Bill Shaw is an American martial artist, stuntman, and actor who has had a lifelong passion for filmmaking, dating back to the mid-1970s. His interest in the production business led him to research Hollywood and learn as much as he could about the industry. He decided to try his hand at choreographing and performing his own stunts, utilizing his skills as a top-notch martial artist.
Bill, the founder of a martial arts school in Casper, Wyoming, created his own short fight clip and enlisted the help of his students. He hired a cinematographer who taught him valuable lessons on editing, and Bill was hooked. He began taking acting classes at a local college and has since worked in various film genres, including martial arts.
As a skilled martial artist, Bill is the creator of Han Foo Wa, an exclusive martial arts style that combines elements from Jeet Kune Do, Ju-Jitsu, Wing Chun, Judo, Kenpo, Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, Kali, Escrima, Kung-Fu, Muay Thai, Kajukenbo, Tae Kwon Do, Pentjak Silat, Silambam, Military and Police Tactics, and street fighting. He added his own innovations and mental training aspects of Neuro-Dynamics to this unique style.
Bill's martial arts skills have earned him numerous hall of fame nominations and inductions, as well as editorial comments from notable martial arts publications. He has been recognized as one of the top martial artists in the nation.
Combining his skills in filmmaking and martial arts, Bill has worked in the movie industry since the 1990s, performing stunts, acting, fight choreographing, and assisting as a director. He has worked on various films, including No Place to Hide (1992) with Drew Barrymore, where he served as the stunt double for Martin Landau.
After a hiatus in the 2000s to support his mother's business, Bill returned to the movie industry in 2015, rediscovering his passion for stunt work. During this period, he also began competing again at the US Open World Martial Arts Championships and was recruited to the National Team "Executive Edge," a team of Black Belts over 60. Bill continues to teach his HiT, Hi-Impact Training program and remains active in the film and martial arts industries.
