The Martial Arts Mania Podcast: Recent Episodes
A.J. Richardi
This is a podcast devoted to anything and everything martial arts, but specifically Kung Fu movies and the American martial arts flicks we grew up watching and loving. Hosted by super fans A.J. Richardi and Gavin Kelley, this show will be a combination of interviews, critiques, and audio commentaries for movies that are easily accessible and streamable for listeners. Logo courtesy of The Union Designs
Today we are taking a look at one of the most quintessential martial arts films of all time- Sonny Chiba’s The Street Fighter! Listen in as we discuss why this film was so groundbreaking, the effect it had on martial arts cinema, and why we love it so much! Also, don’t forget, we are now available on YouTube as well!
In today's episode, Gavin and I discuss the Kung Fu movie CLASSIC, Shaolin vs. Wu Tang! Directed by and starring the legendary Gordon Liu, this fast paced martial arts extravaganza not only has all the makings of a fan favorite, but has an extra special influence that can be felt across a multitude of genres and artistic mediums! Listen in as we breakdown this fan favorite, what we love about it, and its pop culture significance!
After a seven month hiatus, the Martial Arts Mania Podcast is back! AND FINALLY WITH VIDEO! Listen in as we catch you up on all of the crazy and awesome life events that have been going on, as well as our future plans for the podcast!
We are FINALLY back with a brand new episode for you guys! It’s been a minute, but we are super excited to bring you our 2025 recap episode! Listen in as we go over our highlights from the year, as well as our top 5 martial arts films! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are FINALLY back with a brand new episode for you guys! This time around, we are discussing our most recent outing to the New Beverly Cinema, where we once again went to see a Jimmy Wang Yu double screening with our sensei Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham! Listen in as we discuss an epic day of training, hanging out, and eating an excessive amount of popcorn! Did this double screening live up to the hype from our last time taking sensei to see his boy Jimmy Wang Yu on the big screen??? You’ll have to listen to find out!!!! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with a brand new review for you guys! This time around, we are taking a look at Scott Adkins’ latest feat, the martial arts adventure film- ‘Prisoner of War’. Brilliantly helmed by long time genre favorite and previous Adkins co-star Louis Mandylor, this film checks all the boxes on what we want to see in our martial arts cinema. With breathtaking visuals, hard-hitting fight scenes, and some incredible camerawork, this is no doubt one of Scott Adkins best movies yet! Listen in as we break down why we enjoyed this movie so much, and why we can’t WAIT for the next collaboration between Mandylor and Adkins! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with an AWESOME new episode for you guys. We are tackling a tough one this time around, by officially declaring our top 5 masters of Kung Fu Cinema! This was no easy task, as the student/teacher dynamic is commonplace within Kung Fu cinema, and narrowing it down to just 5 entries was difficult to say the least! Also, our usual synchronization is out the window this time around, as our lists are COMPLETELY different! We’ve of course got some of the classics you expect, but also some genius picks that are going to take you by surprise! Want to know who exactly? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to find out! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with a brand new episode for you guys, and this time around we are taking a look at David Mamet’s highly underrated martial arts masterpiece- Redbelt. A combination of multiple genres and filmmaking styles, this Neo-noir / Neo-chambara film is a must-see for any martial arts film aficionado. And what do we mean by our newly coined “Neo-chambara”? Well, you will just have to tune in to find out! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with a brand new series of episodes for you guys! This is our first edition of “Martial Arts Movies that you Probably Haven’t Seen but Should”! Some of these entries will be mainstream films that we have discovered A LOT of people surprisingly haven’t seen, some will be obscure flicks that most of you most likely have never heard of, and some will just be films we feel have perhaps slipped through the cracks in the densely populated world of martial arts cinema. We are excited to share this new series of episodes with you guys and who knows, maybe you will find a new favorite film amongst some of these! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with a brand new “listacle” for you guys… Our Top 5 “Old School” Kung Fu Stars! Listen in as we go over what exactly “old school Kung Fu” means, the criteria it took to qualify, and who made the cut! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are taking a look at a Hong Kong action classic- Eastern Condors! Directed by and starring the legendary Sammo Hung, this wartime, martial arts thriller is one of the most unique and technically well executed entries in Hung’s extensive filmography. With some phenomenal cinematography, an overall visually stunning aesthetic, and absolutely mind-blowing martial arts sequences, this film has a little bit of something for everyone. Listen in as we break down why you should watch this film, what we love so much about it, and surprisingly enough… what we DON’T like about it! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week Gavin and I are discussing our EPIC weekend we just had, which included multiple film screenings, some GREAT food (and not so great 😆) and of course…. DRAGONFEST! Listen in as we break down our Zatoichi screening, our fun-filled day hanging out with some awesome folks at Dragonfest, and finally, the INCREDIBLE ‘A Better Tomorrow’ triple screening with a special introduction by the legend himself- John Woo! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This time around we are taking a look at the newest entry in the John Wick Franchise, 'Ballerina'! We recorded this episode about two months ago, so we apologize about the delay, but hopefully you still enjoy this deep dive we take on the latest offering from the absolutely INSANbE world of John Wick! