Kirk Koskella has a saying; “Sometimes, life gets in the way of hopes and dreams, but cannot prevent achievement.” To most, hobbies are a recreational device designed to reduce stress. The martial arts, however, permits Koskella the restoration of traditional values to his passion for writing, producing and acting. Working with different cultures and traditions by training in Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kumdo and Hun Gar Keun Kung Fu, has led to his title; Grand Master Kirk Koskella.
The written word is passionate. Stories unfold reflecting heroes and heroines overcoming hard times. The pursuit of perfection through martial arts training is often defined in writing and producing for television and film. Traveling the world permits inclusion of vividly diverse characters of varied backgrounds. This transports the reader to places where truth actually is more captivating than fiction. Kirk Koskella understands these tumultuous times, providing a personal and professional perspective illuminated by tragedies and events most would be reluctant to discuss. Are we not the sum of our experiences – for good and for bad?
Kirk Koskella, a member of SAG/AFTRA immerses himself further in martial arts, accepting appointment as President of the World Song Moo Kwan Association, by Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo founder Supreme Grand Master Byung Jick Ro; and his chosen successor, Senior Grand Master Hee Sang Ro. This includes finishing two years of preparation for the ‘Seowon Global Master’s Academy.’ Highlighting a 72+ year Song Moo Kwan legacy of the first Taekwondo School in Korea (March 11, 1944), with specialized training for film and television choreography.
Martial Arts
Power without force is a dedication to principles that represent who you are. When you accept that dedication then your word once given will never be broken.
Kirk Koskella wrote what is known as “Power Without Force”, the framework for those who are able to understand the depth of it’s precepts, for those honorable enough to take up its mantle. Master K gave this to his students in 1981, the American Song Moo Kwan Association and Grand Master Ro in 1998 for all World Song Moo Kwan Association members.
If it’s precepts are adhered to it will not matter what life choices are before you, you will always do the right thing, even if there are severe personal consequences.
So choose carefully, do not raise your hand and accept these promises unless you have the fortitude to live them, to live it’s precepts and to it’s edicts, lest the words of Plato become your demise; “Mankind censuring justice fearing that they may be the victims of it, and not because they shrink from committing it”.
These are the promises that you make to yourself.
Screenplays
Debt of Honor
(Book 1- Matt Kelly, Weapons Master Series)
“Matt Kelly doesn’t miss Covert Opps… much. He’s retired, done his part.Now the only Assassins he has to worry about are 10-12 year old Martial Arts students…But nobody told the Bad Guys.
As former Team Members begin to disappear and die Matt Kelly must use his old skill sets once more…
Matt Kelly goes hunting.”
Yukon Jack
I’m about finished with “Yukon Jack”. I’m not sure how it’s going to end yet.
But he’s given and always got. He hasn’t given up.
And right now he’s lying between two boulders at the bottom of the ravine. He has concussion, hypothermia is setting in and wolves can be heard as night settles.
Oh, yes. I forgot to tell you; there’s a 10 year old boy who was the only one who knows he’s missing. And he’s made it his job to find Yukon Jack.
Cutter Cain
The smallest glimmer of sunlight peaks over the mountain as any moment the sun will come up.
The horse struggles the last few feet through chest deep snow finally gaining the peak.
With a wry smile the buckskin clad man scans the vast expanse of white.
He takes a swig of water from his canteen then returns it to his saddle horn.
Entertainment Industry
Kirk Koskella (SAG / AFTRA) got his start in the movie business at the age of 14 walking into an acting and modeling agency and stating flatly; “Here I am. I am ready to work.” At 4am the next day he was on the set of “The Trial of Billy Jack.” Later, he began hanging around the set of Barry Newman’s “Petrocelli” until Production Manager Sam Manners finally put him in front of the camera.
Such tenacity foretold his eventual career in acting, then producing. In fact, by the time he had graduated from high school, he had landed roles in a National McDonald’s commercial, four feature films, two television series appearances, and a full 13 episodes of “Petrocelli.”
Kirk’s acting career gained momentum in NBC’s “Enola Gay” starring Gregory Harrison and Billy Crystal. Then playing sidekick to David Carradine in “High Noon, Part II: The return of Will Cain” (CBS). Though a series of small roles and a featured cable show “Interview with Russell Dial” were to eventually define Kirk Koskella’s direction as an actor. Including playing Sherm McMasters opposite Bruce Boxleitner’s Wyatt Earp and Marie Osmond’s Josie Marcus in “I Married Wyatt Earp” for NBC.
