Q & A with Sifu Glen Doyle

It was at age four that Glen first put on a pair of boxing gloves and subsequently began his education in the fighting arts. Under the guidance of his father, Greg Doyle, he continued to train until age 12 when he shifted his focus to that of martial arts. After a few years of searching and sampling different styles, he finally found the one that was right for him -- Hung Gar kung-fu.

Glen's intensive training and dedication eventually led him to the competitive circuit. In 1989, he won his first Canadian title and would remain undefeated until he decided to step down to pursue other interests.

It was also in 1989 that Glen began working with Canadian figure skating champion, Elvis Stojko. Glen is Elvis' sifu (teacher) and also his good friend.

With the release of his book, The Martial Artist's Way, in 1999 and the upcoming release of his first movie (for which he wrote the screenplay), Glen has also taken on the role of accomplished author/writer.

For me, however, there is one title that Glen holds which soars above the rest. Originally from Middle Arm, NFLD, Glen is a fellow Newfoundlander and for that reason as well as the fact that he is a great guy (I couldn't leave that part out!) he will always have my support in whatever endeavor he decides to take on.

During the months of January & February/2000, Glen took some time out of his busy schedule to do an E-mail interview with me. We discussed his movie and a few other topics. ENJOY!

About The Movie...

Q: What is the name of the movie?

A: 'Sometimes A HERO'

Q: What is it about?

A: No matter how hard he tries, Jimmy Coy (Josh Barker) can't get away from his undesirable life of crime. Pulled back into the city's underworld by his cohorts Remo (Bryan Genesse) and Derek (Danny Talisman), his mother's medical
bills, an unsuccessful music career, rival gangs, and a lucrative job offer from a local crime boss, Arthur Hallam (Paul Coufos)... Jimmy is trapped.

Hallam offers Jimmy and his comrades big money to trash his elegant skating arena, for reasons he refuses to disclose. Jimmy reluctantly agrees only in principle, but might
reconsider after meeting Cassandra Diaz (Christina Cox), the arena's head figure skating coach.

Cassandra with troubles herself, juggles a dangerous home life [an abusive stepfather Leon Diaz (Patrick Phillips) ] and the management responsibilities for the promising career of the arena's premiere figure skater, who also happens to be her sister, Kristina
(Roselle Soussana).

Jimmy and Cassandra find themselves becoming closer, but do their utmost to hide their private lives from each other. However, when another physical attack from Leon lands
Cassandra's mother, Stella (Joan Kennedy), in the hospital, Jimmy realizes what he must
do... no matter what Cassandra may think.

Jimmy's refusal to take the arsonist job infuriates Hallam to the point of hiring a rival gang leader, to not only destroy the arena, but kill Jimmy as well.

It's a battle between the head and the heart at the final showdown that takes place at the arena's annual figure skating gala. Jimmy not only has to stop Hallam and the rival gang from blowing up the arena, but save Cassandra, Kristina, and the
hundreds of spectators in the process.

An impossible task for just one man.

Q: The plot sounds really interesting. What inspired the story?

A: My demented little mind. As a writer, you just go with the characters and work from there.

Q: You included figure skating in the story. What about martial arts?

A: There are some fight sequences, but I tried to make them look more 'street' based rather than martial art based. You will see kicks and whatnot, but it's not pure martial arts.

Q: Where was it filmed?

A: I tried to get it filmed in Newfoundland, but no-one wanted to take the production. I talked to Ken Pittman of Red Ochre productions in St. John's, but he didn't seem interested. I really wanted to film in Newfoundland because we could of used Newfie crews, actors, extras...Instead we ended up going out to Victoria B.C.
We shot it NOV/DEC 99. It'll be released this year.

Q: Will the movie be released outside of Canada?

A: Yes, we're going for an international release.

Q: Was it made for television or for the theatre?

A: Whichever the producer feels is better. We shot in on 35mm so it has the theatre look. In North America it will most likely go to Video and Satellite TV.

