14 year old US Martial Artist Jake Strickland has recently joined the cast of House of Fury, produced by Jackie Chan's JCE Movies. Not only is Jake the first child actor from the west to land a role in an eastern film but he gets to do it under the direction of THE Yuen Wo-Ping. You know, that guy who made Keanu look really really cool in The Matrix series and Uma Thurman really really hot in the Kill Bill series. Add on to that resume Unleashed, Kung Fu Hustle and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Yeah. The kid is in really good hands and will have the tutelage of one of film's greatest martial artist experts.
Strickland began training in martial arts at the age of seven. His training is rooted in Karate and Taekwondo, with emphasis on traditional, open and musical forms and fighting. He currently holds a second degree black belt and has competed in the last three World Championships hosted by the North American Sports Karate Association.
Jake joins a pretty sweet cast too. He'll work along side Daniel Wu, Michael Wong, Josie Ho, and The Twins Gillian Chung and Charlene Choi. Hmmm, twins. Niiiiice.
You can follow Jake's filming experience in his web diary over at xmarevolution.com.
You can also see Jake in action on his own site. There is some sick stuff on it. Hence our desire to share this news with you all.
Best of luck Jake. Remember, if you meet us in a dark alley go easy on us.
Thanks kungfucinema and wu-jing.