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’re back! And this time around, we are taking a look at one of the most eccentric straight-to-video martial arts entries of the 1990’s- Bloodmatch! Directed by the one and only Albert Pyun, the mastermind behind such genre classics as Cyborg and Nemesis, this slightly erratic neo-noir martial arts mystery is an ambitious entry in a stream of sometimes narratively derivative films of the era. With some an incredible martial arts scenes, unique visuals, and an overall dreamlike aesthetic, ‘Bloodmatch’ is an ambitious endeavor that tries its best to create a surreal action mystery for viewers. Does it succeed? You’ll have to check out the episode to find out! ALSO- we’ve got some big news for you guys about a certain event we will be attending next month!!!! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, we are tackling the newest entry in the long-running Karate Kid franchise- ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. It’s two worlds colliding, as the long-established “Miyagi” universe crosses over with Jackie Chan’s “Mr. Han” universe, in a collaboration that has some major hits, but some major misses as well. Listen in as we break down what we liked about this entry, what left us wanting more, and our thoughts on the possible future of the Karate Kid franchise! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are taking a look at ‘The Prosecutor’- a Hong Kong legal thriller with a Kung Fu twist! Starring AND directed by martial arts maestro Donnie Yen, this action extravaganza has a little bit of something for everyone. Great performances from a strong cast? Check✅ A compelling story of good overcoming equal? Check✅ And most importantly of all… a bunch of KICK-ASS fight scenes?! Double Check✅ ✅ Listen in as we break down this extremely fun film, what we loved so much about it, and why it leaves us excited for the future of Donnie Yen! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I have another great entry in our fan favorite ‘Kung Fu Comfort Films’ series! Per usual, we are looking at films we go back to time and time again! Whether it is for nostalgia, background noise, or we just straight up need a Kung Fu fix, these movies always deliver in the best kind of way! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are taking a look at the Japanese action extravaganza ‘Re:Born’! Starring genre favorite Tak Sakaguchi, this psychological martial arts thriller delivers nonstop martial arts action! A combination of Tak’s unique “wave” style, along with some insanely hard-hitting kicks and punches, ‘Re:Born’ delivers on all fronts, including having a 45 minute long action finale! Listen in as we breakdown what makes this film so entertaining, what sets it apart from other films in Tak’s filmography, and what we hope to see from him in the future! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This time around, we are taking a look at one of our favorite straight to video films, ‘City of Fear’! Starring martial arts legend and kicking maestro Gary Daniels, this early 2000’s action flick is a step above the rest! With stellar Hong Kong style fight scenes, and a Neo-noir plot ripped straight out of classic Hollywood cinema, this entry into the vast world of straight to video action cinema delivers in all of the right ways! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This time around, we are taking a look at the brand new Netflix film ‘Havoc’! From the genius mind of Gareth Evans comes another incredible entry into the world of hard-hitting, balls to the wall action cinema! Listen in as we break down this absolutely insane adrenaline rush, what we liked so much about it, and why it desperately needs to get SOME sort of theatrical release! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’re back and we’ve got a brand new episode for you, hot off the press! Listen in as we break down another epic double Kung Fu screening at the New Beverly Cinema, this time featuring dynamic super kicker John Liu! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with a short and sweet episode this week, with a very special guest, our very own sensei, Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham! This time around, we are paying tribute to our dear friend and a man sensei considered a brother, Richard Norton. Listen in as sensei talks about how they first met, the special relationship the two had, and some of his fondest memories with his dear friend “Richie”. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I have another great entry in our fan favorite ‘Kung Fu Comfort Films’ series! Per usual, we are looking at films we go back to time and time again! Whether it is for nostalgia, background noise, or we just straight up need a Kung Fu fix, these movies always deliver in the best kind of way! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
The world works in awfully strange ways sometimes. We had been having a blast recording our episodes on the Lucky Stars series, and we were looking forward to discussing the final film of the initial trilogy, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars, for a multitude of reasons. Amongst those, are the stellar action scenes found throughout the film, particularly the finale, in which a trio of deadly assassins take on our lovable bunch of misfits in an epic throwdown! One of the most memorable aspects of this extremely hard-hitting and kinetic sequence is the battle between the legendary Sammo Hung and martial arts maestro Richard Norton. We were scheduled to record on Saturday, but work related events postponed our recording by a couple of days. Little did we know, that within that time frame, our mate Richard would suddenly pass away. Shocked, devastated, and utterly confused by the news, we initially decided to postpone our episode until a later point in time. Upon much reflection though, we ultimately came to the conclusion that we should move forward with the episode. Listen in as we breakdown why we enjoy this film so much, the similarities and differences between it and its predecessors, and our future plans for paying tribute to the wonderful human being that was Richard Norton. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy.
