Chinese Martial Arts What do you think are the differences between, Chinese Martial Arts films and Western takes on them?
I would like to know your opinions on this =)
The main difference for me when thinking about Chinese Martial Arts Films and Western Films in a similar genre recently is that Chinese martial arts films (I’m thinking mainly of House of flying Daggers in particular) seem to focus entirely on the visual sceptical element of the story. Some of the scenes are stunningly beautiful but as a western viewer I felt myself wanting a bit more action.
So when western films do 'takes' on Chinese martial art films the violence is often ramped up and there is a much greater focus on fighting. Where as the fighting in Chinese martial arts films is more about the visual element (choreography and wirework etc) in Hollywood it is more about 'realism' which seems to be more important in the west. Perhaps because as westerners were all too cynical to make the necessary suspension of disbelief...
"In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts"--
Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters-these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along wit
While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected kar
Where can I find some good sources on Chinese Martial Arts?
Some good websites to learn Chinese Martial Arts
You don't need to know any some person in particular. I don't know of anybody there directly on but we went ot the Shaolin Monastary 2 years ago and when we did, my Sifu (master here in America) had told the monk his lineage and they had all of his stuff down. His name, his title that he was 8th degree in all Shaolin, tai chi, xing yi, and the bagua and they gave him this gorgeous looking buddha that was pure gold (as they said it was 24k or 20K) something around there, but definately 20 minimum.
Depending on your area I can refer you to a good teacher if I know someboyd out there if you want to email me. But if your in China then no luck. His site though is www.phoenixdragonkungfu.com and theres picture at the monastary and also the Shaolin button of that buddha, that is the gift from the monks ^_^.
Chinese Martial Arts Are chinese people trained martial arts at school?
1- Are Chinese people trained martial arts when they are at school?
2- Which country is the origin of the first martial arts?
There are schools, but if you're thinking about all children, then no.
You can always choose to do so and i am sure every school in China have at least one martial arts style in their school.
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Martial Arts-The art of war, has been around since the birth of mankind.
There is no known origin. It's always been around.
"In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts"--
Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters-these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along wit
While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected kar
Baguazhang - The Forgotten Internal Chinese Martial Art
Baguàzhang (also called ba gua or bagua) is one of the three major internal Chinese martial arts, the other two being Xingyiquan and Taijiquan.
Baguàzhang literally means "eight trigram palm," referring to the trigrams of the Yijing, one of the canons of Taoism. In some styles of Baguazhang these diagrams can refer to eight animals, upon which movements in those fighting systems are based. These corresponding animals are: Chicken, Qílín (Unicorn or Chinese unicorn), Monkey, Lion, Snake, Lóng (Chinese dragon), Bear and Fènghuáng (Pheonix or Chinese phoenix).
Similar types of animal systems exist in other types of Chinese martial arts.
The practice of circle walking is bagua's characteristic method of stance and movement training. Practitioners walk around the edge of a circle in a low stance, facing the centre and periodically changing direction as they execute forms. Students first learn flexibility through such exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics. The internal aspects of bagua are very similar to those of xingyi and taiji. Eventually, many distinctive styles of weapons training are practiced, sometimes including the uniquely crescent-shaped deerhorn knives, and the easily concealed "scholar's pen."
Baguazhang is also known for sometimes practicing with extremely large weapons, such as the Baguàdao, or 'Bagua Broadsword.' In many schools, students study both xingyi and bagua. These may be used together in fighting, as they are often complementary. Bagua contains an extremely wide variety of techniques, including various strikes, low kicks, joint techniques, throws, and distinctively circular footwork.
Bagua was developed by Dong Haichuan in the early 19th century, who apparently learned from Daoist and Buddhist masters in the mountains of rural China. There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practiced in the region he lived in, combined with Taoist circle walking. Dong Haichuan taught for many years in Beijing, eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.
Famous disciples of Dong to become teachers were Yin Fu, Cheng Tinghua, Song Changrong, Liu Fengchun and Ma Weiqi. Although they were all students of the same teacher, their methods of training and expressions of palm techniques differed. The Cheng and Liu styles are said to specialise in "Pushing" the palms, Yin style is known for "Threading" the palms, Song's followers practice "Plum Flower" ( Mei Hua) palm technique and Ma style palms are known as "Hammers." Some of Dong Haichuan's students, including Cheng Tinghua, participated in the Boxer Rebellion. In general, most Bagua practitioners practice either the Yin, Cheng, or Liang styles of Bagua, although Fan, Shi, Liu, and other styles also exist.
