes me think of all the hardwork that went into it.

In 2021, you were part of the fourth Never Back Down film – what was it like working with Tim Man as the fight director?

I’ve worked with Tim know on many movies and he is another talented and incredible individual, Tim actually calls me the English Al Leong as he says I literally pop up in everything, this is a massive compliment to me as Al was a massive part of my childhood in literally some of the greatest action movies of the 80’s (Lethal Weapon, Big Trouble in Little China, Die Hard).

We’ve done some incredible fight scenes together my favourite being One Shot where Scott Adkins and myself go hand to hand hand. As well as his knowledge is his fight choreography Tim is an outstanding Martial Artist.

In 2023, you worked on Fast X – what was it like being part of such a major franchise?

To me being part of that franchise, even though only small was a great moment for me with being a fan of the franchise. And getting to work alongside Jason Mamoa was fun too. I think the best part of being on this was the fact I could take my son Malachi to the cinema to watch the movie, as before this all my films had a very adult film.

I remember taking him but not telling him I was in the movie and we were sat there watching it, and he was loving it, eyes completely fixated on the screen, then was the big moment where John Cena explodes out of the tunnel in the car and it cuts to Jason Mamoa’s character in a lookout watching things unfold and there i was right by his side, my son turned to me with a big smile on his face and was like “dad that’s you, how did you get there?” Was a really cute moment my boy seeing what his Dad does for living on the big screen with a tub of popcorn in hand.

How was it to meet Sylvester Stallone on the sets of Expendables 4 in 2023?

Along with Arnold, Bruce and Jackie, Stallone is a real hero of mine. Growing up in the 80’s his movies had a massive impact in my life. The Rocky movies to this day have been pivotal to who I am. The whole million to one shot hit close to home and help build the resilience I have today, seeing him over come everything that was put in front of him gave me massive inspiration to chase the dreams that I wanted. I’ve even run to the Rocky soundtrack since I was around 14 years of age, and this was the soundtrack that accompanied me through my fight career.

So working with him was as a surreal moment as it possibly gets, I got to spend time with him and chat personally too, I have Rocky tattooed on my arms and his producer friend Kevin King Templeton (a fellow Scouser) introduces us and then made me show Sly the tattoo, Sly asked why I chose Rocky and I told him of the impact that character had on my life.

We chatted for a while and then he said we should get a picture, I recall sending the picture to my mother who in turn showed my father. About an hour later I received a picture from my mother off my father who was stood in there home with the picture of Sly and myself blown up and framed. My father literally sent my mother out as soon as I sent it to get it done. It’s still pride of place in their home. That moment will forever put a smile on my face, I’m sitting here now smiling to myself.

How did you land a role in the blockbuster Gladiator 2 (2024), and what were some of the most memorable moments on set?

I got a phone call asking to audition for the part and I remember the next day going to Jiujitsu with my coach at like 6am in the morning, and I was in prep to do a competition and was rolling with a colleague, after about 30/40 mins went to hip throw him and unfortunately he rolled over the bottom of my leg and there was a massive crack, we all stood in disbelief (well I was actually rolling round on the floor in pain) I couldn’t believe that literally a week before probably my biggest audition too date I had injured myself.

For the next week I just strapped up my leg took pain killers and convinced myself I was ok, I did the audition and got to be part of the movie. Shortly after that I was informed that I had been put forward/shortlisted to Sir Ridley to play a character role in the movie. I was driving to my parents when I got the call and had to pull over, they informed me that Sir Ridley had chosen me to the character Slovak.

The whole experience on Gladiator was unbelievable from start to finish. The team is got to work with where the best group of people you could wish to be around and so inspiring as everyone was seriously talented. Everyday we stepped onto set, you were literally just in Rome. The sets were incredible and the scale of things was just so big, you could not off brought your A game even if you tried, it literally just brought the best out of you. Being on location in Morocco and then Malta (this began my love for the place) just added to the magic. Every single day was a ride, from battling in the arena, to the massive battle scenes we did on the boats.

But for me getting to play Slovak and having that moment with the lead Paul Mascal was incredible, I remember after around the second or third take of doing our scene Paul came up and said to me this was his favourite fight in the movie. To be fair a few off the cast did the same including Joseph Quinn who actual said he was that engrossed in it he forgot where he was for a minute.

