When a Martial Artist makes the transition from competitive athlete to the entertainment industry, normally it is to pursue a career in stunts, print work, and acting, fight choreography even directing. Rocky Whatule however found out that that if he can’t bring some one to their knees with his feet and fist he could take them out with his wits. With 15 years of martial arts training and hundreds of titles, he was a national champion in the ring. But in 2000 he gave up chasing medals and trophies for a pursuit of laughter and smiles. In 1996 Rocky started writing comedy in Pittsburgh.
After his first Performance at the Funny Bone he decided “There is nothing better than see people happy and knowing I did that.” The only thing that ever came close to that same feeling was teaching kids Karate. After getting his Black belt in1997 he spent most of his days at the Allegheny Shototkan Karate club “I was there so much Sensei Viola considered me his second son” Although teaching and competition was a major part of my life my passion soon switched over to Stand Up. Rocky moved to Hollywood, Ca. in 2000, the Heart of Entertainment.
Since then He has performed in front of tens of thousands. He Has Made Several National television appearances, Including Friends, MTV, and The Jamie Kennedy X-periment just to name a few. Rocky Has Worked with such comedic greats as Chris tucker, Sean Wayans, Paulie Shore, Paul Rodrigus, Eddie Griffin, Red Buttons And even the Legendary Sid Caesar. In 2002 Rocky was made one of the Youngest Members of the world famous Friar’s Club Of California. An honor given only to great Entertainers like Adam Sandler, John Travolta, Burt Reynolds, and even the late great Frank Sinatra were all Friars. When asked how do you become a member rocky humbly replied “ they just liked me, I guess”. Current Projects Include finishing writing two different screenplays, sorry to say neither one is martial arts based he is also finalizing some details for a new show on Black Belt Television. BBTV has been developing a show were Rocky will host but he couldn’t give me any information except that are calling it Kicking it With Rocky. BBTV launches Nov 6th of this year and Kicking it With Rocky should be on the air by January. Rocky recently co hosted Martial Arts Exclusive’s (another BBTV show) coverage of the 2004 Martial Arts History museum Hall of Fame. Rocky and his co host Gary Lee Interviewed Martial Arts Greats Like, Master Hidy Ochai, James Lew, Bob Wall, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Eric Lee, Master Bong Soo Han, Master Stephan Hays, Bill Ryusaki, Kathy Long, Cynthia
Professional Comedian Rocky Whatule hosting The Kumite Classic Pittsburgh 2004 Talent Showcase
Rothrock, Karen Shepard, and Howard Jackson. “Being around all these those Great Martial Artist Really made me feel out of shape. Rocky Says He would love to get back in the Dojo but the stage and performing takes up a lot of his time. When he is not on stage he is playing family man. He Just celebrated his two-year anniversary of his marriage to Actress Heidi Celeste Armstrong. They currently live in Studio City ca. with their two dogs Shogun, a Collie Shepard, and Ginseng, a Yorkshire terrier. Currently Rocky is touring the Country where he will be headlining the Pittsburgh Improv December 23rd He says, “It is so nice to be home over Christmas even if I do have to work”.
CASTING CALL! DO YOU HAVE A UNIQUE SKILL OR TALENT?
If you have a special talent, its time to GET DISCOVERED! The Festival is a place for casting talent, stunt, and modeling agencies to find new talent. This event can act as a showcase those interested in furthering their career in the entertainment industry. Would you or your group like to perform @ the Kumite Classic May 23rd or 24th 2008 @ The Pittsburgh ExpoMart? Apply to perform! DOWNLOAD APPLICATION TO PERFORM
Stunt master and movie producer Michael Depasquale Jr. will be onhand scouting for new talent & actors for upcoming film and televison projects. The Kumite Classic is a proud supporter of the Action Film Academy.
Black Belt TV will once again
film the entire Kumite Classic for its network broadcasting.
You could be a featured interview or on air talent.
Black TV is searching for high energy martial artists of all ages and skill level for future projects. Visit them at The Black Belt TV Booth!
-Michael DePasquale Jr, Bill Viola and Wesley Snipes
The Action Film Academy comes to the Pittsburgh Sports and Fitness Festival looking for new talent. World reknowned Martial Artist Michael Depasquale Jr. will conduct a fighting and falling workshop & auditions @ This years Kumite Classic May 27-28th. Topics discussed will be the stunt & fight industry, head shots & resumes, and fighting and falling certification.
DePasquale's work has been documented on ABC, CBS, EXTRA, ACTION, BLACK BELT MAGAZINE, and more. For more information please contact
1-800-573-8050
Would you like to make it to the big stage in 2008? Send your audition tape or resume today.
We are accepting resumes & video tapes from individuals, studios, schools, teams, and clubs at this time for possible placement. Contact Talent Coordinator
The Kumite Clasic joins The Fitness Universe Tour. The American Sports Network broadcast's the series worldwide on major networks!
