Jean Frenette: Goju-ryu Karate Master & Stunt Coordinator
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Jean Frenette is a karate world champion who has gone on to a very successful career as a stuntman, stunt coordinator, and assistant director.
He's worked with many of the biggest movies stars, making sure they look good on camera, and keeping them safe.
I interviewed him during his July 2023 visit to Okinawa as he returned to train at the Jundokan in Naha City.
Enjoy the video and let us know in the comments your favorite piece of wisdom from the interview.
Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate is a documentary series about the amazing martial arts teachers living on Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. It is completely free to watch on RUclips, anywhere in the world! Series One has more than 1,000,000 views and a fan community of 30,000+ on Facebook. The International Edition episodes are interviews with key karateka who have helped spread Okinawan karate around the world.
Learn more about the project here and how you can help here:
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GOALS OF THE SERIES
1. Document the stories of Okinawan karate masters and their philosophy on life and their martial arts practice.
2. Record in the highest quality possible. Ideally 4K or 8K, RAW, multi camera, multi audio
3. Store the original data as an archival record.
4. Transcribe and translate the recordings to spread knowledge of Okinawan martial arts, history and culture.
5. Make the videos available for free online via RUclips, and on Bujin.tv so that anyone, anywhere can see them.
The documentary series grew out of the Karate Masters Portrait Project which began in 2012. The portrait project allowed amazing access to the sensei, but it was only Chris Willson and James Pankiewicz who got to hear their stories. The documentary series is a way for us to share that unique knowledge with the international karate community, and to archive aspects of Okinawan culture before they disappear.
If you can help sponsor or support this series like the awesome people listed below please get in touch!
SERIES TWO SPONSORS
Martin Pinto - Essex Goju Ryu Karate
Doug Perry - Okinawa Shorinryu Karate
Cezar Borkowski - Northern Karate Schools
NOVA Okinawan Karate Dojo
Seikichi Iha, Okinawa Prefectural Intangible Cultural Asset - Beikoku Shidokan Karatedo Association
Neil Stolsmark - Authentic Ancient Arts
Okinawa Kobudo Doushi Rensei Kai & Shorin- Ryu Shorinkan.
Zensekai Karate Kobujitsu Renmei / Oyata Preservation Foundation
Series Two - Key Supporters
Ervin Tong - Shin Shi Kan
Fred Mansfield Jr. - Beikoku Shidokan / RBKD
Robert Roberto Curtis - Beikoku Shidokan / Virginia Dojo
琉球大学国際地域創造学部 ウェルネス研究分野 (荒川研究室)
Mark Spear - Black Bear Dojo
Series Supporters
Ari Nuutinen
Justin Sheehy
David Deinert
Fred Speece
Andreas Sticht
Danny Smith
Olaf Steinbrecher
Jonathan Lapomardo
Shelley Cormier
Gerry Campbell
Marian Reiter
Joel Castasus
Åke Mora Temnerud
Victoria Kirkup
Robin Ross
Thomas Podzelny
Andy Morris
Darren Xiberras
James Hatch
John J. Strangeway
Thank you very much! I saw this Jean in Eurosport back in the 1990s. He was a great inspiration for the young me.
I'm from Québec and this man is the REASON why i learned KARATÉ.
Dear Jean,
I took part in your course when you were in Germany at the beginning of the 90s.
As I was already a Black Belt at that time and we were about the same size, you always chose me as your partner for partner exercises.
I learnt a lot in the area of stretching and also showed it to my students in my dojo.
When I look at our photos together from time to time, I like to remember them.
All the best for you.
