an ongoing work in progress....

Why Michael Bernardo is my inspiration-
From about 9th grade I was crazy for WMAC Masters. It was essentially a martial arts version of pro-wrestling, but more intellegent. I collected every thing WMAC related, but my favorite was always Michael 'Turbo' Bernardo.

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He was a rebel wild man in biker/rock style black leather who just happened to be the reigning WMAC champion; a character who didnt fit the norm in a position of power.
His style and expressive gestures created what was more like a performance then what I thought of as Martial Arts.

Until he was dethroned by Herb 'Olympus' Perz. But even in defeat he maintained his individuality and served as an inspiration; when you have noting you still have your self worth.

Just as important (Although this will be dedicated to his screen roles)...I find it encouraging that he is as motivating and inspiring in real life; as one of the most accomplished competitors and through his work as one of the greatest martial arts instructors/promoters in Canada.

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I will keep my thoughts positive because
my thoughts become my words.
I will keep my words positive because
my words become my actions.
I will keep my actions positive because
my actions become my values.
I will keep my values positive because
my values become my destiny.
-http://www.gbfit.com/karate.htm

The 1990 black beat hall of fame article
Batman & Robin (1997)-Stunt role; one of many henchman who fights on rollerblades.

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Terminal Rush (1995)-as 'Bob' aka lead henchman to the main villian, he can be soptted in the back ground of a few crucial/evil scenes, and there is one main scene (fighting Don 'the dragon' Wilson)which I can only assume landed him his role in Virtual Combat.(and if you listened really close he appeared to have at least 1 line as well!)
click this entire text to see screen shots by forever_slayers@yahoo.com

Cyber Seeker (1993)-As Viral 5 (hint he is the LAST name in the credits)
A viral is a plague victim so they go around in either allot of special effects makeup or with their faces covered with bandages (so no I could not find him....).

The Magnificent Duo (1992)-never seen it.
Tiger Claw 1 (1992)- never seen it
Maniac Warriors (1988)- never seen it

Check out some screen shot collections from michelle_garci@yahoo.com

Shootfighter 1 (1992)-LEAD ROLE- Nick, a guy just out of prison is the focus of the movie espcially when his sister's boyfriend, Ruben, gets caught up an illigal fight to the death tournament and he's the only hope for a rescue (by entering the tournament himself).
Shootfighter 2 (1995)-LEAD ROLE -Nick is back for the sequal in a slightly smaller role. A cop who lost his son in the same illigal fight to the death tournament blackmails Nick and Ruban (it may make more sense to read the Shootfighter 1 description first) to enter a similar tournament to take down the evil guy behind it.

Screen shoot collection from forever_slayers@yahoo.com

Moving Target (1996)-Boris; a henchman to the russian mafia, with one really cool scene where he uses a pool cue as a weapon.

 more screen shots, also from michelle_garci@yahoo.com
Virtual Combat
 (USA title, also known as 'Grid Runers')(1996)
-LEAD ROLE-
as Dante, a strong and sexy Mortal Kombat-like
villian brought to life.
but oddly Dante's voice was dubed over. 		in a country other then the USA the movie box featured Michael on the cover! this is too cool not to link. Click the pic to see the full image.

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A breif look at
the real michael bernardo
(basic info and a few pics)

another screen shoot collection from
forever_slayers@yahoo.com

WMAC-Masters (1995)-
LEAD ROLE-
as Turbo,
the rebel champion.
This was the first role
I saw him in,
and to this day I belive
his work as this sometimes
sureal charcter inspired me
to belive in my
own creativity.

links-
fan page on MSC, world of action
Bernardo Karate (for those of you lucky enough to live in Canada.)
Development of Shorinji Ryu (with a section about michael bernardo)
A comical look at the WMAC that always maked me smile.