This week, we are taking a look at the second film in the Lucky Stars series, appropriately titled, ‘My Lucky Stars’! An early example of what can be considered a “requel”, this film acts primarily as a reboot of the series, taking an almost identical formula from the first one, with most of the same cast returning, an ups the stakes with even crazier action, international locales, and zany comedy scenarios that are definitely not as family friendly as the first film’s! Listen in as we break down this action classic, that cranks the martial arts mayhem up to an 11, while simultaneously taking the humor in a whole new, and far less innocent direction. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This time around, Gavin and I are starting our deep dive into the Lucky Stars series, with its very first entry- ‘Winners and Sinners’! Listen in as we break down one of our all-time favorite Hong Kong comedies, that just so happens to also have some stellar martial arts action! The first in the long running Lucky Stars series, this first entry is an often underrated and forgotten gem that might actually be the strongest standalone film of the entire series! Balancing that fine line between local and universal in terms of the comedy, as well as being a groundbreaking piece in terms of contemporary fight choreography in Hong Kong martial arts cinema, ‘Winners and Sinners’ is an absolute must for anyone that is a fan of the genre! Listen in as we break down what makes this film so iconic, where it succeeded where other entries in the series failed, and why the comedy is so relatable even to this day! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’re back! And this time around, in celebration of Chuck Norris’ 85th birthday, we are reviewing one of his most martial arts centric films in his extensive library of work- ‘Forced Vengeance’! Listen in as we break down this 80’s classic about a high kicking American cowboy out for vengeance against the seedy underworld of Hong Kong! Part martial arts flick, part Neo-noir, and all out action, this one has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy (including a stellar cameo from our friend Richard Norton)! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back, and this time around, we are talking about one of my all time favorite martial arts documentaries, the 1976 Karate epic ‘Fighting Black Kings’ aka ‘The Strongest Karate’! A documentary focusing on the very first Kyokushin Karate world open tournament, it is an epically cool time capsule of the 1970’s martial arts scene! In a true display of courage, grit, and determination, we see fighters from all over the world put it all on the line for a chance at glory! The insane abilities and fighting prowess of the Karateka involved show just how far ahead of their time they were in terms of full-contact fighting application! Listen in as we break down what we like about this documentary, how well executed it is, and why it is definitely one of the best comfort films out there! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’re finally back! This time around, we are sharing our experience at the New Beverly Cinema’s most recent Kung Fu screening, a double dose of Cynthia Khan in ‘Queen’s High’ and ‘Angel on Fire’! Listen in as we break down these two VASTLY different films, one which we LOVED, and another which took away 90 minutes from our life that we will never get back! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! We’re finally back on track, so keep an eye out for another episode coming soon! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with our New Year special! Listen in as we recap our awesome 2024, go over our favorite experiences and films of the year, and do an epic gift exchange! Thank you to all of our special guests and cohosts this year, including Max Huang, Topher Mowry, and Randel Davis! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! We’ve got a lot of big things coming in 2025 so keep an eye out! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I return with one of our fan favorite episode formats- Kung Fu Comfort Films Vol. 7! Listen in as we break down these favorites we come back to time and time again. Whether we need a film to sit down and watch, some background noise, or a little form of escapism, these movies always deliver an extra dose of nostalgia and entertainment! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We have a first this week! With Gavin still out of town on his workcation, we have our first ever returning guest! Joining me this week is Wing Chun instructor, podcaster, and everyone’s favorite neighborhood bus driver, Randel Davis! Together, we are breaking down a suggestion of his, the moving, coming of age, martial arts anime epic- ‘The Boy and the Beast’. Listen in as we break down this magnificent picture, what we liked so much about it, and why you should watch it, even if you aren’t a typical anime fan! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, while Gavin is out of town, I’ve got a very special guest helping me review a pretty epic movie! Joining me in the virtual studio is martial artist, podcaster, and Wing Chun instructor Topher Mowry aka that other Wing Chun guy! And you may be thinking “Ok, so they are going to review a Wing Chun film right?” Well, that would be too predictable! Instead, we are watching a movie about one of the greatest Karate masters of all time- ‘Karate Bullfighter’ aka ‘Champion of Death’! Based off of the HIGHLY fictionalized manga about Kyokushin Karate founder Mas Oyama, this Sonny Chiba film features everything we love about the Toei Karate films of the 1970’s. Zany, cartoonish villains? Check ✅ Over the top melodrama? Check ✅ Epic Karate training and fight scenes? DOUBLE CHECK ✅✅ Oh, and did I mention he fights a bull? Listen in as we break down what we love so much about this movie and the other works of Sonny Chiba, elements of Karate and what makes it so special, and why you should watch this movie ASAP if you haven’t already! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
