Kai Martin - James Bond stunt double

Kai Martin – James Bond stunt double

Words by Matt Walton. Photography by Suzy Allnut

Kai Martin is a stunt performer, actor and a registered member of the British Equity Stunt Register.

What’s that got to do with extreme sports you might ask?

Like lots of other professionals, Kai uses extreme sports as part of his fitness regime and preparation for life on camera. Everyday for Kai is physically demanding, on and off the screen. Off the screen, Kai is actively involved in numerous extreme sports including Motocross, MTB, Thai Boxing, Scuba Diving, Rock Climbing,  and Sky Diving to name a few.

And if you think you still don’t have a clue who this guy is, then just read this list of movies that Kai has worked on.  James Bond - Casino Royale, James Bond -Quantum of Solace, Bourne Ultimatum, Golden Compass, Mama Mia, Batman5to name a few.
He has also won the renowned ‘World Taurus Stunt Award’ twice, most recently in the category ‘Best work at height’, for his work in the Bourne Ultimatum as Matt Damon’s stunt double. 

As you can see the guy has an impressive CV, one, because he is good at what he does and two, he keeps himself super fit.  On top of this, he is a spot on character, who is humble, polite and an incredible gentleman.

Spiked wanted to meet Kai, during his busy schedule to find out more about his extreme lifestyle and how he started out, and how he uses  extreme sports as part of his fitness program.

Kai, thanks for taking time out to speak to Spiked, we know your busy as usual at the moment.

Looking through your CV, it looks like you have achieved some incredible things.  Can you take us through some of the highlights?

I have actually had loads of highlights, which is pretty good, but if I was to pick something specifically, it would have to have been working on Quantum of Solace with Daniel Craig, which was pretty cool.   I have also just been nominated again for the World Taurus Awards.  If I win this one, it will be my 3^rdwin, which is quite a personal achievement.

What have you been up to recently?

I’m currently working on the new Robin Hood film with Russell Crowe.  So being kept real busy, which suits me.  The days are pretty hectic, getting up at 5am, but really enjoying it.

What specific things have you been doing?

My current job is part of the main stunt crew.  So the days are really varied, which keeps you on your toes.  I play a number of roles with varied parts; some of the cooler things have been a 45ft fall after taking an arrow in my leg.  I have also doubled up for Will Scarlett doing some roof to roof jumping.  Yeh...so pretty varied really.

When did you first realise that being a stuntman was something that you wanted to get involved with?

My first aspiration was to actually be a pro footballer.  I started playing for Bournemouth school boys, and then went on to do a ‘YTS’ with Torquay United.  It didn’t really work out, so I went on to be a personal trainer. Then out of the blue I met a girl on holiday who was training to get on the stunt register.  That was it, 2days later I was kickboxing and my goals were set.

 So up until age 19 I had no skills base.  Looking back I would have preferred to have started earlier, but I suppose by setting some serious goals, I have continued to push myself physically and mentally.

Is there anything that you wouldn’t tackle?

Actually there isn’t anything I wouldn’t tackle.  I love the job and I love the challenge.  I am known for doing the nasty stuff, but that is what drives me even harder.

So how do you prepare for the nasty stuff?

It is just a clear focus on where I want to get to.  I have set my goals, which I continually review and evaluate.  I have post it notes all around my house of the things I want to achieve, so they are constantly in my face as a reminder.  I have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly targets that I constantly aim to meet.

I deal with the nasty stuff or the big challenges by mental and physical preparation before the event.  This means on the day of the stunt my mind is set that I am definitely going through with it.  The day of the stunt is then just preparing my kit or props’, ensuring everything is in full working order.

Could you take us through a typical day during a film shoot?

5.00am– Yoga

6.00am– Get to work

6.30am- In costume

7.00am– Hair & makeup

8.00am– On set

8.00am to 6.00pm– Filming

7.00pm– Get home

7.15pm– Light training session

8.00pm to 9.00pm– Relax

9.15pm– Go to bed

What has been the most memorable stunt?

That’s a tricky one as there have been a number throughout my career.  If I had to pick one it would be in Quantum of Solace.  There is a sequence in the art gallery where I do a 40ft wrap.  Basically I am 40ft in the air, wrapped in tech 12(this is top quality rope to the un-initiated), I have to jump off and as I am falling, the tech 12 is unravelling all the way, until my head is 4ft from the concrete below.

Another memorable stunt was getting dragged behind a horse which was running at full pelt.  I was pretending to be a dead body and I must admit that was pretty mad.

Has anything gone terribly wrong?

Nothing major, just normal bumps, bruises and breaks as a stunt man.

What does your typical day consist of when you aren’t working?

I actually find that to achieve what I have wanted to achieve; my time off camera is a combination of extreme sports and physical activity.  This means I am constantly pushing myself and getting myself in top condition.

I do a lot of motox, mountain biking, base jumping, sky diving, rock climbing, and Muay Thai boxing.  I combine this with core sports including weight training, gymnastics, running, swimming etc.  This way I get a good balance across all the disciplines.

Do you have a specific diet to keep you in peak condition?

I always watch what I eat and drink, it is just about getting the right balance.

Do you feel extreme sports being used for training has helped your career in any way?

Definitely, they are core to the preparation for life on set.

By reaching your goals how has this impacted you as a person, has it enhanced your life?

If I look back, I wished I had started a bit earlier.  It is a very hard competitive business and you always feel that you have to keep on top of things. 

I think the only way I have achieved what I have, is by setting myself specific targets and goals.  Without them I am not sure how I would have constantly measured my personal achievements.

If someone was interested in getting involved with stunt work, what would you recommend be their first steps?

The first thing you need is a clear understanding of what is required to do this type of work.  So your first step is to just experience numerous physical activities and just see if you enjoy it.  If you are definitely enjoying the physical stuff, contact the Stunt Equity Register.

To get your registration, which is a pre-requisite for any work on film, you need to pass a number of disciplines.

There are six categories across five groups.  They consist of

Group A       Fighting - Categories: Martial Arts, Boxing
Group B       Falling - Categories: Trampolining, High Diving
Group C       Riding and Driving - Categories: Horses, Cars, Motorcycles
Group D       Agility and Strength - Categories: Gymnastics, Rock Climbing
Group E       Water - Categories: Swimming, Sub Aqua

Is there a type of stunt school that newcomers could get involved with?

Your best bet is to go to the Equity website and take it from there.

http://www.equity.org.uk/

How would you describe the skills you need to become a stunt man?

It is a combination really. 

1. A number of extreme sports and physical activities are essential.  These prepare you physically and mentally, for the life you lead on set.  
2. You also need have a variety of skills.  I personally studied stilt walking, fire eating/blowing and juggling, on top of other key disciplines.
3. Good acting skills, especially if you are doing a body double.  There is no use in pulling off a stunt if you look rigid and un-relaxed and totally different from the actor you are mimicking. The stunt has to be performed technically perfectly and delivered in a believable way.
4. Mental focus to be able to deal with anything that is thrown at you. 
5. The ability to keep driving yourself to learn more skills and to perfect them.  So the understanding of setting achievable targets is essential.

If anyone wants to keep up with your whereabouts, is there a website they can go

to?

www.kaimartin.com

Thanks for your time.  We wish you the best with all your work and look forward to seeing you in the new Robin Hood film shortly.

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