Nikki Berwick - Stunt Double

When did you start fighting?
When I was seven. I saw a martial arts competition which was choreographed to music and thought it was something I could really get in to. It was great being able to beat up the boys. By the time I left school I was going to classes five times a week, and when I left I did it seven days a week. I represented England and won British and European competitions.

What style martial art?
I started with a Korean style Tang Soo Do which involves a lot of high kicks and then moved to a freestyle method where I could incorporate methods from other styles like kung-fu which use more close-in techniques and styles which used more acrobatic moves.

Did you fight in competitions?
I competed for eight years. I started fighting even as a low belt, which was great because I learnt how high the standard is internationally. I also co-ordinated my own karate and weapons shows to music which involved dancers. Turning professional was helped by the fact that I got sponsored by Kwon, a martial arts supplier, so I could travel abroad.

How did you get into film?
I met Eunice Huthart who won the TV series Gladiators and she started getting in to film, through a stunt co-ordinator she knew. My first audition was for Mortal Kombat. Actually I just went along and was told they werent looking for women but I asked the co-ordinator to at least have a look at what I could do. So I went on the mat, flew my legs around a lot, picked up a few weapons and three minutes later he said right, you're on and I doubled for Sonya Blade.