Interview with Jon Paul

PLIFF

Interview With Jon Paul

Dojo

Professional judoka about his place in cinema

You have such an interesting background. We found out that you are a big
guy in world of “judo”, but you are now starting your career in cinema, how
did these two different worlds come across for you?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

Both of these worlds came across to me because both share the same idea of being able to fully express yourself in the arts and to perform in front of an audience. My background in traveling for training and competition helped me expand myself in creating a story that feels authentic to me. Being able to use my raw experience is something I wanted to portray when it comes to filmmaking and is something I wanted to share with the audience and anyone who watches our film.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

To Notice

Jon Paul was born and raised in Miami, Florida, where he started practicing Judo at the age of 6 with his sensei and father. He is a two-time Judo national champion, a bronze Pan-American medalist, and a two-time world team member for USA Judo. He found a passion for film and storytelling during his time training and competing in Judo while traveling to many international countries such as Japan, China, Korea, Germany, Italy, and Morocco to name a few countries. He is currently working on his next project which is the feature film to cover the full story of "Dojo" in greater depth.

In which exact role do you see yourself in cinema, despite your six
appearing’s as an actor? As a choreographer, writer, or maybe as a director?
Do you want to try yourself in directing?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

I see myself mostly as an actor and a writer. I can see myself directing something in the future but for now my strengths would be in performing the character in the story and writing the characters.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

So far you already appeared in more than a few projects. Tell us about the
first one, and which one is your favorite so far?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

I have done a few commercials, short films, and feature films. The first film I did was a short film, which was a comedy horror film. I enjoyed it very much as I gain experience and tried something new. But my favorite of course would have to be "Dojo" so far, since this one is something that I found passion in making, and is something I can relate to fully when it comes to the character and the whole story.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

To Notice

Aside from my educational background, I am also an elite athlete. I am a third degree (Sandan) black belt in Judo, a Martial Art and Olympic sport. I was trained by my father since the age of 6 where I started in a small local judo school in Miami. I have traveled and competed all over the world in numerous international tournaments.

Talking about material arts. There is a feeling that actors in this direction
often become hostages of their image and skills, and often go into one
genre – action movies. What do you think about it?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

I believe that people can fall into that category but anyone can make a shift and go on to creating something different that is outside of their usual norm. It all depends on the skill and how passionate the person is to involve themselves into the character, the story, and what's needed to fulfill everything as best as possible.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

I think material arts can give you a lot, but what is the most important thing
that you learned, or purchased over so many years in judo?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

The most important thing that I gained throughout the years doing Judo is the discipline, learning to balance yourself, show respect, and always strive to reach your full maximum potential that everyone has.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

To Notice

Along with Judo, I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). I started personal training about 6 years ago and have trained all walks of life. The training aspect has helped me really listen to the needs of people, help become more efficient in collaborating with my clients by always putting high energy in our sessions and always willing to learn something new.

Talking about “Dojo”. When did you start working on this film, how did it go,
and what is your actual role in this project?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

I first started working on the script back in early 2021 and started working on the cast and rehearsals later in the 2021 up until May of 2022. In total it took about a year to year and a half from start to finish to complete the whole film since I wanted it to come out as best as possible.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

“Yakuza” is a popular topic for all type of action movies, did you have an
opportunity to deal with these guys in real life, or maybe you heard some
inspiring stories before making “Dojo”?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

I personally have not yet even when I was in Tokyo training. But perhaps I might of while I was over there at some point!

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

You were in many countries during your career in judo. What culture
attracts you the most?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

I would have to say definitely Japanese culture is my favorite. Every time I visit Japan and explore it, it's like a whole different world that reaches me in many different ways that words cannot explain. It's pure bliss, peace, and a feeling of transcendence every time I visit for training, competition, and just exploring.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

I found information that you are working on your first feature film, and it’s
again covering the story of “Dojo”, do you have some insights for us what is
it going to be about?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

Yes! The feature film is called "The Way", and here is piece of the synopsis for the film. Shane Lucas, an elite martial artist, who is unknowingly immersed into the dark world of one of the most powerful underground syndicates, the Yakuza. Master Yoshida, commander in chief of the Yamaguchi-Gumi clan, is a man of power who is set on taking control of greater territory and seeks to take Shane with him in his dark web of power and influence. He seeks to mold the world with his master agenda for power. Many crime activities of the Yakuza begin spreading in the city of Los Angeles as we investigate the many crimes through the lenses of FBI detective Lucio Terranova. While these investigations are occurring, there is an unexpected FBI informant by the name of Mauritius Pearce, who comes along coincidentally when these crime activities are occurring. He is an undercover double informant working for the Yamaguchi-Gumi clan, seeking to make sure that the balance of power is met for the elites' agenda.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

Dojo - Feature Film Synopsis

Shane and his father must overcome their growing uncertainty with themselves and the many dark forces around them. As Shane gets more involved with the Yakuza, he sees that there is a whole different world beneath the world that we live in; a world where it is the elites that are in control, and that everything is in the hands of certain groups of a particular society far more powerful than what Shane has yet to see. We follow the lives of Shane and his father, Alfonso Lucas, each going through their own journey of self-discovery, and both defining their own way that will ultimately lead them to where light and darkness collide. Alfonso’s story develops in his timeline as he learns the way of life through the original rise of a particular martial art, Judo, and its system of applying its principles. During this time of him learning from the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano, we see how his time in Japan, specifically at the Kodokan Judo Institute, where Judo started, has a profound effect on the present day where Shane is going through his current obstacles he must overcome.

There is a particular woman whom Shane keeps coming across with during certain periods of his life. This woman would be vital to Shane as she represents what Shane is looking for and is someone whom he would have to eventually protect throughout the story. From fighting between the same members of the Yakuza to other mafia syndicates, there is a grand tournament that Shane must participate in to redeem everything he ever loves and desires. This tournament is not like any other tournament as it is a well-hidden underground tournament that is only allowed for elite fighters of the many mafia groups that exists from various international countries. Such mafia groups include the Russian Mafia, the Italian Mafia, the Chinese Triads, and many more. The action fighting consists of various martial arts being integrated to combat one another and we see different approaches to how Shane confronts his opponents with his style of fighting. As the story unfolds, will detective Lucio crack this case before more lives are caught in this game of cat and mouse? Will a childhood love be enough to keep the heart of a man in the light? Will Shane uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Making an action film is a hard thing nowadays, as it is always requiring a
good budget, and a fresh story, because it feels like all the stories in this
genre have been told already. Do you find yourself ready for this challenge?

PLIFF Reprsenter

Journalist

Yes I do! I do believe our story will bring something new into the world of action, drama, and a little bit of everything else that the audience either hasn't experienced yet or it has been a while since they have experienced it. This feature film won't be just another mindless action film, it will be something very versatile and I'm working to make sure that the audience gets something of high value with great substance when it comes to filmmaking.

Jon Paul

Writer, Actor, Producer, Choreographer

PLIFF