Michael Chaturantabut (born April 30, 1975) is a Thai American actor, martial artist and stuntman, best known for his role as Chad Lee, the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue.[1] He was born in Rayong Province, Thailand.
| Michael Chaturantabut | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 30, 1975 Rayong, Thailand |
| Residence | North Hollywood, California |
| Style | Wushu, Shōrei-ryū Karate, Taekwondo |
| Teacher(s) | John Sharkey, Jr, |
| Rank | Black Belt in Karate 6th degree black belt in Taekwondo |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Notable students | Matt Mullins Taylor Lautner |
| Website | XMA Official Website |
Extreme martial arts edit
Xtreme Martial Arts or XMA is a brand name owned by Chaturantabut. Chaturantabut's XMA is a combination of elements from martial arts, acrobatics and gymnastics,[2] with an emphasis on showmanship.[3][4]
The concept of adding gymnastics-like tumbling moves to elements of traditional martial arts is otherwise known as "tricking (martial arts)". XMA makes these exhibition moves the focus of the sport. Open hand and weapons choreography are often accompanied by dramatic dance or programmatic music. The goal is to command the attention of the audience.[5]
Currently there are schools of martial arts or similar XMA styles based in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the World Headquarters being in North Hollywood, California.[5] Many of the moves are high-flying aerial acrobatic maneuvers. These stunning movements attain the goal of capturing the crowd, improving physical agility, balance, strength, coordination, and endurance, as well as performing an artistic display of talent.[6]
He feels that there are many basic moves that can be specialized to be more acrobatic, flashy and artistic, so as to give the impression of complexity and difficulty for showmanship purposes. It is for this reason that he feels that even the basic athlete or beginner can learn the progression from basic moves to highly complex acrobatic sequences.[5]
Filmography edit
| Year | Film/television | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Fight Zone | Captain Kick | Alt. title: Future Fights |
| 1996 | WMAC-Masters | Wizard / Himself | |
| 1998 | Martial Law | Guest part | One episode |
| 1998-99 | Mortal Kombat: Conquest | Stunt double: Kung Lao | |
| 2000 | Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue | Chad Lee / Blue Lightspeed Ranger | Series |
| 2001 | Power Rangers Time Force | Chad Lee / Blue Lightspeed Ranger | Crossover/Guest Cameo |
| 2001 | Nash Bridges | Hired thug | Episode 'Bear Trap' |
| 2002 | The Time Machine | Eloi | |
| Charmed | Bodyguard | Episode 'Which Way Now?' | |
| Austin Powers in Goldmember | Gunman at pool | Uncredited | |
| Big Fat Liar | Stunt actor | Alt. title: Pay or Play | |
| 2003 | How to be an Action Star | Himself | |
| XMA: Extreme Martial Arts | Himself | Documentary | |
| 2004 | Power Rangers Dino Thunder | Chad Lee, Blue Ranger | archive footage |
| 2005 | Sledge: The Untold Story | Stunts | |
| Little Manhattan | Himself / Mike Chat | ||
| 2006 | Bo bui gai wak | Trainer for Mike Moh | Alt. title: Baby |
| 2012 | Photo Finish (short) | Albert Fong | Stunt coordinator |
| 2018 | The Rookie (TV series) | Shotgun |
Personal life edit
Chaturantabut was trained at Sharkey's Karate Studios located in Naperville and Momence, Illinois. He was formerly married to McKenzie Satterthwaite and is also the founder of Extreme Martial Arts.[3][4]
Chaturantabut is also the father of two sons, Talin and Gaige.
Chatrantabut attended Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois.
Notable facts edit
Chaturantabut was also Taylor Lautner's martial artist coach and encouraged him to get into acting.
References edit
- ^ "Extreme Knight". Otaku USA. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ Yates, Keith D.; Jhoon Rhee; Chuck Norris (2008). The Complete Guide to American Karate & Tae Kwon Do. Blue Snake Books. p. 190. ISBN 978-1-58394-215-4.
- ^ a b "Can Xtreme Martial Arts Make You a Better Martial Artist? Part 1 of 2". Black Belt Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-08-20. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ a b "Can Xtreme Martial Arts Make You a Better Martial Artist? Part 2 of 2". Black Belt Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2010-03-04.
- ^ a b c "XMA News". XMA Revolution (2006). Retrieved on 10 July 2009. [1]
- ^ "Matt Mullins: The New KAMEN RIDER". Kung Fu Magazine. Retrieved 2010-02-06.