2024 has been the year of surprises and films exceeding our expectations in terms of martial arts cinema. First, we had ‘Twilight Warriors: Walled In’ which ended up being an INCREDIBLE film that we honestly both went into expecting to be disappointed. Instead, we were treated to one of our favorite martial arts movies of the past decade! Then we had ‘Officer Black Belt’, which came out of NOWHERE and gave us one of the most moving and powerful narratives to ever be told in the martial arts film genre! Now, we have another contender for best flick of the year, and this one is going to BLOW YOUR MIND! Hailing from the land down under, and bringing some insane martial arts thunder, is one of the GREATEST straight to video films we’ve ever witnessed, ‘Life After Fighting’! Directed by, written by, and starring martial arts maestro Bren Foster, this explosive fight fest brings an onslaught of martial arts melees at the highest level, both in terms of choreography and execution, as well as a moving story with characters that you are truly invested in. Throw in an atrociously vicious and vile villain, and strong performances that exceed the expectations of the genre, and everyone can find something to enjoy in this truly compelling picture. Oh, and did we mention that there is a BALLS-TO-THE-WALL 25 MINUTE LONG FINALE?! Streaming stateside on Tubi TV, you must do yourself a favor and watch this one as soon as possible! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
Hot off the press, we JUST recorded this episode about an hour ago! We apologize about the delay this week, but we have a great episode where we talk about the KILLER double Chuck Norris screening at the New Beverly Cinema last week! We were privileged enough to get to see what can be considered Chuck’s two “horror” films in his vast library of work, ‘Silent Rage’ and ‘Hero and the Terror’. Listen in as we talk about this unique double feature, my epic weekend leading up to, and some of the fun activities that we participated in! Be warned- we go off on a lot of tangents this episode, ranging from: food, training, light beer, Hot Yoga, and so much more! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are reviewing one of our FAVORITE Karate films of all time, the aptly titled Karate Girl! Starring real-life Shōrin-ryū black belt Rina Takeda, as well as featuring an appearance by Karate master Naka Tatsuya, this low-budget martial arts pic delivers high octane results! With a plethora of fantastic action scenes, manga inspired characters, and a story that embodies that true Bushido spirit, this film has a little bit of something for everyone! On top of all that, it has what very well may be the GREATEST Karate fight scene of all time! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, we are talking about our return to the New Beverly Cinema for a double dose of Hong Kong action madness! Starting off with a Chow Yun-Fat heroic bloodshed entry with ‘City War’, and followed by an action adventure epic in ‘The Legend of Wisely’, listen in as we break down these two super fun films and all of our usual activities that go along with these bad ass screenings at Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are reviewing the biggest surprise of the year so far, a movie that left us completely blown away… ‘Officer Black Belt’! One of the most poignant, powerful, and triumphant tales of heroism in recent memory, this newly released Korean Netflix action picture is so much more than what it appears on the surface. Tackling an absolutely horrifying and unfortunately all too real subject matter, director Kim Ju-hwan manages to create a narrative of hope, compassion, and optimism in a world that is growing ever dark and full of despair. Filled with enjoyable and purely good-natured characters, going up against some of the evilest monsters in human form, this story is a reminder to us that there are courageous individuals left in the world, sacrificing everything to make it a better place for the rest of us. Kim Woo-Bin’s superb portrayal of our protagonist Lee Jung-Do is nothing short of amazing, and one of the most likable martial arts characters of all time. Pitted against the utterly heinous Kang Ki-Jung (magnificently portrayed by Lee Hyun-geol), Jung-Do must overcome insurmountable odds to bring to justice an atrocious crime ring hell-bent on hurting the vulnerable and innocent of our society. Combining perhaps the most moving and compelling story to ever be told through the lens of the martial arts film genre, with top-of-the-line action scenes as well, ‘Officer Black Belt’ has a little bit of something for everyone. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be on the edge of your seat in fear, but ultimately you will leave knowing that at the end of the day, there are still real heroes out there, and the power of the human spirit can always prevail if you believe in it enough! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
