There were a whole lot of ass-kickers at CAPE’s (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) 20th Anniversary Gala. Maggie Q, the cast of Hawaii 5-0, Supah Ninjas, even a power ranger or two!

So naturally, we asked, “Who do you think is the most kick-ass person?”

Reporter: Janice Jann | Shot & Edited by Kelly Li

There are so many talented Asians in America that it’s become difficult to shine light on each and every one of them. Hollywood seems to be the best at doing so. But there are far more unchartered territories, like the rest of L.A. County or even local grocers. At times, the exposure given to some stars is too repetitive just as with sensationalistic news. Instead, I’ve made a search effort to locate some talented and hardworking Asians in the backdrop of all the glory.

We often only hear the tales of those who’ve made it, even though many eventually hit rock bottom. For one super student, however, he’s used an oppressive past to sort his goals out to be in the process of achieving his dreams.

Remember this face; you just may be seeing it on the big screen soon. Yoshua “Yoshi” Sudarso.

Yoshua “Yoshi” Sudarso is an ethnically Chinese Indonesian native who moved to the U.S. in 1997 with his family at the age of 9 to escape the religious riots between the Muslims and the Christians. Now 21, he currently attends college, though he and his younger brother, Peter, had rough beginnings as they were enrolled in school at a later time and learned English through The Cartoon Network. As non-native English speakers, they even faced bullying up until high school.

“I use the negativity that people throw at me to turn it into motivation to grow and be a better version of myself, and of course, I ask for God’s help because I can’t do this on my own,” says Yoshi. “I can’t wait to see where He takes me in my life.”

In the works

Yoshi has a full plate with stunts, modeling, cheer, dancing and acting, among some of his many “hobbies.” He just finished Cal State Long Beach’s musical version of Nine, walked the runway for the 2nd annual Freedom and Fashion show, and stunt-doubled for the Blue Lightspeed Power Ranger, Mike Chaturantabut. “These are my recent projects, but I’m always working on my own stuff, too: filming with friends and doing student films to get closer to my goal.”

Life’s mission

He takes on a real-life Power Ranger role because he’d like to eventually morph stunt doubling and acting into an action star career.

Idols

Just as high as his kicks, he aims to be at the same level as Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan who’s infiltrated into Hollywood. “I have many figures that I look up to, but the main one has got to be Jackie Chan, as cliché as that is. He is so diverse and creative, just to be able to work with him would be amazing.”

Persuasion

“Don’t ever give up. Every time you fail, it’s a chance to grow and make yourself better. Learn from it and stay positive!”

Check out some of his moves here: