#ryu kung soo

[angelbroad]

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Type: Fanfiction

Fandom: Mortal Kombat

Characters: Raiden, Fujin, Kung Lao, Kakkō

The atmosphere in Madam Bo’s restaurant was lively as always, Raiden and Kung Lao enjoying themselves. Even Fujin was here, which was always great.

 “How have you been? I haven’t seen you back in Fengjian for a long time.”, Fujin said, refering to Kung Lao and her brother.

 Raiden scratched the back of his head, trying to not divulge anything about their secret journey. Fujin was going to be tested soon, after all.

 “Me and Kung Lao have been busy. This mission has been helping a lot of people.”

 Kung Lao nodded as he continued to eat his dumplings, “Seeing and exploring places outside the village have been great. We should take you with us sometime.”

 Raiden tried to gesture to him to shut down the idea, but Fujin replied excitedly and positively. Raiden sighed. He really hoped that nothing too crucial would be found out before Fujin was meant to be tested, otherwise the test would not be true.

 “By the way.”, Fujin asked, “Who are they?”

 She pointed at Kakkō, who was looking at the food like a baby learning to speak for the first time. Raiden also noticed they weren’t wearing their Shirai Ryu uniform.

 “Um, I don’t know....?”

 “Hi.”, Kakkō waved.

 “Did you follow us all the way here?”

 “Hey, Kung Lao said Madam Bo’s food was the best I’ll ever eat.”

 Raiden looked at Kung Lao with a scolding look, to which Kung Lao lifted his arms up.

 “I didn’t tell them to follow us!”, he tried to defend.

 This resulted in a back and forth with Raiden. Fujin used the distraction to scoot closer to Kakkō.

 “Soo, what’s your name?”

 “Oh. I’m Kakkō, nice to meet you.”, they said as they extended a hand for a handshake, which Fujin returned.

 “Nice to meet you! I’m Fujin.”

 “Raiden’s sister, I know. He talks about you a lot.”

 “Aw, he does miss me!”

 “Guys, I’m right here.”

 Kakkō scanned the table for more food, and settled on some odd-looking noodles. They reached out a hand to grab the bowl and try the food but Raiden stopped them just as they were about to put the noodles in their mouth.

 “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”, he said, to which Kakkō raised an eyebrow.

 “Why?”, they asked.

 “Ooh, those are Madam Bo’s spicier noodles.”, Fujin said, “I have no idea how Kung Lao can handle them.”

 The man in question shrugged smugly, “Cause I’m that awesome.”

 Raiden rolled his eyes at the remark, but Kakkō only shrugged.

 “Oh come on, it’s just hot food. What’s the worse that can happen?”, they said, shoving a mouthfull of the dark noodles in their mouth. They slurped them, staining their mouth with sauce in the process, chewed and swallowed.

 They held the bowl for some time, but then started to visibly shake and their mouth started to quiver. Fujin looked at them in worry.

 “Are....you okay?”

 Kakkō nodded quickly and with a closed mouth, but sweat started to creep in.

 “Should I get you milk? You don’t look okay.”

 “Huuu shh fhhshhh......”

 Fujin could have sworn Kakkō started to get shorter, which was slightly confirmed when she got up to go and get the milk. Then, right before her eyes, the person in front of her started to turn into putty, which was really disturbing.

 “Get the milk! Get the milk!”, Raiden shouted as he got up to run into the kitchen.

 “Dammit Kakkō!” 

 “W-What is going on?!”, Fujin asked in confusion and panic.

 “We’ll explain later!”, Raiden said as the two fethched the milk from the kitchen in a rush, passing by a confused Madam Bo.

 The shapeshifter calmed down once they had gotten the milk, their shape becoming more human again as they slumped onto the table. They groaned in despair as Raiden scolded them.

 “I told you, you couldn’t handle it.”

 “Okay, what is going on?”, Fujin asked in a demanding tone.

 “Kakkō is a shapeshifter.”, Kung Lao explained, “That apperently doesn’t like spicy food.”

 It took Fujin some time to take it in. So, Raiden and Kung Lao have been making friends with actual cryptids? Raiden must have noticed her unease, because he turned to her to speak assurances.

 “Don’t worry, Kakkō wouldn’t hurt a fly.”, he explained as he rubbed their back.

 For the most part, at least from the first impressions, Fujin could see that Kakkō meant no harm. But it was still hard to not be cautious. Who wouldn’t be once they discovered shapeshifters existed. She walked over to Raiden.

 “Is that what you’ve been doing outside Fengjian?”

 “That is.....a story for another time.”, Raiden said.

 “Brother, you ought to have faith in me. You will have to tell me at some point and you know it.”

 “I do, Fujin. Just..now is not the time.”

 Fujin sighed, “Right. Of course.”

[wqp88888]

百家姓在全球各个华语地区的拼音

中文 中國大陸 台灣 香港 澳門 新加坡 馬來西亞 越南 韩国

1 赵 Zhao Chao Chiu Chio Chow Teoh/ Chew/ Tiew Trieu Jo/Cho

2 钱 Qian Chien Chin Chin Zee Chien/Chen Tien Joen/Chun

3 孙 Sun Sun Suen Sun Soon Soon/Sun/Shun/Song Ton Son

4 李 Li Li / Lee Li / Lee Lei Lee Lee/Li Ly Lee / Rhee/ Yi

5 周 Zhou Chou Chow / Chau Chao Chew Chew / Cheu / Chou / Chow / Chiew Chu Ju/Chu

6 吴 Wu Wu Ng Ng Goh Ng / Goh / Ngo/ Ngu Ngo Oh

7 郑 Zheng Cheng Cheng Cheang Tay Ching / Tang / Tey / Tay / Tee / Teh / Cheng / Chin / Chang / Chung / Chiang Trinh

8 王 Wang Wang Wong Vong / Wong Ong / Wong Ong / Ng / Wong / Wang / Bong / Heng Vuong Wang

9 冯 Feng Feng Fung Fong Foong/Fung/Fong Phung Pung

10 陈 Chen Chen Chan Chan Tan / Chan / Ting Chan / Chin / Chen / Tan / Tang / Ting / Sin Tran Jin/Chin

11 褚 Chu Chu Chu Chu Too/Toh

12 卫 Wei Wei Wai Wai Wee/Wei Vi Ui/Oui

13 蒋 Jiang Chiang Cheung Cheong Chiang/Cheong/Chiong Tuong Jang/Chang

14 沈 Shen Shen Shum / Sum Sam Sim Sim/Shim/Shun/Shum Sim

15 韩 Han Han Hon Hon Hon/Hong Han Han

16 杨 Yang Yang Yeung Ieong Yeo / Yong Yong / Yeo / Yeoh / Eow / Yeong / Yew Duong Yang

17 朱 Zhu Chu Chu Chu Choo Chu/Choo/Jee/Jeh Chau Chu/ Joo

18 秦 Qin Chin Chun Chin/Ch'ng Tan Jin/Chin

19 尤 You Yu Yau Iao Yew/You Vuu

20 许 Xu Hsu Hui Hoi Hee / Koh Khu / Khoo / Khor / Khow / Hoo / Hooi / Khaw / Hii Hu Heo/Huh

21 何 He Ho Ho Ho Hoh Ho/Hoh/Hor Ha Ha

22 吕 Lu Lu Lui Loi Loh/Lei/Lui/Lee La/Lu Yeo/Ryeo

23 施 Shi Shih Sze Si See/Sii/Sih

24 张 Zhang Chang Cheung Cheong Cheong Cheong / Chong / Teo / Chang / Teoh / Tiong Truong Jang/Chang

25 孔 Kong Kung Hung Hong Kong/Khong/Kung Khong Gong/Kong

26 曹 Cao Tsao Cho / Tso Chou Cheng/Choo/Cho/Chu/Chao Tao Cho/Jo

27 严 Yan Yen Yim Im Yam/Ngim Nghiem Im

28 华 Hua Hua Wa / Wah Wa Hoa Wha/Wah/Wa

29 金 Jin Chin Kam Kam Kim/King Kim Kim

30 魏 Wei Wei Ngai Ngai Ngui/Gui/Woi Nguy Ui/Oui

31 陶 Tao Tao To Tou Tho/To/Too/Toh Dao Do/To

32 姜 Jiang Chiang Keung Keong Khiang/Kiang Giang Kang/Gang

33 戚 Qi Chi Chik Chek Cheok

34 谢 Xie Hsieh Tse Che Cheah / Tay / Chia Cheah / Chiah / Chia / Seah / Sia / See Ta Sa

