Silvio, what brought you to Los Angeles?
Silvio Simac: I think this has been a long time coming. If you are in the film industry, then this is one of the places you need to go. I've been around the US, but not only in Los Angeles, and here I am. Set up a lot of meetings with agents, managers and a couple of directors. Let's see what comes of this.
Where do you live?
Silvio Simac: I live in London.
Did you grow up in London?
Silvio Simac: Yes, I grew up in London. At Wimbledon.
Have you always been interested in show business?
Silvio Simac: Almost all my life. For most of it, I knew exactly what I was aiming for.
How did you get involved in your first film?
Silvio Simac: It's like a coincidence. I took part in martial arts tournaments for some time, and just won the title of world champion in taekwondo. The agency called me and said that they were looking for guys for the Hong Kong feature film Black Mask 2.
Have you ever been to Thailand before?
Silvio Simac: It was the first time. I stayed there for three months and really enjoyed it.
Tell us about how you held the title of Taekwondo champion from 1991 to 2000. It's just something! How did you manage to do this?
Silvio Simac: You know, in my opinion, if you are possessed by a passion for something, then you simply follow your goal without thinking about possible difficulties or obstacles. When I competed, I was happy every step of the way.
What did you like most?
Silvio Simac: Probably overcoming obstacles and the desire to win, for example, the title of fourteen-time British champion and four-time European champion, which ultimately led to the world title. I set myself this goal. This is, first of all, enthusiasm and incentive.
Did you start training since childhood?
Silvio Simac: Yes, yes, yes, I have been studying martial arts for almost 25 years. I started studying thoroughly at the age of 12.
So, does this mean that you have a competitive spirit by nature?
Silvio Simac: What a great one! I'm the type of person who won't do anything that I'm not good at. I won't play any sport just for fun if I'm not good at it. There are certain sports that I don’t give up, but even there I don’t want to lose face. I always strived for victory.
What does black belt and 4th dan mean?
Silvio Simac: Black belt just means that you have mastered the basic movements/techniques. This is just the beginning of your journey. Imagine a chick leaving the nest for the first time. He will have to taste the whole sky. So if you have achieved a black belt, you are really just a beginner. The data shows how far you are from the belts you earned. They show what level of skill you have as a black belt.
What is Choi Kwang Do?
Silvio Simac: At first I trained in Taekwondo, a Korean martial art created for the purpose of self-defense. Choi Kwan Do was invented by one of the “pioneers” of Taekwondo, who, having received a large number of serious injuries at one time, created a scientifically based system that develops the body well. Any professional athlete with solid competition experience will tell you that extreme measures can be detrimental to the body. Choi Kwang Do does not have such extremes, you are your own boss. It helps improve health.
Have you ever been injured?
Silvio Simac: Of course, many different ones. Joints hurt, especially in London, where it is quite cool. I have a serious problem with my hands from breaking bricks. I have damaged the nerves in my hands, and in the cold winter my blood circulation slows down. Injuries take their toll, but any athlete will tell you the same. When you push yourself to a certain point, it can have a negative impact on your health. That's why I'm so attracted to Choi Kwang Do at my age.
Do you teach martial arts?
Silvio Simac: At the moment I am not teaching anyone, although I do conduct martial arts seminars. This is exactly what I would recommend doing. Participation in competitions can be harmful to health, and sometimes to the fragile child’s psyche. Competition is a double-edged sword. I experienced this myself. There is only one winner, but there are many losers, so, in particular, this method of education is not very suitable for children. In Choi Kwan Do, the concept is that everyone is a winner. You compete only with your abilities, that’s what attracts you the most.
How did you get your degree in economics?
Silvio Simac: Looking back, you realize how great it is to have something behind you, but I think that this is mostly due to my parents, scientists. When you are still a child, you don’t really know what exactly you want. You can do something, but secretly from your parents, because it does not correspond to their idea of what you need. I got my degree to please my parents.
Did you like economics, how was it for you?
Silvio Simac: No, I didn’t really like it. It was more about discipline. I had to go for it. After graduating from university, I realized how little I knew about business and economics. The subject is so vast that you can study for 20 years and still not learn everything.
Were you interested in acting or did you discover it purely by accident?
