Boni - born May 1, 1971 in Huntington Beach, California.
 Her father, Wilfred Yanagisawa, Japanese, born and raised in Honokaa, Big Island (Hawaii) and her mother, Beverly Yanagisawa, Caucasion/mix, born and raised in Pasadena, California.
    Boni's father has always been a role model to her. He is a hard working, dedicated, respectable, humble man. Boni grew up watching her father work 7 days a week, early morning to late night, running his nursery, landscaping business. While her mother worked hard to take care of the home and children, Boni and siblings, sister Denise and brother Todd, were always keeping mom busy with all of the activities they were involved with. Boni's mom was a typical "Cool-Aide Mom."
    Boni was a girl scout, cheerleader, drill team, softball player, ASB, homecoming queen and Miss Lake Elsinore.
    Work was understood and chores were always met. Boni studied business and planned to take over the family business along with her brother. She operated her father's nursery until she realized she had dreams of her own and life is to live our own. It was a difficult for her father to understand and hard on their relationship.
    Boni had an interest in learning martial arts since she was a young girl, but her father felt it was not a sport for girls.
    Martial arts is a part of the Yanagisawa family history. Boni's great-uncle, Harry Ishisaka, brought Aikido to California from Hawaii. Aikido was his way of life. Harry Ishisaka was Steven Segal's first Sensei (instructor).
     At the age 20, Boni decided it was time for her to study the art that will teacher her more about her heritage, the history of the Japanese warriors. Her name, Yanagisawa, is royalty. She comes from Samurai.
     Martial arts helped Boni grow in many aspects of her life. She increased in her self-confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-control, stress control, concentration, stamina, determination, strength and more. Martial arts is not an end, but a means to an end.
     In 1995, Boni, co-owner, opened a Dojo (karate school) in La Costa, California. Working two jobs and starting her business, left her with very little time to do anything else. She later began competing in martial arts tournaments. Her success led her to the film industry. In 1997, she decided to sell her business and move to LA. In 1998, she became a member of "Team Kani." Competing Internationally, she has won numerous titles...2000 Master Hall of Fame, 1999 NBL Hall of Fame
     Boni's Sensei (teacher), Richard Rabago, trained her in traditional katas, sword, naginata, bo, kamas and has guided her toward a career in stunts/acting. She owes much of her success to Sensei Richard Rabago.
     With the support of Boni's good friend, Marcus Young, she began working toward a career in film, while teaching in Camarillo. Meeting Bill Ryusaki through tournaments, she was offered a job in teaching at his Dojo in Chatsworth, CA. Taking this job brought her to the San Fernando Valley, where she would begin her career in stunts.
     The film industry went through a slow point for Boni. She always wished to live on the beautiful Islands of Hawaii, a place she considers a second home. Working for Aloha Airlines as a flight attendent allowed her to travel from Hawaii to California. In 2002, Boni returned to LA, and is enjoying her life as a stuntwomen/actress.
     Boni, currently living in Hollywood, Ca., is a proud member of V10 Women Stunt Professionals.
     She has worked on ...Films: Charlies Angels 2, Hulk, SpiderMan 2, Big Fish, The Academy, Forbidden Warrior ...T.V.: Star Trek Enterprise, Angel, Buffy, Walker, Texas Ranger, Mortal Kombat Conquest, Boomtown, CSI Miami, Six Feet Under, MAD T.V., America's Most Wanted, RHD/LA, Fearless,
     Actresses doubled: Demi Moore, Jolene Blalock, Kelly Hu, Lucy Lui, Devon Aoki, Alyson Hannigan, Sung Hi Lee, Talisa Soto, Julia Nixon, Vanessa William
     Martial arts has helped Boni accomplish many goals and dreams in her life and has helped her grow into a much stronger well rounded person. Life is full of challenges, every challenge you accept, gives you growth in every aspect of your life. All accomplishments lead to success. Life is a gift, it is up to the individual to decide how they wish to live it. Live your life to the fullest.