Meet Aaron-jon North | Actor, Stuntman, Action Director & Martial Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron-jon North and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron-Jon, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
‘In every adversity there is opportunity’ – This has been a stable self affirmation I have come back to many times in my life. I’ve had many ups and down, like many people, but I feel what separates me from most is my ability to hit back when times get toughest.
Reminding myself of this quote on many occasions has got me out of some sticky situations; Near bankruptcy, loss of loved ones, existential life crisis and personal injuries. Many of these things people succumb to on a regular basis. Add to the aforementioned being an Actor, while in conjunction with running my own brand, the constant uncertainty of roles and film opportunity can leave oneself in some uncertain situations if left unchecked mentally.
I come back to this affirmation whenever I need to flip challenging moments on there head, shift perspective and find a way to adapt, grow or develop oneself so that I can get back on the path to success once again.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an actor, stuntman and action director it’s been an incredible journey to date, with highs and lows and plenty of stories to tell the grand kids in the future! Haha!
I’ve really been blessed to work and succeed across all 3 areas so far, with highs in all 3 disciplines.
Firstly as an actor the high has to of been so far appearing in ‘The Nun II’ for New Line and Warner Brothers. It was kinda bitter sweet. Being part of such an amazingly successful horror franchise and getting to work with director Michael Chaves was mind blowing, add to that how much the fans went on to love my character was such an amazing time in my life.
But… it came with an unexpected twist. Sadly and unfortunately due to the film coming out around the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes meant I was unable to do any press or promotion for the film. Cutting off any visibility on my part (especially since my roles involved me being in full prosthetics) I really didn’t get much of an uplift in my career from being in the film despite its huge success.
As actors we really thrive on what I call the ‘opportunity gain’, which is when you do something good with a lot of visibility it can lead to new roles and open many new doors. But due to the radio silence I wasn’t really able to capitalise on the moment. And despite trying after the fact, by the time I was able to, all the steam had run out and no body wanted to talk about yesterdays news. Such is the beast of the entertainment industries…
The good news is I’ve still definitely indirectly benefited. Some of my more recent and upcoming roles I’ve been offered have been helped along by having The Nun II on my resume for sure. So I’m grateful for that and my part in the film either way.

As an action actor and stunt performer, highs have come in various forms.
My biggest high to date was working with the legendary Gary Daniels a few year back on an action film together. I remember watching him as a kid in many action movies with Jackie Chan and especially Fist of the North Star. He was filled with industry wisdom and really was a mentor on set. Being martial artists and both from the UK we really connected over a lot of things. We’ve stayed connected over social media and I really feel I could ask him for industry or spiritual advice should I need to.

Lastly as an action director and fight choreographer.
My biggest high / what I am most proud of has to have been recently working with Meji Alabi on the music video for ‘Fi Can We Can’ by BNXN and REMA.
It was one of those projects where everything came together like a beautiful symphony. The action performers really helped nail the vision with their performances and director Meji had such a clear vision it was a joy to execute on.
Music video can really test your metal! Low budget, tight time constraints and fast turn arounds, it really tests your ability to adapt and overcome!
This music video had a lot of ‘steeze’ and was heavily stylised, which was fun to choreograph for. I love creating all types of action and combining it with storytelling, this merged both perfectly in my opinion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest I like to stay busy in the film industry, I often take a whole week out.
But every now and then I like to take a day out to do something cool with friends and family.

So I’m super nerdy, the first place I’d take them would be to the biggest London comic shop – Forbidden Planet. There we’d check out all the comic books, stare at the amazing (and expensive) models and figures. Then pick out something cool to purchase and take home as a little memento.

Then we’d check out and stop by the Greenwhich cable cars, take in some awesome views over by the 02 Arena, and grab a matcha / coffee at my favourite coffee shop, Coffee Couch.

Next we’d head off to Uzamikis for some lunch, its an anime themed restaurant near Tottenham Court road, gotta get some ramen and don’t forget the croquettes they’re the best!!

Then to burn off lunch we’d head over to Overgravity gymnastics and do some tricking, kicks and flips! I love training and staying acrobatic, if your visiting me we’re gonna train! Haha!

As a reward for putting in the hard work, we’d head on over to Elephant and Castle to Mercato Metropolitano for some Argentinian grill!!

Then we’d finish up the day at My Old Dutch, an amazing pancake place in Holborn, to overload on butterscotch pancakes!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
OK so I guess the best place to start would be to thank all the previous struggles and adversity in my life, as Bruce Lee once said “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one”.
Although in my past there may have been some tough times, those moments always thankfully lead me to something I was grateful for down the road. A better place.
Keeping a clear and focussed mind on the lessons a moment of adversity may be trying to teach you can be tough, but I always try to take some time to reflect on the potential positives or possibilities, because it’s always true that the more you go through the more you grow through!

Next is Martial Arts; It’s been a rock throughout my entire life. Giving me so many tools, mentally, physically and spiritually over the years through the various martial arts I’ve studied. I am eternally grateful for the guidance, mentorship and friendship I have received from masters, and fellow martial artists alike. It’s truly been the bedrock of all that I am and continue to do.
I’m thankful for the valuable skills, wisdom and life philosophies from each and every one of the martial artists I’ve interacted with in my life.

I’d like to shoutout all my friends and loved ones. Most of my life I’ve had a very close (of which I am especially thankful to those who have known me longest) and small circle until the last few years where I’ve seen it really expand in such a beautiful way, a way I never really envisioned before!
That’s firstly down to my beautiful and badass partner Rox, she’s such a community beacon with such a warm and welcoming heart. It’s really helped me understand the value in community, helping me expand and welcome in so many more amazingly talented and interesting people into my life. They say it takes a village behind every successful person, but Rox has really taken it from a village to more of a beautiful town.

Lastly I’d like to shoutout those involved with my action design and training company ‘Rule#10 Action’.
I really couldn’t have started Rule#10 training side without the support and help I received from OverGravity Gymnastics & Movement in London. They really gave me a base to start my business and realise my vision. Offering me continual friendship and advice with support to grow and develop the classes for my students.
We’ve just reached our successful 1st year anniversary and it’s been so rewarding to see how so many of the action students have progressed. With many of them either progressing onto new heights in their action careers or beginning to work in the film industry for the first time. I really enjoy watching and supporting those who really want to succeed, it’s very rewarding.

Website: www.rule10action.com

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Other: IMDb https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12344522/

Image Credits
Danny Baldwin & Nicholas Dawks photography