Silvio Simac: By nature I was a fan of showing off a little. Maybe that's why, standing in front of the camera, I feel at ease. I enjoyed demonstrating my skills and talents in front of the public even in the early stages of learning martial arts.
What did you do to satisfy this need?
Silvio Simac: Learned many different techniques and often performed at charity events. Martial arts changed my life.
How so?
Silvio Simac: They made me a more complete and confident person with self-esteem. By appearing on screen, I can influence millions of people, which was one of the reasons why I wanted to get into the entertainment business. Dressing up in costumes and playing games is every child's cherished dream. In truth, you don't even have to grow up.
Would you be interested in a dramatic role?
Silvio Simac: Without a doubt. I think this would be a real challenge for me, another area for growth and development.
Would you like to finance the creation of your own film starring you?
Silvio Simac: Yes! Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to have more and more influence over what I did in certain episodes. When the director of a major project tells you that he needs something, you have to do what he asks of you. Over the years, I have been given freedom of choice and opportunities to explore my creative potential. I was able to express myself during the creative process. I think that producing will fit well into this situation.
In the film with Jet Li, you have the longest fight compared to other actors, don't you?
Silvio Simac: Yes, seven and a half minutes. It took two weeks to film, it was very interesting! Plus, before that, we spent five days on rehearsals.
You've earned a name for yourself!
Silvio Simac: It's one of those things that you don't notice until you look at yourself from the outside. You kind of live with it, and it becomes the norm. The novelty quickly wears off.
Why do you think you are still so successful?
Silvio Simac: I think it's all about perseverance.
How does your persistence manifest itself?
Silvio Simac: You need to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who inspire you. Don't stop and continue until the end. It is very important to have outside support in moments when you are depressed and doubt yourself. I realized the importance of the right environment. The attitudes and mentality of such people also influence me.
What would you like to achieve before retiring?
Silvio Simac: This is a good question! You know, sometimes people are not happy with what they have. They are hungry for more. All these years I kind of pushed myself. They constantly told me: “One day you will achieve your goal.” I heard this for 15-20 years until I became world champion. Then I stopped for a second and thought: I really live a dream every day. I follow the call of my heart. And if I die tomorrow, it will be with the knowledge that I remained true to myself. In my opinion, striving for more is admirable, but you should be happy with what you do every day, because you may never achieve your desired goal. Therefore, you need to enjoy the process itself, and not the final result. I would like to go as far as possible, obviously, as would everyone else.
What would you say to children who admire you and follow in your footsteps?
Silvio Simac: I receive a lot of emails from fans and, in particular, from children, and this is one of the most pleasant moments. I love being an inspiration to someone and making some kind of impact in someone's life. I often take the time to answer questions by email. I give advice, support and motivate. I was very lucky with this. Sometimes I don't even realize how much of an impact I can have on all these kids. This is a demanding role, but also a very rewarding one. I like it and I enjoy it. I'm a big kid inside and I'm enjoying it!
Author: Alan Mercer
Source: amprofile.blogspot.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
Thanks for the link Celpaso
Note: Silvio Šimać is half Croatian, half Italian, so his last name should be written as Šimać, not Simak/Simak.
Happy Birthday to Silvio Simac!!!
Hmm... I partially agree. Many people know a man named Jackie Chan, but a man named Jackie Chan/Chan...
Be that as it may, in Croatian Šimać is read as Šimać.
By the way, today is Silvio’s birthday. Congratulations!
Silvio Simac.
There are a lot of ropes there. Well, for example, the very beginning: when Jet runs, jumps and hits two attackers and flips back in the air - this is with ropes.
ahh, I also remembered him in Undisputed 2))) the very first fight with Boyka) and Danny the Chain Dog is my favorite film with Jet Li, it’s a pity that he doesn’t have such crazy films... and by the way, Jet did everything himself? without doubles?
Denis the Chain Dog, but the fight was cut short. In Russia there is a workprint license (the ropes are visible), there is a whole battle there without cutting
7 Minutes vs. Jet Li: What Movie?
Was it by any chance that he took part in a fight with Jet Li and Scott Adkins in an empty pool (Danny is a chain dog)?
It's a coincidence. :) He also starred in “Undisputed 2”.