After decades of dominance in the martial arts cinema, Hong Kong was upstaged when Thai performer Tony Jaa burst onto the scene with Ong Bak.. With his Muay Thai style packed with knees and elbows, he totally reinvented the kicks and punches.. With his second starring vehicle, The Protector, Jaa invented still fresher moves, based on the film’s story of defending Thailand’s sacred elephants..

Thai action star Tony Jaa is quickly rising as one of the world’s most entertaining action stars.. His breakout role in Ong Bak, a success that rippled worldwide, displayed his incredible martial arts skills using the art of Muay Thai, and absolutely no stuntmen, wirework or CGI..

Earlier tonight ” Tomorrow’s Entertainment ” spoke with Tony Jaa ( Via translator ).. The first thing that strikes you when you meet Tony Jaa, the star of Ong Bak and The Protector, is that this martial arts legend isn’t exactly what you’d expect.. Maybe it’s because our action heroes are larger than life, kicking and fighting on the big screen, but Tony Jaa is surprisingly soft - spoken for a man who could kick the ass of everyone in the room before you can put your recorder down.. He doesn’t speak much English, requiring his assistant, Thep, to translate, but he laughs and smiles a lot and clearly seems to be enjoying bringing what he loves about his culture and film to the world..

Tony spoke to us ( Through a translator ) in a video conference, the interview went a little like this..

TE: sawat - dee.. sabai dee mai?

Tony: [ Laughs ] Wow, a non thai reporter / fan can actually speak Thai, and well.. I’m impressed.. [ Tony tells the translator to reply in Thai, I think to test me ] sabai dee, lao khun lae?

TE: sabai dee.. [ Going back to English as that is extent of my Thai language skills ] This will be an interesting interview as I have never used a translator before [ Laughs ].. So how’s your English study going?

Tony: I began to learn English but I don’t really have time.. If I learn English it’s not to shoot abroad but to be able to communicate with the press or my fans..

TE: Okay let’s get into it as I have a lot of questions for you.. What inspired you the most to do what you do?

Tony: My inspiration comes from the films that I’ve been watching since I was a kid.. I’ve watched a lot of films since I was young and was especially inspired by action and the martial arts films of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li.. My dream is to be able to do the film I want to do without any interference..

TE: So, you were inspired by so many martial arts experts.. How do you hope to inspire people?

Tony: To inspire the future and the next generation would have to come from the Thai martial art Muay Thai.. For my style, to inspire is not to able to fight like me or to be really strong or hurt people, but to project that my action has a story to tell, something about the doing of good.. It’s not just fighting for the sake of fighting, but fighting for the sake of good and that’s what I hope to inspire in the next generation..

TE: Can you describe to us what Muay Thai is and how it’s different from some of the martial arts we typically see on screen?

Tony: Muay Thai is basically nine weapons within your own body.. You defend with the elbows, feet, and the head.. In the history of ancient times, Muay Thai was important for national security.. The soldiers practiced Muay Thai in using traditional swords and after the movie Ong Bak, it increased in exposure in Thailand and also interest in the sport.. All styles the same, and they’re different.. All styles are similar in that they all have roots in nature, and they’re different in the cultural background that you bring into the martial art.. The ancestors pass those cultures along.. You express the way of living of the people, and in Muay Thai you also show gratitude.. That’s what makes it different from other forms of martial arts..

TE: How did all this begin for you?

Tony: When I was ten years old, I learned the basics of Muay Thai, but I didn’t really start getting into the meat of it until four years before making Ong Bak..

TE: How much of your time did you devote to this in your teen years? Was your life very different from that of a normal Thai kid?

Tony: I was definitely different from other teenagers.. I would spend more of my time training and meditating rather than going out to clubs and partying.. I would train for about eight hours a day..

TE: When did you meet your mentor Phanna Rithikrai?