His sword made him a hero. His courage made him a legend. When it comes to Zatoichi... justice is blind! This week Gavin and I are coming at you with a super in-depth analysis of Shintaro Katsu’s final outing as his iconic blind swordsman character in the visually extravagant ‘Zatoichi: Darkness is His Ally’ (1989). The 26th and penultimate film in the long-running series, this would be the last time we see Katsu’s classic portrayal of the wandering Yakuza, whose quick draw swordsmanship and prosperous gambling skills could be matched by none. Listen in as we breakdown the most unique entry in the series, directed by Shintaro Katsu himself. With a stunning mise-en-scène and abstract story telling style full of poignant and powerful vignettes, this film stands out from the crowd in the beloved chanbara チャンバラ genre of Japanese cinema. You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are discussing the epic good time we had watching the 90’s cult classic ‘Surf Ninjas’ up on the big screen at Vidiots in Eagle Rock! Filled with fun, friends, and fans galore, this was one of the coolest screenings we have ever been to! With special appearances from cast members Nicolas Cowan and Ernie Reyes Jr., as well as an ultra cool ambiance that only a venue like Vidiots could provide, we were left with a nostalgic sense of awesomeness that can only be summed up in two words… KWANTZU DUDES!!!! Listen in as we break down this fan favorite film, what we love so much about it, and why it is truly an underrated comedic gem. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are reviewing the action extravaganza that is.…’Twilight Warriors: Walled in’ aka ‘Kowloon Walled City’! A MAJOR surprise for both Gavin and me, this is one of the BEST martial arts action pictures in years! A thrill ride from start to finish, it is a throwback to the classic Hong Kong films of old, both aesthetically and thematically. With incredible action sequences, AMAZING costume and set design, and a phenomenal cast, this movie has a little bit of something for everyone; whether you are a hardcore fan of the genre or new to martial arts cinema as well. Listen in as we discuss what we loved about this film, why we initially had some hesitations going in, and why you should watch it ASAP! And if for no other reason, you should check it out for the extraordinary, fun as hell, scene stealing performance from Philip Ng, who creates one of the most insane and maniacal martial arts villains we have seen since the glory days of Hong Kong cinema! We’re calling it right now, best supporting actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards and/or Golden Horse awards! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
The Martial Arts Mania Podcast is BACK! We have finally returned after our summer break hiatus, and we are super excited to share with you everything that has been going on in our busy lives! Listen in as we go over some major life changes, a couple of killer accomplishments, a few hurdles we’ve encountered along the way, as well as the awesome Bruce Lee double screening we just attended at the New Beverly Cinema! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy! #brucelee #thebigboss #fistoffury #kungfumovies #thenewbeverly #hongkong #martialarts #podcast
It’s been a little bit, and we apologize about the delay, but we ARE BACK! Listen in as we discuss one of THE BEST Kung Fu screenings we’ve been to in a while- the Jimmy Wang Yu double feature at the New Beverly last month! Featured were two BEAUTIFUL 35mm copies of both ‘The One Armed Boxer’ and ‘Master of the Flying Guillotine”. Not only that, but we were accompanied by the one any only Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham, or was we like to call him… Sensei! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, we are discussing one of the coolest, fun, over-the-top, genre melding action/adventure extravaganzas, ‘Big Trouble in Little China’! Not only that, we have a very special guest joining us in this deep dive of the John Carpenter classic, Randel Davis of the ‘Kung Fu Conversations’ podcast! Listen in as we nerd out about anything and everything martial arts, 80’s action, and Kung Fu movie related. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are breaking down our AMAZING Bruceploitation weekend in Los Angeles. It might have been our second time viewing the brilliant documentary ‘Enter the Clones of Bruce’, but it was our very FIRST time meeting the larger than life Kung Fu superstar, and one of the “Big Three” clones himself- Bruce Le! Listen in as we go over our action packed weekend, which included: workouts, Hong Kong themed escape rooms, beach trips, hanging with friends such as Michael Worth and Frank Djeng, and the MOST INCREDIBLE POPCORN WE’VE EVER HAD courtesy of the Alamo Drafthouse Theater!!! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, we’re breaking away from the usual format of reviewing martial arts films and doing our very first Karate Combat recap/breakdown! Joining me for this inaugural episode is coach, trainer and multi-time kickboxing and MMA champion German ‘The Bat’ Baltazar! Listen in as we breakdown Karate Combat 45: Dubai- Karate vs. Muay Thai! This was an especially fun card with the contrast in styles, the special ruleset, and some of the VERY big names they had fighting on it. We give our honest critique of what we liked and didn’t like about the event, what appeals to us about Karate Combat, and what we think they still need to work on. You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Also, don’t forget to follow German’s AMAZING design company- the Union Designs!Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week we are tackling the brand new, pulse-pounding epic- Monkey Man! A cinematic experience like nothing you’ve ever seen, this non-stop thrill ride will keep your eyes glued to the screen from start to finish! Ultimately captivating from the beginning, but consciously aware of narrative structure, first time Director/ writer/star Dev Patel brilliantly creates a slow burning yet highly kinetic, viscerally mesmerizing, in your face revenge thriller! Deeply engrained in multiple cultures, genres, and cinematic modes- Patel proves himself as an all around powerhouse with one of the best directorial debuts in recent memory, and like the character he so passionately portrays, has been reborn as the ultimate leading man! Listen is as we break down the brilliance of this film, why we feel it is so good, and why you should immediately stop what you are doing and go see it in theaters! