Christian Howard was born on the 4th of May 1984 in Sunderland, near Newcastle, but his life took a sharp turn at the age of 13 when he began training in martial arts in Essex. While many children his age were playing video games, Howard was already immersing himself in the disciplined worlds of Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwondo, and Capoeira, citing Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme as his primary influences. This early dedication to physical discipline would eventually become the foundation for a career that extended far beyond the acting ring. He did not simply want to be seen on screen; he wanted to control the movement, the narrative, and the very choreography of the fights he performed. His transition from a student of martial arts to a creator of cinematic action began quietly, yet it set the stage for a unique trajectory in the entertainment industry that few actors manage to achieve.
From Stuntman To Screenwriter
Howard made his film debut in 2005 with the indie film Love Struck, but his true breakthrough came a decade later when he stepped into the role of Ken Masters in the short film Street Fighter: Legacy. This project was not merely an acting gig; Howard co-wrote the screenplay and assisted with the fight choreography, working alongside director Joey Ansah. The overwhelming success of this 2010 short film caught the attention of major industry players, leading to Capcom and Machinima financing the web series Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist. In this larger production, Howard returned as Ken Masters, though the role of Ryu was taken by Mike Moh since Jon Foo was unavailable. Howard continued to serve as a co-writer and fight choreographer, ensuring that the physicality of the series remained true to the source material while expanding the narrative depth. His ability to wear multiple hats as actor, writer, and choreographer distinguished him from his peers, allowing him to shape the story from the ground up.The Unlikely Hero Of The Street Fighter Universe
The legacy of Howard's work in the Street Fighter franchise extended well beyond the initial web series. In 2016, he returned to the role of Ken Masters in the sequel series Street Fighter: Resurrection, which featured Mike Moh as Ryu and introduced Alain Moussi as Charlie Nash. This continuity allowed Howard to develop a character arc that spanned years, something rare in the world of web series. His work on these projects was not just about fighting; it was about bringing a beloved video game character to life with a human vulnerability that resonated with fans. Howard's dedication to the role was evident in his willingness to double for Jean-Claude Van Damme on the film U.F.O. and to work as an assistant fight choreographer on films such as Dragon Crusaders and the Bollywood film Force. These experiences honed his skills and expanded his network, eventually leading to his role as a stunt double for Van Damme, a testament to his growing reputation in the industry.