Tony: I went to see Phanna when I was fifteen.. I’m inspired by Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, but he showed that Thai people are able to do stunts and martial arts as well, so I was inspired to go see Master Phanna..

TE: What were your initial interactions like?

Tony: Phanna tested me to see what I could do, so I did flips for Phanna, but Phanna told me to go finish school first.. During summer, I would go back to work with Phanna.. I would work with the crew and pick up things from them..

TE: Did Phanna take a lot of convincing, or did he see your potential immediately?

Tony: He took a little bit of convincing, because a lot of people come to Phanna wanting to be students, but then they just go away.. I was persistent.. I asked my dad for permission to come, and I told him that if he wouldn’t let me come I would kill myself.. So then I went back and worked in the crew with Phanna every summer, doing everything, to show I was really devoted and wanted to work here..

TE: What was it about the discipline that made you want to dedicate your life to it?

Tony: I wanted to study Muay Thai, first of all, because I’m Thai, but also I want to spread awareness of the culture, national identity and this sport.. In addition to praciticing Muay Thai, I also like to create new action moves based on gymnastics based on other forms.. That’s what stimulates me and I enjoy that creative process of coming up with new moves..

TE: I know you follow the teachings of Buddhism, what are your thoughts about it?

Tony: Muay Thai is highly involved with religion and Buddhism because it’s tied to Thai religion and Thai culture.. And with that it teaches the humanity and humility that is offered in the sport and a lot of the traditions involved in Muay Thai are in a lot of Buddhist traditions like the Y cu ceremony that begins before you go to fight which pays respect to the elders and the master.. It’s also important to have the inner strength within you and the meditation, which comes from the practice..

TE: Have you studied other forms of Buddhism besides the Buddhism of Thailand?

Tony: I’ve only been able to study the Buddhism that is in Thailand.. My family has a strong belief in Buddhism.. No matter what religion you are they all teach you to be a good person..

TE: How do you distinguish your films from other martial arts films? What makes a Tony Jaa film different?

Tony: The very important point is that my films are about Muay Thai.. It’s very rare - Ong Bak was the first film about Muay Thai - and that’s what I want to concentrate on for now, the showing of Muay Thai and Thai culture.. Another strong aspect is to film as realistically as possible.. I don’t use stunt men.. I do the stunts myself.. There are no wires.. There are no CGI effects..

TE: What’s the worst you’ve ever hurt yourself and do you know how many bones you’ve broken?

Tony: I’ve hardly had any major injuries, no broken bones at all.. In Ong Bak, I sprained my ankle fighting Big Bear.. They had to stop production for three weeks.. For The Protector, it was like a torn ligament when I was doing this scene with a rollerblade.. Within two days I went back to shooting..

TE: Why haven’t you been more injured?

Tony: A lot of practice before film is actually shot.. It’s like preparing for the Olympics.. You do a lot of practice to make sure there are no injuries or stunts that are too dangerous to be done.. Like any sportsman, there will be some problems, like a kick went more than it should.. There are bruises and sprains, but these are like normal sports injuries, rather than anything real serious..

TE: Did the success of Ong Bak, particularly around the world, surprise you?

Tony: It’s definitely surpassed anything I could have imagined.. I’m amazed and surprised, but proud that I can help increase awareness of Thailand, the sport, Thai movies.. It’s been quite a change..

TE: In Ong Bak and The Protector, we see you do some stunts on your own that seems really dangerous.. Is there a line that you draw or do you try to do as much as possible?

Tony: It’s certainly been challenging but I accept that challenge no matter how hard it is.. It makes me proud to know that when other people watch my movies, that when they see the moves, they are amazed.. It looks so easy.. That’s kind of the adrenaline that gets me going.. I like that feeling.. It’s like when I watch movies and people are cheering on all the moves, like you’re watching Muay Thai on a stage.. Despite all the crazy moves you might see, despite me not using stuntmen, we make sure to take adequate precautions to make sure no one is injured on set..

