GOST

Before Jon Julio and Manny Pacquiao, Ernie Reyes, Jr. was the original bad-ass Filipino.  Many of us grew up watching Ernie in movies like “Surf Ninjas” and “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”  And we have watched Ernie grow up, from a cute little martial arts prodigy into a grown-up, toned up, ass-kicking machine.  Far from becoming another child star cliché, a la Corey Haim (RIP), Ernie has managed his life and his career and has worked continuously since his first appearances on the big screen back in 1985 in “The Last Dragon” and “Red Sonja” (with Brigitte Nelson and Arnold Schwarzenegger!).  Ernie has performed in and/or choreographed stunts for many modern blockbusters including “The Rundown” with The Rock, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and even “Avatar!”

I have had this funny, charmed life where cool random things just happen, like winning the X Games or making thousands of dollars selling giant over-sized denim tuxedo pants to teenagers in the 90s (WTF??).

So it should come as no surprise that when my ex-wife decided to get remarried she married Ernie Reyes, Jr.

Last weekend we all went to the grand opening of “Smasher,” Ernie’s new martial arts studio in Newport.

It was really cool.  They had breakdancers and martial artists doing all kinds of exhibitions.  There were people flipping and flying through the air.  The best part was that everyone got to put on gloves and practice timing and combinations with Ernie.

Smasher offers classes during the week for people of any age or skill level looking to get personalized training from Ernie.  The classes are a hybrid of the many different styles Ernie is trained in, but have an emphasis on the kind of dramatic fighting and stunt techniques that are used in motion pictures and entertainment.

You can visit Ernie at Smasher Martial Arts in Newport Beach and train with the best, who knows you could be the Last Dragon!

Arlo

GOST