Biography of Shin Koyamada

Shin Koyamada is a tall focused young man with a clear vision of his future and the drive and charm to make it happen. His love of American and Hong Kong action movies that began as a small boy at his father’s side has grown and matured into the Hollywood dream of action stardom. The difference is that Shin is more than a dreamer. He knows that success can only come from dedicated hard work and perseverance.

Recently arrived from Japan and already fluent in English, his winning smile and direct openness bring a smile to the faces of almost everyone he meets. His good friend told me, “People want to be around him, help him and be a part of his team because they know he’s a winner. Nothing can stop him from achieving his goals because he never quits.”

Before he entered High School, Shin already decided to go to Hollywood to be in the movies. Of course, his parents disapproved. Shin passed an exam and got into a good high school in Japan. His parents hoped he would turn his attention to more practical studies. Instead, he turned all his energy to physical training in gymnastics, track, long distance bicycle racing and swimming. Practicing before class, during lunch, evenings and at every possible chance, Shin excelled at them all. A natural leader, he was chosen Captain of almost every team, usually won first place and almost always placed in the top three. Passing on more typical youthful pastimes, he didn't have time for a girlfriend or to sit in front of a computer game. His thoughts were constant, Hollywood stardom.

Shin began to study Karate for the first time at the age of 16. Right away, his teacher could tell that he was very special, and created a special training method for him. Shin practiced wearing only a white belt, the symbol of the beginner. His teacher would spend time with him sparring and teaching forms after class. While other students practiced and tested and earned yellow, orange, green and different color belts, Shin just practiced. In only 18 months, Shin’s teacher tested him and awarded him his black belt, the symbol that he had become a master of this form of Karate and is qualified to teach.

Upon graduation he again told his parents of his Hollywood plans. His family and friends disapproved saying he was too young and could not even speak English. Shin was still determined and committed. He learned English from a tutor in only six months, packed his bags, enrolled in the Theater of Arts Performing Arts Academy, secured a student visa, and came to Hollywood in September 2000 at the age of 18.

Now in the US, Shin pursues a Hollywood career with an intensity that leaves little time for sleep. He continues to learn and train in Kung Fu with the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association and others. After only six months of Kung Fu training he competed in his first national tournament and won first place. Each month after for five months, he competed and won 1st place in National Martial Arts competitions.

He continues to study acting, now at Los Angeles City College. He was recently called upon to choreograph and perform martial arts forms and stage combat for a production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus at the Knightsbridge Theater. Shin was featured on an episode of the children’s action show “Power Rangers.” While on set, Shin quickly bonded with the director, producer, stunt team, cast and crew. They invited Shin to show them a videotape of his winning Martial Arts Tournament forms and encouraged him to remain in contact for future work.

Whenever anyone meets Shin, they can tell right away that he has what it takes. They say he is going to be the action star for the next generation of action movie fans and join the ranks of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Tom Cruise as the kind of hero that people all over the world will root for. When Hollywood realizes that there are millions of American fans of Japanese Anime films and looks for a young action star to bring them to life, Shin will be ready. With the right agent, he’s perfect for youth oriented TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville and many others. All he needs is to meet the professional agent that will believe in him and give him the opportunity to succeed.

www.Shin.com