But for me, it was when I was told Sir Ridley was looking for me after we shot the scene, I remember thinking to myself “oh god what have I done!”. Not going to lie a bit of panic sat in for a moment. Anyway I could see Sir Ridley waiting for me, so I approached him and asked “Is everything ok, Sir?”.

He informed me everything was fine and that he just wanted to tell me that I was amazing and that it was an outstanding performance given by myself and continued to thank me for the work I put into the role. I’m not going to lie I had a little bit of a moment that evening, thinking a kid from a council estate just put on the performance of his life to be then praised by Sir Ridley Scott.

A massive thank you to Nikki Berwick for the trust you had in me for putting me forward for the role, deeply appreciated boss.

You’ve collaborated with Jason Statham on The Beekeeper (2024), A Working Man (2025), and Mutiny (2026) – how does his approach to fight choreography differ from others you’ve worked with?

Jason is such a great guy and I’m privileged to know and work with him on the projects we have. Being a big fan of his work before we met I am completely honoured to share the screen with him on more than one occasion. A true professional who just gets in there and puts the work in. His timing and execution puts him in the elite bracket of action stars. I personally think Jason falls into the same category that Stallone and Arnold are. I’m excited for Mutiny’s release in August and for his fans to seeing him doing what he does best.

You also appeared in Netflix’s Back in Action (2025) alongside Cameron Diaz – what was that experience like?

Even though this was only a small part with a bit of dialogue I got to share the screen and mix it up with Jamie Fox and Cameron Diaz. I recall stood getting ready to prepare to shoot when one of the guys come up and said “Wow can’t believe you going to do some dialogue with Jamie Fox, an Oscar winner”.

I think at this moment I was like sh*t he is an Oscar winner and reality hit home a little. He was such a professional though and made me feel completely relaxed during the scene and as for Cameron, well it’s Cameron, unbelievably such a lovely person.

In the scene there’s a moment where she’s throws me towards to door of the elevator and I have to hit the wall and crumble to the floor, after every take she would come over hug me and ask was I ok.

Being part of the Mission: Impossible franchise must have been a dream – how did you land your role in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) with Tom Cruise?

For me to date this is probably my favourite moment of my career. I think for several reasons, I mean getting to work and take on Tom Cruise is one thing, but doing it in the final Mission Impossible was something else.

I got a call to do an audition for the movie and on the day it was split into morning and afternoon auditions with probably around close to 100 of us taking part. I was fortunate enough to do the audition and perform well enough to be successful. I think the audition was like the Thursday, I got the call to say I had been successful on the Friday and I was at the studios working the Monday.

I didn’t actually know what it was I was going to be doing on the movie, so I just turned up prepared and ready to go. As the day went on I remember thinking to myself that I must be getting the wrong information about what I’m doing. So I pulled the fight coordinator (Ruda) to the side and politely asked, “What is it I will be doing?” Ruda basically said there’s a scene in a torture chamber and I will be basically going one to one with Tom Cruise. I remember smiling, walking off and then thinking “Holy sh*t”.

I didn’t actually realise how big a Tom Cruise fan I was until I met him, and then realised that the characters he had played had also been a massive part of my life growing up just like Stallone, I mean he’s Maverick!

From the cast to the team I was working with this whole journey was just incredible. We had such a good time and I learnt so much from everyone, Ruda and Wade are exceptional at what they do. The performers I shared the scene with Igor and Kyle are exceptional at what they do and then Hayley & Esai were just great to work with. But for me working as close as I did to Tom was incredible. I learnt a lot from his professionalism and his performance, and took on board all the advice he gave me and apply that to all I have done since that time.

I get asked all the time from different people “Does he really do his own stunts?” and yeah he really does, the guy is incredible at what he does, the epitome of the word professional. Performing and having dialogue with him is for me personally my career highlight, although I honestly love each and every project I am fortunate enough to work on.

Massive thank you to Wade, Ruda and Suzie for such an incredible experience.

You joined the remake of The Running Man starring Glen Powell – how was that experience?

The Running Man was only a short but fun experience. I was out in Malta working on Mutiny and flying back to the UK in between to do my bits for The Running Man, I would literally fly back to Malta at like 2am in the morning then be on set of Mutiny for like 6am, it was tiring but exciting at the same time.

I am a big fan of the original with Arnold so it was a big tick in my geekiness to be part of the remake. And having a little dust off with Glen was a nice moment although I haven’t managed to see it as yet, but I’m sure ill get round to it soon.

You recently wrapped filming on Road House 2 – what was it like being part of another major remake?