One of the most famous Bagua practitioners of the 20th century was Sun Lutang, who studied Baguazhang under Cheng Tinghua. Sun was also a Xingyiquan disciple of Guo Yunshen and learned Wu/Hao style Taijiquan from Hao Wei-chen. Sun Lutang was reputed among the Taijiquan professionals of his day to have excelled in his studies and subsequently became well known as the founder of Sun style Taijiquan.
Few good teachers of Baguazhang are available in the United States, and many do not advertise. Many are conservative and in line with Confucian didactic tradition will only reveal internal practices to dedicated students. Known forms (routines) of Bagua Zhang include Fixed Form Eight Palms, and the Old Eight Palms form, as well as many others.
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Chinese Martial Arts Where can I find a teacher and Sifu of Chinese martial arts and or Tai Chi in Laredo, Texas?
I am new to the area (Zapata/Laredo/Rio Grande City) and very interestedd in studying Chinese martial arts.
A few years ago, I used to study Tai Chi and some Kung Fu forms with Sifu Art Cason in Tennessee, who was part of the Chinese Boxing Institute
Does anyone know any Kung Fu or internal arts Sifus in this area?
RSVP
Greg
PO BOX 15125
Zapata, TX 78076
512-484-3539
I'm part of a line of shaolin schools called shaolin-do.
they teach kung fu and tai chi. There are two of these schools in austin texas, and I'm sure that there is a shaolin-do website that can give you a location nearer to you.
"In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts"--
Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters-these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along wit
While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected kar
Ng Family Chinese Martial Arts Association - Xinyi Hunyuan Chen Style Taiji
what is the difference between a rope dart and a flying hammer in chinese martial arts?
in chinese martial arts there is a weapon that the shaolin monks use in demonstrations where they spin this rope dart with a flag on the end of it. There is also a weapon called the flying hammer that is used to hit targets that are far away i think. Are they the same thing?
They are very similar. The rope dart is a light pointed piece of metal. It has bright coloured feathers just below the tip to confuse the eye of someone it is attacking.
The hammer you refer to is usually known as the meteor hammer. It is like a rope dart but a solid ball. It is designed to use its weight to smash rather than to stab.
The techniques used for the 2 are very similar.
Have a look at this for more information: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uhW67MBO8M8
Chinese Martial Arts Movie about 3 small Chinese martial arts brothers?
anyone out there knows the name of this movie where 3 chinese brothers all small maybe 6 or 7 yr olds go out to the city for getting back their father or for revenge or something like that
"In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts"--
Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters-these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along wit
While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected kar
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.
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
About the Author
Experience Martial Arts is dedicated to helping new Martial Arts students find great schools in an effort to grow the sport of Martial Arts.
Easily learn about martial arts, choose a style and find a school near you to get started!
Chinese Martial Arts What should I know about Chinese martial arts to pick it up?
My girlfriend's dad offered to give me free of charge, specialized training in Chinese martial arts ('I want my daughter to be protected'). However he did add that his method of training is traditional and 'I will not be going easy on you'. I'm keen to take his offer, but are there any basics I need to know about martial arts so I won't be too sorely humiliated?
Lol, there's no way you can prepare for a traditional Kung Fu training. And expect to be humiliated. Unlike the modern(read: western) way of training today, traditional chinese training means the methods used will be the old fashioned ways. There will be no short cuts and his word will be law. And sometimes, the old ways includes corporal and physical punishment, endless endurance training and some verbal abuse from your Sifu. The point of this method is to break your spirit down, then rebuild it from scratch again, thereby eliminating any bad habits you might have developed in the past and starting from a clean slate and instill discipline. This usually takes time and a lot of patience and commitment to learn on your part. But if you pass this training, hopefully you'll become a strong willed individual who won't get easily intimidated or discouraged at the first sign of trouble.
"In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practiced for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. Individuals who were adept in using weapons were highly regarded, not simply as warriors but also as tacticians and performers. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques, and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments, and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts"--
Secret training manuals, magic swords, and flying kung fu masters-these are staples of Chinese martial arts movies and novels, but only secret manuals have a basis in reality. Chinese martial arts masters of the past did indeed write such works, along wit
While technical prowess and physical power are essential characteristics of a martial artist, true mastery of the art comes by cultivating one's inner strength. Here, Kenji Tokitsu—an authority on Japanese and Chinese combat arts and a respected kar
I'm looking for the name and year of a chinese martial arts movie about different ghosts that teach different?
I'm looking for the name and year of a chinese martial arts movie about different ghosts that teach the main character different styles of fighting when he gets lost by a temple, i think it was all animals, tiger, crane, etc. Has anyone seen it or remember it's name
Is it this: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078128/. It's also known as 'Karate Ghostbuster' and features long, red-haired ghosts just mucking about for most of the time. One takes a p*ss at one point - it's actaully a highlight of the film.
