Shin Koyamada

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Origin: Japanese

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Date of Birth: March 10th, 1982

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Height: 1.75 m

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Spouse: None

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Children: None

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Biography: Shin Koyamada's love of American and Hong Kong action movies began as a small boy at his father's side. Born March 10, 1982, in Okayama, Japan, his love has grown and matured into the dream of action stardom. Despite the disapproval from family and friends, he was determined to see this dream realized at an early age and turned all his energy to physical training in gymnastics, track, long distance bicycle racing, and swimming. By 16, he began to study Karate and, within two years of study, had earned a black belt, becoming qualified to teach as a master of Karate. Following his recent arrival from Japan, Koyamada began the study of English at 18 and went on to secure a student visa and enrol in the Theater of Arts Performing Arts Academy in September of 2000 to gain a stronger grasp of the language. By 2001 he had choreographed and performed martial arts forms and stage combat for a production of Shakespeare's Coriolanus at the Knightsbridge Theater and was featured on an episode of the children's action show Power Rangers. He trained in Kung Fu with the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association and others, eventually, competing in six National Martial Arts Tournaments over five months and winning first place in all but one, and that was a second. Koyamada continues to train with several teachers, including some of the industries top stunt coordinators, mastering his skills and adding to his craft. Without an agent or a manager, Koyamada followed the path of those who had inspired him, icons like Bruce Lee and action stars such as Jackie Chan. Submitting himself for various projects via an Internet casting site, and landed his debut feature film role in The Last Samurai. Co-starring opposite Tom Cruise in the Warner Brothers epic as Nobutada, friend to Cruise's character, Algren, a fierce archer, double swordsman, and a Samurai. While filming The Last Samurai in Japan and New Zealand, he added Kyudo (Japanese Archery) and horseback riding to his repertoire. Now a double swordsman and master of karate, Koyamada also honed in on his acting skills with the help Director/Producer Edward Zwick and Actor/Producer Tom Cruise. Making the most of a powerful debut.

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