Steve Kim

Steve Kim, born in Seoul, Korea as Heung Sup Kim flourished from a shy kid to an accomplished artist, martial artist, and stuntman. Steve moved from Korea to Boston, Massachusetts with his family at age 13 without knowing a lick of English.Following high school, he was accepted (based on his portfolio) to the prestigious New England School of Art and Design. Next, he made a daring move that would change his life. He jumped in a two door Chevy hatchback with two buddies and fled to Hollywood.While living in Los Angeles he began training Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Judo with his best friend Mike Mitch McClanahan who was his first instructor. Mitch introduced Steve to Judo Gene LeBell in 1995. Gene LeBell is a one of a kind who was a Judo champion, Pioneer mixed martial artist and very accomplished Hollywood stuntman. Gene LeBell has played many other vital roles in Steve's life. He is Steve's mentor, father figure, and lifelong friend.Steve thrived while training at The Hayastan Submission Grappling Academy landing him a rare black belt in 2007 given by both sensei Gene LeBell and Gokor Chivichyan. Steve's bumps and bruises also earned him a 1st degree Black Belt in Karate tested by Moo Do Won on October 31st 1998 followed by a 4th Degree Black Belt in Shorinjo Ryu Ju-jutsu received from Santos Flaniken on April 20th, 2006. Steve also learned a great deal of knowledge from his sensei's, George R. Gardoni, and Lari Beebe (RIP Lari).Before Steve new it, his first national commercial and stunt job on a tv show fell into his lap. This was the beginning of his unsuspecting career as a stuntman. His knowledge of martial arts and guidance from Gene LeBell helped him tremendously. A few of Steve's most memorable stunt jobs are:"Olympus Has Fallen"; fighting Chris Hemsworth in "Cyber", getting to work with Will Smith in "Focus" and Mark Wahlberg's movie "The Gambler" also transforming into an animated character (judo fighter) in the video game MMA Supremacy!If Steve is not on set, he is either teaching, training, spending time with his family, or creating his next masterpiece! Steve is survived by his son Journey Kim, his wife Meggin Penkal Kim, his mother, sister, and two brothers. Show less «