TASTE OF THE ARTS

Richard Norton, martial arts icon, body guard to the rich and famous and international movie star. The envy of most career oriented young men, there doesn’t seem to be much that Richard hasn’t done. His experience and expertise on the movie screen in reality is dwarfed by his prowess and knowledge as a martial artist, exercise science practitioner, communication master and sports psychology expert. His training experience in the martial arts goes back over 43 years now. Richard first gained notoriety as a martial artist in the seventies when he worked along side his lifelong friend Mr Bob Jones in the development of the world famous Zen do Kai system of karate. It was during this period that earned Richard an introduction to famous movie actor Mr Chuck Norris, an introduction that would change his life for the better in years to come. During his time with the Zen Do Kai organisation, Richard found work as a bodyguard, and began working for top celebrities such as David Bowie, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks and the late John Belushi just to name a few. Most young men would be happy to leave it at that, however not one to rest on his laurels, Richard continued to train in a variety of other arts over the years and in true Richard Norton form has gone on to acheive the following list of impressive martial arts credentials; 5th Dan Shihan International Goju Karate under Hanshi Tino Ceberano, 5th Degree black belt personally awarded by Chuck Norris in Chun Kuk Do, and coveted black belt in brazilian jiu jitsu under the legendary BJJ grand master Jean Jacques Machado. The International College of Kenshusei are honoured to have been able to acquire the expert services of such an industry stalwart.

Richards friendship with Chuck Norris continued and Chuck impressed by Richards physical presence offered Richard an opportunity to enter the movie industry. He was cast as a villain in Norris' The Octagon (1980) and quickly found other work as the popularity of the martial arts film industry began to grow in the US. Richard has spent the last 25 years now working in America and Hong Kong, he has gone on to become certainly one of the most recognizable faces in Hong Kong cinema today, having appeared as the main villain in not just one, but two, Jackie Chan films.

During the mid-1980's, there was a trend of including fighters of all different styles and looks into Hong Kong action movies in order to increase the international audience, and Richard Norton's tough persona and background in stuntwork (which he had learned on the sets of his US movies) made him a perfect fit into this mold. Richard Norton made his Hong Kong debut with the all-star Jackie Chan/Sammo Hung collaboration Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars (1985) and appeared in a few other Hong Kong movies, including Magic Crystal (1986) and Millionaire's Express (1986) (both of which also featured another popular martial arts movie personality, Cynthia Rothrock).

Richard Norton eventually returned to the United States, where the rise in popularity of home video had created a need for product to fill the shelves of video stores, and martial arts movies were quickly becoming a favorite of renters. Richard appeared in a string of films, which provided him a steady paycheck. Most of his notable movies from this period (such as the China O'Brien series) re-teamed him with Cynthia Rothrock, though he occasionally stepped out on his own.

In 1992, he returned to Hong Kong to take a dream job -- playing the villain in Jackie Chan's City Hunter. The proceeds from the movie allowed Richard Norton to step into the realm of producer with Honor and Glory

Stepping away from films for a while, Richard turned his attention to television; in 1993, and began working as a fight coordinator for his friend Chuck Norris on his show "Walker, Texas Ranger," where he also sometimes appeared in guest roles. He also appeared in one of the first interactive movies, Shadow Warrior, which filmed its footage at the famous Shaw Bros. studio's "Shaw Town" backlot.

During recent years, Richard has been dividing his time between working on American projects, as well as those in Australia, where a booming film industry has created a gap for local action movies which Richard is only too happy to fill. Of course, his most visible role for Hong Kong film fans has been as the villain in another Jackie Chan movie, 1997's Mr. Nice Guy. However, Richard Norton was not able to engage in a climatic fight with Chan because Chan suffered an injury during a stunt. Richard has been working steadily in films for twenty five years now and continues to be a solid worker in the movie industry.

Richard has trained in many countries with the worlds best martial artists. form brazilian jiu jitsu in Brazil, Iado and Karate in Japan and numerous systems in the USA with training partners such as Chuck Norris, Benny "the Jet" Urquides, Bill Wallace.. the list goes on and on.

The time he avails to students in Australia will simply be worth its weight in gold. Course participants will be priviledged to train with and learn from a true master, his life experience will have everyone in awe and his positive “can do” attitude will leave you motivated and totally psyched into pursuing your own personal career goals. Richard Norton seminars will be a must not miss event.

Over two hours of Martial Arts Action and Education for just
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Learn from the like of these martial arts legends: Richard Norton, Tino Ceberano, John Donehue, John Will, William Cheng, Rob Gear, John Gill, Joe Thambu, Eng Chor Khor, Graham Slater and Anthony Perosh in this two hour master piece.

Emag 5 is produced as full screen DVD (one & half hours) for the TV and a 125 page pdf magazine the PC. Order Now

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