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Episode 2 is an examination of the Balisong's metoric rise in popularity through 80's, America and around the world.
STORY POINTS
The Filipino Martial Arts Continued
The subplot of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in Episode 1 is expanded in Episode 2 as Way of the Balisong (WOTB) documents FMA’s influence in American Cinema, Military & Special Forces Training and Martial Arts competition. Seen by millions yet still a bit unknown, the Filipino Martial Arts are a bit of an enigma.
It’s prevalence in the mainstream action movies of today had an unlikely starting point, the Balisong.
The Academy
WOTB documents the fascinating story of Dan Inosanto’s first school after Bruce Lee's passing, and how the ‘Filipino Kali Academy’ went on to impact the worlds cinema and martial arts.
The Jeff Imada Story
The inspiring story of Jeff Imada, mentored by Dan Inosanto the former Pre Med student turned martial artist turned Hollywood stuntman overcame discrimination to become the first Japanese-American stunt coordinator in mainstream Hollywood movies.
The Les DeAsis Story
Intertwined within the Jeff Imada story is the origin of Benchmade USA, one of the largest manufacturers of cutlery products in the U.S. Founded and helmed by Les DeAsis, it's success didn't come easy.
Passing On The Torch
Jeff Imada opens the doors to a slew of hyper talented stunt professionals, actors and directors. His life's work is recognized and honored and his prodiges are achieving new heights in the film industry.
Les DeAsis survives 3 bankruptcies and prevails into 3 decades of success, passing on his companys legacy to his son John and Daughter Melissa while honoring the knife that started it all, the Balisong.
STORY ARCS AND RESOLUTIONS
Les DeAsis
Les DeAsis
Les DeAsis
Amidst his early business success, an abrupt change in state and federal knife laws for the Balisong turns Les DeAsis's world upside down.
Faced with multiple bankruptcies, Les hunkers down and steps up to the challenge.
Les DeAsis
Les DeAsis
With a great plan and shere perseverance a new life in the knife friendly state of Oregon launches the Benchmade brand, ushering in
3 decades of industry leading prominence.
Les DeAsis
Les celebrates Benchmade’s 30 year anniversary by bringing back the knife which started it all.
The Las Vegas Shotshow Convention sets the stage for introducing the the most technologically advanced production Balisong in the world, the Benchmade 87.
A crowning achievement to an illustrious career.
Jeff Imada
Jeff Imada
A top student of Dan Inosanto emerges from The Filipino Kali Academy and makes waves. Jeff is regarded as the premiere stunt and fight scene choreographer in Hollywood. With a career spanning over 30 years. His work has become legendary in the stunt world. WOTB examines how Jeff got his start after gaining notoriety from his books
‘The Balisong Manual Volumes 1 & 2’.
Jeff Imada
His martial skills and ability with the Balisong caught the eye of a young filmmaker by the name of John Carpenter who helped launch Jeff’s career in an industry where opportunities for Asian-Americans were virtually unheard of at the time.
Achieving one of the most storied careers in the stunt industry, Jeff Imada is ceremoniously honored by the Japanese-American community with a Visionary Lifetime Achievement Award.
In his speech he recalls the trials and tribulations of being one of the first Asian-Americans in the stunt industry and how he was driven to persevere and excel with the hope of opening doors for other Asian-American’s following in his footsteps
Dan Inosanto
Dan Inosanto
Dan Inosanto
Bruce Lee's untimely death, thrust the burden of his martial arts legacy upon the shoulders
of his top instructor and best friend
Dan Inosanto.
The magnitude of this weighs heavy upon a grieving Inosanto who contemplates quitting martial arts.
A heartfelt letter written by a friend named Steve McQueen sparks a newfound inspiration that would change the world of martial arts forever.
Dan Inosanto
Dan Inosanto
At 84 years old Dan Inosanto is still sprite, athletic and agile, continuing to teach and train daily at his world famous Academy.
He has honored his friend and teacher Bruce Lee with a lifetime of extraordinary achievements and a legacy that has positively impacted thousands if not millions of lives.
Dan Inosanto
On July 1st, Mr. Inosanto was honored for his life’s works in the worlds largest Martial Art’s Convention, the Century Martial Arts "Super Show" in Las Vegas.
The ceremony is projected to be attended by tens of thousands of martial arts practitioners, fans, fighters, industry notables and fellow martial arts masters.
A most fitting tribute is planned for the world's most revered martial arts living legend.
subplots
After Bruce
After Bruce
After Bruce
The Bruce Lee story has been told, retold and re-imagined countless times since his passing in 1973. What isn’t widely known is how his teachings and influence continued and how it is still prevalent worldwide for the last 36 years through the influence of his best friend and top student Dan Inosanto, the man who would inherited the legacy and future of Bruce Lee’s martial arts style Jeet Kune Do.
The Academy
After Bruce
After Bruce
WOTB documents the fascinating story of Dan Inosanto’s first martial arts school the ‘Filipino Kali Academy’. The amount of worldwide influence and innovation that proceeded from this small sized school in Torrance, California would become astounding.
Day In The Life - Jeff Imada (Proposed TBD)
Day In The Life - Jeff Imada (Proposed TBD)
Day In The Life - Jeff Imada (Proposed TBD)
WOTB spends a day with Jeff Imada as he preps actors and stunt players for a fight scene.
Les DeAsis/Benchmade Project (Proposed TBD)
Day In The Life - Jeff Imada (Proposed TBD)
Day In The Life - Jeff Imada (Proposed TBD)
WOTB documents the launching of a brand new Benchmade product. From conception to design, through manufacturing, marketing and release to the public.