The 207th issue of Star Wars Insider lands 14th December in the States and with it comes an interview with the actress behind Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth, Diana Lee Inosanto.
Star Wars Insider: You grew up surrounded by an incredible group of martial artists, actors, and stunt people. What did you learn from them that you are still applying to your career and life?
Diana Lee Inosanto: I think the beautiful thing about having your uncle and godfather be Bruce Lee, while also having someone like my father (martial arts expert Dan Inosanto) in the picture, is that they both always stressed the importance of staying grounded. It was always understood to not get carried away with fame, and to just enjoy the journey of whatever is happening. They both also taught me a love of creativity through martial arts. I know people tend to look at martial arts from the perspective of action or pain but, for me, there has always been a philosophical component: it is my ancestry and my heritage.
Star Wars Insider: Exposed to such a wide mix of martial arts, which styles did you initially gravitate towards?
Diana Lee Inosanto: As a child growing up, the arts and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do was always my foundation. That’s really what catapulted my martial arts education. My father taught the Japanese and Chinese arts and, before there was ever mixed martial arts, was combining all of those elements. Continuing my godfather’s philosophy, he also included French savate and fencing in his school.
Now that I’m older, I tend to really cling to Filipino martial arts. You can then supplement weaponry with those Japanese and Chinese martial arts, and there’s a wide spectrum to it. It has weaponry that’s flexible, like the spear.
As always there’s plenty more between the covers of Star Wars Insider, so be sure to read if you subscribe, get a subscription if you don’t and either way enjoy an engrossing read.
