Chris Casamassa

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Chris Casamassa
Born	January 17, 1965

Chris Casamassa (born January 17, 1965) is an American martial artist, actor and stuntman who is best known for his role as Scorpion in the movie Mortal Kombat, which was based on the popular fighting-game series. He also played Scorpion in the TV show, Mortal Kombat: Conquest, but was unavailable for the second movie, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, due to scheduling conflicts with Batman & Robin, where he doubled for George Clooney. Son of martial arts guru, and founder of Red Dragon Karate Louis D. Casamassa. They appeared together in the film 'Sword of Heaven' in 1985.

Despite his success in landing roles in "The Red Canvas", "Food Fight","Batman & Robin", and "Blade", Chris is continuing to improve on his acting craft by studying with well-known Hollywood acting coach, Joel Asher.

Chris is also the President of the very popular and successful Red Dragon Karate Schools, which were founded by his father. The 3,000 Red Dragon students at 20 locations in southern California are learning from one of the best. As a national competitor on the North American Karate Association circuit (N.A.S.K.A) Chris was the #1 forms competitor in the country for four consecutive years. During his time on the competition circuit, he won 18 Forms Grand Championship titles, 12 Weapons Grand Championships as well as being at top 10 ranked middleweight fighter. After he retired from active competition, Chris was voted into the American Karate Kung fu Federation, (A.K.K.F.) Hall of Fame, then soon after, he was selected as a member of the prestigious USA international Hall of Fame for two separate categories “Top Competitor of the decade” and “Instructor of the Year.”

Chris and his wife Michelle have two children Emily, age 7, and Adam, age 4. “I am excited about training my kids in the Martial arts,” says Chris. They were already following me with their kicks and punches at home. Now that they are in class at the studio its even more fun to watch them grow and learn in the Martial Arts. Chris trains at least 3 days a week for 3 to 4 hours,” said Chris. “The Martial Arts is my passion, it is in my blood."

In addition to his feature acting roles, Chris is also regularly working as a stunt man, having worked on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, V.I.P., and Walker, Texas Ranger. One of Chris’ biggest thrills came when he actually got to do a fight scene with World Black Belt’s First Founding Member Chuck Norris. “At first, Chuck was going to have a stunt man do the scene, but then we got to talking and he decided to test me out, it was really quite an honor,” remembers Chris.

Mixed martial arts training coach to aspiring actor & Mcdonald's 2007-2008 worldwide "I'm lovin it" campaign star and Chrysler's 2008 Dodge Challenger spokesperson(Joseph Fiero) and Discovery Channel "Go Warrior's" TV show host (Roland Osbourne).

[edit] Resume

The Red Cancas (2008) - Ring announcer
Sci-Fighter (2004) - The Karate Master
How to be an Action Star (2003) - Himself / Host
A Real Job (2001) - Bill
Mortal Kombat: Federation of Martial Arts (2000) (online) - Scorpion / Black Dragon Ninja
Blade (1998) - Stunt vampire
Mortal Kombat: Conquest (1998) - Takeda / Scorpion
Batman & Robin (1997) - Stunt double: Batman
WMAC-Masters (1995-96) - Red Dragon / Himself
Mortal Kombat: Behind the Scenes (1995) - Himself / Scorpion (archive footage)
Mortal Kombat (1995) - Scorpion
A Mission to Kill (1992) - Young Hank
Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1992) - Ring lord #1 / Creon (Shootfighter)
China O'Brien 2 (1991) - Picnic punk #2 / Stunt fighter
Black Eagle (1988) - Car stunt (scenes deleted)
Sword of Heaven (1985) - Martial arts trainee
The Karate Kid (1984) - Tournament guest