Blonde Fury

Sydney born actress Sascha Raeburn may look a million dollars but she has a black belt in taekwondo and she’s not afraid to use it. She talks to Ben Johnson about being female in a fighting world and the rising Australian martial arts film scene

There is an underground movement happening and that’s exciting. Independent producers and directors [are] seeking out physical or martial arts actors for smaller projects [and that is] where I'm getting all of my experience.

I think it’s possible that an Aussie action film could compete with the bigger markets. Australians make bloody good films! After all, Australia did lead the way before America took off… the Ned Kelly bushranger films were once the biggest films in the industry. It all started here and because of that I always remain quite positive about Australia. Our film culture is really amazing and special.

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Given that martial arts is seen as a mostly male dominated sport, have you personally felt any prejudice towards you within the industry?

Men have always been really positive and very respectful towards me. I guess good martial artists can learn from everyone: beginners, experienced and especially women. Women are very unique and often have natural balance, flexibility and posture – [which is] very much envied by the men sometimes! I find that men really love that I do martial arts and are always nurturing, supporting and encouraging me. Maybe I’m lucky.

In terms of the acting industry, I guess there’s more room for women in action. I’m a fan of the ‘old school’: a little less special effects and keeping it raw, like the Asian films. I guess the good women actors need to be sought out for this to happen.

As someone starting out in the movie business, what have been your favourite experiences so far?

Going to Malaysia to work on a TV pilot and working with a great director and crew. The action was raw and intense and a lot of fun… I love learning new skills for a role and I like the feeling that I’m working hard.

I’ve recently enjoyed getting on a surfboard to play a surfer and working with [Parkour group] 9 Lives. Ultimately, my best experiences are when I connect with a director. I love that feeling.

You have a black belt in taekwondo and you also study the capoeira style. What is it about these disciplines that appeals to you?

Taekwondo teaches you amazing strength and flexibility as there is a lot of emphasis placed on kicking ability, boxing, punching, self defence and patterns which, when put together, are just as important as each other. It appealed to me as I wanted to be a well rounded fighter and have that strong foundation. And I love the sparring!

As I was getting my taekwondo black belt, capoeira started appealing to me. I heard there was this amazing acrobatic martial art which uses a lot of momentum from a fighting stance called the ginga. That’s what drew me to it: my curiosity about the ginga, acrobatics and the overall beauty of the art form. It sounded hard, too, and I’m all about training hard and challenging myself to another level.

I tried it out and I loved it. I loved the music straight away as it generates a lot of energy throughout the class. As capoeira movements were developed as a disguise through dance and acrobatics, there is an art to deceiving your opponent which can be deadly. There is also a fluidity and agility that is quite liberating. Both are rich in traditions and I really like that.

H ow long have you been practicing the martial arts?

I took up martial arts when I was about 14, and I’ve been doing it for about 10 years. I was inspired by growing up with my brothers as a kid and playing all the fighting games like Streetfighter and Mortal Kombat. However, it was the discipline that drew me to it.

I’ve always aspired to be a disciplined actor and I think the martial arts are a great tool for bringing that out. The balance, coordination, strength, grace, determination, fitness and stamina that come from martial arts are all very relatable to acting. I’ve always been driven to harness these traits.

What are you working on at the moment?

I have just completed a couple of short films. One in which I play an assassin and is all about the fighting, and the other one, I’m playing a surfer who helps save a man’s life.

I’m currently in rehearsals for two more short films. I’m so excited about each of them and the people involved in both of them. One, I’m playing a mental patient [and] is more of a drama. The other is a comedic martial arts film.

Sascha Raeburn studied drama at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Australia. She has also studied acting at the Queensland University of Technology and has featured in a number of short martial arts films, including a kung fu manga tribute, Ayumi’s Payback, which became a YouTube viral hit in 2010. She has also worked on TV action projects in Malaysia. She acts as writer, director, producer and leading actor in her latest project, Red Beanie.

Martial arts show reel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FRdRcUKkeI

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