Interview with Tashi Vince Cecere
April 6, 2006

By Anthony Katsoulas
5th Dan SHIHAN

Upon meeting this fine young man, one would immediately observe a well-mannered, well-spoken individual with a dedication and spirit that unfortunately is lacking in many aspects of modern society. His background and upbringing has obviously molded him into a no-nonsense straightforward type of man. No excuses; what you see is what you get – in other words, no pretense, just truth.

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure to personally observe Vince Cecere teaching. What one word could I use to best describe his method? REALITY. Many people enter the martial arts for many reasons. If you are interested in learning about combat fighting in the real world you have come to the right place and you have found the right teacher.

• Tashi Vince Cecere, (“Tashi” means polished teacher) is the founder and Chief Instructor of Atemi-Ryu – Combat Ju-Jitsu in Los Angeles. 3rd Degree Black Belt under Grandmaster Dr.Philip Chenique, MS.D.
• Vince is a proud representative of, Sanuces Ryu Combat Ju-Jitsu of Southern California, Third Degree Black Belt under recently deceased Grandmaster Dr. Moses Powell, and Student of Supreme Grandmaster Florenso Visitacion “Master Vee” Creator and Founder of Vee Jitsu Ju-Jitsu Systems.
• Tashi Cecere received the International Black Belt Hall of Fame Humanitarian of the Year 2002, for his work with the Airline Industry.

If Vince looks familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen him on the ABC Evening News as their expert combat consultant, also The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

He has also co-starred in the blockbuster movie “Analyze this” opposite Robert DeNiro where he played “Tino” the hit man, sent to kill Robert DeNiro’s character “Paul Vitti”

He has also been in other notable films as Serving Sara, Logan’s War, and In the Shadows.

In August 2006 (Nationwide Theatrical Release) Vince will be seen in his first “Starring Role” in a movie called Flyboys where he co-stars with Tom Sizemore and Stephen Baldwin.

It is a film set in Las Vegas with thrills and suspense guaranteed.

Together, with film and comedy writer, John Murray, Vince has also co-created a new television series which is currently in the works.

Tashi is also a regular at the world famous Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd. in LA. Call for show times. (323) 650-6268

This man is multi-talented. Martial Arts, Acting, Comedy, and strives for excellence in all endeavors.

Tashi is a Close Quarter Combat and an Acupressure/Nerve Striking Specialist. He has instructed;

• U. S. Air Force, Inter-American Air Force Academy at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.
• U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI
• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA
• U. S. Army Special Forces, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, NC.
• 82nd Airborne, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Academy at Fort Bragg, NC.
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.
• LAPD Arrest and Control Unit.
• FBI advanced arrest and control tactics, and many more.

He has also conducted anti-abduction and Rape prevention seminars, and has been * Recognized and endorsed by Congressman Henry A. Waxman, Los Angeles, CA. and endorsed by Federal Aviation Administration Safety Instructors.

AK: You grew up in NY, didn’t you?
Vince: Yeah, I was born in the Bronx (Arthur Avenue and 187th St

AK: You have a background in bodybuilding. Obviously, to look at you anyone would know you’ve been to the gym. Do you think that being physically strong has helped you in martial arts?
Vince: Yes and no. “Yes” because if you’re physically fit you can take a lot of punishment when you have a thick coat of muscle on you. “No” because, as anyone who works with pressure points knows, the less adipose tissue you have close to your skin, the more pain you feel. So while I’m staying shredded I also took more impact from hits as I came up in the art. Finally, most martial artists are not big guys like us. They are usually smaller and fitter people – clearly the lack of huge muscles doesn’t prevent them from acquiring an enormous level of skill.

AK: You were inducted into the black belt hall of fame for humanitarian of the year in 2002. What was that for?
Vince: That was for doing work with the airlines and bringing awareness to the people of the need for martial arts in the workplace. Martial arts is about life, and it’s for everybody – everyone can benefit from it. What it’s really about is empowering people. And everyone can be improved and empowered through martial arts. You can be six or sixty, you can be sick, you can be blind – martial arts will still improve your life.

AK: Many people dream of being famous actors, or celebrities however very few people ever dream of being immortalized in a statue. People would be surprised to learn that your likeness was made into a 12 foot bronze figure by Americas most highly commissioned monument sculptor, Jon Hair. The piece in question is named “Olympic Strength” which is the centerpiece of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is also the largest bronze monument in the State. You are portrayed as an ancient Greek Olympian athlete who represents the very roots of the Olympic movement. I would like to discuss with you how you felt to have your likeness cast in a 35 foot bronze and steel grouping which in essence will live on to inspire future generations.
Vince: It was such a great feeling to have been chosen to pose for this sculpture. I felt so honored knowing that this sculpture would inspire all who came in contact with it. It was truly a humbling experience and a definite highlight in my life.

AK: Who is your favorite actor?
Vince: Marlon Brando.

AK: What was your most memorable birthday?
Vince: The very first day of filming “ANALYZE THIS” happened to be my birthday, and my trailer turned out to be right next to De Niro’s, so I spent my birthday with him. It was wonderful.

AK: How did you get the role in “ANALYZE THIS” Starring Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal?
Vince: They called me in for a very small single-line part, but I noticed a large group of actors and asked Harold Ramis, (Director) what they were going to read for. He told me it was for the much larger role of a hit man, and I said, “They’re all very scary looking. Why don’t we be fair about this? Put us all in one room together and whoever walks out gets the job!” Harold liked my humor and allowed me to read for the larger role, which I eventually won.

AK: What drove you to do films, television and Comedy?
Vince: I’ve been on stage my whole life – since the 3rd grade.

AK: When did you first enter the marital arts?
Vince: In 1989, I was in my late 20s and witnessed a stabbing in a night club. I suddenly realized that if one of my family members or myself had been attacked that day, I didn’t have the skills to do anything about it. As a result, the very next day I went out looking for a dojo. This was in Hollywood, Florida, and the only combat school I could find was Jujitsu.

I didn’t know anything about styles. I had never been in a dojo before.

So I found a little dojo in Hollywood, Florida. I watched the instructor disarm two students attacking him with practice knives and he took both of them out as if they weren’t even there.

Before they knew what had happened they were disarmed, tied up and helpless. I could not believe my eyes. I thought it was some type of setup. I challenged the Instructor to demonstrate this on me.

At the time I weighed 252 lbs of rock hard muscle. I took the knife, attacked, and before I knew what happened I was on the floor helpless.

I don’t remember what technique he used, because all I can remember is the pain. I was on my back, I was disarmed, and when somebody puts their hands on you like that, in a combative way, and really takes you out without any effort, you realize there’s a lot of skill there…a lot of knowledge.

I have been in pursuit of that knowledge ever since that day.

AK: Tell me Vince, what’s next for you. Where do you see Martial Arts in the future in the U.S.A.?
Vince: I believe if Martial Arts were taught as an elective class as part of the school curriculum, it would raise the level of respect and understanding between students and adults alike, and the level of violence in these areas would be drastically reduced. This model has proved true in Japan; I feel it could only help make our youth better citizens.

AK: Is there anything else you wish to add before we leave?
Vince: Yes, I would just like to thank Bob Wall and World Black Belt for their support and allowing this interview to become a reality.

AK: Thank you Vince for your time and I look forward to seeing great things happen for you in the future.

Best wishes and continued success.
Shihan Anthony Katsoulas