TE: With CGI and wires becoming a necessity for martial arts films these days, do you think that there are too many special effects in action films?

Tony: It depends on the point of view of the audience and what people want.. I know for some movies, they might like a particular actor and that movie might do well.. For me and my perspective, I want to present the real thing; present a real person who has been adequately trained and doing stuff that’s challenging and prove to other people that you don’t have to rely on stunts, strings, or CGI but that it’s possible with adequate training..

TE: How do you make each one on one fight scene interesting?

Tony: It depends on the person.. I look at the character.. A more fierce person, I put more fierce character into it.. Or the Japanese guy who does a lot of footwork, we would do more Muay Thai sequences into that..

TE: What’s your favorite move?

Tony: In the movie The Protector, the move of the elephant where they use the hands, so then I used the other move when I used the foot to represent the tusk pulling down people, and then using the trunk compared with the leg..

TE: How much does your kicks hurt?

Tony: It’s more of a mutual hurtness from the one who gets kicked and myself, but nobody goes to the hospital.. No fatal accidents.. Only just bruises and bumps..

TE: How does it hurt you?

Tony: Because the actors are wearing safety guards under their shirts so a lot of times when I kick them, I have to do another take and I kick them again, sometimes doing that repeatedly hurts, too..

TE: How do you keep it safe?

Tony: A lot of practice is involved with all the team.. When to stop a kick so that it looks like it’s real.. It’s really hard, but it’s safe.. And a lot of practice from the stuntman, to know when the cue is to turn or fall down, to combine with practice so it looks more realistic..

TE: Could you kill someone with your kicks?

Tony: Actually, all of the moves are very deadly and can be fatal.. It depends on the right point of impact so it’s very dangerous..

TE: What other types of martial arts do you like?  What’s your background?  I know you like Muay Thai and gymnastics..

Tony: I learned all types of fighting at the Academy, I’m skilled in Muay Thai, Muay Boran, Aikido, Capoeira, Wushu, Krabi Krabong and Tae Kwon Do.. But my favourites would be Muay Thai ( Of course ), sword play, Bushido, Akido, and Ju - Jitsu..

TE: Is this an academy for actors?

Tony: It’s a physical education academy, but not everyone usually gets involved, you have to be really devoted to do it..

TE: Let’s talk about The Protector, The story of The Protector revolves around you trying to save an elephant.. Can you explain the cultural significance of elephants to the people of Thailand?

Tony: Animals are sacred animals in the Thai culture.. Back in ancient times, the king would use elephants to travel in the time of war.. Elephants are also improtant to the religion of Thailand, which is Buddhism.. They’re often used in a lot of sacred ceremonies.. As for me, I grew up raising animals and elephants.. I had two elephants; I had one named Leaf and one named Flower.. We treat elephants like family members..

TE: There’s a sequence in The Protector in which you fight dozens and dozens of people while running up a building that lasts for about four minutes, uncut.. How long did it take to shoot that one long sequence?

Tony: It took about a month of preparation for the filming.. In total it was eight takes.. The eighth was the best one.. We were only able to do two takes a day because it required a lot of coordination with the director, safety people, stuntmen and the other actors.. There was a lot of work and effort that went into it.. The four minute sequence was filmed using a steadycam.. With the first cameraman, we actually had to change him because he’s a foreign cameraman and couldn’t keep up with the physical requirements of running after me with a steadycam.. There was one instance where we were on the third floor and I was supposed to throw one guy off a balcony, but we realized the safety features weren’t on, so we had to cut that scene and start over.. Another time, we were almost done and I was on the fourth floor.. I just had to say one more thing but the film ended so we couldn’t use that take.. Finally, on the eight take, that was the best one of all the days..

TE: You’ve been working with Panna Rittikrai for a very long time, for the fight choregraphy.. Will we have the pleasure to see him acting beside you on your movie in the future ?