OSS
I remember Jean Frenette when I was a teenager reading karate illustrated
My mate Ashley Beck trained with him back in the day
SENSEI FRENETTE , plusieurs fois j’ai eu l’occasion de venir à l ’ ARENA BERCY à PARIS FRANCE 🇫🇷 nous vous avons rencontré alors que vous alliez participer au spectacle démonstration MAGNIFIQUE D’AILLEURS ACCOMPAGNÉE EN MUSIQUE C’ÉTAIT NOUVEAU ET LES COUPS DE PIEDS HAUTS ENCHAÎNÉS SPECTACULAIRES ! C’ EST VOUS QUI NOUS AVEZ INTERPELLÉ POUR NOUS SALUER ! ÇA ON L’ A GARDÉ DANS NOS COEURS, MERCI ET ENCORE MERCI. VOUS ÊTES UN GRAND ! RESPECTUEUSEMENT ET MARTIALEMENT SG 🙏🙏🥋
The life and history of Uechi Kanbun Sensei, founder of Uechi Ryu, would make a fantastic movie, imho. Thank you for these videos. 🥋🙏🏻
I have a special memory of Jean Frenette through my father. When Mr. Frenette was in his early twenties, he had to work like everybody while competing. So Jean worked as a correctional officer (agent de la paix) for the National legal psychiatric Institute Philippe-Pinel where my dad also worked. When I was around twelve years old, I remember going to what I believe was a Christmas party where Jean Frenette performed a comical kata on scene. He entered with a clown nose and then began performing precise martial arts moves with a comical twist. He had hid two ping-pong balls he used to drop to simulate getting kicked in the nuts. So you can tell he really likes artistic performance. I started practicing martial arts when I was just over 13. I entered a competition when I was 15 and Mr. Frenette was there. My dad went to talk to him, and presented me to him. Jean went into a stunt career and could quit the jail job. My dad was always proud of seeing him having success. I remember telling me to watch carefully because Jean was going to appear in a scene from Rambo 3. Of course, like every martial artist of my age, sensei Frenette was in many Karate magazines we read. Like Celine Dion, for our family, Jean was the embodiment of the success of French-speaking Quebeckers abroad. My dad, Julien Morin, passed away in 2020 at age 80. He would have liked so much this interview with Jean Frenette. I am happy to see Mr. Frenette never gave up on his passion for martial arts practice.
I must say, what an incredible professional and genuinely talented individual! His expertise in the stunt coordination world is truly remarkable. It's evident that Jean's passion for his craft shines through in every project he takes on. His commitment to safety and precision is commendable, making him not just a great stunt coordinator but an essential part of creating amazing and thrilling experiences. Kudos to Jean for being such a fantastic and dedicated professional in the industry!"
Amazing person, one time we meet him in Shureido, and talking, really great Master 👏, thank you for sharing this 🙏, the best series
what a wonderful interview.
Un grand plaisir de revoir Jean je me rappelle quant il était champion du monde kata Artistique à l'époque
You will barely see it around :18 seconds , but that is a real makiwara post , not just a pad stuck on a wall. Its a springy tapered board that can have various types of wrapping or padding depending on your goal , but it's NOT primarily for conditioning your hands, that's just a bonus . What it does is give you instant bio feedback one whether you have proper structure and technique because if you don't it sends all that outgoing energy right back through your skeleton . If there's a striking tool out there that can do what it does I haven't seen it. There's some dummies and 2 person drills that teach structure and rooting in general , but for striking this is an incredibly unique tool , especially for short work. Not hard to make once you get the design
Love it, I had a video tape back in the 90's I remember your name and the spectacular turning while kicking in a circle. glad to see you here
Please don't ever stop making these...
Sure ! Don’t worry dear .
I hope so.
I will train as long as I can.
Oss Sensei.
Jean, greetings from Poland! When I was in my teens (around 35 tears ago :) ) I saw your high kicks and music - that was so impressive! So nice to see you keep with karate all these years! Osu!
A blast from the past!
Over 30 years ago I saw Jean Frenette's World Championship Open Kata performance on video, and was awed. Awed and inspired enough to call him out of the blue about visiting us in San Diego. He kindly and immediately agreed! Master Frenette taught an amazing seminar on Friday (lessons from which I still teach my students), helped me personally with a Kata, patiently sat with us at dinner until 2:00 am his time, and the next day sat on a promotion board for my Instructor along with Bob Wall, J. Pat Burleson, and American martial arts leaders. In person, he was genuinely as personable, skilled, dedicated and humble as portrayed in this video. Master Frenette continues to be a shining example to us all.
Inspiration for the Montreal karate community. His accent is lovely. ❤
Love to meet and train with Mr Frenette. What a career/ life style.
An amazing interview indeed! Jean Frenette Sensei was on Karate Bushido Magazines when I was a teenager and he really inspired me to learn Martial Arts. I was amazed at his skills. So great to hear from him again today and still learning Karate. Truly an inspiring video to watch! Thank you for sharing this!
Really interesting interview
Wow! Merveilleux de vous voir encore cheminer M. Frénette! Vous êtes une idole de jeunnese quand j'étais ado et pratiquais le Karaté Kempo. Je pratique maintenant le Shotokan avec mes enfants et on s'entraine aussi au Japon parfois avec de grands sensei!
Had the opportunity to work with Jean, on a film in Montréal. He's such a friendly and genuine person. The sign of a true master. Salut Jean! Stay safe!
