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Disney taps Fil-Am martial artist for 'Echo'

Disney turns to the expertise of a FilAm martial artist in Texas for its new Marvel superhero series that features a deaf lead character.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEGaAJ3D_hM?&amp;ab_channel=ABS-CBNNews&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>In a world where overcoming challenges is part of the journey, one local martial arts master is making waves far beyond the mat.Joseph Santarose is the owner and master of Rock Solid Taekwondo in Katy in Texas, and is a decorated Taekwondo champion known for his lightning-quick moves.The Filipino-American was tapped by Disney to help promote its newest streaming project, “Echo.”“I was flabbergasted,” said Santarose. “They said they would like to work together and do a workshop together. Their show has a hero who is a vigilante who is hard of hearing and I am hard of hearing, so I said, sure let&#x27;s promote the show.”Erica Santarose, co-owner of Rock Solid, said Disney has been “a great team to work with and we are so excited about it.”Disney&#x27;s newest Marvel superhero streaming show “Echo” shares a similar story to that of Santarose.The fictional martial arts master navigates the challenges of being deaf. The series is also Marvel’s first production which features a character who is deaf and has an Indigenous background.Santarose is an inductee of the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He shared that he lost his hearing due to spinal meningitis when he was just three years old.Despite the condition, the ‘Deaflympian’ has not slowed in his journey to the top.“Martial arts is one of those things that helped me regain my confidence,” he said. “It&#x27;s something I love doing. Martial arts helped me come a long way and taught me that being hard of hearing doesn&#x27;t have to set me back.”Disney sought authenticity as it turned to Santarose to host a special stunt choreography and a self-defense workshop.He also held a workshop with students for the reenactment of a fight scene in Echo.But his involvement goes beyond the screen. He also serves as a role model in his community, especially to those facing similar challenges.“When I first started, I didn&#x27;t want anything to do with it,” said Emmanuelle Buenaventura, a member of Team USA Taekwondo. “But when I got older, I said this could be my future. It really helped me.”Santoarose considers his collaboration with Disney on Echo not just a personal victory, but also a step towards inclusivity in entertainment.For Santarose, every kick and every punch breaks barriers and echoes a message of resilience and representation.”I am hard of hearing but that’s not all I am,” he added. “I don’t let that define me. I&#x27;m gonna go out and be the person I have to be. So that&#x27;s what I teach my students, to be leaders, have self confidence, and go out there and do whatever you want to do.&quot;

Disney turns to the expertise of a FilAm martial artist in Texas for its new Marvel superhero series that features a deaf lead character.

Disney taps Fil-Am martial artist for 'Echo'

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Disney taps Fil-Am martial artist for 'Echo'

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Cheryl Piccio | TFC News Texas

Published Feb 01, 2024 05:28 PM PHT

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Updated Feb 01, 2024 05:57 PM PHT

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