1. Many of our readers are fans of your work as an actor and martial artist. What were some of your favorite opportunities through the years?
I’ve been blessed over the years with many incredible opportunities in both acting and martial arts. One of my favorite projects was Walker, Texas Ranger, where I was able to blend my passion for martial arts with acting. Many folks don’t realize that I was actually in my early 50s when Walker started filming, and I loved being part of a story that featured action and excitement for any stage of life. Taking the journey with that character over the years was life-changing, and it’s proof that age is just a number!
When I look back on my film career, I have a particular fondness for Way of the Dragon/Return of the Dragon. The fight with Bruce Lee is so iconic and at the time I was the World Champion, so thinking about that film always takes me back to what an exciting period of my life that was. The Missing in Action films are also very special to me because they elevated my career to the next level.
It is also amazing what incredible opportunities can come out of a film project when you’re not expecting it. For instance, when we were making Sidekicks I met a very special friend, Mattress Mac, who was one of the producers. Out of this relationship, we began Kickstart Kids, which is a charity that teaches martial arts and character development to students. We’ve reached over 100,000 kids, and the breakthroughs that we’ve seen mean a great deal to my wife, Gena, and me.
2. How would you characterize this season of your life?
I have to say, I don’t feel 83! Staying active and fueling my body well has helped me feel younger than my age while enjoying everything that life has to offer.
This season of my life is all about sharing my passion for health and wellness with others and giving back to the community. That’s how Roundhouse Provisions was born — my lineup of powerhouse supplements designed to kick-start every day. Through Roundhouse, I’ve been fortunate to meet many folks who are also enthusiastic about health at every age.
3. How have you prioritized aging well and remained disciplined over the years?
Healthy aging has become an important focus for me, and I’ve maintained a healthy lifestyle by eating well, staying active and getting enough rest. Martial arts, of course, is a key part of my routine, helping me keep in shape both physically and mentally.
Discipline and consistency have played a vital role in my approach to health. … It’s about making good choices and being mindful of what I put into my body, as well as finding joy in everyday moments.
The other thing that I do to maintain discipline is to listen to my body. If I’ve been over-training and need to put less strain and impact on my joints, I switch it up and do my martial arts in the swimming pool. It’s vital to stay very active because a body that keeps moving, moves, and one that stops, stops. So, even if you feel tired or sore, you need to find an alternative way to get your exercise in. Doing my martial arts in the water just unlocks this whole new way to be mindful and aware of my movements.
4. What motivates you to advocate for cultivating an active lifestyle at every age?
I’m confident that an active lifestyle will influence every area of life: body, mind and spirit. My quality of life is better when I prioritize movement — my mind feels sharp, and I feel more connected to those around me. As a man of faith, I’m also grateful for the chance to keep living out my purpose in the world, and I want to continue encouraging and equipping those around me. Ultimately, I’m motivated by a desire to be a well-rounded person and to live well in each moment God has given me.
Staying active is one of the best ways I can ensure that happens.
The other thing that I always remember is that it’s not just about me. I feel most disciplined and accountable when I share my daily wellness habits with others. Our youngest adult children are very talented martial artists, and I love that we can share one of my favorite pastimes. Just like a family that prays together stays together, a family that trains together stays together. Gena and I are always working out on our Total Gym together because it’s such an effective way to stay in shape.
5. What have you learned through the years about overcoming obstacles and difficult situations?
Throughout my life, I’ve learned that facing obstacles is an inevitable part of each day. It’s not about avoiding challenges and obstacles that you may face but confronting them with optimism and strength. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of friends and family is one of the best ways to feel ready for the unexpected. Having people who believe in you, encourage you and stand by you during difficult times can provide the strength and motivation needed to overcome any obstacle. Take it from me, whether it’s in an action movie or anywhere else: the things in life that are most worthwhile can’t be done on your own.
6. What passions are you focusing on now?
My values are freedom, family, fitness, faith and fight, and I try to focus on passions that reflect those values. In recent years, I’ve found emphasizing fitness and nutrition allows me to remain active with my loved ones. Not only have we raised our kids up in the ways of the Lord, our personal Christian walk with the Lord is one of the greatest reasons that our marriage is so strong and our lives are so full of happiness and joy.
I feel blessed to be aware of the health and wellness knowledge available to me, and I consider it my obligation to share these tools with everyone I can. This is where Roundhouse Provisions comes in because encouraging others to focus on their health and wellness is so important to me, and I’ve seen the positive impact it’s had on my own life.
7. What are you looking forward to next?
There’s always more to learn, more to discover and more to get out of life. Even as a grandmaster, martial arts teaches you to always have a growth mindset. I’ve had so many adventures so far, and I know there are more to come — in wellness, martial arts and serving others. My vision is to continue empowering others to take control of their fitness and nutrition so that they can enjoy every minute with their loved ones. My family has kept me grounded and brings immense joy to my life, and I also look forward to many more happy years ahead with them. With every new experience, I’m excited to take on life with the strength of my signature roundhouse kick.
Share with others: