Simon Rhee [Master of Material Arts]

By: Editor | March 10, 2011 | Ten by Ten

Master Simon Rhee’s elegant kicks and visually sophisticated martial arts techniques have, on numerous occasions, won him the title of Grand Champion on the tournament circuit. Rhee holds a seventh-degree black belt in tae kwon do and a fourth-degree black belt in hapkido. His incredible skills and talent have been highly sought after by many leading motion picture studios that have recruited Rhee as an instructor, stunt coordinator and fight choreographer. Master Rhee is also renowned for his remarkable teaching skills and has trained celebrities such as Faye Dunaway and Beau Bridges, as well as children and other black belt instructors. Rhee is a member of the International Stunt Association and has won two Taurus World Stunt Awards for Best Fight Scene and Best Fire Work. Although his immaculate sweep of the sword can make one’s blood run cold, Rhee has an amiable personality and is a devoted father and husband who is loved and esteemed by many.

Name one person you most admire, past or present, and why?
I can’t just name one person. There are so many people who I admire and who have helped me become the person I am today: my parents, my wife and sons, my teachers, Jesus.

How would you define happiness?
I’m happy when all the people I care about are healthy, when I give without expectations and when I am appreciated for my work.

How would you define the role of art in modern society?
Art plays so many roles in modern society. Beyond classical paintings, I see the martial arts, music and dance as art. Anything that takes great skill and focus, that brings appreciation and takes people out of their ordinary lives when they are seeing it is art to me.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
The best career advice came from my parents — to have integrity in all that that I do.

What artist (musician, poet, painter, etc.) has had the greatest impact on your life and how?
Martial artist Bruce Lee has had the greatest impact on my life because he influenced me to use my skills to become a martial artist and fight choreographer in the film industry.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance is time with my family.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a good son, husband, father, teacher, stunt coordinator and fight choreographer.

Favorite all time …
Song: Any smooth jazz.
Movie: Best of the Best
Painting: Couldn’t say …
Books: Anything from Michael Connelly
TV show: Any good NFL football game.

How would you define love?
I would define love as unconditional sacrifice.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing about the world, there would be no traffic!

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