Warrior Quest is the training division of Rocky Mountain Stunts. We combine classical Chambara (samurai cinema) skills with modern Stunt skills to train our members to deliver complex choreographed fight sequences along with high impact stunts. Our advanced performers then use these skills for acting roles, to double actors, or as professional stunt performers in film and television productions. Please CONTACT US to learn how you can join our team.
We have two weekly classes focused on
CHAMBARA - FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
TIMES
Sunday mornings 11:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday nights 7:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION
DOJO SOURCE
8031 Wadsworth Blvd A-4
Arvada, Colorado 80003
We have one weekly class focused on
MOTION PICTURE STUNTS
TIMES
Saturday nights 7:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION
APEX DENVER
700 West Mississippi Ave
Building A, #5
Denver, Colorado 80223
For the person who wants the most intensive experience, this option includes 2 days a week of Chambara and 1 day a week of Stunts.
(approx. 24-26 hours a month)
$200.00 monthly tuition
For the person who wants to solely reserve their experience to the fighting and choreography aspects, this option includes 2 days a week of Chambara.
(approx. 16-18 hours a month)
$175.00 monthly tuition
For the person who wants to experience a bit of both worlds, this option includes 1 day a week of Chambara and 1 day a week of Stunts.
(approx. 16-18 hours a month)
$175.00 monthly tuition
For the person who wants to solely focus their training on the action experience we do offer option of attending 1 day a week in Stunts.
(approx. 8-10 hours a month)
$150.00 monthly tuition
Advanced members can also specialize in a weapon other than sword by enrolling in 12 one hour private lessons focused on the techniques of that weapon (not included) in solo and two person forms.
$600.00 (by application only)
Chambara team members perform in more elaborate sequences that show off their fight choreography and stunt skills in full on productions that provide amazing footage for their demo reels.
Cost is variable based on content
Chambara refers to a unique genre of film set in the harsh reality of Feudal Japan. The primary expectation of any Chambara film is the use of swordsmanship because the sword personifies the spirit of the Japanese warrior. However, many other classical weapons exist and can often take the place of the sword to create a character with unique fighting skills. In the case of the "fighter" sub genre of Chambara, unarmed skills are used in place of the sword and in the "gangster" subgenre a gun becomes the primary weapon. Regardless of whether it is blades, fists, or bullets, the spiritual essence of the Samurai remains.
In order to deliver Chambara skills, one must first embark on a quest to learn the classical arts of Feudal Japan. Our students receive quality instruction in the Kurai Kotori Tradition where they learn Kenjutsu (swordsmanship) and Taijutsu (unarmed combat). There are hundreds of skills, techniques, philosophies, strategies, and cultural intricacies that hold great purpose in training. Transforming such a rich history into the guiding force behind a performers journey is both profound and rewarding.
The Kurai Kotori Tradition has an extensive number Bukijutsu (weaponry) systems. These include throwing blades, staves and clubs, halberds, chains and flails, sickles and axes, spears, cords and nets, short bow, and blowgun. Within each of these systems there are a variety of weapons that each student will be exposed to at some point. It is not uncommon for intermediate and advanced students to undergo weapon specialization to become a skilled expert in a weapon other than sword.
Make no mistake, our practitioners are not limited to using these skills in films depicting the fighting arts of Japan. Ultimately Chambara can translate to any style of fighting. Like performance art, the classical fighting arts we teach are also meant to be organic, and as such, are the perfect medium to develop refined skills that adapt seamlessly to any film regardless of genre. A barroom brawl in a Western film, a laser sword fight in a Science Fiction film, a mass battle in a Fantasy film, or even a shootout in a modern day Action film. There are no limitations.
We also teach a weekly Stunt class under the guidance of working industry professionals. Students learn refined fight choreography, ground pounding falls, stair falls, breakaways, object transfers, firearms safety, jerk harness, wire flying, high falls, fire gags, and more. The class commonly focuses on a certain skillset over the course of a month in order to refine general abilities.
We don't just teach these skills, our instructors are working professionals who are members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and have a vast body of experience and credits.
Many of our students have been exposed to green screen and motion capture scenarios in which they learn to perform with simulated characters and environments.
Every so often a short script will be written and one or more of the team will get the opportunity to perform "on set" to demonstrate their action and acting skills. These are not mock ups in class, these shoots involve wardrobe, make up, practical effects, locations, a professional crew, etc. These filming events are limited to those enrolled in our Diamond or Platinum packages and on-screen participation is not guaranteed to every student. When completed, these short films will then, in part or in full, be made available to participants to add to their demo reels, social media, and resumes.
This is an action short where a female vigilante takes her revenge on a group of drug dealers.
This is an action short where a man being interrogated attempts a daring escape from his captors.
This is an action short where two Ninja attack and defeat a group of paramilitary villains in a dark alley.
Download and e-sign this waiver prior to training and return it via email or
print it out and sign it and bring it with you to your first training session or class audit.
