Noted American figure, Turner, was born in the bustling metropolis of San Diego, California, a city renowned for its year-round pleasant climate and stunning natural beauty, in the year 1954, a pivotal moment in history that he has come to affectionately refer to as "the year of the full deck", a clever and whimsical reference to the standard 52-card deck of playing cards, complete with the two jokers, a nod to the unpredictability and excitement that life has to offer.
As a precocious young lad, Turner's innate curiosity and fascination with the captivating television show Maverick was first piqued at the tender age of seven, thus laying the groundwork for a lifelong and unwavering passion that would continue to evolve and flourish throughout the years to come.
As Turner entered the ninth year of his life, a sudden and unforeseen turn of events was about to reshape the trajectory of his existence. A bout of scarlet fever, a common yet potentially debilitating illness, would strike him down, setting in motion a gradual and irreversible decline in his eyesight.
As the years went by, Turner's vision would continue to deteriorate, slowly but surely, until by the time he reached the age of thirteen, his sight had decreased to a mere 20/400. This precipitous decline would continue unabated, with his eyesight becoming increasingly fragile and unreliable.
The once vibrant and kaleidoscopic world around him would gradually fade to a dull, indistinct haze, making it impossible for him to distinguish between the brightest of lit rooms and the blackest of dark nights. His once sharp and keen eyes, once capable of taking in the world's beauty and complexity, would be reduced to a mere shadow of their former selves, leaving him to navigate the world in a state of perpetual darkness.
Notwithstanding the formidable obstacles that lay in his path, Turner demonstrated an unwavering determination, opting to enroll in a specialized educational institution catering to students with visual impairments in Santee, California, where he boldly disregarded the conventional wisdom by declining to acquire the skill of Braille reading.
It was during this pivotal period in his life that Turner's younger brother, David, played a significant role in introducing him to the fascinating world of karate, a martial art that would go on to have a profound impact on his life.
Under the expert guidance of Master John Murphy, the esteemed founder of Wado-Kai, a Japanese hard-style karate system, Turner began to hone his skills and develop his abilities. As he progressed, it became evident that he possessed a natural aptitude for the art, and he went on to earn the prestigious title of sixth-degree black belt in Wado-Kai karate, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
In the year 1972, a pivotal moment in the life of a talented individual unfolded as Turner embarked on an auditioning journey for a modest Christian theater company situated in the scenic city of San Diego, California. This esteemed organization was masterfully run by the accomplished television actor, Steve Terrell, who would go on to mentor Turner for an impressive six-year duration.
As Turner's remarkable aptitude and exceptional abilities continued to manifest themselves, it was only a matter of time before his talents would be noticed by a prominent individual in the field, specifically stuntman Bobby Yerkes, who would play a pivotal role in introducing Turner to the captivating world of acrobatics.
Yerkes, with his extensive experience and expertise in the realm of stunts, took Turner under his wing, imparting valuable knowledge and skills that would shape Turner's future as a performer. Under Yerkes' guidance, Turner learned the intricacies of swinging on the trapeze, mastering the art of balance and coordination as he soared through the air.
In addition to his trapeze skills, Turner also acquired the ability to traverse the tightrope with ease, his steady feet and focused mind allowing him to navigate the thin, precarious path with confidence and poise.
Furthermore, Turner honed his skills in taking high falls, learning to trust his body and develop the necessary confidence to plunge from great heights, relying on his training and instincts to guide him through the free-fall experience.
Through his training with Yerkes, Turner's abilities continued to evolve, laying the foundation for a successful career as a performer, one that would be marked by a combination of athleticism, artistry, and a willingness to push his limits.
As the years have unfolded, Turner's remarkable prowess in the realm of card mechanics has earned him a distinguished reputation, one that transcends the boundaries of time and is now widely acknowledged by experts and enthusiasts alike, a testament to his unyielding commitment and unrelenting passion in the face of formidable challenges and obstacles.