35 邹 Zou Tsou Chau / Chow Chao Chew/Chou/Chu

36 喻 Yu Yu Yu U Yu/Yho/Yuh You/Yu

37 柏 Bai Pai Pak Pak

38 水 Shui Shui Sui Soi Shu/Tshui

39 窦 Dou Tou Tau Tao

40 章 Zhang Chang Cheung Cheong Cheong/Chong/Teo/Tiong/Tong

[编辑] 百家姓41-80

中文 中國大陸 台灣 香港 澳門 新加坡 馬來西亞 越南 韩国

41 云 Yun Yun Wan Wan Woon/Wun/Yun/Yung

42 苏 Su Su So Sou Soh Soh / Saw / Soo To

43 潘 Pan Pan Poon / Pun Pun Phua Phua / Pan / Pang / Phang Phan Ban

44 葛 Ge Ko Kot Gal

45 奚 Xi Hsi Hai Kai Hae

46 范 Fan Fan Fan Fan Fung / Fam / Fang / Hwang Pham Bum

47 彭 Peng Peng Pang Pang Pang Peng/Pang/Phang Paeng

48 郎 Lang Lang Long Long Lang

49 鲁 Lu Lu Lo Lou Loo Loo/Loh/Lu Noh

50 韦 Wei Wei Wai Wai Wai/Wei/Vei Vi

51 昌 Chang Chang Cheung Cheong Cheong/Chang/Cang Xuong

52 马 Ma Ma Ma Ma Beh / Mah / Mha / Ma Ma Ma

53 苗 Miao Miao Miu Mio

54 凤 Feng Feng Fung Fong Fong

55 花 Hua Hua Fa Fa Faa/Fah/Fha Hoa

56 方 Fang Fang Fong Fong Pung / Fang / Fong / Phun / Huong Phuong Bang

57 俞 Yu Yu Yu U Je / Yii You/Yu

58 任 Ren Jen Yam Iam Yam/Ngam/Yim/Ngieng/Ngiam Nham Rim/Yim

59 袁 Yuan Yuan Yuen Un / Iun Yuan / Yuen / Ngen Vien Won

60 柳 Liu Liu Lau Lao Liew/Liu/Lew Lieu You/Yu/Ryu

61 酆 Feng Feng Fung Fong

62 鮑 Bao Pao Pau Pao

63 史 Shi Shih Sze Si Sa

64 唐 Tang Tang Tong Tong Thang / Thong / Tang / Tong / Thong Duong

65 費讀「秘」 Pei Pei Pei Pai

66 廉 Lian Lien Lim Lim

67 岑 Cen Tsen Sum / Shum Sam Sim

68 薛 Xue Hsueh Sit Sit Sik / Sit / Silk Seol/Sul

69 雷 Lei Lei Lui Loi Lui / Looi / Lewe / Lei

70 賀 He Ho Ho Ho Hor/Hoo

71 倪 Ni Ni Ngai Ngai Geh / Nga / Ngam

72 湯 Tang Tang Tong Tong Thong / Tang / Thang

73 滕 Teng Teng Tang Tang Thang

74 殷 Yin Yin Yan Ian Yam / Ngam

75 罗 Luo Lo Law / Lo Lo Lo / Lau / Low / Loh La Rah/Na

76 毕 Bi Pi But Pat Tat

77 郝 Hao Hao Kok

78 邬 Wu Wu Wu Vu / Wu Woo / Voo / Woh / Wu / Vu O

79 安 An An On On An An / Ahn

80 常 Chang Chang Sheung Seong

[编辑] 百家姓81-120

中文 中國大陸 台灣 香港 澳門 新加坡 馬來西亞 越南 韩国

81 乐 讀「洛」或「惡」 Yue Yueh Lok/ Ok Lok/ Ok

82 于 Yu Yu Yu U

83 时 Shi Shih See / Sze Si

84 傅 Fu Fu Foo Fu Fu/Foo/Foh

85 皮 Pi Pi Pei Pei

86 卞 Bian Pien Pin Pin Byun

87 齐 Qi Chi Chai Chai

88 康 Kang Kang Hong Hong Gang/Kang

89 伍 Wu Wu Ng Ng Ng Ng/Ngo/Ngoh/Wu/Wuh/Woo

90 余 Yu Yu Yu U Yee/Tsia/Tse

91 元 Yuan Yuan Yuen Un / Iun

92 卜 Bu Pu Puk Pok/Puu

93 顾 Gu Ku Koo Ku Koe

94 孟 Meng Meng Mang Mang Mang/Meng Maeng

95 平 Ping Ping Ping Peng

96 黄 Huang Huang Wong Vong / Wong Bong / Boong / Ng / Ong / Ooi / Wong / Wee Hwang

97 和 He Ho Wo Vo Hoo/Woh/Woo/Wo Hwa

98 穆 Mu Mu Muk

99 萧 Xiao Hsiao Shiu / Siu Sio Seow/Siew/Siau/Siaw/Sew/Siu/Seu

100 尹 Yin Yin Wan Wan Yoon

101 姚 Yao Yao Yiu Io Yeo Yeo / Yeoh / Yew / Yow

102 邵 Shao Shao Siu / Shiu Sio Shaw Shao/Shaw/Sao/Shau

103 湛 Zhan Chan Cham

104 汪 Wang Wang Wong Vong / Wong Wang/Wong/Vang

105 祁 Qi Chi Kei

106 毛 Mao Mao Mo Mou Bo / Boo / Moh / Moo Mo

107 禹 Yu Yu Yu U

108 狄 Di Ti Tik / Dick Tek

109 米 Mi Mi Mai Mai

110 贝 Bei Pei Pui Pui

111 明 Ming Ming Ming Meng Myeong /Myung

112 臧 Zang Tsang Chong

113 计 Ji Chi Kai Kai

114 伏 Fu Fu Fuk Fok

115 成 Cheng Cheng Shing / Sing Seng Sang/Shang//Tshan/Tshang Sung/ Seong

116 戴 Dai Tai Tai Tai Tai/Thai/Dai/Dhai

117 谈 Tan Tan Tam Tam

118 宋 Song Sung Sung Song Song Shong/Song/Sung Song

119 茅 Mao Mao Mau Mao

120 庞 Pang Pang Pong Pong Phong/Pong/Pang

[thedojoofintellect]

Martial Arts

The martial arts are battle-tested traditions that have existed for millenia. Their etymological underpinnings are based on them being the Art of Mars, who was the Roman god of war.

The are quite a few forms of self-defense originating in the Far East. These include various forms of Karate such as Bushinryu, Mas Oyama's Kyokushin, Chojun Miyagi's goju-ryu, and Gichin Funakoshi's Shotokan. Gichin Funakoshi is known as the father of modern Karate.

Some other forms of martial arts include the Japanese discipline of Aikido (the "Art of Peace" which was founded by Morihei Ueshiba), Sumo wrestling, Wing Chun Fist (a type of Chinese Gung Fu), and other forms of Kung Fu like White Crane-style, Flying Crane-style, Northern Praying Mantis-style, and Southern Praying Mantis-style.

There also exists the combat systems of Jigoro Kano's Judo (the "Gentle Way"), Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Hwang Kee's Tang Soo Do (the "Way of the Tang Hand" - a reference to China's Tang Dynasty), Taekwondo (the "Art of Punching and Kicking" which later became popularized in the United States by Jhoon Rhee), Hwarang-Do (based upon the practices of Korean warrior-poets), Nunchaku-Do (techniques of Nunchuks), Dojutsu (a subsidiary of Ninjutsu), Kiaijutsu (a style based upon utilizing the vocal chords as weapons), Shurikenjutsu (throwing star techniques), Bujutsu (military arts), and Bojutsu (Bo staff techniques).

Aikido has to do with redirecting energy through joint locks and wrist locks. Aiki is internalized energy whereas Kiai is externalized energy. Wing Chun Fist was designed to defeat an opponent bigger, stronger, and faster than you.

Ninjutsu, the "Silent Way", was pioneered by the disciple of a Chinese warrior-monk during the 12th century. That disciple's name was Daisuke Nishina and his mentor was called Kain Doshi. The Shinobi (Japanese term for ninja) were the wizened mountain elders located in Iga Prefecture. Daisuke Nishina changed his name to Daisuke Togakure after founding the Togakure-ryu, or the "School of the Hidden Door". One of his remote successors was Toda-sensei, who trained Jutaro (later "Toshitsugu Takamatsu" AKA the Mongolian Tiger who mentored Masaaki Hatsumi).

[nattawins]

Do you know who you are compatible with?

[jigztogo]

Itaewon Class

I can fly the sky, never gonna stay 

[phoenixlionme]

Asian Martial Arts

I will be doing a set of posts of all of the martial arts from each of the country they all originated from. I can’t be entirely sure how many martial arts there, so I had to google and went to a site called, wayofthemartialarts.com as well as using Wikipedia on the “List of martial arts” page. If I missed any from this country, please add it but BE polite. I don’t tolerate rudeness. Also, some of these martial arts may include a weapon (s).

1. Bangladesh -> Butthan, Lathi Khela, Boli Khela

2. Cambodia -> Bokator, Pradal Serey

3. China -> Ba Fa; Ba Ji Quan Kung Fu; Ba Gua Zhang; Ba Ji; Bak Mei Kung Fu; Bai Mei; Bao Quan Kung Fu; Bei Tui; Chang Quan; Cha Quan; Chin Na; Choy Gar; Choy Li Fut; Chuo Jiao; DiSom; Di Tang Quan; Drunken Money; Drunken Fist; Duan Quan; Eagle Claw; Emei Quan; Fanzi; Feng Shou; Five Ancestors; Five Animals aka Ng Ying; Fujian White Crane; Guzhuangquan; Fu Jow Pai (Tiger Claw Style); Fut Gar (Buddhist Family); Hei Hu Quan (Black Tiger Fist); Hou Quan Kung Fu; Hua Quan; Hung Fut; Hung Ga; Hung Gar; Jow-Ga Kung Fu; Kunlun Quan; Kuntao; Lai Tung Pai; Lama Pai; Lau Gar; Leopard Style; Liu He Ba Fa; Li Gar Quan (Li Family Fist); Long Quan; Luohan Quan (Arhat Fist); Mei Hua Quan (Plum-blossom Fist); Mian Quan (Cotton Fist); Mi Zong; Mizongyi; Mok Gar; Monkey Style; Nan Quan; Northern Praying Mantis Style; Northern Shaolin; Pao Chui; Pi Gua Quan (Chop-Hanging Fist); Pushing hands; San Da (Chinese Kick-boxing); San Soo; Sanshou; Shaolin Kung Fu; Shuai Jiao (Chinese Wrestling); Shui Quan (Water Fist); Snake Style; Southern Dragon Style; Southern Praying Mantis Style; Tai chi; Tan Tui; Tien Shan Pai; Tong Bei Quan; Wing Chun; Wu Dang Quan; Wushu; Xing Yi Quan; Yau Kung Moon; Yi Quan; Yue Jia Quan; Zi Ran Men; Zui Quan

4. India -> Adimurai; Andhra Pradesh; Bal Vidya; Bihar; Dhanurvidya; Gadayuddha; Gatka; Huyen Langlon; Malla Yuddha; Mushtiyuddha; Kalaripayattu; Karnataka; Kashmir; Kerala; Kick-fighting; Maharashtra; Manipur; Nagaland; Niyuddha; Odisha; Pehlwani; Pugilism; Silambam; Vajra-mushti

5. Indonesia -> Caci; Cakalele; Debus; Fitimaen; Kabasaran; Kuntao; Mekare-kare; Pasola; Payuq; Pencak Silat; Silat; Sisemba; Sitobo Lalang Lipa; Tarung Derajat; Tinju

6. Israel -> Kapap; Krav Maga

7. Iran -> Kung Fu To’a

8. Japan ->  Aikidio; Aikijujitsu; Araki Ryu; Bajutsu; Battojutsu; Bojutsu; Bujutsu; Byakuren Kaikan; Daido Juku Kudo; Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu; Enshin Kaikan; Goju-Ryu Karate; Hanbojutsu; Hojojutsu; Iaido; Iaijutsu; Isshin-Ryu; Itto-Ryu; Jojutsu; Judo; Jujutsu; Jukendo; Juttejutsu; Karate; Keijojutsu; Kendo; Kenjutsu; Kickboxing; Kobudo; Koryu; Kyokushin Karate; Kyudo; Kyujutsu; Kyusho Jitsu; Naginatajutsu; Ninjutsu; Nippon Kempo; Niten Ichi-Ryu; Nunchaku Jutsu; Shindo Jinen-Ryu; Shintaido; Shito-Ryu Karate; Shootfighing; Shooto; Shorinji Kempo; Shorin-Ryu Karate; Shotokan Karate; Sojutsu; Spochan; Sumo; Taido; Taiho Jutsu;  Tanto Jutsu; Tessenjutsu; Wado-Ryu Karate; Yabusame; Yamanni-Ryu; Yoseikan Budo

9. Korea -> Gongkwon Yusul; Gungdo; Gungsol; Haidong Gumdo; Han Mu Do; Hapkido; Hwa Rang Do; Korean swordsmanhsip; Korean spears; Kuk Sool Won; Kumdo; Kyuk Too Ki; Sibpalki; Soo Bahk Do;  Ssireum; Taekkyeon/Taekkyon; Taekwondo; Tang Soo Do aka Soo Bahk Do; Subak; Teukgong Moosool; Wong Hwa Do; Yongmudo

10. Laos -> Muay Lao

11. Malaysia -> Silat

12. Mongolia -> Bokh aka Mongolian wrestling

13. Myanmar (Burmese) -> Aka; Bando; Banshay; Lethwei; Naban; Pongyi thaing

14. Philippines -> Dumog; Eskrima; Kino Mutai; Panantukan; Sikaran; Yaw Yan

15. Sri Lanka -> Angampora

16. Thailand -> Krabi–krabong; Lerdrit; Muay boran; Muay Thai; Silat Pattani

17. Turkey -> Matrak; Oil Wrestling; Sayokan

18. Vietnam -> Cuong Nhu; Nam Hong Son; Qwan Ki Do; Tam Qui Khi-Kong; Võ thuật Bình Định/Bình Định Gia; Nhất Nam; Võ Việt Nam aka Võ Đạo of Phạm Văn Tan; Vovinam

[prolestari]

Lovestruck In The City (2020)

Summary: A passionate architect heads to the beach for a month where he meets a free-spirited woman who steals his heart. When she fails to meet him when he returns to Seoul, he struggles to move on from his memories of her, unaware that she is closer than he knows.

