Category: Arts

After hundreds of movies, thousands of eye-popping fight scenes and millions of punches thrown…which ones are the best? Which ones have I been missing out on my whole life? Which ones must I have in my collection in order to not bring shame upon my family name?

We’ve scoured the internet. Reviews. Forums. Amazon. Postings. Bulletins. And this list is what we’ve come up with as the greatest Kung-Fu movies of all time and why you should watch each one. Pay attention to movies involving Yuen Wo-Ping as either director or action director, there’s a reason why half this list is movies where he was involved!

If you want to watch trailers of these movies, go to: http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html

(you can also get directly to these movies in http://Amazon.com from this website)

#1 – Way of the Dragon (1979)

This is the only finished film to be written and directed by Bruce Lee. (Game of Death is the other one but is unfinished) We could write a lot about the plot, characters or fight scenes…but all you really care about is watching Bruce Lee fight Chuck Norris in the final battle.

Martial Artists: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris
Director: Bruce Lee

#2 – Shaolin Temple (1982)

Depicts the amazing history of the Shaolin Temple, the focal point for Chinese Martial Arts. Think of the Shaolin Monks as Jedi Knights (an elite group of fighters) and the rest of China as the messed-up universe that Star Wars takes place in (people who are afraid of the elite fighters and want to take them out of power). Much work to do, you have, young Jet Li. *picture Yoda’s accent on that one* Define Irony: A movie shot at the site of the Shaolin Temple, telling a story about the fall of the Shaolin Temple, sparks so much public interest that the temple was re-opened shortly after the movie released.

Martial Artist: Jet Li (His debut movie)
Director: Chang Hsin-Yen

#3 – Ong Bak (2003)

Raw action without wires, Tony Jaa brings a new martial arts style to the big screen and does so in style. Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is stronger and more direct than the Chinese styles you’re used to seeing with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, giving a new look to how a martial arts movie can be done. You’ll be seeing more of him…guaranteed.

Martial Artist: Tony Jaa
Director: Prachya Pinkaew

#4 – Iron Monkey (1993)

Doctor by day, thief by night…Iron Monkey is your classic Robin-hood meets Kung Fu. It’s an action packed flick that can’t go 5 minutes without an excellent fight scene. It all comes down to a battle between Iron Monkey (ie Robin Hood) and an ex Shaolin Monk (remember, these guys are like the Jedi Knights of Chinese martial arts…they’re elite). Remember that guy Yuen Wo-Ping I mentioned? Well he’s the director in this one, so you know it’s good!

Martial Artists: Yu Rong-Guang, Donnie Yen
Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Action Directors: Yuen Cheung-yan, Yuen Shun-yi

#5 – 5 Deadly Venoms (1978)

No room form “martial arts beauties” in this one, there’s so much blood and action that they only cast male actors. Exit the traditional elaborate costumes and enter the muscular, skin-bearing, bloody martial arts style that would become a trademark for director Chang Cheh. Each cast member is trained in an art resembling one of 5 venemous creatures (Scorpion, Snake, Centipede, Gecko, Toad) with the 6th cast member being trained in all 5. Six main martial arts actors = LOTS O’ ACTION

Martial Artists: 6 Martial Artists (yes, 6 main characters)
Director: Chang Cheh

#6 – The Seven Samurai (1954)

One of the greatest classic kung-fu movies of all time and arguable Kurosawa’s best work. Some Samurai of the time were down on their luck (homeless) and willing to do anything for a meal. A village under attack by bandits recruits a group of seven such Samurai warriors and asks them to help defend their village. The movie is about the Samurai teaching the village how to fight and culminates in a massive battle between a village and almost 50 attacking bandits. The acting is superb, the emotions run high and Kurosawa keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Martial Artists: 7 Martial Artists (all names you won’t know since this movie is so old)
Director: Akira Kurosawa

#7 – Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

Some will say this is the greatest martial arts movie of all time because of it’s balance between plot-line, comedy, drama and amazing kung fu sequences. Probably Jackie Chan’s best martial arts performance. You’re going to love the final scene where you learn what Drunken Master really means. We’re talking box-splitting, fire-spitting craziness!

Martial Artist: Jackie Chan
Director: Lau Kar-leung

#8 – Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)

Based on a Pentalogy (yes, that’s 5 books) written by Wang Dulu, this movie covers mostly the 4th book. Critically acclaimed to cross international borders with it’s amazing character development, intricate plot, martial arts ideals, stunning special effects and quicker-than-the-eye fighting scenes, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon set a new standard for martial arts movies. Telling Zhang Ziyi (the lead female character and an amazing martial artist) to get back in the kitchen would likely cost you 50 punches to the bags. Be ready for subtitles, cuz turning on the English track is like watching…uh…like watching a kung fu movie in English.