Tony: In Ong Bak 2, Panna gives me some help as a consultant as he always did.. But to see him acting with me is not possible yet, cause each of us is so busy..

TE: Some people have stated that you might be the next Jackie Chan and Jet Li.. Are you looking forward to crossing over from Asia to Hollywood to do more films in America or even come back to Sydney?

Tony: I haven’t thought too much about the future or what the future might bring.. I’ve been concentrating on my current project in production which is Ong Bak 2..

TE: What’s happening with Ong Bak 2?

Tony: It’ll be released early next year..

TE: What can we expect?

Tony: Wait and see..

TE: What is Ong Bak 2 about?

Tony: Ong Bak 2 is a period piece taking place mostly in Thailand.. I directed it this time and star in it as well.. It’s going to feature new traditional Thai weapons as well as a new style of Thai fighting..

TE: So it doesn’t continue the storyline from the first movie?

Tony: No. But wait and see.. [ Laughs ]

TE: Can we see a new choregraph elements in Ong Bak 2 ?

Tony: As we have already known that I will combine the two arts together, fighting and dancing.. The dance I use is adapted from Khon Performance to mix with the fierce style of fighting.. Besides, I will use a variety of fighting styles and weapons.. I am sure that you’ll find them touching, so please keep waiting for it..

TE: How do you like being labeled as the next big action hero in the tradition of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li?

Tony: I never really reflect on the fame.. That’s not my goal, but if they were to call me the next action hero, that’s up to the viewers.. My happiness is being able to present my talents for people to see and I feel like I’m an ambassador of Thai history and Thai culture on film so that people can see Muay Thai.. For me, my inspiration are Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li and of course, my master, Panaa.. They are my inspiration for me to do what I do today and I believe that there will never be another Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li because there’s only one of them..  Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li are my heroes and my mentors that are in my heart, so it’s not comparison..

TE: Would you like to do a movie with other famous martial artists like Jackie Chan or Jet Li?

Tony: Definitely if I had the opportunity I would.. I want to present every type of art..

TE: Who is your favorite?

Tony: I would love to work with anybody especially Jet Li because Jet Li studies Buddhism as well.. But I have to say I love but Fist of Fury and Police Story..

TE: If you could what would you say to Jet Li?

Tony: I’d ask him ” What are you working on now for the world to see?” And ” What are you thinking now?” Jet Li is my inspiration..

TE: In the film The Protector ( Tom Yum Goong )  when you arrive at Sydney airport you bumped into a person who is the double of Jackie Chan.. Why did you not ask directly to him to make an appearance?

Tony: [ Laughs ] I would like it if he came [ Laughs ] but we can’t pay for the plane and all expenses just for an appearance of few seconds.. It’s just a gag, we did it to surprise the spectator and most of people when they watch the film think that he is the real Jackie Chan [ Laughs ] [ Tony Jaa imitate a spectator ] ” Oh Jackie Chan!!” [ Laughs ]

TE: [ Laughs ] Well it made me look twice.. We have to wrap up, but thank you for time.. Good luck with Ong Bak 2 and the future..

Tony: Thank you..

Thanks a lot to Tony Jaa’s assistance, Thep for the translation.. Our warmest thanks go to Tony Jaa for taking to time to answer our questions..

His films captured the attention of his hero, Jackie Chan, who asked director Brett Ratner to cast Tony in Rush Hour 3.. Jackie recently said..

” I gave the director videos of Tony Jaa because I think Tony Jaa is the most well - rounded of all action stars.. The director liked him a lot, however, Tony said he’d be unable to participate because of scheduling conflicts with the shooting of Ong Bak 2..

In Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior there is a spray - painted message in the background in one scene that says “ Hi Spielberg, let[’s] do it together,” which states Tony Jaa’s wish to work with Steven Spielberg.. Tony has further stated a desire to be cast in the upcoming Indiana Jones 4 sequel..

Ong Bak 2 will be released early 2008..