We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Dzicek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training. Create good systems for yourself and results will come.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a martial artist of over 20 years, my practice is a medium for self-discovery/mastery physically, mentally, and spiritually.

As a guitarist of over 20 years, I’ve learned that my instrument is a way to discover a different way of saying what I need to say, whatever that might be.

As an actor, I find that by playing other characters, I am able to understand my own human experience better. I think good acting comes from a very real place therefore, it could be difficult to say it’s pretending.

Art of any kind is definitely not easy to succeed with. Will people like it or not? I’ve learned that I have found more peace and authenticity in making the art that I like. To express what I need to express. I think we artists find that, peculiarly, people will connect with your art more that way.

As someone with ADHD and OCD, my artistic process can be a bit different. Those disorders can be a blessing and a curse. I would say to the other artists with the same disorders that practice is the key, let the mistakes happen without immediate correction/condemnation, and you will gradually learn to be out of your own way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Check out the Rams Head and Baltimore Soundstage. There’s always some good acts coming through.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to:

The filipino martial arts community for there support,

Anthony Fletcher (the director who believed in me),

Aidan and JJ (Love you, boys),

Filmmaker James Perry for getting me in contact with you all.

Instagram: Mike_dz_kali

Youtube: Mas Guru Mike

Image Credits
These are my photos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.