If I were to mention the name Silvio Simac, it's most likely that only the most hardened of fans amongst you would be able to pinpoint him as the actor that played General Troy in Tsui Hark's 'Black Mask 2'.  However, Simac is currently going from strength to strength in the acting industry after originally making his name as a British, European and World Tae Kwon Do champion.  So far, his on-screen credits have included appearances in commercials (for Ford cars and Bodi-Tek), music videos (for the 'So Solid Crew'), television programs ('Lexx') and of course movies.  In the next year it is highly likely you will see him in at least one of the following film projects - 'The Purifiers', 'Danny The Dog', 'Square Circle' or 'Team One'.  Luckily enough for us, one of the aforementioned movies, 'The Purifiers', also stars Chris Jones and he grabbed a few words with Silvio for us to print here on the site.

Chris Jones: Firstly hi Silvio, could you tell us a little about yourself and your Martial Arts background?

Silvio Simac: During my formative years, I showed interest on the sports field where I excelled in such power sports such as sprinting, shot put and long jump events where I also set several school records.

My earliest memory of martial arts was when my parents took me to see Bruce Lee in 'Fist of Fury' when I was 5 years old. So why would Bruce Lee have such an impact on a 5 year old? "Honesty in the heart, Knowledge in the mind and Strength in the body." Simply the former attributes are taught but the latter strength and physical attributes can be appreciated even at an early age as it appeals to man's more primal and basic instincts.

At the age of 12 my formal training in Tae Kwon Do began and my progress was swift. I flourished as my skills grew and so did my enthusiasm and dedication. I soon became a fierce competitor, winning where ever I wanted. In the 11 years as an active competitor I had become British, European and World Gold Medallist in Tae Kwon Do. In the meantime I had supplemented my intense training and gained further black belts in Karate, Kickboxing and Combat self defence ranging from 1st to 4th degree black belt.

CJ: How did you initially get into film work and has it always been a dream of yours to work in films and TV?

SS: Whilst growing up I was always inspired by great action stars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Lee, Jean Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Martial arts had given me so much in terms of  self belief, spiritual awareness and physical well being. If I could impair this same experience onto others then I have fulfilled my task as an instructor. TV and movies are magical and if I can have a devoted following that I can share these experiences with it then it is a bonus. This is largely why I wanted to get into the movies. I enjoy thrilling people and giving them something so beautiful, magical, powerful and beneficial.

CJ: What's your average day of training consist of and is there any particular training that you do for work on films?

SS: I like to cross train. During my competitive years I spent much of my time doing Cardiovascular training, explosive plyometric training as well as bag work. Now that I do not require so much endurance and explosiveness, I tend to allocate most of my time and energy towards cosmetic, agility and flexibility work. Weight training had transformed my physique and agility and flexibility work had helped me translate these martial arts movements into beautiful, graceful choreographed sequences. Drama workshops, acting and reading have also become a hugely important part of my training. My whole day consists of biosynergy of physical training, acting, reading and processing the information I have taken in.

CJ: Could you tell us a little about the projects you have worked on so far and the different people that you have worked with?

SS: I have been very fortunate and lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people who have not only inspired me and given me motivation but have also given me a new, stronger direction. I have shot 6 features thus far and have worked with the great action choreographer Yuen Woo Ping, Jet Li for just over 3 months, Bob Hoskins, Tsui Hark, Luc Besson, Lennox Lewis, Traci Lords, Rob Van Damme, Tyler Mane and many others across the TV and movie scene. I have been featured in 'Black Mask 2', 'Lexx', 'Team One', 'Danny The Dog', 'The Purifiers' and 'Square Circle'. Please take a look at my website at www.silviosimac.com for photographs or any further information .

CJ: In particular, what was it like to work with Jet Li?

SS: Working with Jet Li was an eye opener. It was like going to a full time Drama School studying Stage Combat and on top of that watching Yuen Woo Ping and Luc Besson at work AND getting paid for it. God, it was FANTASTIC !  I had a great time working with Jet Li and certainly learnt a lot from him. His ability to stay focused, professional and real at all times was impressive to say the least.

CJ: Who would you like to work with in the future?

SS: I would like to work with Jackie Chan. I have met him previously and nearly had the opportunity to work with him but have not been fortunate enough yet.  I would also like to work with Wesley Snipes and Stephen Segal too. They just have a different way of working.

CJ: So what's next for you? What should our readers look out for you in next?

SS: Well, I guess ... I have 4 feature films coming out next year, possibly 5 - 'Danny The Dog', 'The Purifiers', 'Square Circle' and 'Team One'. I hope 3 of those will be theatrical releases. I would also like to do more work in the UK. I am currently writing sports, health, nutrition and training columns for magazines and hope to do my own video some day so I am working on that now but it is a rather slow process and it may take a while so lets just wait and see which direction the winds blow.

CJ: Thanks for your time Silvio, hope to work with you on set again soon!

SS: The pleasure has been mine to work with you and to do this interview. God bless you all. Don't Dream your life ... Live your Dream.

Dragon's Den UK would like to thank Silvio Simac and Chris Jones for this interview.