ASK MARK

FROM LEIGH-ANN

I had read a review of "Drive" somewhere... the author was very impressed with your martial art skills. He mentioned what impressed him the most was that you were not wearing a wire while doing all the flips. I had never even given this a thought, having seen you do live demos. So my question is, what wire is he talking about, and how does it apply to doing flips? Is it "usual" for martial artists to use it during stunts, or is it an aid to help them flip higher?

First of all, I thank you for coming to watch me perform live. It means a lot to me to be able to meet the people who make my career possible. It's also important to me to let the fans know that although I am an actor, I am also a student of martial arts, and a former "tumbler," and that I am able to perform jumps and flips myself.

The reason that wires or cables are sometimes used is to keep the actor or stuntperson safe when a dangerous stunt is being performed, or to enhance the particular jump or move by giving extra "float" time. In my humble opinion, cables are really cool if used in context of the movie ("The Matrix"), or in a subtle manner.

FROM MIKE

Do you teach martial arts?

At this time I am not teaching any martial arts, but studying whenever time permits. When I was in my teens, I used to help teach in my parents' school, and for a couple of years, when I was in my early twenties, I had a few friends who were private students. I really enjoy teaching and would like to do it again in the future.

FROM EDGAR

What does your workout consist of?

My daily workouts vary. When I'm working a twelve- to fourteen-hour day, I usually don't have a lot of time to sweat for an ideal two to three hours. I have to be content with push-ups, leg-lifts, crunches and handstands -- things I can do in my hotel room without needing equipment. I try to stretch before and after work. On the set, I can usually find something I can hang from to do pull-ups and leg-lifts on. When I'm not working, I try to see my Kung Fu teacher three to four times a week. On the other days, I like to tumble or run or surf. I need to do something every day. Even on my rest day, I like to at least do a stomach exercise.

FROM NORM

Is martial arts as important to you as acting?

Martial arts is just a part of me. It has always been a part of my life and I'll work hard to keep it that way. There have been times when I've hardly trained. There have been a few times when I've needed to take a break and practice other things. But if I'm honest with myself, there's never been a time that I've thought that I'd stop altogether. I was blessed with having three parents, two of which are, in my humble opinion, amazing martial artists (Sifu Al Dacascos and Malia Bernal). I'd like to someday teach and share some of the things they taught and shared with me. Having been their student, and learning about hard work and dedication at an early age really helped prepare me for my life as an actor. The mental and spiritual aspects have helped me as much as the physical training. Actually, I think they've been more important. Thanks, Mom and Pop!

FROM JACK

Do you practice martial arts every day, and with whom do you train?

When I am in between projects, I love to practice martial arts.

I am presently taking Tai Chi and Wu Shu classes on the weekends. My teacher of the last six years is Professor Jiang Hao-Quan. He is originally from China, and now resides in California.

I also have a boxing (Western boxing) coach, Gerald Teague. I started training with him about a year and a half ago, and he's really helped my "inside" sparring.

My father said I needed to work on my hands, so I am. I've been fortunate to have wonderful teachers in my life. All of the teachers I've studied under are, to me, still my teachers... even if I don't physically get to train with them anymore. They made profound impressions on me and I will always be grateful to them for the times we shared.

Chronologically, my first two teachers were my parents, Al Dacascos and my stepmom, Malia Bernal. Their style, developed by my pop, was -- and still is -- "Wun Hop Kuen Do." I'll tell you more about them and their style in a different section.

My third teacher was Sifu Muo-Hui Shen, of Taiwan. He taught Northern Shaolin and Black Tiger.

My fourth teacher was Joselito "Amen" Santo, from Brasil. He teaches Capoeira in Santa Monica, California. Amen worked on the movie "Only the Strong" as an actor, fight choreographer, teacher, coach, and musician for the soundtrack.

Professor Jiang Hao-Quan was my fifth teacher. He's 83 years old and can still do the splits!

Gerald Teague is my sixth teacher, and I'm enjoying our classes immensely.

FROM CARLA J PONCE

Why not test for 4th degree?

Just because I've had different teachers doesn't mean I've mastered, or think I've mastered, everything they've taught me. Nor do I think I ever will. But as long as I can, I will train to do, and be, the best I can. Training with different instructors in different styles has taught me to respect and appreciate the differences and similarities. And I'm talking about cultures as well as martial arts. When I became competent in the basics of Wun Hop Kuen Do, my parents encouraged me to train in other styles. But it took me over ten years to get competent at the basics, and I'm still training to be more than just competent! It was never important for me to train for a color of a belt. I've just always had fun just training and learning.

My first training partner, and my friend for the most years, is Emanuel Bettencourt of Hamburg, Germany (who now has his own sport school, called Taiyo Sport Center). When we were growing up, we would train for four to six hours a day... sometimes seven days a week! School and Kung Fu, that's all we did. Oh, and watch Jackie Chan films. The reason Emanuel and I tested for higher ranks was because we liked to compete in tournaments. It would not have been fair to compete against students with a lot less experience. If it hadn't been for tournaments, Emanuel and I might still have white belts.... happily.