Main Martial Artist: Chow Yun-fat
Other Martial Artists: Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Chang Chen, Cheng Pei-pei
Director: Ang Lee
Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping

#9 – Kill Bill vol. 1 (2003)

You’re going to want your home theatre room for this one. It’s tough to beat beautiful women beating the crap out of each other in fast-paced, action-packed, make you cringe, bloody, gory, cut-’em-up (more buzz words go here) movie jam packed with as much martial arts death as possible. Tarantino expertly uses every camera angle and a plethora of special effects to deliver a better-than-real visual experience that gives this blood-and-guts thriller an artistic feel you’ll appreciate at the end. Did I mention is has Uma Thurman in it?

(Kill bill vol. 2 brings closure to the set, but hey…we had to choose one movie. Say Five-Point-Palm Exploding Heart Technique 5 times fast.)

Actors: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Action Director: Yuen Wo-ping

#10 – Fist of Legend (1994)

A classic story of Chinese vs. Japanese martial arts, Fist of Legend is actually a remake of the original Bruce Lee movie, Fist of Fury. If Bruce Lee is like the original James Bond, Jet Li is the Pierce Brosnan. He’ll never be the original, but the modern film-making and larger budget bring the entertainment value just a hair above the original Fist of Fury. (The ghost of Bruce Lee is probably going to strike me down for writing that) The Yuen Brothers are known for amazing action choreography, and they totally deliver on this one. (Casting Jet Li may have helped them a little too.)

Martial Artist: Jet Li
Director: Gordon Chan
Action Directors: The Yuen Brothers

The fun doesn’t stop there.

We tried to stop at only 10…really, we did. But we just couldn’t control ourselves.
“Once it hits your lips, it’s so good!” – Will Ferrell in “Old School”

To see the movies that deserve “Honorable Mention”, go to http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html

Whether you enjoyed this list or think we snuffed your favorite movie, we’d love to hear what you think. Post your comments at: http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/blog/archives/16

Even if it seems so easy in the shooting games, you pull the trigger and the enemy is death in a second, when it comes to self-defence in real life, it’s little bit more complicated. Caring a gun is not usual thing, and even if someone has it, it doesn’t mean that the streets are place where people are shooting them selves. No one knows how is going to react in a moment of potential attack but there are few things that can be done, to improve your safety. The martial arts are definitely one of the best things you can do to defend your self, putting aside all the healthy benefits of working out. We let you to decide which martial art are you going to train, but choosing a good school for that is the second most important thing.

Let’s start with the location of the place where you train. It’s better to find school that is situated not far from your home. Otherwise it could happen that you are too tired to travel so long and thus will decide to stop your education. You could ask your friends or check in yellow pages.

It’s very important to enjoy at practice. The atmosphere in classes and the people around you, the instructors and the colleagues, play important role in training process. If the atmosphere that surrounds you is unfriendly, try to look for another school.

Don’t believe the instructors that are promising you unbelievably fast results and easy programs. They do this to attract new members. If they say that you need less than three years for a black belt, go somewhere else. Lots of degrees and certificates won’t evidence your teacher’s mastership. Important things to know are: Who was his primary martial arts teacher and how long did he study with him; how long has he practiced this art and does he have any experience as a teacher, or he is simply a skilled martial artist. If someone is great martial artist, it doesn’t mean that he is necessarily great teacher.

Don’t believe the persuasions that the style of some martial arts school is the deadliest or the greatest – some styles are better for certain situations than others but no style is the best. Also the most skilled practitioners usually don’t have anything to prove. Your teacher-s skills are important but if he can’t reach the students, he can’t help them and can’t teach them. Good instructors only care about the student’s ability, without trying to impress them with their own knowledge. And don’t let to be fooled with -gurus- that claim that they created their own unique style. Most of them have made “new” styles because they could not master existing ones. There are new and a mix form but there is a difference between a combination of styles and new undiscovered techniques.

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Self-confidence, self-esteem, discipline, courage, respect, are the 5 most important qualities a parent wants their child to have. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. However, all it takes is a kids karate or kids martial arts class in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to really improve a childs life, allowing them to gain all of the above qualities, as well as developing strength, stamina, coordination, balance, and flexibility. How can you go wrong when enrolling your child in such a class? You cant. Ft. Lauderdale Kids karate and kids martial arts classes is truly the best thing for your child. They will learn so much all while getting fit and staying healthy.

Ft. Lauderdale Kickboxing Classes

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. To be attentive is essential, and for a child to be able to be focused and develop important qualities that will help them succeed in daily encounters is an opportunity that you should not pass up. Kids karate and martial arts in Ft. Lauderdale will provide a safe and healthy outlet for children. Children will engage in physical activity, staying fit and staying healthy, all while developing a high form of skill and technique.

Now-a-days children are fully focused on their video games, iPods, computers, etc. Whereas 10 years ago children were riding their bikes and running around the neighborhood with close friends. Such electronic advancements have created a society which does not encourage physical fitness the same way that it once did. This becomes a huge problem for children growing up. They are not motivated and they are lazy. They can become unhealthy at such a young age and are not encouraged by anyone or anything to do something good. Here is their chance! Sign your kid up for kids karate and kids martial arts classes in Dade, FL today! This allows them to have a social life with children that are also part of the class. This will help them become motivated and driven. Enrolling your child in kids karate and kids martial arts classes in Dade can provide them with the opportunity and desire to engage in physical activity which can lead to healthier bodies and minds.