My Rating: 5/10

Pros: There were some great performances in this show, particularly Ji Chan-wook and Ryu Kung-soo being my faves. The filming style was unique, as the show utilized a mockumentary style similar to The Office, including interviews with the “cast”. Some of the shots and cuts were really funny. The relationship between the three friends was fun to watch. 

Cons: The relationships themselves I found to be unrealistic and did not like the end result for any of the three couples. I was especially tired of the main couple, and cared more about Eun-o’s friends than what her big secret was. 

Fanfic-ability: 8/10. The couples were fun enough that you could write plenty about them, and the ending needs major fix-its via fic.

I hate to call this a skip but... yeah. The episodes are only 30 minutes so if you do have an afternoon to kill and don’t want anything that will extend into a long-term commitment go ahead and check it out. The main guys were all really charming in their own ways so it was fun enough, and there were a lot of scenes that were laugh out loud funny. Don’t think I’m recommending this one though. More spoiler-y thoughts under the cut.

I really did like this show up until the last two episodes or so. Even when Jaewon and Eun-o were finally reunited I was really excited to see them together. And then it all just... fell apart. The story stopped making sense. Why in the world are these two together? How can they possibly sustain this relationship? I can’t imagine them being together for very long. 

Eun-o’s actions were despicable and she never really got a consequence for them. I get that her fiancee hurt her terribly and I understand why she wanted to disappear, but girl by the time that month was up you KNEW how in love with you he was. It was hard to watch his heart get so trampled.

And what in the world was the point of breaking up the others? I can forgive Geon and Sun-yeong because the show made it seem like even though they were right for each other, it wasn’t right right now. Okay, fine. But Rini and Kyung-jeong?? Just why?? And with no resolution? It was a punch in the gut.

Having said that, this show really was funny. The scene with Rini at the office was the absolute best. The three friends were super fun to watch, even though Geon had to put up with a lot. The interviews were really enjoyable too, and I found the acting to be great.

Ugh, but that ending. Even Dong-sik couldn’t make up for it.

[aion-rsa]

The Karate Kid: The Real Martial Arts History Behind the Movies

https://ift.tt/3jFNaYg

When it comes to martial arts films, The Karate Kid was a game changer when it came out in 1984. Its lasting cultural impact was a landmark advancement for the western understanding of the martial arts. But was it a genuine representation of Karate?

Den of Geek consulted Dr. Hermann Bayer, an expert authority on Okinawan Karate and the author of the upcoming book Analysis of Genuine Karate―Misconceptions, Origin, Development, and True Purpose. Dr. Bayer remembers firsthand how The Karate Kid stimulated the Karate boom in the mid-eighties because he was a practicing Karateka then. But as a martial scholar, he’s pragmatic about his opinions.

“First and foremost, we have to bear in mind that we are talking about a movie, not about a documentation or a piece of research,” says Bayer. “This means that we need to concede that fascinating viewers by something pretty, amazing, or spectacular to look at is more important than authenticity.”

The Year That The Karate Kid Premiered

When we reflect upon the original, we must remind ourselves that the landscape of martial arts films in the west was vastly different in 1984. There just weren’t that many martial arts movies in western pop culture back then.

Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon came out over a decade before The Karate Kid, and tragically, Lee didn’t live to see it succeed. Many B-movies coat-tailed on Enter the Dragon‘s success, especially in the subgenres of Bruceploitation and Blaxploitation. This comprised the bulk of martial arts for western audiences. Beyond the imported niches of Hong Kong Kung Fu and Japanese samurai movies, there just weren’t that many other martial arts films available. And those were limited to showings in second- and third-run theaters or midnight “Kung Fu Theater” TV broadcasts. Consequently, the genre was considered low-brow entertainment with minimal impact on the box office. 

When The Karate Kid debuted, most of today’s martial arts superstars had no Hollywood presence. Despite starring in dozens of Hong Kong films, Jackie Chan had only led one Hollywood production by that point. That was Battle Creek Brawl, made by the same filmmakers who did Enter the Dragon, however it under-performed and was deemed a failure. His other Hollywood credits in 1984 included a cameo in the sequel ensemble comedy The Cannonball Run II. With only three minor Hollywood appearances, he was still virtually unknown to the Western audience.

Chuck Norris was more prominent having starred in more than a half dozen B-action flicks by then. His 1984 entry was Missing in Action in which Jean-Claude Van Damme had an uncredited role. JCVD didn’t grab any limelight until four years after The Karate Kid, when he starred in his breakout lead role for Bloodsport. Jet Li was only on his second film that year, Kids From Shaolin, but that wasn’t shown outside of Chinatowns in the U.S. It would be another 14 years after The Karate Kid before Jet made his first Hollywood appearance as the villain in Lethal Weapon 4. 

The Karate Kid changed the way martial arts films were perceived. It demonstrated that the martial arts genre could deliver wholesome family entertainment, as well as good box office returns. It ranked fifth among the highest grossing films of 1984, behind Beverly Hills Cop, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Gremlins. The Karate Kid was the sleeper hit of the year, and it made Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) into crane-kicking icons. 

The Limitations of the Karate Kid Trilogy

The Karate Kid was a Hollywood adaptation of a common plot device of Kung Fu movies – the training trope. Many of Jackie Chan’s late seventies films were “martial training” stories. Those narratives can be distilled down to three acts as seen in The Karate Kid: the hero suffers an injustice — like the murder of his family (or in Daniel’s case, just getting bullied) — then the hero finds a quirky master who uses obscure, almost non-nonsensical training methods, and finally the hero, armed with these hard-earned skills, takes revenge.

Jackie’s groundbreaking 1978 Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow is a perfect example of this. That was a turning point for Jackie, the launch of his unique style of comedy Kung Fu, back when he was in his physical prime. In that same year, the Kung Fu grindhouse Shaw Brothers studios delivered the timeless classic film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, which is a perfect example of the same formula. “Martial training” stories are even retold in animated films like Mulan and Kung Fu Panda. The Karate Kid just had the ingenuity to set it at West Valley High School in San Fernando, California. 

Today, Daniel-san is enjoying a revitalization through Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai. Packed with more easter eggs that an April bunny basket, Cobra Kai has been rectifying flaws from the original films with a subtle, yet effective elegance. Despite its time-honored success, the original films fell under tremendous scrutiny from genuine Karatekas who were quick to point out inaccuracies. Frankly, for such a flagship film of the martial arts genre, the martial arts weren’t that good. The main cast of the original film had little or no martial arts background. Kreese (Martin Kove) was the only cast member who studied Karate prior to the films. 

Part of this adds to the charm. Despite being the All Valley Karate Champ twice in a row, Daniel is a newbie to the art. In fact, the original trilogy happens in a little over a year. The Karate Kid takes place in 1984. The Karate Kid III, despite premiering in 1989, depicts events at the following All Valley Karate Championships. Daniel goes from zero to hero in an alarmingly short time.

How could Daniel genuinely master Karate with so little training time? Is “wax on, wax off” deck sanding and fence painting truly that effective? Of course not. If it were, the MMA cage would be dominated by car washers, carpenters, and house painters. That’s the magic of movies. Movie martial arts are no more realistic than movie car chases. 

This still begs the question – how much of Miyagi’s weird training really works?

“Whole floor. Right circle, left circle.”

Traditional martial arts training can take many forms, and the spirit of Mr. Miyagi’s esoteric lessons isn’t too far off the mark. Although few practitioners today carry water up mountains like the Shaolin monks, mundane chores like cleaning and repairing are still implemented in training within a traditional Dojo. Frankly, the repetitive nature of martial arts practice is boring so any way to invigorate enthusiasm is welcome. And the efficiency of multi-tasking is always appreciated, even in modern strip mall Dojos. 

A common training ritual is cleaning the floor before class. This is extremely important because most Dojos practice barefoot. Many old school Dojos require that students push damp rags across the floor with their hands in a low crouch. As anyone who has done it knows, this is harder than it looks and serves as an excellent warm-up exercise. When the Dojo needs repairs, students pitch in where they can because a good Dojo fosters community that way, and variations on training emerge within those tasks akin to Miyagi’s painting and sanding. And if there’s a Dojo fundraising carwash, you know there will be plenty of “wax on, wax off” practice. 

But beyond the waxing, sanding, and painting, how real is Miyagi-Do? 

“Only root Karate come from Miyagi.”

There are two styles of martial arts represented in The Karate Kid, Okinawan Karate and Korean Tang Soo Do. Kreese’s Karate is Tang Soo Do mostly because the choreographer for the original films was Grandmaster Pat E. Johnson, a leading proponent of that style. Although most likely the product of coincidence, it fit Kreese’s character perfectly. Many U.S. soldiers who served in Korea brought Tang Soo Do back to the states when they returned, just like Kreese, including Johnson and his martial comrade, Chuck Norris. 

In Season 3 of Cobra Kai, Kreese’s backstory confirms what martial arts fans have always suspected – that his style of Karate is in fact, Tang Soo Do. Calling it “Karate” was not inaccurate. Few Americans know Tang Soo Do, so even today, some schools market themselves as “Korean Karate.” Tang Soo Do is a predecessor of Taekwondo. Taekwondo is the other Asian martial art in the Olympics alongside Judo, but this is soon to change. 

