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David Kurzhal On Starring In Hard Redemption, Working With Jino Kang
Image Credit: Kang and Christine Lam
The 411 Interview: David Kurzhal
David Kurzhal is an actor, producer, and real deal martial artist that has been appearing in movies, according to his IMDb page, since at least 2008. Kurzhal has appeared in such movies as Battle Planet (2008), The Last Kumite (2024), Elite Target (2025), and Bloodstorm (2025). Kurzhal is also the mastermind behind the Viking Samurai brand (check out the official Viking Samurai YouTube page here). Kurzhal latest movie is the low-budget indie martial arts action flick Hard Redemption, starring Jino Kang and Lou Ferrigno (Jino Kang also co-directed the movie with Christine Lam), which is currently seeking distribution. In this interview, Kurzhal talks about making Hard Redemption, his villain character “Solomon,” working with Jino Kang, and more.
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Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved with Hard Redemption?
David Kurzhal: I got involved with Hard Redemption from david j. moore, who recommended me to Jino Kang. It was at that point where I was asked to audition for a couple of the characters (including Solomon) for Jino and producer Christine Lam. After giving a couple of different taped reads, I was offered the part.
BK: How did you approach your character, Solomon the Goblin gang leader? Is Solomon a bad guy or is he just misunderstood?
DK: I approached Solomon by seeing him as a man of honor and loyalty. For Solomon, disloyalty results in death. Is Solomon a bad guy? I’d say yes and no. By society’s standards, sure, Solomon is a bad guy. However, I don’t think anyone really ever sees themselves as a “bad guy.” Their behavior is shaped by a certain belief system and worldview, and living that way, they think that what they’re doing is right. By Solomon’s own standards, he is doing the right thing and could care less if it means having to break the law.
BK: Describe your working relationship with Hard Redemption co-directors Jino Kang and Christine Lam.
DK: It was great working with Jino. Jino and I first met in person at Phil Polina’s boxing gym, where 11-time world kickboxing champion and movie star Don “The Dragon” Wilson and I train at. Jino and I choreographed our fight scene at Phil’s gym. I had a much briefer interaction with producer Christine Lam. From what I could tell, she is very kind, hardworking, and made sure the production went smoothly.
BK: What was it like fighting Jino Kang?
DK: Fighting Jino was a treat as he is an exceptional martial artist. He helped me a lot with my grappling techniques during our final fight, as he is an expert in that field. He was also very open to my suggestions for different techniques that Solomon used.
BK: What was the hardest part of making Hard Redemption for you as an actor? What was the easiest?
DK: The hardest part of making Hard Redemption for me was the fact that I had just flown in overnight from across the country in Philadelphia the night prior. I had just finished doing my press conference for what was to be an exhibition boxing match against former champion and hall of famer “Sugar” Shane Mosely.
In addition to that red eye flight, I was also dealing with a hip injury. Regardless of the lack of sleep and injury, I felt my overall performance and fight scene against Jino turned out great. I’m always full of energy on set!
The easiest part of making the film would be the efficient crew and proper direction that was given. That always makes an actor’s life much easier.
BK: How did you come up with the Viking Samurai brand?
DK: The “Viking Samurai” brand just came to me one day when I was deciding what I wanted to call my YouTube channel. I knew I needed something original and unique. It also ties into my mixed European and Asian heritage. It’s actually funny to me that I’ve now had strangers recognize me in public as the “Viking Samurai” guy in places from gyms, movie theaters, and even Costco.
BK: You’ve appeared in several low-budget indie action movies over the last few years. What is the most satisfying aspect of working in the indie action movie world?
DK: The most satisfying aspect of working in the indie action movie world is the overall enthusiasm people have on set to be able to “work on a movie.”
BK: What was it like working with director Rene Perez, who you worked with on both Elite Target and Bloodstorm?
DK: Rene Perez is an interesting individual. For example, he can be extreme in some of his world views. As a director, he is very easy to work with and does his best to get the most out of the actors. He is polite and respectful on set and although the shoots are tough, it is an enjoyable experience overall to work with him.
BK: Any moviemaking heroes?
DK: My moviemaking hero would be Sylvester Stallone. Not only is he an incredibly talented actor, he is also an amazing writer and director!
BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
DK: As far as upcoming projects, I can be seen next in Steven Seagal’s return film called Order of the Dragon, with lead Ron Smoorenburg and other great martial artists such as Mark Stas and Dee Yoon. Mohammed Qissi, who played Tong Po in Kickboxer (1989), is also in the film.
BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Hard Redemption?
DK: I hope audiences get a real kick out of Hard Redemption. It’s a fun story and has great fight scenes. Jino really did an amazing job with the choreography!
BK: Would you be interested in appearing in a potential Hard Redemption 2?
DK: Yes, I would be interested in appearing in a potential Hard Redemption 2 as I had a blast being part of the first one!
BK: Did you get to keep the hoodie that you wear as Solomon in Hard Redemption?
DK: I did not get to keep the hoodie that Solomon wore in Hard Redemption. I do still have my blood-soaked shorts from The Last Kumite, though.
BK: Do you think you could take on a martial arts gang by yourself in real life?
DK: As far as whether or not I think I can take on a martial arts gang by myself in real life, I’d say yes. The reason I say that is because in order to have any chance at all, you really have to believe that you can do it, even if other people think you are delusional. It’s no different than asking me if I think I can beat a former multi-weight class champion in boxing (such as Shane Mosley) even though I’m more of a “karate guy.” It all starts with self-belief, despite how insurmountable the obstacle ahead seems.
In order to have a legitimate belief and confidence, certain skills must be trained and acquired. Because of my background in several martial arts, including Krav Maga, which is very suited against multiple assailants, I have that belief. You also need to have a certain attitude of kill or be killed in such a situation against a whole gang by yourself. That’s the only way you’ll have a real chance, or as they say, a “fighting chance”.
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A very special thanks to David Kurzhal for agreeing to participate in this interview and to david j. moore for setting it up.
Check out the official Hard Redemption Facebook page here!
Check out my review of Hard Redemption here!
Check out the official Viking Samurai Facebook page here, the official YouTube page here, the official Instagram page here, official Twitter page here, and official Patreon page here!
All images courtesy of Jino Kang and Christine Lam.