“Mark Grove is one of the most innovative filmmakers that I have ever worked with in my career. His writing and directing skills make him an incredible storyteller. But Mark's talents go way beyond that to being a superb stunt coordinator, a gifted actor and stunt performer, a top notch special effects coordinator, and he is even a master at post production...he is virtually limitless! It is my honor to be associated with his Rocky Mountain Stunts and Warrior Quest team.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Big Trouble in Little China, Showdown in Little Tokyo, Hot Shots! Part Deux, Tropic Thunder, Inception, Rush Hour 1-3, Lethal Weapon 4, Get Smart, Marvel’s Luke Cage
“Mark Grove is the very best. His skills as a martial artist and fight arranger are inspirational. He is well versed in all forms of stunt work and special fx, which makes him the perfect mentor for up and coming action performers. He is also a writer and director who specializes in action genre filmmaking, which makes him a great resource for breaking into this highly competitive field. My advice...if you get an opportunity to train with him...Don’t pass it up.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - China O’Brien I-II, Martial Law I-II, Tiger Claws I-III, Rage and Honor I-II, Honor and Glory, Sci-Fighter, Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark Grove in various capacities. As a Producer he has always taken care of his actors on every level. As a Writer/Director his creativity and collaborative energy is electrifying. As a Stunt Coordinator and Fight Director he is dedicated to creating powerful safe action for all his projects. All of these skills and qualities make him the perfect guide to those interested in pursuing a career in the film and television industry.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid I-III, Rambo, Steele Justice, Death Race 2000, Shootfighter, Wyatt Earp, Gathering of Heroes
“As a Martial Artist of over 50 years I can tell when someone is the real deal. Mark Grove is such a man. I had the honor and pleasure of working with him and his Rocky Mountain Stunt Team. His team was expertly trained, efficient, and professional in every respect. Mark Grove’s style of action direction was very innovative with the flavor of classical martial arts combined with modern gritty realism.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Black Dragon, Bamboo Trap, The Black Dragon’s Revenge, Way of the Black Dragon, Fist of Fear Touch of Death, The Last Dragon, Hot Lead Hard Fury
"Mark Grove is an amazing filmmaker and an incredible story teller. He's one of the few I've known who can do it all. As a Director, he has tremendous vision and as a stunt coordinator he knows what he wants and how get it from his team. I am inspired by not only his work but by his spirit. He is one of the most respected and innovative Indie filmmakers around. I look forward to working with him on a Mark Grove / Art Camacho team up!"
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Half Past Dead, Half Past Dead 2, Sci-Fighter, Confessions of a Pit Fighter
“Mark Grove is a gracious, giving, and highly professional filmmaker. He is a rare find in the entertainment industry, because his word is his bond, and as proven by his resume, he delivers on all levels. He has run a successful production company for years and knows every aspect of filmmaking, from script development to sales. In a word, Mark Grove delivers.”
IMDB CREDITS INCLUDE - Captain America, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Batman Begins, Kiss Terminator 3, Men in Black 2, Spiderman, Star Trek Insurrection, Titanic
Sekiro follows a Ninja equipped with a mechanical arm as he attempts to take revenge on a Samurai clan who kidnapped his lord.
Shogun 2 is set in 16th-century feudal Japan in the aftermath of the Onin war during the Ashikaga Shogunate.
Ghost of Tsushima is set in 13th century Japan during a Mongolian invasion where a lone Samurai defends his home.
WHAT IS A STUNT PERFORMER?
Stunt Performers are individuals who put themselves in while performing stunts or doubling actors on film & television productions. Imagine fighting off zombies in a post-apocalyptic future, falling from a stagecoach in the old west, flying through the air on wires like a superhero, clashing steel with knights on a medieval battlefield, or having a laser battle against alien creatures on an abandoned space station... These are the things that happen in the exciting life of a professional stunt performer!
WHAT TYPE OF PERSON MAKES A GOOD STUNT PERFORMER?
Active people with strong body awareness make the best stunt performers. These people come from physical lifestyles that involve things like gymnastics, martial arts, extreme sports, and even dancing because these skills have a fluid dynamic that translates very well to film.
WHAT TYPE OF PERSON DOESN'T MAKE A GOOD STUNT PERFORMER?
Thrill-seekers and daredevils with no regard for their own safety. Stunt performers need to be focused and disciplined with the knowledge that they are expected to approach an action sequence in a safe and professional manner rather than an arrogant attitude more interested in the adrenaline rush than the project.
CAN STUNT PERFORMERS ALSO BE ACTORS?
Stunt performers are actors. They mostly deliver physical dialogue rather than words. Most the time stunt performers are cast as street thugs, police officers, military personnel, or an average person walking on the street who has to jump out of the way of a speeding car. That said, stunt performers who are also trained as actors are more prepared to play characters that have more than one or two lines. At the end of the day acting is another valuable tool in the overall arsenal.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STUNT PERFORMER AND A STUNT DOUBLE?