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Miyagi-Do is derived from a branch of Karate known as of Goju-Ryu. Writer Robert Mark Kamen had learned some Goju-Ryu which inspired him to create Mr. Miyagi. He even poached the name of the founder of Goju-Ryu, Chojun Miyagi, and adapted the history to fit the Miyagi family history for The Karate Kid II where they travel to Okinawa. Goju means “hard-soft.”

“Karate legend Miyagi Chojun gave the name ‘hard-soft’ to the style in the mid-1930s,” explains Bayer.

Bayer finds the contrast between Miyagi’s and Kreese’s philosophies more intriguing than their difference of styles. “I see the first movie of the trilogy as the most important in terms of establishing the two contrasting mindsets of Mr. Miyagi’s ‘Karate approach to life in general’ and John Kreese’s ‘No mercy’ combat-specific attitude. However, both mindsets are essential to and part of genuine Karate.” Bayer claims that fighting in genuine Karate is exclusively reserved for life-threatening situations. “Karateka never start a fight; they always end a fight―and to end a fight ‘no mercy’ is essential.”

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The All Valley Karate Championships and the Olympics

The most unrealistic story element in The Karate Kid is the All Valley Karate Championships. Beyond the controversy about whether Daniel-san’s crane kick win was illegal, Karate tournaments didn’t have the level of production value in the eighties depicted in the movie. Even today, they seldom get that elaborate. A hexagonal ring is hard to make out of the square puzzle mats typically used for local tournaments nowadays. And that spectacular tournament table backdrop was way beyond the budget of tournament promoters. However, Karate will soon be showcased on the global stage, replete with a grand pageantry far beyond what the All Valley Championships imagined.

The Tokyo Olympics will introduce Karate as one of the five new sports in 2021. This will be divided into two categories: Kata, which is a solo form recital akin to gymnastics floor routines but with kicks and punches instead of leaps and flips, and Kumite, which is sparring. Here, Dr. Bayer draws an important distinction between authentic Karate and sport. It’s a critical distinction for what plays out in The Karate Kid. “As long as any kind of rules are implemented, combat changes into some kind of game,” says Bayer. “Life-protecting fighting is pure violence, pitiless full-power action, and has no place in a sport setting.”

Here also is where Bayer sees Kreese’s villainy. A symptom of his wartime PTSD, Kreese is unable to make the distinction between self-defense and sport. “The ‘No Mercy’ combat approach in competition and sports is inexcusably misplaced and represents an ‘Americanized’ misconception of Karate, characterized by ‘winning at all costs’ in combination with the importance of fancy uniforms, of ranks, and of other attributes in an attention-seeking culture.”

According to Bayer, this is also where the authenticity of Miyagi’s contrasting Karate approach shines. “This is the exact opposite of Mr. Miyagi’s humble Karate-Do mindset, where ranks, belts, and other visible signs of competency are irrelevant. His answer to the question what belt he wears was ‘Canvas. JC Penny. Three ninety-eight. You like?’ In spite of its lethality, the purpose of authentic Karate training is not the use of violence, it is gaining self-control, especially in situations loaded with threats and aggression, and where blood pressure and adrenaline levels are off the chart.” 

Despite this separation of killing art and sport, Bayer still sees the role of sport Karate as extremely important, and he can’t wait to see what happens at the Olympics. “Sports Karate canalizes aggression into fun and competition activities, and its training practices are perfect for physical education, for health and fitness purposes. Under a responsible coach, students grow mentally and are guided towards positive values―reflected in modern physical education learning outcomes and their according training designs.” 

“Karate here. Karate here. Karate never here.”

Despite its martial shortcomings, The Karate Kid succeeds in revealing the heart of Karate. The hardships Daniel endures, his loyalty to his sensei, Miyagi’s humility, and the distinctions between the street fights and the championships all play out with an uncommon sincerity, and perhaps that is the secret of its longevity. Even if Miyagi-Do is entirely by Kamen’s design, it’s a clever homage to Okinawan Karate. And even in the martial world, that’s hard to find.

“Authentic Okinawan Karate’s genuine purpose was exclusively self-protection and the protection of someone’s life,” says Bayer. “This genuine Okinawan Karate is hardly to be found in today’s worldwide Karate practice.”

The Karate Kid trilogy is streaming on Netflix now.

The post The Karate Kid: The Real Martial Arts History Behind the Movies appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3qKN6rL

[cenationarmyleader]

Relaxing in his meditation room, Grandmaster Hanzo Hasashi took in the peaceful sounds that the newly restored Shirai Ryu's Fire Garden. Between the trees dancing in the wind and the soft chimes sounding, a vision...more like a dream...invaded his mind. Hanzo looked around as he was in a different garden. Cherry Blossom trees and Lily bushes was around him.

"....Where? What is this?" Hanzo looked at the trees. "Cherry Blossoms? That means..."

"Hanzo?"

The Grandmaster's eyes flew open to a voice he haven't heard in years. The voice he didn't or couldn't forget. He turned to the figure that was behind him. A beautiful woman in a pink, red and white kimono. Her hair pinned up and her smile was brighter than any sun. He slowly walked up to the figure. With trembling hands, Hanzo's fingertips touched the soft skin.

"......Soo-Jin?" Hanzo breathlessly said.

Soo-Jin smiled as her free hand touched the grandmaster's. "Hello Hanzo."

Before the grandmaster could say something, he heard a soft laughter. He looked down and saw a small child in Soo-Jin's arms. The child smiled up at him. Hanzo's voice cracked in emotions as he smiled.

"Toshi....is this real? Are you both real?" Hanzo's emotion turned anger. "What sorcery is this?!" Then his anger broke into worry. "Or...am I dead?"

Soo-Jin shook her head with a smile and touched Hanzo's cheek. "Relax Hanzo. You're not dead. We're just visiting." Soo-Jin kept smiling. "I want to say I'm so proud of you, Hanzo. I watched you suffer for so long..."

"I went through Hell to avenge you both!" Hanzo's glared at the hell Quan-Chi did to him. "I....I killed so many....I even killed an innocent man who was at no fault. I...should had listen to Lord Raiden, but all I could think was about you, Toshi and the clan. I allowed Quan-Chi to use my suffer and pain and manipulating me to use me for his bidding." Hanzo didn't notice his fists was balled up.

Soo-Jin sensed Hanzo's anger rising. She pressed a hand on his shoulder. "Hanzo, it's over. The nightmare is over." She smiled as he felt Hanzo's tension soften.

"....Is it? Because you and-"

"We're fine, Hanzo." Soo-Jin smiled. "Thanks to you, we're both resting peacefully. Thank you, Hanzo."

Hanzo cracked a small smile. Soo-Jin smiled back. "Now Hanzo, the real reason I'm here is to tell you to stop blocking your heart."

Hanzo frowned in confusion. Soo-Jin chuckled. "Hanzo, don't be afraid to love again. It's ok. I rather see you with someone than being alone."

"Soo-Jin, I--"

"Hanzo...I know. You might not realize it yet, but your heart knows who I'm talking about.'

Hanzo sighed. He knows someone quite well. Someone who he respected. Someone he consider a worthy rival.

".......Kuai Liang"

Soo-Jin smiled. "I knew you know. I can tell he would risk his life for you."

"But...were just rivals. Besides, I killed his brother--"

"By accident. He forgave you and he understood why. He doesn't blame you."

Hanzo remained quiet. Soo-Jin dropped her hand. "I don't have much time, but please Hanzo, don't let what happened to me and Toshi and Bi-Han stop you from happiness. Your happiness makes me happy. Do it for me, Hanzo. Not just me, do it for you too."

Hanzo softly nods. "...I...I'll do what you ask."

Soo-Jin smiled. "Our time is over. Be happy Hanzo."

Hanzo quickly hugged Soo-Jin and Toshi.

"Grandmaster Hasashi!"

Hanzo's eyes snapped open to the voice. He quickly walked out and seen Raiden with his colleagues behind him.

"Grandmaster, parden our intrusions but my Sky Temple been raided by Kronika's minions and there is nowhere safe for us. With your permission, allow us to stay here to regroup."

Hanzo listened to Raiden words. He scanned at the group. Young Cassie holding her badly injured father, Johnny Cage up, while Jacqui Briggs stood next to her younger version of her father Jax, Liu Kang with Kung Lao standing near Raiden then.....him. Sub-Zero. Kuai Liang himself. Hanzo remembered the pain that Kuai went through about his clan been murdered. That Kuai came to him personally and asked for his help. The fact they understood each other's pain about losing family and their clan. Was Soo-Jin right? Hanzo turned and faced Raiden once more.

"Lord Raiden.....welcome to the Fire Garden"

Hanzo and Kuai Liang both traveled to the sea of blood to find a way to Kronika's Keep. Both Grandmasters hid behind a bolder to scan for Karon. Kuai kept a look out while Hanzo was distracted by remembering his vision.

"......Karon's shed is just up ahead."

Hanzo heard Kuai's deep voice. He turned to see the shed.

"We should expect one of Kronika's minions to be here. We should sneak behind the shed and ambush them."

Kuai Liang was about to move, until Hanzo grabbed his shoulder. "Wait."

Kuai turned to Hanzo in confusion. Hanzo shook his head slowly. "You're still grieving about your clan. You're not clear headed. You wouldn't be useful in a fight right now."

"But-"

"Besides.." Hanzo stepped around Kuai. "Raiden needs to be noted. I'll handle this while you tell Lord Raiden the location of the Keep." Hanzo felt Kuai's concern rising. "Karon will help us."

Knowing once Hanzo made up his mind, there was no stopping him. Kuai nods slowly. ".....Hanzo just..." Kuai sighed.

Hanzo could sense Kuai's worry for him. Soo-Jin was right. Kuai Liang would risk his life for him or die beside him. Hanzo closed his eyes and listened to his heart. He opened them as he understood what it was telling him. He turned towards Kuai Liang and made a quick dash towards him.

"Hanzo...I..."

Kuai was caught off as he felt Hanzo grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him in. Kuai gasps as he felt the grandmaster's lips against his. The kiss wasn't demanding or too passionate. Hanzo knew this felt right, especially he felt the ice ninja's tension relaxing and returning the kiss. The moment was short, but the message was clear. After the kiss, Hanzo and Kuai Liang stared each other. Hanzo reached up and stroked Kuai's cheek. Hanzo nods. "Go. I'll be swift."

Before Kuai Liang could say anything, he watched Hanzo disappeared behind some rocks towards the shed. Kuai smiled to himself and touched his lips. That kiss lingered. "......Make it back, Hanzo."

Disaster strucked. Saving Karon from D'Vorah and his past self, he didn't know D'Vorah wasn't done. Poisoned, he watched his younger version fought off the bug demon. Couldn't fight it, Hanzo collapsed in his younger self's arms. After telling Scorpion instructions on telling Raiden about Karon's ship and rebuild the Shirai Ryu as a family not a muderous clan. Afterwards, A dying Hanzo took a minute to look at the sunset. A vision of Kuai Liang appeared. He smiled. "One day.....*coughs*.....your....your heart will learn...*wheezes*....will learn to love again. Don't...*coughs*...don't steer from it. Embrace it.....you'll....you'll...know.."

