Photo
credit
Kei,
R. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/rodtitude
In
1979, three amateur kickboxers – Maurice Smith, Peter Cunningham, and
Rod Kei – met at a WKA event and collectively predicted their
destinies to become great world champions. While Smith and Cunningham
have since then been
more often remembered by mainstream history, Kei proved himself no
less impressive of an individual.
Arguably the most diversely-talented of the trio, Kei competed in at
least four different styles of martial arts
and won world titles in several of them. His film career was likewise
multifaceted, with Rod
spanning the gambit from background fighter to supporting villain and
even leading man – excelling in all roles
through his standout athletic ability. Today,
Kei teaches boxing, kickboxing, and personal
fitness at the EXF Boxing and Kickboxing Academy and the
Sweet Science MMA gym
in California. He also works for American
Airlines.
Styles &
Accomplishments
Kickboxing
– 2-time WKA World Champion, KICK World Champion
Muay
Thai – Ranked 4th in the world by the International Muay Thai
Federation
Savate
– World Cup Champion
Judo
– 3rd Dan, Metro Champion
Taekwondo
– 3rd Dan
Hung
Gar
Sil
Lum
Films
to See
Blind
Vengeance (1994)
– lead role
L.A.
Task Force (1994)
– lead role
Dragon
Fire (1993)
– supporting role
Full
Impact (1993)
– featured fight scene
Trivia:
Kei
was involved in an infamous 1989 kickboxing match wherein
his opponent – Saekson Janjira – kneed him in the face while the
referee was attempting to separate them. A disqualification victory
for Kei was indicated, after which both fighters’ cornermen began
brawling. The fight turned into a full-scale riot with spectators
throwing chairs into the ring. A
video of the incident can be seen HERE.
B-Movie Dragons 