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Posted on Monday, October 14th, 2013 at 11:36am by Paul (ral)
Keaton fight double & Daredevil trainer Dave Lea talks Ben Affleck as Batman

I spoke to Dave Lea (Michael Keaton's stunt/fight double on Batman & Batman Returns) while he is over in the UK shooting some films. He will also be appearing at the UK Martial Arts Expo in Coventry (talking to fans and holding a seminar in Film Stunt Fighting).

As I'm sure you know Dave trained Ben Affleck for 6 months on Daredevil, so he has a pretty good idea of the actor's ability and work ethic.

"I think he'll be terrific" says Dave on Affleck's casting as Batman. "He worked really hard on Daredevil, with training, diet and weapons. Because of all the wirework, the flips and spins, [which he did himself] we had to train his stomach so hard. It was as flat as a board."

Dave said Ben realised "how important it was to train hard especially for the wirework involved".

High praise from one Batman to another!

The Martial Arts Expo at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry is a 2 day event and the largest martial arts show in the UK.

It takes place this weekend on Saturday 19th October and Sunday 20th October 2013.

More info on the actual event (which hosts the top names in the world of Martial Arts and contact sports) can be found on their website www.themartialartsexpo.com/tickets

If you are a fan of Batman (1989) and Batman Returns you will definitely want to attend as Dave says he will be recreating some of the fight scenes from the movies...most notably the street fight with the Red Triangle Circus Gang using a group of participants.

I asked Dave if only martial artists will be able to take part, but he says anyone can...Dave will use his years of teaching experience to put you through simple screen punches & kicks to build the scene up - regardless of your ability.

Also Dave will do photos with anyone who visits this site...just tell him we sent you!

If that wasn't all Dave will be selecting two people who attend his seminar at The Martial Arts Expo to have a small role in one of his next movies in the UK. If you’d like to have a chance to be part of his next production, attend the seminar on Saturday 19th October 2013. Dave will select two people who he thinks have potential to be in the movie.

On Saturday 19th October 2013

Dave will be doing a Q&A session on the Main Stage from 12:10 – 12:30.
He will then be doing a seminar and workshop from 12:45 – 14:45 in Seminar Zone (Hall 4). You can book your place at the seminar by contacting seminars@themartialartsexpo.com or by phoning 02476 331 239.

On Sunday 20th October 2013
Dave will be doing a second Q&A session on the Main Stage from 12:10 – 12:30 and then an Autograph session from 13:30 – 14:30 in the Autograph Zone which is part of the Martial Arts Illustrated Stand.

If you are a martial artist and interested in film work then talk with Dave. He recently did a photoshoot with up and coming action/actress Kiran Asahan who he is training "She came to me as a goldfish. She's now turning into a Piranha!" says Dave. He was very proud of her work and sent us some photos to share:

  

Dave was also kind enough to send us some exclusive photos from Batman Returns to share with visitors! Click on each thumb to go to the gallery: (now available to non-members). Daredevil set photo above courtesy and property of Dave Lea.

Visit Dave's site for more great photos www.davelea.com

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