Scorpion felt Hanzo's body limp in his arms. Agreeing to his last wishes, Scorpion returned to the Fire Garden. Shocked at it's beauty, he didn't noticed Sub-Zero and Liu Kang standing there.

"...Looks like the wrong one we expected." Liu Lang said.

".....The Fire Garden? Rebuild." Scorpion asked in awe.

"That is not your concern." Sub-Zero said. "Where is Hanzo?"

Scorpion looked hurt. "The Grandmaster......is dead."

The words cut through Kuai's heart like a knife. His Hanzo....dead? Anger rosed in Kuai's eyes. "You....you're lying." He watched as Scorpion shook his head. "You'll pay hellspawn. I'll avenge Hanzo through you!"

After the fight, Scorpion knew what Hanzo meant. Seeing him hurt Kuai Liang stunned him. He quickly tried to help him, until Raiden attacked. Scorpion tried to get Raiden to understand, Liu Kang knew Scorpion was different and tried to stop Raiden. After the incident and Liu Kang being kidnapped, they regroup to go after Kronika. Scorpion found Kuai Liang staring out to the sky knowing his hurt for losing Hanzo. Scorpion sighed as he approached.

".....Sub-Zero. I know you're hurt about losing Hanzo. I understand--"

"You understand nothing, hellspawn!" Kuai snapped.

Scorpion felt his anger. "...You...you was special to him. I know by the way he talked about you before his death."

Kuai Liang sighed. "He....he was my equal."

"And more?"

Kuai Liang faced Scorpion. He knew Scorpion felt it.

Scorpion looked at Kuai Liang. "I know what you are thinking.....I'm not him...."

Kuai Liang nods. "I'll make Kronika pay for what she done. I'll avenge Hanzo even if it takes my life."

Scorpion watched Kuai walk pass with a purpose. He turned to the sky and nods. "Now I understand, Hanzo. I'll pretect him." Scorpion placed a fist over his heart. "I'll do it for the both of us." Scorpion went to the group and prepared the final battle against Kronika.

[xemphimmoi24h-blog]

Thực hư tin đồn Lý Tiểu Long bị ám sát

Thực hư tin đồn Lý Tiểu Long bị ám sát. Anh rất ít khi tham gia phim bo Hong Kong mà chủ yếu tập trung mảng phim lẻ võ thuật. Một trong những Bruce Lee đối thủ màn hình lớn không thể không đề cập đến những nhà vô địch karate Mỹ Ohara bởi Bob Tường đóng năm 1973 tại bộ phim "Enter the Dragon".Bob Tường tên đầy đủ là Roberts Alan "Bob" Wall, diễn viên nổi tiếng còn được gọi võ thuật có nguồn gốc của lá cờ của Liên Hợp xuất hiện với Bruce 3 làm việc võ thuật nổi tiếng, chẳng hạn như Enter the Dragon (Rồng of Death trò chơi, con đường Dragon.

Các diễn viên được sinh ra vào năm 1939, còn được gọi là nhà vô địch karate học võ thuật kỷ luật ở Okinawa có tên là Gordon Doversola dạy. Ngoài karate Bob cũng đã nghiên cứu nhiều môn võ khác như Judo, Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu và Brazil.Bob Tường đạt được kéo dài lâu chủ đề dan Tang Soo Do, đồng sáng lập kiêm CEO của World Martial Arts Black Belt Inc. Không chỉ vậy, Lý Tiểu Long là một nhà vô địch của karate là Joe Lewis mở studio nổi tiếng Sherman Oaks Studio ở California, nơi có nhiều võ thuật tên ngôi sao như Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis, và Mike Stone Skipper Mullins.Sau đó, Lewis bán phần của ông Chuck Norris, Chuck Norris võ nghệ sĩ trong giai đoạn cuối, bởi vì cùng với các ngôi sao đã tham gia một số bộ phim với Bruce.Hiểu biết về các môn võ thuật Bob ông ghi nhận và tổng hợp trong cuốn sách của ông về các môn võ thuật gọi là Ai là ai of Martial Arts Directory và đai đen ông chấp bút 1975 - Cuốn sách đầu tiên của võ thuật kung fu Á đam mê.

Hoặc một cánh tay ngang với điện ảnh, nhưng sự nghiệp diễn xuất của Bob Wall, nhiều fan biết và nhìn thấy anh ấy như một võ tên ngôi sao nghệ thuật.Điều quan trọng nhất trong số này là ba bộ phim mà ông đã cộng tác với các "con rồng nhỏ chúng." Để chào mừng sự vai trò của Bob trong bộ phim Bruce Lee vẫn chơi hung hăng và lì lợm O'Hara of the Dragon, bộ phim được coi là nổi tiếng nhất Li Tây.Không chỉ là vai trò của Bob trong bộ phim này cũng dẫn đến tin đồn mâu thuẫn giữa ông và Bruce, nhiều người đề nghị, và dành nhiều mực phương tiện truyền thông ở Hollywood.Theo các nguồn tin ghi nhận, nhưng Bob Tường tham gia con rồng, ông tuyên bố, "không thể hòa giải" với Bruce.Đây là lý do tại sao kết quả của ẩu đả trên trường quay của bộ phim, bắn cùng lúc biến trận đấu giữa Bob và Bruce đã trở thành một cuộc chiến thực sự giữa các ngôi sao hai võ thuật.Bộ phim, trong đó Lee (Lý Tiểu Long) Bob O'Hara thách thức, đặc biệt là những cảnh O'Hara đập chai như vũ khí tấn công được coi là lý do thù để giải quyết xung đột giữa con người trong cuộc sống thực.Sau đó, cảnh phân tán, và công chúng và truyền thông, nó được gọi là "vỡ chai" để mô tả cú sốc giữa Bruce Lei và nhà vô địch karate.

==> Xem thêm: Ngô Kinh xém chút mất mạng vì đóng phim

Tuy nhiên, các hoạt động này mới phát hiện ra Bob và một số thành viên của đoàn làm phim trong quay phim.Trong khi xác nhận thông tin là hoàn toàn kịch bản, và rằng những tin đồn đã đi quá xa, và trình bày sai, nhưng mối quan hệ giữa Bob và Bruce sẽ luôn là bạn bè.Trong một cuộc phỏng vấn gần đây với Bob trên một chai vỡ của nam diễn viên 77 tuổi, ông khẳng định rằng sự kiện này là cực kỳ nguy hiểm, như các chi tiết và hoạt động là đúng:"Mỗi lần một chai dừng lại bất kỳ cách nào khác, mảnh cực kỳ sắc nét. May mắn thay, chúng tôi izgrebojāmies thành công, tiếc là tôi đã không nhận được thủy tinh," Bob nhớ lại.Có tin đồn nổi tiếng khác về Bruce tuyên bố không muốn giết anh ta với Bob, bởi vì ông muốn hoàn thành bộ phim.

[sakuari]

White Chrysanthemums - Extras

Hello! Sorreh for nonexistent and irregular updates (not that anyone actually reads it.) I know I’m skimping around the main ship and I know that the Chronicles of Shavy/Delley haven’t been updated yet, but Tumblr won’t let me upload them. T.T I’ll work my way out, so anticipate them kinda. Here’s just a little scenario thingy as a little filler.

———————–

Scenario: What the Hwarang do while in class (while trying not to get in trouble with Hwi Hwa.)

1. Ban Ryu and Yeol Woo:

“Hey, what’s the answer to this?” Yeol Woo whispered to the side. The Hwarang were taking a philosophy test that, of course, no one ever bothered to study for. Except Ban Ryu as expected, and Yeol Woo, being the clever diva he was, sat coyly next to Ban Ryu. Meanwhile, Ji Dwi just sat there looking proud as fuck but confused on the inside, Seon Woo tried to write words on the paper-which is the most important thing to him now-while Soo Ho and Hansung were making cute (yet messy) caricatures of the life of Hwi Hwa’s toe. Oh, and Ah Ro and Sooyeon were watching through the windows, completely conspicuous. Good thing Hwi Hwa took a nap to his happy dreams of swimming in liquor.

“…” Ban Ryu clenched his mouth to not say anything. He knew this was going to happen, just like he knew Yeol Woo was going to watch him in the shower again. Yeol Woo gently nudged him with his elbow. Again, Ban Ryu refused to respond.

“Don’t be a bitchy friend!” Yeol Woo whispers, except much more harsh and with a slight snarl at the end of the sentence.

“…The elements of water, fire, earth, and air represent the aspects of life and the human soul. Water-” Ban Ryu quietly droned on until Yeol Woo interrupted him.

“Thanks cute nerd! That’s all I needed.” Yeol Woo winked and wrote down Ban Ryu’s answer. Of course, Ban Ryu blushed and was over-thinking on why he got such absurd nicknames and referencing from his friend. Maybe it was a prank? Maybe it was a dare to try to embarrass him. He was determined to find out, sooner or later. But for now, time to keep his perfect track record.

The two poked and teased each other during the test. Well, it was more like Yeol Woo provoking him with blackmail about Ban Ryu’s cute sleeping habits and Ban Ryu keeping promise on his curses, smearing his friend’s eyebrows with ink. Once they finished and Hwi Hwa graded, Yeol Woo beamed with his eyes sparkling at his first passing grade. Ban Ryu quietly smiled seeing his friend’s joy (and knowing the relieving fact that he kept his perfect grades up.) They both left when class was over, heading to the tea shop for a little celebration.

———————- 2. Hansung:

It was only Wednesday night, and he already longed for the Poetry Club night to come soon. So Young was much more interesting to study than this stupid literature text. Haikus were more fun to recite than a presentation on what he learned about the five pious morals bequeathed on man. He sighed and tried to read the text by candlelight, but failed. This night was always group study cram night, but he wanted to try doing independent study for once; he rather not get caught cheating again. Memories of punishment flashed before his eyes until he shook his head to perish the thoughts.

He started doodling on paper (that was meant to write down notes about the text), drawing his image of So Young and the Poetry Club from memory. He hummed his favorite songs and replayed her honey voice again and again. He made sure to outline and detail her eyes, rounder and brighter than the moon. Her lips and cheeks were colored with roses almost and she had a little beauty mark tucked under her eye lid; he made a mental checklist of all the small details of her face so he didn’t miss one beautiful thing about her.

He finished (remembering to make the Poetry Club girls in the back.) He unconsciously started to grin at his drawing. He wasn’t a Picasso, but he thought she looked beautiful. Well, her paper clone. He studied the drawing once more, but his paper was snatched away by one of his hyungs.

“Ooh, who’s this?” One of the hyungs teased. “Got a girlfriend?” They started examining Hansung’s drawing, putting the paper out of his reach when he desperately jumped to get it.

