#WSW16 – the Judoka Stunt Performer

Gabriella Calderone is an actress and stuntwoman in training. We got in touch to talk about her why she took up judo and why she thinks it’s important to learn self-defence

Tell us a bit about yourself

Firstly I’m an actress and I when I was younger I wanted to go to drama school but it was so expensive. So over the years I needed other things to make me stand out in the industry. The idea of extreme sports excites me and I love the fact that one day I will be able to push myself to the limit in the acting industry.

Why stunt work?

As well as Judo I have a black belt 1st Dan in Tae Kwon-Do and I’ve always wanted to use my martial arts skills with acting because if it’s there then why shouldn’t I show it off. So whilst I was working with my family one day a stuntman came in. So for weeks I was trying to pluck up the courage to ask him how to get into it and he told me about the register and I started training since.

As a stunt woman in training how important was it to do judo?

Judo taught me how to break the fall and I actually got to try it when I did my first stunt by falling down the stairs. So the moves I’m learning actually help me for safety too.

Were there any nerves before you started?

Excitement more than nerves because I’m used to martial arts. With stunt training your fear is tested and even though you can get nervous or scared eventually you have to put that to one side and just get on with it.

What was your favourite part about the sport? What was the toughest part?

My favourite part is learning the new martial art and the self-defence. I enjoy seeing how one move can be used when fighting. The toughest part is the fact I am a petite person. I’m 5″3 and my height is something I struggle with against bigger opponents. However it’s something that can be used to my advantage but I’m still learning.

Had you done any other physical sports before judo?

As I mentioned I did Tae Kwon-Do and I have a black belt 1st Dan. I also enjoy sports where you can learn something and gain a skill. Even though I’m training in Judo for the stunt register the main thing I enjoy is the self-defence side. To me that is the most important thing and I believe everyone should have a basic knowledge of some self-defence.

In your opinion how important is it to learn self-defence?

Self-defence is something everyone should learn no matter your gender or age. People ask me if I feel safe knowing self-defence and I do. One time I was upset after being followed and my Judo teacher taught me self-defence that could be applied in real life. For example if someone grabs you from behind. In regards to women learning judo, I think it doesn’t hurt to learn self-defence.

In your opinion how important is it for women to get involved in sports like judo which can be viewed as male dominated?

I think sporting events are a great way to inspire women to start a sport and judo is seen as aggressive and male dominated to a lot of people. To anyone that defies that and shows people that you can do anything then that inspires me. When people find out that I train for the stunt register and that I do judo they are impressed. They ask questions and to me that shows an interest. Like I said I’m petite but that certainly doesn’t mean that I’m not capable and I will always try and work against the stereotype.

Gabriella also has a blog where you can follow her journey as an actress and stunt performer www.gabriellacalderone.wordpress.com