Paulo Tocha
| Paulo Tocha | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Paulo Tocha December 12, 1955 South Africa |
Paulo Tocha is a martial artist, actor and fight choreographer.
Biography
Tocha was born in Africa, of Portuguese and Italian ancestry, growing up in Mozambique and Johannesburg, South Africa. He moved to Thailand because he wanted to learn "real" Muay Thai boxing. He was one of the first Westerners to fight in Thailand, one of the first and few ever to be allowed into its secretive world and to be accepted as a foreign fighter. Tocha trained at a prestigious Muay Thai fighting camp in Bangkok called Sor Thanikul in the early eighties, recognized for its many champions. From Thailand, Paulo traveled to the People's Republic of China where he was once again the first foreigner to fight and win. Oct 31/1985[citation needed]. In 1988 he was authorized to teach and accepted as a trainer for the camp. Tocha also worked as an actor in Asia. Afterwards, Tocha moved to Los Angeles, California where he continues his acting career and is an instructor of Muay Thai. He retired from Muay Thai in Feb. 2001 in Bangkok, Thailand after competing against Rajadmnuen stadium top ranked Wohryoodnoi Majestic.
Tocha is the Senior vice president of USMTA – United States Muay Thai Association. World Muay Thai council - [WMC] - judge and Referee. World Boxing Council - [WBC]-Judge and Referee.[Muaythai] Las Vegas[NSAC] Mixed Martial Arts- [MMA]- Referee
Tocha has worked as a technical advisor in Hollywood for major studios in film, television and many independent film companies. As a Hollywood actor, Tocha continues his career with an extensive resume, in both film and TV. He was nominated for the U.S. National Actor's Award, International Actor's Award, and U.S. Judge and Referee of the Year Award in 1999. In 2007 he was the face of Cingular Networks in its national and international television advertising campaign.
Tocha is currently the executive producer for a new Hollywood television series titled Strong Spirit.[citation needed]
Filmography
- Clash of the Ninja (1985)
- Born to Defense (1986) as Bailey
- Bloodsport (1988) as Paco
- Fatal Vacation (1989) (uncredited)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Death Warrant (1990) as Pérez
- Stone Cold (1991 film) (1991)
- Blood in Blood Out (1993) as Apache
- Strange Days (1995)
- Tarzan and the Lost City (film) (1998)
- The Third Society (2002) by J.A. Steel
- In Hell (2003)