Dan Speaker, a celebrated authority in the realm of sword fighting for the motion picture industry, came into this world as a member of a military family, which instilled in him a sense of adventure and wanderlust. As a result, his early years were marked by extensive travel, allowing him to develop an early and profound fascination with the art of swordsmanship, as well as the disciplines of martial arts and fencing.
Dan's fascination with the world of arts led him to pursue a prestigious education at the renowned Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, where he successfully completed a Diploma in Dramatic Arts and also earned a credential as a Fencing Coach, further solidifying his skills in the realm of combat and performance.
Upon his return to the United States, Dan embarked on a career in regional theater, utilizing his multifaceted talents as both an actor and fight choreographer, where he had the opportunity to meet his future wife, Jan Bryant, a dancer who had transitioned to the unique profession of a swordswoman.
As a dynamic duo, they embarked on a new chapter in their lives, relocating to the iconic city of Hollywood, where they co-founded the Academy of Theatrical Combat, a pioneering institution dedicated to the development and refinement of a distinct approach to teaching and choreographing the art of sword fighting.
Through their tireless efforts, they rapidly garnered widespread recognition, collaborating with the most esteemed stunt coordinators in the industry, and subsequently, they began to assume the roles of coordinators and performers, orchestrating and executing elaborate action sequences for a plethora of major motion pictures and television programs.
Dan, in tandem with his partner Kim Turney, has embarked on a unique career path alongside his spouse, where they both instruct the art of combat to a specific group of professionals, namely actors and stunt performers.
In addition to their teaching endeavors, Dan and Kim also take on the responsibility of coordinating action sequences, ensuring that the stunts and choreography are meticulously planned and executed to perfection.
As part of their expertise, Dan and Kim also perform stunts themselves, showcasing their exceptional physical abilities and dexterity in various forms of combat.
Furthermore, they occasionally venture into acting, taking on roles that allow them to showcase their versatility as performers and their ability to adapt to different characters and scenarios.