“Give it back!” He cried, jumping on one of his hyjngs to grab his sheet. They then threw him on the floor along with the sheet, bored and exasperated after seeing nothing else to tease Hansung about in the paper.

He clutched the paper close to his chest and closer to his heart, pouting about the injustice that was done to paper So Young. He smoothed out the wrinkles and smiled on, going (or attempting to go) back to his studies, So Young nearby and-in his imagination-cheering him on.

————————

3. Soo Ho, Ji Dwi, and Seon Woo:

The three decided for once to actually study, but they decided to do it in their bunk room so they don’t get punished tomorrow, carrying Hwi Hwa for fifty laps around the woods. The night started off normal, abnormally normal someone might say. Guided by candlelight and feeble minds, the three tried to help each other in their weak points.

“So we have to read the passage and flesh out the central ideas of philosophy then tie them to the kingship duties in a meaningful manner. Seems simple enough. Writing a couple sentences and reading this tiny thing seems easy. You guys pumped to beat Ban Ryu tomorrow!?!” Soo Ho cheered and screamed, trying to cover his saltiness about how Ban Ryu didn’t choose him yesterday as a lo-I mean worthy man.

“No.” Seon Woo curtly replied. He’s a passive-aggressive cat who’s supposed to be a dog-bird yet here trying to attempt normal human contact with other people. How can this become even more wrong?

“This is worthless.” Ji Dwi scoffed, dismissing the text and brushing dust off his pajama robes. He was trying to fight his insomnia and he only agreed to come so he can watch his rival vying for Ah Ro’s heart (and maybe Seon Woo’s ass.)

“Come on! Don’t you guys have any drive left in you? Any passion?” Soo Ho pleaded, actually desperate for a passing grade. And friends. Emphasis on FRIENDS.

“No, sore loser.” “Can you drive horses with a passion?” The two remarked.

Soo Ho’s expression soured, lending way to anger. His eyebrows slumped and furrowed and his lips twitched with furious energy.

“GODDAMMIT! Even Ban Ryu has more drive than you! And he’s a shell of a fucking man! Let’s just do the damn thing to get it over it!” He roared. He was just as sick and tired as them considering they somehow managed to cover the other material. This one passage was the last thing standing between them and preparedness. Soo Ho kicked his textbooks and slipped, landing head-first and clutching his head in pain. Both of them laughed.

“Good job! Looks like you’re willing to fall for the L!” Ji Dwi barely managed to say his sentence because his sides hurt and he was laughing too hard. Seon Woo just rolled on the floor over the papers cackling his heart out, sounding like a crazed coyote (most likely with rabies.)

Soo Ho started beating them up because of that and soon all three of them were kung fu fighting~ {gets dunked on} Ultimately, they never got the passage done. However, they weren’t able to take the test anyways because of their injuries, leading up to another conflict. You know, Ji Dwi vying for Dr. Ah Ro’s attention, Seon Woo protecting her like an awkward teddy bear (even though she can defeat any scrub in her way,) Soo Ho getting riled up on random adrenaline, Sooyeon screaming and being a squealer, etcetera. But that’s another story for another time.

———-

Hey, thanks for bearing with me! Sorreh if this seems crappy, but I tried (I’m bad with excuses lol.) So my editor will check and this filler will be Gucci for the limited number of readers. Hope you enjoyed it nonetheless!

To The Beautiful You,

Zelo

[keahvalenzuela]

Hi. Kamusta? Kamusta na yang puso mo? Kamusta ang mga pangarap na gustong gusto mong abutin? Kamusta? Kamusta sa mga taong tulad ko na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nahahanap ang malatelenobelang pag-ibig? To anyone who’s probably at the same status as me right now, I just want you all to know that you are not alone.

Am I lonely? NO. Am I depressed? NO. Am I in pain? NO. Then what am I feeling right this moment? Hindi ko rin alam. Alam mo yun? Yung mga panahong hindi mo alam kung ano ba talagang nararamdaman mo. Siguro nga may konting lungkot o inggit. But not to the point na sobrang down na down ka na. Yung para bang yung konting lungkot at inggit na nararamdaman mo, nagiging dahilan kung bakit gustong gusto mong humanap ng mapanghahawakan. At ito ako ngayon, gumagawa na naman ng blog para maging inspirado.

--

Have you ever asked yourself this question: “May magmamahal kaya sakin?”. I mean beside your family because hello everyone loves their family. Right? Have you ever watched a series or movie or read a book and wondered if you can get your own happily ever after too? Have you?

My dear, look at the photos above. Perhaps you’re wondering where did I get those screenshots. Let me tell you what I did these past few days. I watched a kdrama (because I’m really into it) called HWARANG. And I witnessed how different guys came to grow as a fine and loving gents. To make it short, the story was about making your own path and discovering love and growing into it mid through your journey. And the characters above were Ban Ryu and Soo Yun. They weren’t the main leads tho but for some reason, I really loved how their story went.

HEADS UP: Ban Ryu was a cold-hearted man and Soo Yun was a loving lady. You know, typical drama cliches. A rude guy who fell in love with a girl who only did was to love him.

To everyone (girl or boy) who feels like no one is your friend, or feels like you need to meet everyone’s expectations just to fit in (like Ban Ryu), I want you all to know this: SOMEONE WILL WALK INTO YOUR LIFE AND WILL TELL YOU EVERY THING YOU’VE BEEN DYING TO HEAR.

You might’ve already asked yourself this: “may magkakagusto kaya sakin kung ganito ang ugali ko?”. And I tell you this with all my sincerity: OO, MAY TAONG DARATING AT TATANGGAPIN AT MAMAHALIN KA KAHIT NA GAANO PA KAPANGIT ANG UGALI MO.

Someone will walk into your life and will make you feel you are enough. Someone who will see the goodness in you. Someone who will cry for you when you run out of tears. Someone who will write you letters with every sweet words there is. Someone who will stay with you when everyone else leaves. Someone who will tell you ‘I LOVE YOU’ and will do every thing just to prove it. Trust me, someone is out there searching for you, seeking for the same love as you do.

Hey dear, time will come for you when you’ll gonna look at the person right in front of you and you’ll be exchanging the corniest but the sweetest conversation of your life. You will get to have a Ban Ryu and Soo Yun love story, where a simple smile from the person you love is one of the greatest things you ever have. SMILE AND KEEP LOVING!

Posted: February 25, 2017 at 12:57am

Edited: February 25, 2017 at 1:10am

[howgrowtaller]

Top 5 Most Popular Martial Arts Actors Born in the UK Or USA

Whenever there is action, that means that there are not only car chases, explosions, shootings and guns but also fists, punches and roundkicks. Many of the martial arts actors in the Funny Action Movie genre master a huge collection of deadly techniques, which they use in close combat scenes. In fact, most of these martial arts actors used to compete in official tournaments at the very dawn of their acting careers and then they used the fame gained to establish themselves in the cinema industry. More or less (in most cases more) the martial arts are taking a huge part in their lives. What a better way to become an action star when there is a real, heart pounding action in your life, right? Here is a list of the top five martial arts actors a.k.a. killing machines, who can terminate you with their bare hands. These machos have a proven record in the real life fighting world and they based their movie careers on the martial arts knowledge. 1.Bruce Lee (1940-1973)

A lot of things were said and written about probably the most influential figure in the martial arts movie industry. Where exactly the fiction meets reality can sometimes be difficult to determine but one thing leaves no doubt- Bruce Lee had kung fu in his blood. The man was breathing martial arts. Many people don't know that Lee Jun Fan (as his real name was) was an accomplished cha-cha dancer and championship winner. Officially, he had only five years of formal martial arts training under the guidance of another legend- "Sifu Yip Man". Yip Man taught Bruce the art of wing chun kung fu- a self defense technique from close range combat. By the way, if you haven't seen the three Yip Man movies starring Donnie Yen, you definitely might want to check them out. Believe me it is well worth your time. Because of his hot temper and the police issues he had in Hong Kong, his parents suggested him to try his luck in the United States where he was initially born. While he was living in America, Lee opened a kung fu school and eventually became associated with many key figures in the U.S. martial arts scene. Soon he was noticed by famous Hollywood producers. The rest is a history. His genuine talent and unbelievable speed has established him as a leading authority in the mixed martial arts and cinema scenes. Among the most memorable movies, revealing his magical martial arts techniques are "Enter the Dragon", "The Way of the Dragon" and "Fists of Fury". And yes, those are great funny action movies. 2.Michael Jai White (1967)

3rd dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, 3rd dan Black Belt in Goju Ryu,3rd degree Black Belt in Kyokushin, 2nd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, 1st degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do. Do you still wonder why Michael Jai White takes part in this prestigious martial arts actors list? If you still do, then let me tell you that the muscular build international box office sensation has eight black belts in eight different martial arts forms. Pretty impressive, isn't it? The man is no joke at all. Honored with the title Man of the Year by the popular "Black Belt" magazine in 2014 and inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, Michael Jai White is allegedly the most accomplished, highly trained action star in America. Michael also often does comedy and drama movies which makes him a pretty versatile artist. I strongly suggest that you check out Blood and Bone, Never Back Down: No Surrender, and Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing. 3. Chuck Norris (1940)

Don't worry, he is in the list, don't rush to kill me, please. By the way, did you know that Chuck Norris has already been to Mars and that is why there are no signs of life? OK let's get serious here. It is just impossible not to include in the list the first ever Westerner in the history of the Tae Kwon Do, honored with the rank of 8th degree Black Belt Grand Master title. During his impressive martial arts career, Carlos Ray Norris has won numerous tournaments. His name is also in the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame. He was several times on the cover of the Black Belt magazine and in 2000, Chuck Norris has been given the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. He also has a rich and successful military career with many different medals and honorary awards. In his movies, he is rarely even wounded and he kicks tough asses for breakfast. In case you have missed to watch the legendary on screen fight between Chuck and Bruce Lee in the funny action movie called "Way of the dragon", please watch it. It is superb. Another legendary actioners (the list is huge) starring Chuck Norris are "The Delta Force", "Missing in Action" and lately "Expendables 2". 4. Steven Seagal (1952)

You surely remember how brightly The Master of Aikido shines in "Under Siege" and "Above the Law". Steven can easily break your arms like if they are toothpicks. Lord Steven, as one of his nickname is, holds a 7th degree black belt in Aikido- a Japanese martial art which teaches how to harmonize your moves to your opponent's body motions (or attacks). The idea of this martial art form is to defend yourself without hurting your attacker. Well, at least in his movies, Steven Seagal doesn't follow this rule because all of his opponents die painfully. What is interesting about this iconic actor is the fact that he is the first ever foreigner to open a dojo in Japan where he is a respected Aikido instructor. Steven is also a well-known musician who travels the world with his band and some time ago he was a Reserve Deputy Chief in Louisiana Sheriff's office. 5. Scott Adkins (1976)

The most complete fighter in the world "Yuri Boyka", a.k.a. Scott Adkins was born in the United Kingdom in 1976. He holds a black belt in kickboxing, which he achieved when he was only 19 years old. His spectacular martial arts skills come from knowing ninjutsu, judo, Karate, jujutsu, wushu, Krav Maga, capoeira and Jeet Kun Do. I don't know about you but I'm pretty impressed! Scott Adkins is mostly known for his stunningly beautiful and complex fight choreography in the smashing hit "Undisputed 2: Last man standing" and the followed sequel" Undisputed 3: Redemption". The fans are impatiently waiting the fourth installment of the franchise and the third with Scott starring in it. The direct-to-video movie is coming on 17th January 2017 in the U.S.A. ("Boyka: Undisputed IV"). All of the four movies were shot in Bulgaria. Scott's heart stopping martial arts skills have gained him mainstream success and roles in various mainstream blockbusters like "Expendables 2", "Doctor Strange", "The Bourne Ultimatum" and many others. So here it was the list of the TOP FIVE American or United Kingdom born martial arts actors. Stay healthy by not messing around with these tough nice guys.

