Producer, stunt coordinator, actor, publisher, and world renowned martial artist, Michael DePasquale Jr, was the creator of the Action Film Academy which held training throughout the United States including including in Burbank, Atlanta, New York State, Ohio, and at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina.
As an actor, stuntman and stunt coordinator. Michael Depasquale Jr. appeared as George Atkins in the movies Bloodmoon (1997), The King of the Kickboxers (1990), No Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers (1990), American Shaolin (1991), and The Power Within (1995). He starred in “China Heat” and “The Cutoff” (for which he was also producer, casting director, and stunt coordinator). He appeared in numerous TV shows and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He was also the president and founder of the Screen Action Stunt Association, which was listed in the prestigious Ross Report Book under Unions and Associations.
As a martial artist, Michael Depasquale Jr. was a 10th Degree Grandmaster of the Youshitsune Waza style of Ju-Jitsu and he developed his own self-defense style, DePasquale Combat Ju-Jitsu. Michael was named “Martial Arts Star of the Year” by Official Karate Magazine in 1977. He was the creator of one of the original martial arts websites known as the Martial Arts Worldwide Network and was the Publisher/Editor of Karate International Magazine which had international distribution. He also authored of 8 books.
Michael Depasquale Jr. was the Founder of the Federation of United Martial Artists (FUMA)- Crusade Against Crime and drugs and the President of the International Federation of Ju-Jutsuans.
Michael was the creator of several animated children’s properties, The Maxx Team and The Karate Creatures. Michael was the Commentator and Judge for 9 Ultimate Fighting Championships, and many other martial arts tournaments. He had been the MC for many martial arts events including Alan Goldberg’s Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Honors in Atlantic City, the world’s largest event of its kind.
Michael Depasquale Jr. passed away on May 14, 2023 of heart complications. He leaves behind the devastated martial arts and action entertainment communities.
I Lost One of My Dearest Friends. We spoke every week, and I knew the pain he was in, which most people did’nt realize. I will miss him. RIP my Friend. We will carry your legacy forward and let the world know who you were. A great Loss for the Martial Arts world. We will Dedicate Our Event 2024 to My Buddy, Michael Depasquale Jr.. ~ Alan Goldberg
