Meet Johnson Phan — an Emmy Award–winning stunt performer and martial artist whose career spans more than two decades in film and television. Known for his work on projects like Shōgun, Johnson’s journey is defined not by spectacle, but by discipline, teamwork, and a quiet sense of purpose.
We sat down with him to talk about the values that have shaped his career, the essentials that anchor his daily life, and the mindset that allows him to focus on what truly matters — a philosophy that closely reflects OLEN’s belief in owning less and living more.
The Constant Through Two Decades
When Johnson looks back on his career, one thing has remained unchanged: the joy of collaboration.
For him, the magic has always been in being part of a team — helping bring someone else’s vision to life. Film sets are spaces where stories are built collectively, where creativity and trust intersect. There’s a sense of gratitude in the work itself: making a living through storytelling, movement, and shared art.
It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come from chasing recognition, but from showing up with curiosity and commitment — again and again.
| "You’ve been in the film and stunt world for over two decades now. When you look back, what’s something that’s stayed consistent for you throughout your career?" | |
"The excitement of being part of a team and helping to bring someone's vision to life. How much better can it get? Making a living playing dress-up and working on set, telling stories and sharing art and inspiration with the world." |
Behind the scenes photo from Shōgun Season 1.
Beyond the Emmy
Winning an Emmy with the Shōgun stunt team marked a milestone — but for Johnson, the meaning goes far deeper than the award itself.
That moment stands as a quiet bookmark in his life, affirming what he’s always believed: that anything is possible with teamwork, consistency, and a positive mindset. Each day on set, he approached the work with intention — mentally preparing, meditating, and asking how he could best support the people around him.
Success, for Johnson, has never been about standing out. It’s about contributing fully.
| "You and the Shōgun stunt team took home an Emmy last year — congratulations again. Sitting with that achievement now, what does that moment mean to you — beyond the award itself?" | |
"Thank you. It was truly a bookmark moment to remind me that in life, anything is possible with teamwork, consistency, and a positive attitude." |
Hiroo Minami, from left, Nobuyuki Obikane, Martin Cochingco and Johnson Phan with the award for Outstanding Stunt Performance for Shōgun attend night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Richard Shotwell.
Life on Set
Stepping onto a film set is, for Johnson, a deeply immersive experience. It’s a space shaped by collaboration, trust, and an extraordinary level of craft across every department. The environments created through film have always felt transportive — places where history, movement, and storytelling converge.
What continues to matter most to him is the people behind the scenes. Supporting the stunt team, working alongside crews, and contributing to a shared vision remain central to how he approaches every project. It’s this collective effort — the quiet coordination behind the camera — that gives the work its meaning.
What “Own Less. Live More.” Means to Him
For Johnson, the idea is simple: keep life focused and intentional.
It’s about staying present. Prioritizing family and friends. Choosing quality over quantity — not just in what you own, but in how you live. Stripping away excess creates space for what truly matters.
That clarity shows up in both his personal life and his approach to work.
| "At OLEN, our philosophy is Own Less. Live More. What does that mean to you?" | |
"Keeping things simple. Focusing on the present moment and the most important things in my life... family and friends, and quality over quantity." |
His Personal Essentials
When Johnson talks about essentials, he makes a clear distinction between what sustains him internally and what supports him physically.
| "When you think about what truly matters to you, what are your personal essentials?" | |
"Non-materialistic:1. healthy relationships with family and friends2. clear, honest, and open communication3. good health in mind, body, and spirit-martial arts training/meditation4. living with passion and purpose-connected with nature/the outdoors5. living/leading with love and authenticity6. surrounded by light and laughterMaterialistic:1. my bed/home (my fortress of solitude)2. good food (everything made with love)3. my lucky watch (Omega Planet Ocean)4. comfortable gore-tex walking shoes5. my car (takes me on adventures/hunting)6. leather jacket collection (style/protection)" |
The Influence That Shaped It All
Looking back, one figure stands above the rest is Bruce Lee.
Johnson speaks of Lee’s energy, intensity, and philosophy as life-shaping. Beyond martial arts, Bruce Lee’s work demonstrated the power of one individual to uplift others — to lead with strength, clarity, and conviction. His films carried messages that resonated deeply, inspiring Johnson not only to train, but to pursue a life in film.
It’s an influence rooted in both movement and meaning.
| "Looking back, was there a person, a film, or a specific moment that really shaped the way you approach your career?" | |
"Bruce Lee. His energy, intensity, passion, and philosophy inspired me not only to study martial arts but also to pursue a career in the film industry. The messages in his movies really connected with me.I loved how powerful he was and how he demonstrated that one person can help support others and truly make a difference in people's lives." |
Living with Purpose
Johnson Phan’s story isn’t about accumulation — of awards, possessions, or attention. It’s about alignment. About choosing a path that values discipline, collaboration, and presence.
At OLEN, we design for people who live this way — those who believe that fewer, better choices lead to a richer life. Johnson’s approach to craft and living is a reminder that when you focus on what matters, everything else falls into place.
Mike Ching, from left, Darren E. Scott, Martin Cochingco, Lauro Chartrand- Del valle, Sharlène Royer and Johnson Phan. Shōgun Stunt Team. Best Stunt Performance Winner at the 2025 Leo Awards.
