Interview with Budokai-do's A'an Yayak

A’an Yayak is the Actor and Producer of the short film Budokai-do. The short film is about a Budokai-do Master and their journey. Budokai-do was screened at Fighting Spirit Film Festival in 2019.

Describe yourself in three fictional characters

Peter Pan, Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Ryo Saeba (City Hunter)

Who are the martial artists that inspire you?

Bruce Lee above all, since I was a five year old kid. Then there are lots of artists that I respect and learn a lot from them, like Jet Li, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins...etc.

How were you introduced to Budokai-do?

I met my master Guy Melard in 1998 for the first time in a bar at my hometown. We were talking about martial arts and martial artists. So, he convinced me to do a trial at his Dojo.

What was your first experience with Budokai-do like?

I fell in love and impressed. It was the style of martial art that I always was looking for... Explosive timing, powerful actions, realistic fight movements, technical to the point, a strong mental and physical discipline, a family with great balance and respect.... But in 1998 my parents force me to make my choice between Budokai-do or Badminton. Because I was already a 10 year Badminton rocketeer, I decided to stay with my racket and shuttlecocks.

Could you tell us a bit about the history of Budokai-do?

Bodukai-do was founded by Grand Master Sagar Shrestha, in Nepal, he started at the age of 12. Budo comes from "Buddha”, inspired from the temple of Swayambu in Nepal. Kai means "Inner Strength"and Do stands for "the way". In 1989 he introduced Budokai-do to Belgium.

How do you feel when you practice Budokai-do? 

Mentally and physically the perfect balance

What inspired you to make the film Budokai-do?

I like movies and martial arts. Why not to mix my theatre experience and Budokai-do abilities together. So that's why we decided to make a movie of this wonderful fight sport.

What was your experience like making Budokai-do?

It was our first project and it was a test how the team got involved to make this movie. Everything went as we expect because of our great preparation. Fantastic experience! Now, up to the next one.

What was your favourite part about making Budokai-do?

The fight scenes and the great relation with all cast and crew. I remember it was hot weather. But we had a lot of fun.

What was your collaboration like with Fight and Action director/choreographer Guy Melard? 

Fantastic. Great preparation, professional, everything went smooth and we are brothers. So, I had 100% confidence to end up as we wish.

I noticed in the film, a logo for Yantra Budokai-do Koksijde, can you tell us about it?

Its the name of the Dojo in Koksijde, a village in Belgium where I practice Budokai-do. Yantra means pattern. It's a basic Budokai-do blocking, striking, movement in all directions to learn. All Yantra are based on the five elements like earth, wind, water, fire and heaven.

The line in the film, “My dreams are the dress rehearsal for my future,” what does this line mean to you?

A lot of inspiration starts from a dream. These are also my objectives So...Don't be afraid to dream!

What do you see as the future of martial arts and action cinema?

Both will support each other. An Action movie is successful, because of the perfect balance from both and both will change and adapt depends in time we live. It’s a bit like fashion. Of course Action Cinema helps put the name of the Martial Arts on the map. But without Martial Art, Action movie will never exist.

Do you have any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

Yes, We are in preproduction for our next movie called "Zero". It's a well-known guy that takes and fulfils perfectly missions from guys, groups, peoples from all kind of origin, good and bad guys, light and dark, rich and poor groups. Because of this, conflicts can happen. So, he has to make the right choice.

How has your experience been with the Fighting Spirit Film Festival?

London is the capital of Europe for movies. So, I learned a lot from other actors and filmmakers. We were there as martial artists and actors very close and had a great admiration from each other work.
The festival has a successful concept and will get bigger for the next coming years for sure. A fantastic experience!!! Thank you.

Speed Round. Pick one film for each category.

What film do you think is underrated and deserves more attention?

Watchmen (Zack Snyder)

What is your favourite film by your favourite filmmaker?

The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan)

What is your favourite 80s film?

Dune (David Lynch)

Which cinematic universe would you like to live in?

....Good question.....Yea why not the James Bond world... I like Gin Martini and Girls

What is your current favourite film?

John Wick

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We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about the Budokai-do director A’an Yayak. Thank you so much to A’an. Don’t forget to keep up to date with him via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.