Q: Is there anything else about the movie that you'd like to add?

A: It has music, action, explosions, skating, romance, and family values... something for everyone.

About Newfoundland...

Q: Although you left Newfoundland at the young age of four, you still have a strong sense of loyalty and affection for the province. Why is it so important for you to keep in touch with your Newfoundland roots?

A: I was born in Newfoundland, my Dad raised me the Newfie way, and family ties there are very strong. Being a Newfie in Toronto was an experience. When I was a kid I was teased, told all the Newfie jokes, etc... And when you're a kid... you fight a lot... and because of my stubborn nature I really held on to my Newfie identity... it made me strong. So my roots are still strong.

Q: Did you make many visits back to Newfoundland growing up?

A: Almost every summer... from June to September. So it was easy to learn about the island and my heritage.

Q: Having spent a number of summers in Newfoundland, you probably have many fond memories. Are there any that really stand out which you wouldn't mind sharing?

A: Rolling boulders into the ocean off the Overhung Head with my Dad... that is the greatest memory I have.

Q: Do you consider yourself to be a Newfoundlander?

A: Yes, because I'm the son of a Newfoundlander, and I was born there. It doesn't matter that I was raised and educated in Toronto... I'm of Newfoundland and that'll never change.

Q: Based on your experiences, what do you feel are the major differences between living on the Mainland and living in Newfoundland?

A: Trust. In Toronto... trust nothing that you hear, and only half of what you see. It's a great city, but it's not exactly brimming over with angels. I get a real sense of community in Newfoundland... a real sense of unity. People stick together. There aren't too many back doors on people there... everyone is up front... you know what they're thinking, be it good or bad.

Q: Would you ever like to move back to Newfoundland? If so, in what part of the province would you like to live?

A: I'll move back someday. Back to Conception Bay.

Martial Arts...

Q: Is there a certain personality type that is more suited for martial arts?

A: Everyone's interest is personal -- personality plays a very minor role. There are so many styles of martial arts... I think that any personality can be matched up.

Q: In your opinion, what are the most important considerations an individual should keep in mind when deciding on a form of martial arts?

A: Make a list of your character traits -- then research numerous styles -- and match the styles' traits to your own.

Q: In addition to the ability to defend/protect him/herself, what are some benefits that the sport can bring to a person's life?

A: Health, confidence, ability to interact with others on a more centered mental state and self image.

Q: At what age do you feel is the best for children to begin studying martial arts?

A: Depends on the style.. but I refuse to teach anyone under eight years old.

A Little More on the Personal Side...

Q: Up to this point in your career, what do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment/achievement?

A: I could answer my book, or my movie, but for me...when my dad first got sick... I went home to be with him right away... we spent time together...talked... and before he closed his eyes for the final time... he saw me there, holding his hand. The fact that he knew I was there for him... that is my greatest accomplishment.

Q: When you decided to retire from competition in 1994, how difficult a decision was that to make?

A: Easy. I had done what I wanted in the competition realm... I wanted to push my martial arts in other ways and touch a greater number of people.

Q: Do you ever miss competing?

A: If I'm asked to perform or judge at competitions... I get the itch once in awhile but that's all... I keep pushing myself to do more, so the competition
continues...

Q: You and Elvis have performed together (at a martial arts event) in the past. Will that opportunity ever come about again?

A: His schedule will decide that.

Q: What are some other things that interest you? For example, what helps you deal with that old "I need to get away from things for awhile" feeling?

A: FOOD! I love to go to different cultural restaurants and eat. I'm a huge fan of Indian cuisine, and Morrocan. Yummy yummy!

Q: What else does the future hold for Glen Doyle?

A: I dunno... but I'm gonna have a blast finding out!

Q: Is there anything else that you'd like to add?

A: Thank you for this interview, and thank everyone for all their cards, emails, and letters... they're great.

THANK YOU GLEN!
YOU ROCK!

~ Tracy

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