[aion-rsa]

Cobra Kai: How the Show’s Martial Arts Level Up in Season 3

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This article contains Cobra Kai season 3 spoilers.

Despite its iconic standing within the martial arts genre, the martial arts in The Karate Kid have never been outstanding. Sure, the crane kick is a classic, but from a technical standpoint, it’s not that impressive. Ralph Macchio had no martial arts training prior to undertaking the role of Daniel. In many ways, that’s part of the charm. Whether you know martial arts or not, Daniel’s wax on, wax off awkwardness makes Macchio’s portrayal more genuine. 

Throughout the film franchise, it was Daniel’s adversaries who were the martial artists. William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence) had a background in wrestling prior to the first film and continued to train in Tang Soo Do under Master Pat E. Johnson after it wrapped (Johnson played the referee and trained the actors for the film.) Martin Kove (John Kreese) studied Gosoku-ryu Karate under the founder of that style, Grandmaster Takayuki Kubota. The villains in the sequels all had previous training too. Yuji Okumoto (Chozen Toguchi) began Chito-ryu Karate when he was thirteen and was a brown belt by the time he appeared in The Karate Kid Part II. In The Karate Kid Part III, Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver) practiced Taekwondo since childhood and holds a black belt in Kenpo Karate. Stage combat is one of his specialties. And Sean Kanen (Mike Barnes), like Okumoto, studied Karate since he was thirteen, only his style was Shotokan. He also worked professionally as a bar bouncer. 

Because Macchio was a much weaker martial artist than his adversaries both in the story and reality, it was challenging for the stunt choreographers. It limits the vocabulary of where the fights could go. Without a strong martial artist in the lead role, the fight choreographers had to create work arounds, like the crane kick. But again, that was part of the charm of Daniel. No one could play Daniel LaRusso like Ralph Macchio. 

Cobra Kai faces a similar situation because like Macchio, few of the lead actors had previous martial arts training. For more authenticity, newcomers to the cast were not only tasked to learn Karate, they had to do some of their own stunts. With that in mind, Den of Geek spoke with Macchio and more about season 3’s ambitious combat, and the training and editing that goes into major fight scenes. 

No Mercy

Cobra Kai suffers from the same constraint as the original films had with Daniel. All the high school kids are amateurs. We bear witness to their inductions into Karate, and their meteoric rise in skills (Just like The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai takes major liberties on how quickly someone can progress in the martial arts, but so do most stories in the genre). They’re teenagers, not ninjas or Shaolin monks. The fight scenes cannot pivot on extreme Jackie Chan moves. To remain genuine to the story, the next generation must retain some of Daniel’s awkwardness. 

However, stunt coordinators Jahnel Curfman and Hiro Koda did excellent work in keeping it real. In the premiere episode, Johnny’s first fight showed that Zabka had kept up on his Tang Soo Do and could still throw a decent kick. It served the story perfectly, showing Johnny as slightly out of shape, but still formidable. As seasons 1 and 2 progressed, the fight choreography complemented its story arcs appropriately, but Cobra Kai wasn’t a show just to watch for its fight scenes. 

This changed with the season 2 finale “No Mercy.” Curfman and Koda composed a thrilling high school brawl with a solid long take shot – a “one-er” where there are no cuts in the action. It was a thrilling fight, full of complex cinematography and enough close-ups that we could see that many of the actors did their own stunts. 

The season 3 finale fight in the LaRusso residence was even better, longer, and more complex. According to Xolo Maridueña (Miguel), Cobra Kai’s second one-er was a challenge. “When you film an episode like the finale of season 2, you get to the point where you’re like, ‘How do we top this?’ It feels like we kind of achieved everything that we wanted. And I think at that point, we did achieve everything that we wanted. We got this really, really great scene that felt so grand. And in season 3, we want to give people that same kind of feeling, that same rush that you get from watching so many moving parts working together, but it needs to be different.”

How was it different? Maridueña elaborates. “I think that you see that the motives of a lot of these characters are different. The circumstances, the need to win I think is much higher in a finale. And I think up until the very end and even after the fight feels concluded you still feel that sense of weight on your shoulders.”

The Long Take One-Er

Cuts make fight choreography easier. When there’s one cut for every strike, retakes aren’t as difficult. If there are two strikes before a cut, it’s twice as hard. More strikes increase the challenge exponentially. In the original film, The Karate Kid, there was a one-er, but it wasn’t a fight scene. When Daniel first enters the All-Valley Karate Tournament from the locker room, it’s a continuous long take that clocks in just shy of a minute and a half. The blocking is complicated but it’s not as complex as a fight scene would be, and according to Macchio, the scene took 35 takes to get right. 

In filmmaking, one-ers are always held in high regard for their technical achievement. Hitchcock’s Rope was a pioneering example with the entire film consisting of only 11 one-ers. The critically acclaimed World War I film 1917 was nearly a single one-er. When it comes to fight choreography, this is why classic Kung Fu films from the 70s and 80s are so highly respected by martial art movie connoisseurs. While they weren’t one-ers, those fights, like what was coming out of  Shaw Brothers Studio, went dozens of moves before a cut. Some recent films like Atomic Blonde and the John Wick trilogy have showcased one-er fights. What’s more, they are shot in such a way that we can see that Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron are doing a lot of their own stunts. In contrast, in Netflix’s latest assassin thriller Ava, all of Jessica Chastain’s fights are one strike, one shot, and her stuntperson takes over for all the heavy lifting. 

There are some trade tricks to one-ers. The first is a stitch where the camera pans to a featureless surface. This can disguise a covert cut, making the scene appear seamless. But in actuality, there was a break. The other is what is known in the stunt industry as a “Texas switch.” This is where an actor is swapped out with a stunt person by somehow leaving the shot, like being tossed out of frame or ducking behind an obscuring set piece.  

Television fight choreography has leveled up in the last few years. Daredevil was a game-changer for TV one-ers. The show kept upping its game every season. Season 1 episode 2 “Cut Man” ended with a one-er hallway fight that caught every martial arts fan’s attention. It had a lot of stitches and Texas switches. During that one-er, the camera repeatedly moves across featureless hallway walls hiding cuts and Daredevil is masked, allowing for multiple stuntmen to take over. Nevertheless, it’s still a thrilling fight and top-notch choreography. Season 2 episode 3 “New York’s Finest” featured another brutal one-er in a staircase fight. Again, Daredevil is masked so swapping stuntmen was easy. On top of that, Daredevil knocks out the lights, so a lot of the fight is in the dark, obscuring more stitches and switches. In Season 3 episode 4 ‘Blindsided’ Daredevil pulled off their most spectacular one-er of all and one of the best that has ever made it to the small screen so far, the prison fight. In that scene, Daredevil is not masked so Charlie Cox can be seen doing a lot of his own stunts. It clocks in at over 10 minutes. The fight choreographers on Daredevil, Chris Brewster, Philip Silvera, and Roberto Gutierrez raised the bar on TV fight choreography.

Karate And Stunt Training

The one-ers in Cobra Kai aren’t nearly as long, but they do showcase the actors doing many of their own stunts. And like Macchio, few of the cast have had previous training. Jacob Bertrand (Hawk) has a purple belt in Karate and Taylor Buchanan dabbled in Taekwondo, but that’s about the extent of the young cast’s experience. Beyond learning their lines and finding their characters, the actors had to take a crash course in martial arts. 

“I only started learning in season 2,” says Peyton List (Tory), “and that was just in episode 4 of season 2, when I first came in. And I just take everything I can get, and I love learning it. So I’m trying to do everything I can even from home, but that one-er was one of the most fun. Jahnel, my stunt double, she was like, ‘You’re doing this all on your own.’ And that was a big moment for me, and I’m excited for everyone to see that.” 

“My training is something I take super seriously,” adds Mary Mouser (Sam), “because I know that a lot of people who watch this show love martial arts and love the fighting aspect. As much as all the other fun things we have, we have a lot of really cool martial arts fans. So I want to make them proud. I am clearly still a novice in this world, but Samantha is not. So it’s fun to get to stretch myself, to see how much I can push myself to look like I’ve been doing Karate for all these years, when in total probably have about a year’s worth of training so far.”

Bertrand’s Karate background doesn’t make shooting a one-er any easier. “The next couple of days after those types of shoots, you’re definitely sore for at least two days. You’re running the same thing over and over again at 110%, but honestly, I’m just so excited for everyone to see that final fight, it’s going to be so great.”

Forever Young

In season 3, Daniel says he’s now as old as Miyagi was when they first met. Despite his baby face, Macchio is 59. He admits doing fight scenes no  isn’t as easy as back in the day. “The challenge is always as I get older or attempt to look younger, is the physical stuff. Staying in shape, not getting hurt. It requires work and attention and focus.”

Macchio is like David Carradine, who played Kwai Chang Caine in the television show Kung Fu. For their defining roles, they posed as martial arts masters, however they are actors first and foremost, not martial artists. At the very least, Macchio has maintained his integrity by never claiming to be an expert. Carradine milked his master role by writing martial arts books and selling instructional videos, despite his martial mediocrity. Today, Carradine’s martial products are generally disregarded, even mocked, by earnest practitioners. Most considered them to be a joke (the fact that Carradine’s Kung Fu uniforms looked more like Klingon athleisure suits didn’t help). Macchio could have easily cashed in doing the same but to his credit, he never did. 

Will Cobra Kai attempt an even bigger one-er for Season 4? “As soon as the fight is over you’re ready to watch the next one,” teases Maridueña. “And I think that’s all you can ask for in a fight scene.”

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Cobra Kai season 3 is now available on Netflix.

The post Cobra Kai: How the Show’s Martial Arts Level Up in Season 3 appeared first on Den of Geek.

