James Turner(VIII)
- Actor
James "The Dragon" Turner is the IKTA European Light Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion. A student of the legendary Nick Mancuso in his T.O.P. System of Acting, James makes his feature film debut in acclaimed filmmaker Dean Meadows' 2024 horror epic 'Dracula: Rise Of The Vampire'.
As well as being an active International Kickboxing Champion, James is an in-demand Kickboxing instructor, having co-authored the critically acclaimed book 'Full Contact Kickboxing: A Complete Guide To Training And Strategies' with Andy Dumas, and being a regular featured seminar instructor at the UK Martial Arts Show, the biggest martial arts expo in the UK.
James holds Black Belts (or equivalents) in several martial arts, including a Black Belt in Kickboxing, as certified by legendary World Champion Massimo Brizi. As well as training extensively with Master Brizi, James has spent considerable time working with his friends, American Kickboxing legends Don "The Dragon" Wilson and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, among others.
James has been recognized numerous times in the UK Martial Arts Hall Of Fame, including in 2023, when he was presented with the 'Legend In The Martial Arts Award'.
James has been interviewed as a repeat guest on the popular David White Show on BBC Radio Cornwall, and has been invited to appear on several podcasts to talk about his accomplishments and to offer insight into Kickboxing/martial arts training.
James was introduced to performing at a young age. His parents being accomplished musicians, James began singing early in life, and is an avid enthusiast of AOR/Melodic Rock/Westcoast music. James has performed both solo and in groups throughout his native Cornwall. James recorded numerous tracks in Shane Solomon's 'Turn It Around Records' studio, and after Solomon started the Cornwall Channel, he recommended James to begin working with Chris Morris, famed guitarist of 'Paper Lace', in his Ocean Audio Studio on material for an upcoming solo album.
James was a student at Stagecoach Performing Arts in his youth. Studying acting, singing and dancing, James performed in the lead role of several end-of-term plays during his time at the performing arts school. Through Stagecoach, James performed in ensemble in the touring West End production of 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat', and was cast as a "Feral Youth" in BBC's 'Wild West' starring Dawn French & Catherine Tate.
James graduated from college with a National Diploma in Acting, and went on to achieve a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sport, Health & Exercise Science from Cornwall College Camborne Sport, in association with Plymouth University.
As well as being an active International Kickboxing Champion, James is an in-demand Kickboxing instructor, having co-authored the critically acclaimed book 'Full Contact Kickboxing: A Complete Guide To Training And Strategies' with Andy Dumas, and being a regular featured seminar instructor at the UK Martial Arts Show, the biggest martial arts expo in the UK.
James holds Black Belts (or equivalents) in several martial arts, including a Black Belt in Kickboxing, as certified by legendary World Champion Massimo Brizi. As well as training extensively with Master Brizi, James has spent considerable time working with his friends, American Kickboxing legends Don "The Dragon" Wilson and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, among others.
James has been recognized numerous times in the UK Martial Arts Hall Of Fame, including in 2023, when he was presented with the 'Legend In The Martial Arts Award'.
James has been interviewed as a repeat guest on the popular David White Show on BBC Radio Cornwall, and has been invited to appear on several podcasts to talk about his accomplishments and to offer insight into Kickboxing/martial arts training.
James was introduced to performing at a young age. His parents being accomplished musicians, James began singing early in life, and is an avid enthusiast of AOR/Melodic Rock/Westcoast music. James has performed both solo and in groups throughout his native Cornwall. James recorded numerous tracks in Shane Solomon's 'Turn It Around Records' studio, and after Solomon started the Cornwall Channel, he recommended James to begin working with Chris Morris, famed guitarist of 'Paper Lace', in his Ocean Audio Studio on material for an upcoming solo album.
James was a student at Stagecoach Performing Arts in his youth. Studying acting, singing and dancing, James performed in the lead role of several end-of-term plays during his time at the performing arts school. Through Stagecoach, James performed in ensemble in the touring West End production of 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat', and was cast as a "Feral Youth" in BBC's 'Wild West' starring Dawn French & Catherine Tate.
James graduated from college with a National Diploma in Acting, and went on to achieve a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sport, Health & Exercise Science from Cornwall College Camborne Sport, in association with Plymouth University.