To the few on here that have commented saying he cant fight , The power this guy still has would break every bone in your body with such speed. Respect to you Mr Frenette 🙏
Le parcours d'un homme qui a décidé de se tenir debout et qui transmet la science de la réussite.
WOW..I great to hear your voice..I had your stretching book many years back. I followed it daily
j'étais jeune ? ça démonstration a Bercy m'a marqué toute ma vie.
One of the very best!
Well done Jean, it was a pleasure meeting you when Watanabe was inducted to the Hall of Fame. I received the award at the Gala for Sensei Watanabe.
Goju Ryu is my discipline. Thank you, Sensei Copeland.
Awesome Interview!❤
Thank you for your distinguished efforts in providing us with everything interesting and enjoyable in the world of martial arts. Your information is considered a reference in combat methods. I hope that you will devote episodes to full contact karate styles like shidokan.ashihara.. enshin and kudo
Goju Ryu in my heart for always. Tried shotokan for 3 years... not the same.
dont compare art. its just not nice :)
@@thespectator2976 not about that. It is not goju better than shotokan. It is just not for me. Other people like shotokan more.
and i like Kyokushinkai @@mizmera
@@thespectator2976 I like your leg kicks.
Well, absolutley. i do train kickboxing too so, absolutley. few hits and u will not have a fun time :) anyhow. Thats about me and my thoughts :) best love 2 u my friend :)@@mizmera
This man has lived my dream...
Sad to hear of Sensei Merriman’s passing. New him back in the late 90’s and he was a great guy and a fountain of knowledge.
Goju Kai has always been my favorite style. God Bless Gogen "the cat" Yamaguchi.
Amazing vision! 🙏
Really awesome man; so well-spoken, interesting, charismatic, and very talented. I wonder why he allows himself to carry so much extra weight. He seems so attuned to his art and so disciplined that he would never allow indulgence like that to interfere. I realize he's not young, but older people can maintain a trim physique, too. Anyway, he is mesmerizing and inspiring.
I believe that Mr. Frenette project of doing a movie about a Okinawa Karate master is a great idea, and could become a good movie.
Were as Jean been, man he was so big in the eighties, he did a few movies then disappear. Great to see him still practicing.
He's used to be of Shito-ryu, hence learned Goju-ryu katas and then dropped the rest (of Shorin-ryu origin) being very lucky to get into the Jundokan (my teacher is also from that lineage, trained under Miyazato-sensei, you might interview his as well).
Who is your teacher?
@@OkinawanSpirit Bob Honiball, kyoshi 8 dan, shibucho at Jundokan, student of late Ei'ichi Miyazato (studied under Gary Spiers too which make good stories). His birthday is on 19 January, by the way. :)
I saw him making an exhibition in Montreal in 89...very impressive.
I grew up an hour away from him. We're fellow Quebexicans. Los tabarnacos!
kyokushinkai for me, but that man is incredible :)
I love the Canuck interview. He does great Japanese pronunciation of words like kaw/raw/tay except for one particular word: kawtaw is the correct way.
I trained in karaté age 19-65 and had to stop as I had a quadruple heart bypass. Miss it. I did Goju and Shitoryu
Some teachers can hurt you even if you are using pads, the power they generate is incredible. Go 3 minutes with any black belt in Goju.
5 seconds into the video. That guy from Police Academy is Mr. Frenette? Wow! I would not have recognised him.
If you find the clip on RUclips, I'm pretty sure that he is introduced in Police Academy 3 as "Sergeant Jean Frenette"! ruclips.net/video/WykKJ2CULAg/видео.htmlsi=gTRvNWTvFzoXkKTQ&t=51
@@OkinawanSpirit this is very well possible. Damn, it is so long ago that I watched these movies. 🫣
@5:50 I’ve seen quite a few Taekwondo tournaments still have a “creative poomsae (kata)” component. I wonder who started that practice?
One word.....Thank you
You are very welcome
Sensi Jean I have a idea for you for Okinawa get Ralph and chozen to do a cobra Kai spinoff in Okinawa the whole spin off with miyagi do after the saikai tagai with them learning all about miyagi do where it started from and have a rivalry show up. I’m sure you and the writers can work on something like that.
Watched him many times in person doing kata at PKA fights
Всё это художественная гимнастика.
The real Steven Seagal. He can do and has done everything Seagal has not but said he did, LOL.
