Gary (I) Daniels filmography and biography
Date of birth: 9 May 1963, London, England, UK
Gary (I) Daniels biography
Action film star Gary Daniels was a real-life kick-boxing champion. With
rugged good-looks, a muscular build and a charming personality, it was
a natural for him to move from the world of fighting to that of acting.
Born Gary Edward Daniels on May 9, 1963 in Working, Surrey, England,
Daniels was a childhood fan of legendary martial arts film star
Bruce Lee (I). He followed his idol by studying Kung Fu.
Demonstrating a natural ability for the sport of full-contact karate
(also known as kick-boxing), Daniels embarked on a ring career with the
dream of winning a world title. Fighting in tournaments in England,
Daniels' aggressive ring style made him a fan favorite, but did not sit
well with the British officials. Even though he scored all 12 of his
wins by knockout, his 3 defeats were by disqualification.
Gary decided that his best bet was to fight in the United States, so he
traveled to Florida and began competing there. In 1980, Daniels made
his United States debut at the Sunshine State Tournament in Miami. In
his opening match, Daniels defeated local favorite 'Sherman 'Big Train'
Bergman', who a year earlier had lost to Jean-Claude Van Dammeat
the World Full-Contact Championships. However, in his next fight,
Daniels was eliminated from the tournament after he lost a 3 round
decision.
The sport of kick-boxing was taking off in Southern California, and Gary
Daniels decided to leave Florida and continue his career in California.
He soon established himself as a top contender for the world title. He
appeared in numerous martial arts magazines, and his knockout streak
continued to grow. Soon after winning the PKA (Professional Karate
Association) Lightheavyweight Kickboxing Championship, Daniels decided
to retire from active competition. It was 1993, and Daniels ended his
fighting days with a 22-4 (21 knockouts) record.
His ring fame helped land him small roles in the hit television series,
Miami Vice. Daniels later traveled to the Philippines to make martial
arts films. From there Gary went into mainstream film-making; acting in
over 45 movies, as well as producing some of his own motion pictures.
Gary (I) Daniels trivia
- WKBA Kickboxing Champion in California. Former PKA (Professional Karate
Association) fighter.
- Started his fight career in England and then traveled to the United
States.
- In his first U.S. match on March 4, 1980 in Coconut Grove, Florida,
Daniels defeated 'Sherman 'Big Train Bergman of Miami at the
Sunshine State Tournament.
- Daniels fought in Florida and California.
- Retired with a kick-boxing record of 22-4 with 21 knockouts.
- Won the Lightheavyweight Kickboxing Championship of the World.
- Trained in the United States by Winston Omega.
- Started kick-boxing at age 17 and was trained by Micky Birne.
- Fought in Tae Kwon Do tournaments in England, being disqualified 3 times
for knocking out his opponents.
- At the age of 16, Daniels earned a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon
Do.
- Studied Ninjitsu for a time under Mark Russo.
- Named his third son "Kenshiro" after his role in "Fist of the North
Star" (1995).