This post is a bit out of the ordinary for me, but one of my favorite things about being so emerged in the interactive industry is the ability to stumble upon unique people and learn about new things. I recently came into contact with Jason Chambers - host of “The Human Weapon” on the History Channel. I didn’t know much about Mixed Martial Arts but was very intrigued. After a bit of research on MMA I thought it would make for a great interview. Jason kindly agreed. So a huge thank you, Jason, for your time.
Jason Chambers, a Chicago native, is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, a Jeet Kune Do Concepts Instructor and is a Brown Belt affiliated with 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. He has also has appeared on “CSI:NY”, “Days of Our Lives”, “Guiding Light”, “All My Children”, “Sex and the City” and “As the World Turns”.
By the way, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport in which a wide variety of fighting techniques are used, including striking and grappling.
As you’ll find out below, Jason has a wide range of talents from acting to martial arts but I was most impressed by his down to earth personality and undeterred ambition.
You started acting at a young age and have many years of experience in a variety of Mixed Martial Arts. How did you come to find an interest in each?
Jason: Although I credit movies such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Karate Kid”, several people influenced my Martial Arts career. My Uncle Dean was a Kung-Fu instructor. I remember going to his house for the holidays or a random visit and seeing all these cool weapons such as swords, blowguns, nunchucks and more. Being a kid, I really wanted to learn to use those things like my favorite action stars did. That was the beginning of my Kung-Fu days.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see my Uncle Dean to train nearly as much as I wanted to, so I picked up a few books here and there and some instructional Karate videos.
Next up was my friend Shawn Terrance. He was a neighbor’s cousin who would come around to hang out when I was 12 or 13. He started me on my current path by introducing me to some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. The only problem I had was that Shawn wasn’t around much either. He now has a school called Team One MMA.
So I joined, what I consider my “Home” which was Joe Goytias’ Intense Defense Jeet Kune Do School (and yes, it is a lot to fit on a business card). The classes focused on kickboxing, grappling and clinch work. I really accelerated at the Grappling and did a few tournaments.
I received my instructorship under Joe in 1998 and had my first professional MMA fight the same year. Since then I’ve trained with many different MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coaches.
(The Human Weapon: Video)
It is both surprising and refreshing to see that you have a background in theater arts. Many critics and actors claim it is both the most difficult yet most rewarding type of acting. Out of all your roles, which was the most memorable?
Jason: I attended an all boys high school my Freshman year and across the street was an all girls school that performed 2 plays a year. When I was in 7th grade my class went on a field trip to see 7 brides for 7 brothers. I remember thinking that it was this “big deal” to be in a High School play so naturally it seemed like a Broadway performance (that was until I saw a play on Broadway… and I feel comfortable saying I was WAY off base).
As a Freshman I had a chance to audition for “Our Town” and was cast as George. That whole process from the audition to opening night fueled my passion for the arts. I love the response and immediate gratification you get from a live audience. I knew then that acting was my passion.
You went on to study the craft of acting in Chicago at “Act One” studios and improv at the world famous “Second City” (home of many past and present SNL cast members). What was your biggest take away from all of your formal training?
Jason: I have been “serial class taker”. After Chicago I moved to NYC where I studied Meisner with Nina Murano before I landed in LA. Here, I’ve taken classes at Ivanna Chubbuck’s and with John Homa but I really feel like I’ve found a home at Lesly Kahn’s in Hollywood. And I’ve discovered, comedy (Lesly’s specialty) is much harder than Drama.
The biggest thing I’ve taken away from all my classes is that there really is no “right” answer. It’s like Martial Arts. NO style is better or worse. Just some are better or worse for the individual. It took several styles of Martial Arts for me to find JKD then MMA, just as its taken several coaches to find Lesly. All have helped develop me along the way.
Quite possibly, the most impressive skill-set you hold is that you are a talented and well respected Mixed Martial Arts fighter (MMA). Do you have a favorite technique and why?
Jason: It really depends on the situation. One of the things I’ve learned from my travels is that there is a difference between sport (MMA) and street. In the MMA world I like submissions, preferably the rear naked choke (*see video below).
The street is much less predictable. In street situations there are many variables such as: other people, weapons, space and legal issues. I like the Marines motto for Martial Arts “One mind, any weapon”. Anything can be used in any situation.
(The Naked Choke)
Your MMA record is 18-5. Out of all the wins, losses and draws, what fight was the most memorable?
Jason: I would say 2 fights really stand out. One was a win I had via Twister (name of a submission move). It was exciting because not only is this move difficult to pull off, but I said I was going to do it before the fight. It was the 2nd time it was ever done in MMA. The other fight I really liked was a war that I had with Omigawa in Hawaii. It was just great back and forth action and really had to dig deep for that fight.
(Jason Chambers VS Billy Stamp MMA Fight)
As host of the “Human Weapon” you have traveled to some of the world’s most exotic and dangerous locations. What location is your favorite and why?
Jason: Greece. I’m Greek and got to bring my mom along. If I wasn’t acting or fighting I’d be a History teacher.
Here’s a tough question. Pretend you aren’t acting, hosting or doing martial arts, what might you be doing otherwise?
Jason: Looks like I got ahead of myself… lol. Actually I would probably be a “history buff” but I love the real estate market. My brother is a developer in AZ and he and I would probably team up.
Where do you go from here? What are your dreams beyond what you have achieved to date?
Jason: My goals are to do action / comedy feature films. I actually have a list of goals for 2008 that’s waaaaaaaay to long but hey, I’m driven.
Is there anything about you that you would like people to know that they don’t already?
Jason: I do a mean Kermit The Frog.
That’s so fun! I love Kermit The Frog. Any final thoughts you would like to share?
Jason: Larissa Meek is a Hottieeeeeeeeeeeee! lol
*Blush* Thank you! I totally appreciate your time and a really fun interview! Keep us updated!
Entry Filed under: TV + Film
