Dispite its European origins, the tomahawk is considered a uniquely American weapon. This is an interesting look at the use of tomhawk, and long knife, in practical combat terms. It is interesting that the author emphasizes the reverse grip for the knife. I’m not a big fan of the reverse knife grip for combat, but I can see how it is useful in blocking when the tomahawk is the primary offensive weapon.
I picked up a set of practice Butterfly Swords, steel ones, not the lightweight aluminum ones.
These are really fun! They come in pairs, one for each hand, and are pretty heavy for their size. Using them is an upper body workout in itself!
They are not a common weapon system in most martial arts. They come from a Southern Kung Fu tradition. I’ve only seen reference to them in Hung Gar and Wing Chun. Here is a Wing Chun form I found.
A very good book for the serious martial artist. A lot of history as well the basics behind various techniques and philosophy. It explains why there are no real Shaolin in mainland China anymore (the Communists were better at driving them out than the War Lords), and why you are better off going to the Chinatowns of San Francisco, New York City and Boston, to find real Shaolin Gung Fu than going to Communist China (where they have Tai Chi practitioners and WuShu artists in orange robes to bilk tourists of the their cash).
From the late 70s comes Chuck Norris’ first starring role. He plays a Vietnam Vet who’s unit was wiped out because politicans back home sold them out to the enemy. Years later, he gets his vengence! Bonus points for being Anne Archer’s first film role.
So-so story, slow start, and then really cool martial arts action. Yanin Vismitananda stars as Zen, the mildly retarted girl who learns kung fu by watching movies. She doesn’t have many lines, but oh, she kicks a lot of ass. The fights played tribute to Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies. There is even a battle between her and another autistic kung fu fighter. Not very PC, but frag it, it was really well done.
Classic low budget B-Movie mockumentary film from 2005. It “documents” the career of major action star Frank Sledge. Starting from his humble beginnings as a dancer, don’t laugh, David Carradine knew absolutely zero martial arts when he landed the lead role in Kung Fu. He got the part based on his skill as a dancer and the fact that he wasn’t Chinese. There is also fun poked at Steven Seagal’s films, who, while an actually highly trained and experienced martial artist, had no acting background when he did his first feature film (Above the Law). This is complete with delightful cameos by actual actors talking about their work with Frank Sledge.
Oh my! I studied Tae Kwon Do back in the 70’s and 80’s and there is a lot more truth to this film than I am comfortable thinking about. It is very funny in spots and in the end, a story of a man finding his center and confidence in who he is, and being able to pass that message on to others.
My old VHS copy of this movie has the title “Kill the Golden Ninja.” Not one Ninja or a goose to be found in his flick. What you do find are two martial arts Masters in staring roles. American Kenpo Karate’s Ed Parker and Hapkido’s Bong Soo Han! A great 1970’s movie with some cool martial arts action.
The next B-Movie to honor the late Patrick Swayze, is this post-apocalyptic action flick. Good martial arts scenes in this one. Not surprising, since Swayze studied both dance and martial arts while growing up.