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are tackling the very difficult task of reviewing the new action picture Road House (2024), the remake of the beloved 80’s fight-fest classic. Reviews have been mixed to say the least, with some people loving it, and others absolutely despising it. We try to give as fair of a review as possible, sharing what we loved about it (hint hint a certain unhinged and absolutely maniacal Irish henchman) and what we were EXTREMELY annoyed by (hint hint a WEAK script and even WEAKER CG). Listen in as we dissect what the film got right, what it got terribly wrong, and what we can hope for if they do any sort of follow up. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week Gavin and I discuss our past epic weekend in which we went to the double Jackie Chan screening at the New Beverly Cinema! Featuring two of Jackie’s classic films, ‘Drunken Master II’ and 'Mr. Nice Guy', it was most definitely a screening to remember! Listen in as we discuss what we liked about the screenings (and surprisingly disliked), our time hanging out/training with our sensei Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham, and all the delicious food we chowed down on! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’ve been crunched for time and super busy with other projects recently, but we managed to squeeze in a recording yesterday, so here you go! Kung Fu Comfort Films vol. 6! Listen in as we discuss some of our favorite films we go back to again and again. Whether it’s for background noise, or a proper sit down viewing, these films entertain us no matter how many times we watch them and have a nostalgia factor level of 💯 Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are back with a VERY special episode for you guys. This week, we have the honor and privilege of interviewing the multi-talented Max Huang! Lifelong martial artist, musician, actor, stuntman, choreographer, director, and member of the Jackie Chan stunt team (just to name a few of his accomplishments) you probably remember him best from his FATALLY awesome, scene stealing role as Kung Lao in 2021’s Mortal Kombat! A true fan of the Kung fu movie genre, we had a blast talking anything and everything Kung fu movie related. Listen in as we discuss a whole series of topics, ranging from his time growing up in Germany, working on the Jackie Chan stunt team, his future hopes and desires for martial arts cinema, and even our time spent training at the Shanghai Sports University together! Max’s positive energy and optimistic output are absolutely contagious, and both Gavin and I were truly inspired and pumped up after this recording! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are back with everyone’s favorite Kung fu superstar, Jackie Chan, and one of his MANY Chinese New Year releases- City Hunter! An absolutely wacky, over the top, action extravaganza, filled wall-to-wall with Wong Jing’s trademark irreverent humor, this manga adaptation is one of the most unique entries in Jackie’s long and storied filmography. With a great supporting cast, including the always talented Gary Daniels and one of the best “gwei-lo” baddies of all time, Richard Norton, there is enough solid martial arts action mixed in with the slapstick scenarios to keep the hardcore fight fans engaged throughout it all! Listen in as we break down why we like this movie so much, how different it is from the rest of Jackie’s body of work, and why you should check it out asap! Also, just as a heads up, we recorded this about 2 weeks ago or so now as we decided to pivot and release an episode on Action Jackson instead last week in honor of Carl Weathers 🙏 Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’re back! This time around, we are breaking some of our own rules and discussing an 80’s classic that although is not a “martial arts film” has plenty of fight scenes in it, as well as a couple of martial arts sequences as well. In honor of the passing of the legendary Carl Weathers, we are discussing his epically fun starring vehicle from 1988, ‘Action Jackson’. The epitome of why 80’s cinema was such a good time, ‘Action Jackson’ is wall to wall filled with excitement; ranging from fist fights, explosions, musical sequences, chase scenes, and so much more, you can’t help but have a good time when taking in this over the top action extravaganza. Listen in as we discuss why we love this movie so much, why Carl Weathers holds such a special place in both of our hearts, as well as BOTH of our experiences meeting the legend himself. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’re FINALLY back, and BADder than ever, with BAD CITY! Maybe our favorite martial arts film of 2023 (and definitely the most underrated), this tale of Yakuza vs cops has all the makings of an action classic. Gritty, grizzled detectives who punch and kick their way to justice? Check✅ Evil crime lords who savagely kill anyone in their way? Check✅ Bone crunching fight scenes including a 15+ minute martial arts finale!? DOUBLE CHECK!!!! ✅✅Listen in as we share why we enjoyed this movie so much, why the martial arts sequences are so good, and why star Hitoshi Ozawa needs to be in more movies!!! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! You can currently view Bad City on Prime, Tubi and the Hi-yah app! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We’ve been absent extra long again, but we are back with a super fun episode where we review the over the top, zany, hard-hitting, Japanese action extravaganza- Bushido Man! Following wandering warrior Toramaru, a student of “the Cosmic Way”, on his journey to become the best fighter in Japan, this film is a showcase for some PHENOMENAL martial arts sequences, utilizing a multitude of different styles, weapons, as well as an eclectic cast of eccentric characters all too willing to throw down with our protagonist. Listen in as we break down the different fight scenes, why we enjoy this movie so much, and why you should give this one a go! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