Kid’s Love Martial Arts

A healthy, confident child, generally gains more positive behavior outside of the class rather than a child who is not fit and lacks self-confidence. The physical qualities as well as the 5 most important life qualities that your child will learn during a Ft. Lauderdale, FL kids karate and kids martial arts class is essential to a good lifestyle. Enroll your child today and encourage them to be better! You will notice a difference almost immediately.

Training for martial arts is an intense experience and varies greatly from discipline to discipline. It is important for you to understand the strenuous physical demands as well as the complicated movement patterns which goes along with it. For each specific discipline, a training program can be put together for each specific discipline you are working in. After all, not every exercise and training regimen is suitable for every one training in the martial artists.

When it comes to mixed martial arts, the technique goes hand in hand with the conditioning. The better conditioned your body is, you can perform crisp techniques and maneuvers much longer with more strength behind them. When your martial arts techniques are sharper, you tend to waste less of your energy which is important in matches. The problems is many martial arts student waste precious time with their conditioning workouts, sticking to routines that have nothing to do with the training they need.
Suicide sprints – Be prepared to run! First off you’ll begin by dividing up the field you’re running in into two equal in length sections. Now that you’ve done that, start off at the far end of the field and then sprint as fast as you can to the first checkpoint, touching the ground as you do so. You’ll then sprint back to where you started. You then will either run to the next checkpoint or to the end the field, depending on how you marked it, touch the ground again, and sprint back to the beginning. Congratulations. You’ve just completed one full rep. Now try to do anywhere between 2 and 5 reps. Suicide sprints work your cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, speed and agility.

Squat jumps – Begin by positioning your legs so that your your feet are slightly apart. Now, bending your knees, you squat down and then jump up with as much effort as you can. After land back on the ground, you need to immediately do the same thing again. You don’t want to have any pauses between your jumping motions. It should be continuous and smooth. Aim for about between 10 and 30 jumps. Everyone you do should be done with intensely as you try to jump as high as possible. Squat jumps develop explosive leg strength and work your fast twitch muscle fibers.

Pushups – I’m sure you’ve heard of or have at least seen someone do a pushup. Get in a normal pushup position. Well as a review of how to do one, start off by bending your elbows as your body lays flat on the ground. Then forcefully push your whole body up off the ground causing your hands to leave the ground. Once your hands hit the ground again, lower your body down again and repeat the pushup process. You don’t want to pause between motions and continue this exercise for about 20 to 30 reps. Pushups are great for developing strength and power in your chest, arms, upper back and shoulders.

Walking lunges – You’re back working out on the same field you used for those suicide springs. Stand at the end of it with your feet together. Next, make one one large step forward, and as you’re doing that, you’ll want to lower your body into a lunge with both knees at a 90 degree angle. Your back knee will be only a few inches from the ground but keep it from touching. Repeat this with your opposite leg as you continue lunging down the field. Walking lunges work to strengthen muscular endurance in the legs as well as aiding stability and balance.

Why Martial Arts schools want to have Participant Liability Insurance for their courses & Activities. For a superior provide far considerably a lot more facts and info click right here: martialartsliabilityinsurance.com

One particular certain of the vital troubles that can transpire to a Martial Arts instructor is taking into consideration irrespective of no matter if or not they have liability coverage, only to find, that your cash has been wasted and you have ineffective, or even worse, no coverage at all! With no Martial Arts participant coverage, YOU WILL BE Accountable FOR ALL connected health-related expenses relating to a student or tournament participant turning out to be injured! If your present insurance coverage does not have a medical clause in it, your policy is inadequate mostly for the explanation that it does not have participant injury coverage integrated. When this provision is not there, you could be sued and be solely liable for $one,000,000.00. All martialartsliabilityinsurnace.com insurance coverage policies have medical coverage.

The most critical objective why liability coverage is a need to have for Martial Arts schools is due to the fact that the landlord is going to insist you have it as a situation of your lease. Because of this, you can not open your college or hold a tournament or instructional seminar or give a demo without the need of the expected insurance.

The second purpose is to guard you in case of an accident injury in the studio though teaching or at a demonstration or participation tournament. Regularly, a student is harmed although participating due to an accident. You should not have the worries linked with a student or participant accident. Any person understands about the extreme cost of any type of health-related method. It can be really pricey, even for the tiniest injury. At Martial Arts Liability Insurance, you simply fill out the claim specifics, e-mail it to us for processing, and your program of action is completed! Its simple and strong.

You have invested a great deal of time honing your abilities to grow to be a competent master in the art of self defense. Now you want to commence on the path to educate other persons on how to defend themselves. This is a truly lofty aim. There is a really considerable problem you will have to deal with initially. It is defending oneself. With lawsuits rising everyday you should arm yourself with Martial Arts participant liability coverage.

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