Steven Seagal - Aikido Master, Movie Star... Musician?

Steven Seagal was once regarded as a promising prospect to becoming one of the upper echelon of action stars. Sure he never was quite made it as an Arnie or a Stallone, but for a while there - with the critically acclaimed Under Seige - he looked as though he might be.

While Under Seige was the crown jewel of the Seagal career, it's hard not to see Seagal as a success regardless. Working constantly and with a loyal base of fans he has undoubtedly carved out his own form of worldwide fame and success - not bad for someone who stumbled into the movie business. In fact, once you read his story, it's hard not to have an appreciation for the guy.

You see - Seagal never really planned to be an actor. His career originally was based around his 7th dan accreditation in aikido which he received through training in Japan. Over there is is known as "Master Take Shigemichi" and was the first foreigner to own and operate an aikido dojo in Osaka.

Through teaching aikido to LA's wealthy he caught the eye of one of his students, Hollywood power-broker Michael Ovitz. Ovitz, who produced 2002's Gangs of New York, saw movie star potential in this reserved martial-arts teacher. Since then Seagal's films have grossed over $600million worldwide.

Films are one thing... everyone knows the Seagal style of film and is familiar with at least a couple of his movies. Did you know that this guy can also rip it up on guitar and vocals?

Take a look:



That's "Girl It's Alright" from his 2005 full-length CD release "Songs from the Crystal Cave".

Even more bizarrely, one of Seagal's Buddhist teachers, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, accorded Seagal as a tulku in 1997. This basically means that in his esteemed teacher's eyes, Steven Seagal is the reincarnation of a 17th century holy Buddhist Lama. Only a handful of Westerners have ever been granted this honour.

Add in a couple of other random facts like how he speaks fluent Japanese, has directed a major motion picture (1994's On Deadly Ground) and how he once broke Sir Sean Connery's wrist while trying to teach him martial arts... well you just can't help but admire the guy.

New fan? Me too. Check out his list of films at Quickflix!