Surprise episode drop! That’s right, we are a few days ahead of schedule, because we have a special Bruce Lee themed episode in honor of the Little Dragon’s birthday! This time around, we are examining his revenge driven Kung Fu masterpiece- ‘Fist of Fury’! His second feature film after his return to Hong Kong in the early 70’s, ‘Fist of Fury’ focuses on the fictional character of Chen Zhen, as he sets out to avenge the death of his master, the real life folk-hero Huo Yuanjia, in the international settlement of early 20th century Shanghai. Filled with ferocious Kung Fu battles, masterful melodrama, and stunning choreography, ‘Fist of Fury’ holds up as one of Bruce Lee’s most consistent pieces of work, which is often imitated, but never duplicated. Listen in as we discuss what makes this picture so special, why it stands out amongst Bruce Lee’s films, and why it is still one of the greatest martial arts pictures of all time! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
It’s been a long time in the making, but this week we finally drop our long awaited ‘Top 5 Martial Arts Movie Soundtracks’ episode!This was a fun, but EXTREMELY difficult episode for us as there are SO MANY great films that could have made this list. To narrow it down to 5 was no easy task, and not to brag, but I think we did a pretty darn good job! Listen in as we discuss our entries, why we thought these films were worthy, and why some others ALMOST made the lists, but just couldn’t quite make the cut! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
It’s been a bit crazy for us here at the Martial Arts Mania Podcast, and we apologize about missing last week, but we’re back with another great episode! We are doing our 5th edition of our fan favorite “Kung Fu Comfort Films”! Listen in as we discuss some of our absolute favorite martial arts films that we go back to again and again, whether we want to sit down and enjoy a stellar film, or just have a bit of nostalgic escapism! We’ve got entries from Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, Sonny Chiba, and many more! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
It’s that time of year again, and therefore we are proud to present our 2nd annual spooky Halloween themed martial arts cinema episode! This year, we are talking about the crème de la crème of horror infused martial arts cinema, and one of the greatest comic book movies to ever grace the silver screen… BLADE! Starring the one and only Wesley Snipes, and featuring the likes of Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson and N’Bushe Wright, this tale of the half-human/half-vampire superhero is not only a slick as hell, highly kinetic, pulse-pounding action thrill ride, but also the catalyst for what would eventually become the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chock-full of stellar martial arts sequences, vampire carnage, and enough frights to keep you on the edge of your seat for its entire 120 minute runtime, ‘Blade’ still stands out as one of the most entertaining and stylistic horror martial arts films of all time! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
In honor of the passing of martial arts movie legend Mang Hoi- director, stuntman, actor, and fight choreographer extraordinaire, we are taking a look at his one true solo starring role, ‘The Buddha Assassinator’! Aside from having one of the coolest movie titles of all time, this film is also an extremely solid entry in the vast library of classic Kung Fu cinema. With a great supporting role from genre favorite Chin Yuen San, and the wonderfully villainous Hwang Jang Lee as our main antagonist, this film is chalk full of incredible training sequences, comical interludes, and some breathtaking martial arts battles! Not only should any fan of the genre who wants a little bit of Kung Fu escapism should check this one out, but it is also a great introductory film to anyone who isn’t as well versed in Hong Kong Kung Fu cinema! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
We are a bit late this week, but NEW EPISODE ALERT! This time around, we are reviewing the balls to the wall, absolutely insane, fanatical stunt showcase that is ‘Bangkok Knockout’. Helmed by Thai action cinema legend Panna Rittikrai, and featuring his team of stunt performers, this is one of the hardest hitting action spectacles of the last 15 years. Listen in as we break down the movie, what we liked about it, and why you should go check it out right now! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
Bruce Lee- the Dragon. Considered by many to be the greatest martial artist of all time… one of the most iconic individuals of the 20th century… one in a million, that could never be replicated… but that doesn’t mean people weren’t going to try! That’s right, this week we are reviewing the INCREDIBLE documentary ‘Enter the Clones of Bruce’, which explores the wonderfully weird, wacky and absolutely BONKERS world of Bruceploitation! Featuring Bruce LE, Bruce LI, DRAGON Lee, Bruce LEung, Bruce LO, and many more, this brilliant examination of one of the most unique and fascinating sub genres of cinema will leave you highly entertained, and eager for more! With stellar direction from David Gregory, as well as some solid production work from our friends Michael Worth and Frank Djeng, ‘Enter the Clones of Bruce’ is some of the most fun you’ll have this year at the movies! Listen in as we talk about the documentary, our love for Bruceploitation, and one of my quickest trips I’ve ever made to LA for this awesome screening courtesy of Beyondfest! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
