Clayton J. Barber, a martial arts enthusiast, was inspired by the legendary Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee to pursue the art form. At the tender age of 10, he chose TaeKwon Do, captivated by its acrobatic nature and speed, and went on to achieve a black belt. His skills extended beyond martial arts, as he was also well-versed in gymnastics and dance.
Despite initial setbacks, losing his first six tournaments, Barber refused to give up. He instead chose to work harder and soon won his first local tournaments. This marked the beginning of his successful career, as he became a member of the U.S. TaeKwon Do team in 1986, as well as in 1989, 1994, and 1995.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Barber accumulated an impressive array of accolades, including:
* 1995 Competitor of the Year USOC Amateur Athlete in TaeKwon Do of the Year
* Gold at the US Open
* Gold at the US Team Trials (1994 and 1995)
* 4-Time US National Tae Kwon Do Champion (including 1989 and 1990)
* 3-Time US Olympic Festival Champion (including 1989 and 1991)
* 3-Time National Collegiate Champion
* Gold at the North American Championships (1986)
In addition to his impressive athletic achievements, Barber's popularity and skills also led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He became a movie star, starring in several action films and serving as a stuntman in various movies and series. Although he missed out on the role of "Hollywood" in WMAC-Masters, Barber's impressive resume speaks volumes about his remarkable journey.
