 | |||||||
| Kung Fu Chip Monk from CUTESTPAW.COM |
Showing posts with label Kung Fu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kung Fu. Show all posts
Friday, August 3, 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Martial Arts Movie Reviews: The Warrior's Way, 2009 (The Best Martial Arts Movies)
At first I was thinking, okay, "Cowboys and Aliens" so... now we have "Cowboys and Samarai". But then I remembered David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970's TV series: Kung Fu.
This movie brings back a bit more of the beloved essence of that series... not so much the martial arts, but the WISDOM of the martial arts.
Somewhere I have a (cassette!) tape of the Kung Fu aphorisms from the series (Kung Fu, 1972-1975).
Sad note. Apparently the series was actually Bruce Lee's idea but he was cut from acting the part because America just wasn't ready for an Asian TV Star at the time (so said the production company).
Anyway, I just loved this film!!! And do highly recommend it for so many more reasons other than just the Eastern "wisdom".
The aesthetically beautiful and extremely creative cinematography is outstanding. And the stylized modern synthesis of script and acting are amazing to behold. A Masterpiece of direction by Sngmoo Lee. A real work of art... not to be missed.
The title: The Warrior's Way is nothing new to the martial arts world. But this movie is: serious, artistically brutal, and humorous all at once. I especially liked that the main character's protege is a young woman.
Again, as I said, I just loved it. Long live "The Eastern Western"!
Oh, yeah, the main actor? Dong-gun Jang. He's Asia's answer to Clint Eastwood... soft-spoken, hard-assed, and as COOL as it gets.
This movie brings back a bit more of the beloved essence of that series... not so much the martial arts, but the WISDOM of the martial arts.
Somewhere I have a (cassette!) tape of the Kung Fu aphorisms from the series (Kung Fu, 1972-1975).
Sad note. Apparently the series was actually Bruce Lee's idea but he was cut from acting the part because America just wasn't ready for an Asian TV Star at the time (so said the production company).
Anyway, I just loved this film!!! And do highly recommend it for so many more reasons other than just the Eastern "wisdom".
The aesthetically beautiful and extremely creative cinematography is outstanding. And the stylized modern synthesis of script and acting are amazing to behold. A Masterpiece of direction by Sngmoo Lee. A real work of art... not to be missed.
The title: The Warrior's Way is nothing new to the martial arts world. But this movie is: serious, artistically brutal, and humorous all at once. I especially liked that the main character's protege is a young woman.
Again, as I said, I just loved it. Long live "The Eastern Western"!
Oh, yeah, the main actor? Dong-gun Jang. He's Asia's answer to Clint Eastwood... soft-spoken, hard-assed, and as COOL as it gets.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Martial Arts Movie Reviews: The Comedy "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist"
Image via WikipediaWho doesn't love Kung Pao Chicken?! Wish I had me some right now."Kung Pow: Enter the Fist"...
This one took me by surprise. I was laughing from the opening scene... "The Chosen One!". Very funny. Definitely a satire. Satire means CLICHE' and this is as cliche' as it gets (plus a few unexpected moments... like the "So cute!" scene). For those of you that have loved the dubbed Chinese martial arts genre for a while now, this one's a real kick. Get it?
Of course, this is a take on Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon", which makes it all the more fun.
I'm not a big fan of animated babies, but the sound effects associated with it make it hilarious. And then the chinese baby grows up to be a white guy? LOL. Pure silliness. And the battle of the tongues. It gets a little stale through the middle but don't miss the Kung Fu Cow.
And the belated bark? OMG. I laughed so hard.
Favorite Lines:
"Your story makes my heart heavy and my prostate weak.""
"And then he killed the dog... I now officially know too much."
"I am a man of many needs. You will now receive the fist of fury." Fortunately, the little ones will receive this an an over-sight.
As martial artists, we have a tendency to take ourselves much too seriously anyway. So a little comedy relief is in order. I highly a suggest "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist". Why not have a fun Martial Arts Movie Night at your club? The kids, especially, will love it.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Movie Reviews: "The Last AirBender" Fantasy Martial Arts
Who likes Fantasy? I have to say it's 3rd on my list, behind Sci Fi and Horror but... it's still fun. Who can say what is beyond that wall at the end of the Universe? What was once thought insane (inane?) fantasy is now our science... flying, visiting other planets, even television. Let alone communicating instantly with someone on the other side of the world. Wow. Makes you think ANYTHING is possible.
Just to keep my sanity, I like to say, "All GOOD things are possible."
This is a fun little flick. There is an interesting element of martial arts within all the "magic". Reminds me of Tai Chi. I don't have a lot of experience with Tai Chi but I consider it (as many do), not only one of the most lethal and practical martial arts, but also the most difficult to master... it takes a great deal of patience. Something most us possess little of.
It also looks like Kung Fu to me. But that is one style I have never practiced, let alone mastered.
Please, tell us what YOU see.
TRAILER "The Last Airbender":
Just to keep my sanity, I like to say, "All GOOD things are possible."
This is a fun little flick. There is an interesting element of martial arts within all the "magic". Reminds me of Tai Chi. I don't have a lot of experience with Tai Chi but I consider it (as many do), not only one of the most lethal and practical martial arts, but also the most difficult to master... it takes a great deal of patience. Something most us possess little of.
It also looks like Kung Fu to me. But that is one style I have never practiced, let alone mastered.
Please, tell us what YOU see.