Your experience in martial-arts can be measured by the lenght of your black belt: the longer, the higher ranked ..... I have a theory and a question: My theory is, that many stances in katas are wrong, since they were drawn in the past. I think, the feet should be parallel, not one foot forward and one going inside, I bet, that is from a bad drawing...... And my question is: Why are there so many founders of their own styles? It's like they want to be part of history when they die or they just want to make money. This is so obvious somehow. Now there are tons of styles that are younger than 100 years. While budo is maybe over 1.000 years old. It's like punching people in the nuts only and calling it the "Nutcracker-ryu".
Fantastic kata man back in the day.
How old is he now?
62
@@martinabreu566
He got fat, unfortunately.
@@georgekondylis6723 Yeah, I know, a lot.
помню его шпагат
Jean Frenette has been around a LONG time! But i thought he was French kickboxing!
salut mon ami de la part de salah rahmouni ex promotor de kick et thai boxing in sweden gothenburg you is ok my friend
Why is it that many karate masters develop a big belly?
EXACTLY , asking myself the same thing it's embarrassing you train so hard your whole life just to eat it away, WTF!!!
i wonder did he ever meet goju ryu master Ron van Clief the black dragon.
Vive ka choucroute
I'm kinda afraid for my random 2x4s and my pizza, no one should have to live like this
Где бои великого, пузатого мастера?
What about Morio Higaonna
ruclips.net/video/SZG4SDf8NG8/видео.html
Original name, Tong Sau Do!
Do you know Bill Hind?
Are you asking Jean or me (Chris, the guy making the videos)? I never met Bill Hind. I imagine Jean probably had.
@@OkinawanSpirit I was asking the OP.
@@MrGranovski Sadly I never met him. Hopefully I will be able to interview masters located overseas in the future.
this has no relation with real karate power..he has only done artistic movements with music ...and did a long ride in japan ..took photos with masters of karate and claimed he practised with them..we ne ver hreared him in ever cimpetition of karate ...
Gets better with age
Wonder if he's still flexible
Yes, still flexible, but I didn't ask him to perform the 360 high kick sequence.
Le Karaté 😅😅😅😅😅😅
Sounds like martial arts was a way of life for him at one point but his current body tells another story about him lol.
The way of the Big Mac.
It’s called slow metabolism and also diet. Canadian and American food are well known for high calories and major carbs. Also, as you hit that mid 30s, your bruises and muscles don’t heal as fast as they used to and it’s very hard to be agile like when you’re at 15-25.
Just because the body doesn’t look great doesn’t mean he can’t fight. So, tough guy, try achieving what he has done in the past.
@@TheHailstorm77 Mr. Frenette inspired generations, was awesome kata performer, but he is not a fighter. Let's be real here, he was and is martial artist focusing for stretching, choreographed kata moves and now he focuses on traditional ways of karate ... So no, he can't fight, but he is nice person and he was my personal inspiration for stretching routines and flexibility back then. As much as I trully respect him, I don't really understand, how someone so active develops such a belly ...
@@sonicboom7937 I guess you decide not to read my explanations above. I’m not going to reiterate it but there are fat guys I’ve sparred in the past and they can fight. You got Butterbean, George Foreman, Sammo Hung. Like I said looks are a deception. Anyways, when we men hit late 20s our metabolism slows rapidly. Our body deteriorates unless we exercise properly but at the same time, it’s very hard to move like we did on our early teens and 20s. Injuries take a longer time to heal and soreness last longer than usual. Also, stretching is extremely harder than before as our muscles get tighter. So if you don’t grasp this concept than watch a couple of former boxers from the previous youths to current. They get fat or slower than before.
You think men at mid 30s can still jog or run? Why you think a lot of boxers and professional football and basketball players retired early or mid 30s? Even Jordan got fat. Look at Shaquille O’ Neil. You just don’t get it cuz you a young buck. One of the millennials.
Okay extra weight he may have + carry that through with the power he still has = Serious body damage!
After lunch
comedians..
Красавчик ..
Over 30 years ago I saw Jean Frenette's World Championship Open Kata performance on video, and was awed. Awed and inspired enough to call him out of the blue about visiting us in San Diego. He kindly and immediately agreed! Master Frenette taught an amazing seminar on Friday (lessons from which I still teach my students), helped me personally with a Kata, patiently sat with us at dinner until 2:00 am his time, and the next day sat on a promotion board for my Instructor along with Bob Wall, J. Pat Burleson, and American martial arts leaders. In person, he was genuinely as personable, skilled, dedicated and humble as portrayed in this video. Master Frenette continues to be a shining example to us all.