We were lucky to catch up with Paulino Sensei recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paulino, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.” (T.S. Eliot)

Life is a curious thing and you never know what it may bring. From the endless days of bliss where you feel the warmest sun smile upon you, the inevitable change of season may feel like a storm when you least expect it.

And in an instant, your life can change forever.

I knew early on as a child that I had a spiritual calling that would lead me onto the road less traveled. After my first year of college and enlistment into the US military, I knew life will never be the same. I embraced the

decision to bet on myself and pursue my life’s calling before my honorable discharge from the military. I knew there would be a place to stand as I walked alone in my journey of life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a lifelong practitioner and teacher of martial arts, a published contemporary artist, a master photographer, and an ASCAP (American Songwriter, Composers, Authors, & Publishers) musician.

My artist journey began professionally toward my last year in the military where I was already freelancing as a contemporary artist, studio session musician, photographer, and teacher of martial arts. Upon my honorable discharge from the Air Force, I returned home to Tampa, Florida where my family resided. Soon after, I set up a shop where I continued my work as a specialty martial arts trainer, session musician, photographer, and contemporary artist.

In 1999, a year after my honorable discharge from service, I was scouted by the legendary SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) agent, Dott Burns in Tampa, FL. Under Dott’s tutelage, she booked my work in print, TV, film, and the music industry as a session musician, stunt model, actor, and fashion photographer. Since 2000, I have been working as an artist entrepreneur in the entertainment, film, TV, fashion, fitness, music, and art industry.

My entry and longevity in the entertainment industry were not an overnight success. I spent decades honing my craft and specific skill set long before I had my first of many auditions where I had to deal with constant rejection until I had my first breakthrough. In life, I was always in pursuit of excellence and mastery in each of my disciplines since that was always my desired goal in martial arts, military, music, sports, and the creative arts.

After decades of wear and tear from the military, training fighters, gymnastics, and stunt work, it was time that I focused on preserving my physical well-being. So, in 2023 I moved to St. Petersburg, FL to make a brand new start in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

I own and operate a mobile production studio based out of St. Petersburg, Florida where I specialize in several disciplines. One is fashion, glamour, fitness, lifestyle, architecture, and product photography. Two, contemporary, mixed-media, photo-art. Three, guitar instruction, studio session, songwriting, and live performance. Four, self-defense and personal training. Five, movement, guided meditation, and music therapy seminars. I am available for booking within state and international travel.

I pride myself on personal excellence in everything I do. I’ve spent a lifetime honing my craft. In the last two decades plus, I have worked with some of the most talented people on the planet, from A-list stars to athletes, rock stars, supermodels, and major brands. As for photography, I started as a model, so I have spent as much time in front of the camera as behind it. This gives me an exclusive advantage to coach a client who may be shy and unsure of how they present themselves in a photoshoot. I, also offer training and coaching to help clients look, dress, and feel more confident in front of the camera and in everyday life. 

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There are many professions for an individual to choose from after high school and college to make a living in life. Some jobs and careers are straightforward where the amount of income you desire to earn is up to you. However, some vocations are a calling for the individual who seeks the unbeaten path which may or may not yield great monetary gain.

As an artist entrepreneur, I need the same active discipline, professionalism, drive, patience, dedication, vision, and willingness to fail, change, adapt, and overcome just like a business owner and CEO. I am a lifelong practitioner and teacher of martial arts, and this foundation and discipline are one of the keys to my success. I approach my work as a warrior with a duty to serve humanity’s highest good.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

A career as an artist entrepreneur is not the desired choice for most individuals. I chose this path and journey early on as an adolescent and finalized the decision before my honorable discharge from active duty military service. I knew the only way I would overcome all the rough and tumble of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) while in Uncle Sam’s military and throughout my life was to focus on a daunting goal after the military. My mission was to make my dreams and goals come true.
I have yet to have children and a family of my own. Therefore, I have an innate passion, hunger, and desire to leave a legacy through my work and the lives I touch before I pass from this life. Providence favors the bold.    

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paulinosensei.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinosensei/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulinoSensei/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/PaulinoSensei/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/pagalleria/ https://www.redbubble.com/people/PAGalleria https://www.modelmayhem.com/PaulinoPagalleria

Image Credits
Ken Sota, “The Crow”, kickboxing, and Ninja images. Paulino Sensei all other photos.