Tony Jaa

ONG BAK’s success earned Tony Jaa worldwide recognition for his expertise in the art known as Muay Thai. He made his name performing action scenes without wires or stunt doubles. He is now mentioned in the same breath as his idols Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Tony Jaa was born in rural Surin province, about 200 kilometers from Bangkok. His father was a Muay Thai boxer who had boxed in the villages all over Surin. He took up martial arts at age 10. And from the age of 11 or 12, Tony dreamt of being Jackie Chan. After seeing Chan once in a movie, he knew in his heart that was what he wanted to be. He began practicing martial arts every spare minute.

As he entered Junior High School at the age of 15, he saw something that would change his life forever. It was an action movie named BORN TO FIGHT, the original version made in 1984. The production was both directed by and starred Panna Rittikrai. Now realizing that there were real opportunities for action stars in Thailand, Tony began to study with even more vigor and gusto, sometimes even missing meals just so he could practice that much longer.

After graduating from Junior High, Tony made a clear cut decision that he was going to become an actor. He asked permission from his father to ask Panna Rittikrai, who was shooting in nearby Khon Kaen province, if he could become his student. The very next day, at The Hotel Kan Inn, Tony got his first chance to meet his idol, Panna. Panna suggested that Tony should first concentrate on finishing his studies, but if Tony wanted to, he would be welcome to join Panna for training sessions during his mid and end of term breaks.

Over the next three years, Tony gained much experience from being on location with Panna. He started as the water boy, and then moved his way up to best boy on location. In between his duties, Tony still found plenty of time to concentrate on his Martial Arts training.

After graduating from Senior High, Panna suggested that Tony should further his education at the University of Physical Education in Sarakam Province. Whilst at University, Tony studied various different forms of martial arts including Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Stick and Sword Fighting, and gymnastics as well as many other kinds of sports. Every weekend Tony still found the time to travel to Khon Kaen and train with Panna. Panna realized that Tony had enormous potential and offered him the chance to become a stuntman on his team.

Tony managed to combine the artistic elements of film with the martial arts he learned at university into a seamless whole. By using the basic gymnastics that can be found in all forms of action, he redefined Muay Thai and used this new art form in unison with traditional Thai weapons. He formed a team which gave performances throughout various high schools in the north eastern provinces of Thailand. He created and became the chairman of a local sword team and later became an exchange student in China, gaining the scholarship because of his expertise in Thai martial arts. He also became the University of Physical Education’s representative throughout the north-eastern part of Thailand and the city of Bangkok. For several years he won gold medals for the staff, sword, gymnastics and track & field events (sprinting, long jump and high jump).

During this time he was offered his first chance to play a bit part in a feature movie. He performed stunt work on the Thai TV series GOLDEN EAGLE, and doubled for Robin Shou in the shot-in-Thailand MORTAL COMBAT: ANNIHILATION. He has also starred in SING SIAN (1991), directed by Panna Rittikrai.

ONG BAK was his first starring role. Tony finally added his native sport to his physical repertoire, and began training in ancient Muay Thai four years ago, specifically for his role in ONG BAK. On its release, the film, on which he also worked as fight choreographer, became a smash hit and it established Tony as Thailand’s top action actor.

His screen name – Tony Jaa – was given by Director Prachya Pinkaew. The ‘T’ in Tony comes from Thailand and ‘Jaa’ is his nickname in Thai. He is more known as ‘Jaa Panom’ in Thailand than Tony Jaa. The word ‘Jaa’ comes from a language in the North-eastern part of Thailand, from a group of people that migrated to the area. ‘Jaa’ is similar to the sound made when calling out to someone. The name ‘Panom’ comes from the word meaning to clasp both hands together.

The Weinstein Company