A stunt performer is a general term for someone who executes a difficult action that involves a dangerous element. A stunt double takes the place of an actor in a scene requiring action by dressing in duplicate clothing and performing the dangerous part of the scene. The actor is brought back in when the stunt is complete. If a stunt person is lucky, they will find a high profile actor who they work with all the time.
IS IT EASY TO BECOME A FULL TIME STUNT PERFORMER?
Of course not, if it were easy everyone would do it. However, if you have the drive and tenacity to train hard, do the work, get the gear, and build your promotional materials, you have a much better chance to succeed. The concept of FULL TIME work is not something that really applies to the film industry. You will likely have gaps in work based on the time of year, what productions are starting up, how connected you are, and if you have the right look and skills needed for a show. The life of an artist!
WHAT ABOUT SHORT TERM STUNT WORKSHOPS?
Although short term workshops can be fun and informative, it is almost impossible to obtain refined muscle memory without prolonged repetition of technique. To truly refine skills, it is best to train consistently with an established stunt coordinator or an ongoing program under qualified instructors.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
Well, stunt performers usually have a "stunt bag" with all the basic safety gear they may need on set. These include hard and soft knee and elbow pads, shin and forearm protection, tailbone pad, rib protector, back pad, mouth guard, black non-descript shoes, thin leather gloves, and other items like these that are valuable in many situations. Beyond that, there are a variety of specialized items that can be added. Flame retardant clothing, custom wire harnesses, rappelling gear, or any other items that go along with your personal repertoire of skills.
ARE STUNT PERFORMERS PART OF THE SCREEN ACTORS GUILD?
Yes. Any on-screen performer is part of SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. However, when you start out you will be non-union and your goal is to get into the union in order to have guaranteed industry standard pay rates for your work. Until then you will negotiate your rate on non-union shows that will range from free work for experience to whatever you can convince them you are worth.
HOW DO I GET IN THE UNION?
The best way into the Union is to get what is called a Taft-Hartley contract. This is when a Casting Director or Stunt Coordinator chooses to hire you, a non-union performer, to play a principle role or perform dangerous stunts. They must file a form explaining to the union why they chose to hire you instead of one of the 120,000+ members who are already part of the union. The best way to do this is to be an exceptional actor or a highly skilled action performer with special talent or ability.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL RATE FOR A STUNT PERFORMER?
The union scale day-rate is $906.00+. However, there are a variety of low budget and ultra-low budget contracts that SAG-AFTRA offers producers to make professional performers available to smaller productions. So, depending on the type of contract, that rate can fluctuate.
WHAT IS A STUNT ADJUSTMENT?
The terms "stunt adjustment" refers to an extra amount of money given to a stunt performer doing more difficult stunts. Full body burns, high falls, car rolls, or other such gags typically get higher bumps in pay. Sometimes the budget allows for small adjustments for simpler stunts as well, all depends on the size of the show.
DO STUNT PERFORMERS GET RESIDUALS?
Yes, every time a show airs on television, cable, a premium channel, VOD, etc, the performer can earn a small percentage that is gathered by the union and paid via check or direct deposit various times throughout the year. The more successful the show, the higher the residuals.
DO I NEED A HEADSHOT AND/OR DEMO REEL?
Yes, but unlike the recent past where you had to mail these items to a production office, they are more often delivered digitally online. A good headshot, a resume detailing your personal attributes, credits, special skills, and training, and a well edited reel showing brief clips showing your physical abilities are a huge key to your success. That said, showing the same type of skill over and over in different settings is not variety, make sure you show a diverse range of abilities.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIVE NEAR A PRODUCTION HUB LIKE LA, ATLANTA, OR NEW YORK?
There are places around the country that have larger film communities for sure, but filmmakers are everywhere. Creativity is not isolated to a location. Starting out in a smaller market to gain a bit of experience can be beneficial before trying to move to one of these locations. Or if you are happy where you are, just thrive in your local film community.
SHOULD I WORK ON LOW/NO BUDGET FILMS TO GET FOOTAGE FOR MY REEL?
The general answer is yes, but make sure you don't advocate unsafe practices by doing stunts you are not trained to do. Make sure there is insurance that covers the stunts and a qualified stunt coordinator on board to ensure your safety and protection.
WHAT QUALIFIES SOMEONE TO BE A STUNT COORDINATOR?
To be clear, qualified means a person who has extensive credits on a variety of professional productions doing stunts. This does not mean a parkour instructor, a martial arts black belt, or someone who has served in the military or law enforcement. All these are respected professions, but they do not qualify someone to be a stunt coordinator.
WHAT IF I HAVE SOME SKILLS BUT THERE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STUNT COORDINATOR ON THE PROJECT?
This is always a tough place to be in, but never ever offer to BE the stunt coordinator if there isn't one on the show. Don't let ego guide you down this rabbit hole of liability and danger. No show is worth risking anyone's safety, and if the production can't "afford" to do it correctly, they should not be making an action picture. Stay safe, stay working.