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The Real Martial Arts Behind Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid

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When The Karate Kid premiered in 1984, new students rushed to enroll in Karate Dojos across the nation. However, for anyone aspiring to learn the true ways of Miyagi-Do—or Cobra Kai as the case may be—Dojos weren’t propounding deck sanding and fence painting as part of their curriculum. There are many different styles of Karate. Fans wondered which style Daniel and Johnny were really doing. Now that Netflix has picked up Cobra Kai from YouTube Red, a whole new crop of fans has discovered the show and the question has come up again: What type of Karate do they practice at Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai? The truth is it might not even be Karate.

In any movie or series, the filmmakers and showrunners aren’t beholden to a specific style. They are telling a story, not making a documentary. With most productions, a hodge-podge of movie-fu makes for better action than authentic martial arts. When The Karate Kid began production, Ralph Macchio (Daniel), William Zabka (Johnny), and Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi) didn’t know any martial arts. Zabka had some background in wrestling but that was it. Like David Carradine in ‘70s TV show Kung Fu, they earned their roles with their acting skills, not their martial arts proficiency. In many ways, it’s Daniel’s inexperience and awkwardness with Karate that helps to sell the story. 

Only three of the original actors had studied martial arts prior to filming. Ron Thomas practiced Jujitsu, which had little application for his role as Cobra Kai’s Bobby in the film. Martin Kove (Kreese) studied Karate under the famous Grandmaster Takayuki Kubota.  Kubota was a noted celebrity trainer who cultivated many famous students including James Caan, Robert Conrad, Ron Ely, George Kennedy, Sam Peckinpah, Hilary Swank (who starred as The Next Karate Kid) to name a few.

He created his own style of Karate called Gosuku-Ryu. Gosuku means “hard fast.” Ryu literally means “flow” but is a suffix commonly used in Karate to denote a specific system or style. What’s more, Kubota patented a self-defense weapon, a rod-shaped keychain fob the size of a sharpie. He named it the Kubotan after himself, and it is still widely used by Police and Enforcement today. However, beyond training Kove, Kubota had little influence on The Karate Kid. In action films, actors play roles that require them to portray themselves as masters of different styles than they practice in real life. 

Cobra Kai – Strike Hard, Strike Fast, No Mercy

The martial arts depicted in The Karate Kid must be attributed to Grandmaster Pat E. Johnson. He was the martial arts choreographer for the original films and played the Referee. Johnson is a student of Chuck Norris and captained Norris’ Black Belt Competition team to win 33-consecutive national and international championships. And despite not disqualifying Daniel’s illegal winning crane kick, Johnson is a highly respected martial arts referee. Beyond The Karate Kid, he worked on other films including Enter the Dragon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mortal Kombat. Johnson and Norris practice Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art, but this is where translation of the terminology gets complicated. 

Tang Soo Do means “Way of the Tang Hand.” Do means “the Way,” same character as the Dao in Chinese. It’s the same word in Korean and Japanese and serves as a suffix for many martial arts like Karate-Do, Judo, and Taekwondo. Soo literally means “hand.” Tang refers to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) indicating the Chinese origins of the art. According to legend, all Asian martial arts trace back to China’s Shaolin Temple, the legendary cradle of Kung Fu. For simplicity, many English translators shortened “Way of the Tang Hand” to “Way of the Chinese Hand.” It’s a respectful nod to that origin tale. 

Korean and Japanese characters are derived from Chinese too. Translate the characters for Tang Soo Do into Japanese and it is Karate-Do. However in 1935, Japan changed the character for Kara (or Tang) to a homophonic character that means “empty” in order to distinguish its martial art from China. To complicate matters even more, Tang Soo Do was commonly dubbed “Korean Karate” in the United States. Nevertheless, Tang Soo Do and Karate are distinct disciplines. 

Cobra Kai is the name of the school, not the style. The Kai in Cobra Kai literally means “assembly” or “meeting” and within the Karate vernacular, it’s a suffix that denotes an organization or group. Cobra is just a name, the school mascot. While there are many snake styles of martial arts, particularly in Kung Fu, the Cobra is seldom commonly specified in Asian systems. More often, it is seen in American school logos, like the symbol of William’s Kenpo Karate Dojo in Enter the Dragon. There’s a nod to Kung Fu legend in the name. The rival of Snake Kung Fu is Crane style. In the Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith redux of The Karate Kid, the snake comes into play. 

Given Johnson’s choreography Tang Soo Do influences Cobra Kai more than Karate. Throughout the series, there are subtle clues alluding to this. From the first film to Cobra Kai, when Johnny spars, he deploys a lot of high kicks characteristic of Korean martial arts. After the first film, Zabka continued to study Tang Soo Do with Johnson for many years so it is his foundation style. Another big tell is in The Karate Kid Part III. When Kreese’s comrade Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) visits Miyagi’s Dojo to lie about Kreese’s death, he couches it in an apology from their mutual South Korean master. In real life, Griffith is a black belt in Kenpo Karate and Taekwondo. Cobra Kai perpetuated the Tang Soo Do influence very subtly in Season 1. In episode 7, Johnny barks out a command that sounds like “jun be” which means “get ready” in Korean. 

There’s some historical validity to Kreese teaching “Korean Karate.” Much of Tang Soo Do came to the U.S. via military veterans that served in Korea. Both Johnson and Norris first learned their martial art while stationed there. This makes a lot of sense for Kreese’s character. The photo of Kreese in military uniform that hung in Cobra Kai declares him as the U.S. Army 1970-72 Karate Champion and Silver is his old Army buddy. 

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Miyagi-Do – Karate Here. Karate Not Here.

But what about Miyagi-Do? What style teaches “wax on wax off?” Since Pat Morita wasn’t a martial artist, his body double was a distinguished Karate master named Fumio Demura. Demura espouses Shito-Ryu Karate, but that’s not evident in the movies. It is implied that Miyagi teaches a style of Karate called Goju-Ryu. Goju means “hard soft” (the Go is the same character as in Gosuku-Ryu and the Ju is the same as in Judo – “the Soft Way”). Although never overtly stated, there are many subtle references throughout the films and series.

In The Karate Kid Part II, Miyagi and Daniel visit Miyagi’s hometown in Okinawa. In the family dojo, Miyagi tells Daniel of the founder of Miyagi-Do, an ancestor of Mr. Miyagi who ended up in China by accident after getting drunk and falling asleep in his fishing boat in 1625. He returned to Okinawa 10 years later with a Chinese wife, two kids, and the basis for Miyagi-Do. This artistic liberty is a mishmash of Goju-Ryu history. Grandmaster Higaonna Kanryo (1853–1916) was an Okinawan martial artist and translator who spent many years studying martial arts in China, including Crane style. His top student, another native Okinawan, followed in his footsteps to train in China too. That student was another Miyagi – Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi (1888-1953), the founder of Goju-Ryu.

Two more Goju-Ryu Easter eggs imply that it is the inspiration for Miyagi-Do. In The Karate Kid Part II, a Goju-Ryu patch can be clearly seen on Chozen’s (Yuji Okumoto) gi. The Goju-Ryu symbol is a golden upraised fist, often with the characters for Karate written underneath and it is unmistakable. Chozen was trained by his uncle Sato (Danny Kamekona), a fellow student under Miyagi’s father (Charlie Tanimoto) so they all practice the same style. 

Another major tell lies in the Kata that Miyagi teaches Daniel in The Karate Kid Part III. It is based on Seiunchin, an original Goju-Ryu Kata created by Higaonna Kanryo and passed down to Chojun Miyagi. This is the same Kata that Daniel recites in Cobra Kai and teaches to his students, including his daughter Samantha (Mary Mouser) and Johnny’s son Robby (Tanner Buchanan). Real Goju-Ryu practitioners often comment that it is a weak rendition of Seiunchin, but again, it’s just a show, not a documentary.

The original writer of The Karate Kid, Robert Mark Kamen, claims that the idea of the story was loosely autobiographical. He says he was beaten up by bullies after the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. That experience led him to start martial arts. His first instructor was too violent and vengeful, so he began studying Goju-Ryu. Kamen says Miyagi was based on Grandmaster Meitoku Yagi (1912-2003), a direct disciple of Miyagi and a National Living Treasure of Japan.

The Crane Kick

Daniel’s All-Valley victory move isn’t from Goju-Ryu. It was made up for the film. However, the same one-legged posture exists within Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. The pose was featured on the cover of a Kung Fu book originally published in 1984, the same year that The Karate Kid premiered. Northern Sil Lum: Moi Fah No. 7 by Kwon W. Lam and Ted Mancuso is now out-of-print (Sil Lum is the Cantonese pronunciation of Shaolin). In the book, it’s not called a Crane technique. The actual name is “Lift stance, Black Crow splits wings.” 

When this book was published, there was a lot of debate about which came first within the martial arts community. The Karate Kid released in theaters on June 22, 1984. Since the book came out earlier that year, and given movie production and post-production time, the Crane kick scenes were probably filmed before the book was published. Most likely, it was an auspicious coincidence. 

The creation of the Crane Kick is colloquially attributed to Darry Vidal, although he has said that it was Kamen who initially described the move. Vidal was the stunt double for Miyagi in the beach Crane Kick scene and played the last semi-finalist to face Johnny before Daniel. He was an up-and-coming martial artist when the movie was shot and still teaches Karate at his school in California. 

What Style is Season 3?

Despite these authentic underpinnings, the hard truth is that the martial arts have never been that good throughout the Karate Kid franchise. The unusual training methods are absurd and there’s no way an 18-and-under tournament like the All Valley Karate Championships would be held without safety gear. It’s movie fiction. While the fight scenes were dramatic, the technical skills displayed have been mediocre for such an iconic martial arts franchise. 

This all changed with the Cobra Kai season 2 finale. The final fight was applauded by fans of the genre as an outstanding piece of fight choreography, worthy of the brand. It included an outstanding long take—the hallmark of good fight scenes—that was technically sophisticated, complex in its composition and cinematography. From a martial standpoint, this was the crowning achievement for the entire franchise. The stunt coordinators for Cobra Kai are Jahnel Curfman, a former gymnast and dancer turned stuntwoman, and Hiro Koda, a decorated Karate champion and longtime stuntman. Both are signed on for Season 3. 

Many martial artists began their martial journey because they were inspired by The Karate Kid. For them, that movie was life changing. These devotees are eager to see if Curfman and Koda can sustain that high level of fight choreography for Cobra Kai Season 3. And if the writers can continue to follow through on the authenticity of the martial arts backstories, that will be even better. 

As Mr. Miyagi would say, “Banzai!”

Season 1 and 2 of Cobra Kai are now available on Netflix. Cobra Kai Season 3 premieres on Netflix in 2021.

The post The Real Martial Arts Behind Cobra Kai and The Karate Kid appeared first on Den of Geek.

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