During this time, Kirk started to demonstrate his talents behind the camera as well. He began directing — first commercials, then multiple music videos and dramatic episodes of a Los Angeles area cable television series in which he later co-starred. While Kirk’s other passion, martial arts, also had an influence on his career, as his expertise earned him jobs as a martial arts consultant on live-action shows and specials.
The inexorable shift to a career behind the camera was completed when Kirk suffered a heart attack at the age of 24. Kirk’s doctor forbade him from subjecting himself to the physical and mental stress involved with serious martial arts work, and Kirk, unwilling to leave the film making business, decided to pursue producing full-time. Explaining that it “appeared” to be less stressful.
It turned out to be a wise decision, as his independent production company, NAK Filmworks, was soon in constant demand, providing it’s services to television shows like “Nitty: The Enforcer“; “Pursuits” with Lonnie Anderson; “The Wonder Years”; and “Leap of faith” with Annie Archer. Perhaps the most satisfying was working to produce Spanish language commercials for Disney Parks. Credits thereafter were garnered in California, Utah, Nevada and Arizona, where Kirk has returned to his love of acting, while undertaking additional pursuits in commercials, television series and feature films projects.
Kirk now calls Mesa Arizona his home, though the excitement of the entertainment industry is ever calling.
Kirk’s Blog
Becoming SAFE! By GM Kirk Koskella
Becoming SAFE! By GM Kirk Koskella This is an open letter to ALL Martial Artists, systems and styles. Who will join me in doing the same? Article Originally Posted on Seowon Tigers Tucson Facebook Page [...]
Jennifer’s Birthday
Jennifer's Birthday There remains a hole in my heart where you used to be. Though the years have passed, time is no remedy for my other half. Not a day goes [...]
Happy Birthday Emily
Happy Birthday, Emily Time passes and living life brings you another day of remembrance. What often is missed is the thoughts, prayers and well-wishes that come from people far from you… far from your [...]
A Division of People
~~~ Where has respect and honor gone? When the masses scream for personal rights, declaring that one class of people or another have none, how can we envision a society where all the people can [...]
Father’s Day
This day of reflection on my life and the life of my own father I settle on the love that has never changed. Each man, in his own way, loves his children and the [...]
Self-Reliance, or Conformity
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: “A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist.” In further research, I found that another quote serves well to be remembered on this [...]
Betrayal in Today’s Mindset
Unfortunately, the world today is one that focuses on personal ‘freedom’ which is demonstrated by selfish indignation toward others. While we are reminded to have compassion for others, many do not have the capacity for [...]
Time Passes… Happy Birthday Emily
You probably thought I had forgotten. I did not. Could not ever. Rather, my mind has been germinating on what I could possibly say that would help you in your life. Certainly you are all [...]
Jennifer’s Post
My eldest daughter’s birthday was last week and I had thought to add a post of Birthday wishes on that day. Returning by plane from Minnesota I edited a bit of my remarks before scrapping [...]
Father’s Day 2015
This Father’s Day, as it is most, was my birthday. A day for celebration. Depending on how old you are… or how young. Now if there were an elixir that provided eternal youth, what thoughts [...]
History and Fates
History and Fates - a commentary by Kirk Koskella The old adage (sometimes a cliché), is that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. With that in mind, the question [...]
Commitment and Compromise
Is there ever a time when compromising your honor might be acceptable? A time when the thought that your focus, your personal “rules,” might be less important than public perception? Or, the perception of your [...]
I Last Saw My Son…
I last saw my son when he was 19. I asked him to take care of his mother and sisters when he returned. He left on his Mission for the LDS Church to Raleigh, North [...]
Emily, my Masterpiece
If we all agree that a ‘person’ is a work in progress, why do so many feel that they have already become masterpieces? Growing up means that we are able to learn more of ourselves [...]
Important Birthday’s
There are memorable times in the life of those we love which are often referred to as a “Birthday.” Sometimes celebrated in great grandeur. Other times, in quiet reflection. Such are also in the days [...]
It’s Been A While
Posts I read are often focused on the misery of others, losses, or even an occasional I told you so. They tend to relate to personal feelings of what once was, what should have been, [...]