TRAILER "The Last Airbender":
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Kung Fu Muslim Women / Girls India (Martial Arts Women)
 Image via Wikipedia |
http://www.china.org.cn/sports/news/2008-07/10/content_15987444.htm
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Kung Fu Volley Ball / Soccer / Kickball / Hacky Sack VIDEO "Sepak Takraw"
Hot new sport? It's been around since the 80's. Why haven't I heard of this before. I WANT TO PLAY. What amazing fun and fitness. Such agility is required. It'd be an amazing workout.
Check it out:
It's called "Sepak" Malay for (kick) and a Thai word "Takraw" which roughly translates to "ball" and it's popular all over Asia.
For the original article CLICK HERE.
Check it out:
It's called "Sepak" Malay for (kick) and a Thai word "Takraw" which roughly translates to "ball" and it's popular all over Asia.
For the original article CLICK HERE.
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Perfect Punch: Which Style is BEST?
 Image via Wikipedia |
| Minoan youths boxing, Akrotiri (Santorini) fresco. Earliest documented use of 'gloves'. |
Sunday, February 6, 2011
VIDEO Jet Li "I'm Nobody's Bitch!" martial arts kung fu karate fight scenes positive attitude
Let's have a positive attitude, shall we? Jet Li, "I'm Nobody's Bitch!" Yo, keepin' the confidence, packin' the power...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Karate Hotties!! MMA Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kung Fu Muay Thai Kickboxing
Image by Getty Images via @daylife Image via Wikipedia |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelts Gabriel Vella and Rominho |
Moldova, Australia, Russia!!
So I look up Moldova and find this awesome young man,
CHRISTIAN GRAUGART,
who is on a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tour of the world! Check out his BJJ tour of the world here: http://www.bjjglobetrotter.com/?p=226
As you probably know by now, I am a martial arts "Fan-atic". I've been doing it since I was a kid and think it should be required education for all children, especially girls.
So here's a Tribute to a few of my Fave Martial Arts Femmes:
Go Chloe! http://www.chloebruce.co.uk/
And... I can't believe I almost forgot Michelle Yeoh (Kung fu Queen!) Sorry, they wouldn't let me post the video. But here's the YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c7lqTUYIg0
Monday, December 27, 2010
Today's Top 5 Cute / Cutest Animal Videos
Cat vs Bear
Ultimate Kitten Snuggle
Bulldog Couch Potato
Extraordinary Balancing Act The Standing Cat
Kung Fu Cats - Wing Chun Sticky Hands
Ultimate Kitten Snuggle
Bulldog Couch Potato
Extraordinary Balancing Act The Standing Cat
Kung Fu Cats - Wing Chun Sticky Hands
Monday, December 20, 2010
Q & A: Tips on How To Release Frustration and Stress
Image via WikipediaQ: Lately I've been going through a crisis of sorts. There are other people involved and when I think about them, I get so angry I just want to scream or break something.
Please don't tell me to do yoga or slow breathing meditation or to hit a pillow. I already do Tai Chi (a soft martial art) and it doesn't help.
Day in and day out, this anxiety persists and I just feel like I'm going to explode. But mostly I just cry all the time. I'm on edge and feel emotionally drained. Is there anything I can do to help myself immediately?
A: Exercise is key. It produces endorphins, chemicals in your system that work like a "drug" to help relieve stress. You will feel better about yourself at the end of each session.
And I'm glad to hear that you do a martial art. Why not try something a little more... INTENSE. I do a Muay Thai kickboxing class in which we kick and punch bags. The sweat just pours down, I breathe hard, and sometimes I even imagine certain faces on the bag... certain people I'd like to kick the sh-- out of. LOL. It works! At the end of the class it feels like I've done just that.
It's an awesome way to let go some anger and stress. Couldn't cope without it.
And I'm glad to hear that you do a martial art. Why not try something a little more... INTENSE. I do a Muay Thai kickboxing class in which we kick and punch bags. The sweat just pours down, I breathe hard, and sometimes I even imagine certain faces on the bag... certain people I'd like to kick the sh-- out of. LOL. It works! At the end of the class it feels like I've done just that.
It's an awesome way to let go some anger and stress. Couldn't cope without it.
And I'm not sure how old you are but age shouldn't matter (unless you have a unique medical condition such as osteoporosis. Then do consult with your doctor first). This class is a cardio/aerobic kickboxing class, no actual sparring involved, which I know intimidates some people. If I can do it at fifty, anyone can.
Have you seen how hard those people work out on Biggest Loser? Most people think that growing older means relaxing... retirement. I'm afraid it's just the opposite. We have to work twice as hard for the same results we had in our earlier years.
Have you seen how hard those people work out on Biggest Loser? Most people think that growing older means relaxing... retirement. I'm afraid it's just the opposite. We have to work twice as hard for the same results we had in our earlier years.
Oh, P.S., reducing refined sugar and caffeine and aspartame in your diet also helps. These ingredients can cause these feelings of frustration as a symptom of an out of balance body chemistry. Most people don't understand how powerful sugar is in this regard. Plus, an added benefit of reducing sugar in your diet is more energy for your workout.
Do your legs sometimes feel heavy, like you're lifting them with 20 lb. ankle weights tied to each? Replacing refined sugars (What are those? See the book The Sugar Addict's Diet for a complete explanation.) with more natural ones will take of that. You'll feel much lighter. Instead of dragging yourself through your workout (and your day!), your energy level will skyrocket. And, as an added bonus you'll be able to think more clearly. Improved memory is a side-effect of reduced sugar consumption.
Here's a video from a typical Bag Class:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)