Yeah unfortunately I can’t talk bout the movie itself but reuniting with Dave Bautista was great, we had a scene together around 2016 in the movie Final Score and it was awesome to catch up and work with each other again.

I also got to work with an old Great Britain team mate Michael Venom Page, I mean we spent a lot of time together over the years touring the World and fighting and it was great to see him again since he has become an MMA superstar, thing with Mike is though I always said he was destined for greatness, he’s an incredible athlete.

But being part of that movie was great, especially with Sensei Benny doing the original and now me there all these years later on the remakes. Plus I got to work with an incredible cast and hang out with the likes of Chandler, Iko, Wonderboy, DP, Rico, Woodley.

What does your daily training routine look like to stay in shape?

Well, my training day usually start at 3am, yep 3am. I do my weights and cardio first thing and have a Coach Luke Porter who does all my training plans and nutrition, he’s for me the best coach around and always keeps on top adjusting what’s needed for me to stay I shape for the different roles I have. Since being with him I’ve completely changed my outlook on a few different things and constantly maintain what’s required from him. I like the discipline it reminds me off being back in camp when I was fighting competitively.

Then around 6am I mix my training up between Thaiboxing & Jiujitsu with my Coach Paul Sheridan. Paul trained me for my last World Title fight that I won back in 2016 and we’ve been friends ever since. Paul is a real Martial Artist and I’m thankful to have him as both a friend and a coach, people like him don’t come around much in your life time so Im grateful for the relationship I have with him.

Then around 10am I always head down to Birkenhead Venture Boxing to do my bag work and occasional pad work with head coach Sean Trodden. I love this place the atmosphere in there is second to none and it’s a home from home.

Then when I’m not away filming I also have a full time Martial Arts Academy “Lee Charles Martial Arts”. Where I teach classes along with my team of instructors. I think it’s important to give back to the community and especially children. Let them understand that with hardworking and perseverance you can chase your dreams just like I have.

Then at 8:30pm I sleep.

I’m fortunate enough to still be able to do what I do, and whist I can ill never change. It was this dedication that got me to where I am today, so there’s no taking the foot off the pedal I just train smarter under the best guidance.

What are your top three favourite martial arts films of all time?

Only three? That’s a difficult one but I’ll give it a go.

There’s been a lot of movies that have had a massive impact on me especially from a child, so I guess the first is Enter the Dragon, my parents always tell people that I used to get up early morning as a small child and watch this every day for years and years, I still watch it a lot now I mean its a Martial Arts masterpiece.

Then I would have to go with Once Upon a Time in China, this was one of the first movies that introduced me properly to Jet Li, the trilogy of these movies are incredible and a must watch for any martial Arts fan.

Then finally I would have to say Police Story, this was for us westerners a real introduction to the great Jackie Chan and the film raised the bar in martial Arts film making creating its own unique genre.

Although shout outs to Prodigal Son, Drive, Bloodsport and the hundreds more I could name.

What are your two favourite fight scenes in film history?

Wow, this a difficult one, but I will have to go with my heart.

So firstly I would say Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury where he goes into the Japanese school and takes them all on, I think this scene is just so iconic and was the first time I was introduced to nunchaku as I watched this before I saw Enter the Dragon.

And secondly and for me the greatest fight scene of all time is Wheels on Meals with Jackie Chan and Sensei Benny the Jet. To this day for me it cost be matched, everything about this fight scene is perfect.

I think a little mention though to Donnie Yen and Colin Chou in Flashpoint, was the first mix of Kung fu and MMA on screen for me and both are formidable.

Which three recent action movies would you recommend watching?

Recent action movies…hmm.

Firstly, I would say Twilight of the Warriors: Walled in, I thought this movie was insanely good, the fight choreography was outstanding and had me gripped from start to finish, a fantastic watch.

Second and probably an unpopular opinion but I love Atomic Blonde (I know few years old now) some of the choreograghy and camera work is outstanding. A

And finally and probably an unexpected choice but Karate Kid: Legends and mainly for the nostalgia it brought, I went to watch this with my son Malachi and I could see the emotions it brought back just like when I was his age watching the original.

From Lee A. Charles:

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Budomate Magazine for the support and the interview, it’s been a real honour. And a final thank you to everyone for their constant support and love for my work, especially my fiancé Rachel and my parents Carol and Arthur.

All to all the guys and girls I work with in the industry, you all inspire me to constantly be better and I thank you for your inspiration.

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