It’s the ancient and the contemporary. The traditional and the modern. The ultimate representation of good vs. evil. When two warriors from the Ming dynasty are catapulted 300 years into the future- one a righteous man of honor, the other a sociopathic predator- they must navigate a present day Hong Kong, while simultaneously trying to find their way back to the past. With a stoic leading man performance from genre favorite Yuen Biao, and an absolutely terrifying villainous turn from Yuen Wah, ‘The Iceman Cometh’ is an entertaining, genre-melding entry from the golden era of 1980’s Hong Kong cinema. With hints of classic martial arts cinema, as well as a Neo-noir landscape reminiscent of techno thrillers of the era, this unique picture manages to overcome some of its narrative shortcomings through its stunning visuals. Throw in a great supporting performance from the always lovely Maggie Cheung, and ‘The Iceman Cometh’ delivers on all fronts! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week in celebration of our SUPER 100th episode, we are taking a look at one of the greatest action movie sequels of all time, ‘Supercop’! The third entry in Jackie Chan’s Police Story series, this time around, we see Hong Kong police detective Chan Ka-Kui (Kevin Chan) go undercover to infiltrate a notorious drug lord’s operation, and bring his deadly empire to a halt! Starting off in mainland China, and bouncing from Hong Kong to Thailand to Malaysia, this international adventure is chock-full of amazing fight scenes, crazy explosions, and some of the most insane stunt work ever captured on film. Oh, and did I mention it co-stars the one and only Michelle Yeoh? She not only holds her own against the action maestro Jackie, but actually matches him beat for beat in both the fight scenes AND the stunt work. If prison breaks, gun battles, helicopter-hanging aerial acrobatics, and motorcycles jumping on to moving trains sound like a good time to you, then you DEFINITELY need to check this one out! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, the YouTube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
A tough as nails Hong Kong detective. A hard-boiled cop from Japan. And 4 blood brothers driven by a vow of vengeance. When their paths cross, the fists, bullets, and blood bring a reign of terror across Hong Kong! This week we are discussing the high-octane, absolutely brilliant, Hong Kong action classic, ‘Royal Warriors’. Starring the one and only Michelle Yeoh, and featuring the equally as talented Hiroyuki Sanada, this 1986 production features some of the hardest hitting, most ferocious fight scenes of any Hong Kong film EVER, as well as a shoot em up scene that would make John Woo proud. If you'd prefer to see our lovely faces, our Youtube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week Gavin and I are taking a look at the Korean action thriller ‘The Roundup’ starring the ultimate macho man of cinema himself, Ma Dong-Seok! Portraying a tough as nails cop with devastating power in his fists, he’ll stop at nothing to get the job done, and make sure the bad guys are brought to Justice! Punching, kicking, and Judo throwing his way through both Vietnam and South Korea, Detective Ma Seok-Do is a human freight train on a collision course with any criminal that stands in his way! With some insanely powerful fisticuffs, vicious knife fights, and brutal takedowns, this one will keep you entertained from start to finish, and have you cheering out loud as Detective Ma delivers his own unique brand of justice! If you prefer to see our lovely faces, our Youtube video for the episode will be out Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
Hey everyone! Guess what?! Not only do we have a new episode out where we talk about a kick-ass action movie from 1980’s Japan, but it is also our first episode WITH VIDEO! That’s right, we are finally dipping our toes into the Youtube waters, so keep an eye out on either Thursday or Friday if you want to watch Gavin and I be totally confused and awkward in front of the camera! In the meantime, this week we are discussing the Hiroyuki Sanada and Sonny Chiba martial arts adventure film ‘Shogun’s Ninja’! An epically good time with a crazy Jazz soundtrack, spider Ninjas, and manga inspired Jiujitsu masters, this one is a hell of a lot of fun for anyone looking for a bit of escapism. If you prefer video, find us on Youtube starting this Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
Van Damme, Mickey Rourke, Rob Shneider, and…. Dennis Rodman?! Need we say more?! That’s right, this week Gavin and I are sharing our epic experience at the New Beverly in which we were treated to a double dose of Tsui Hark directed JCVD action with both ‘Knock Off’ and ‘Double Team’. Listen in as we break down these two absolutely insane, bonkers, and highly entertaining 90’s action flicks, which somehow manage to get better with age, and are even crazier on the big screen! We had a great time recording this episode, and had an even better time watching these movies with a packed theater of genre loving fans! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
A coming of age drama about four adopted brothers, and the surrogate father who raised them as his own. Their fear of rejection from society, and their father’s haunted past, keep them hidden away from the outside world, though they long for a life of normalcy. With a passion for culture, the arts, and Italian cuisine, they hope to one day be able to experience the joys life has to offer, while being accepted by the citizens of New York City…. oh, and they just happen to be KICK-ASS NINJAS! That’s right, this week Gavin and I are reviewing one of greatest comic book/martial arts/independent films ever made, the ORIGINAL ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’! Directed by music video maestro Steve Barron and backed by martial arts production royalty in the form of Golden Harvest, this totally tubular 90’s ninja flick is not your typical, franchise based film adaptation. Witty and lighthearted, yet equally as dark and gritty, this slickly shot and dynamically executed martial arts extravaganza is so much more than just a family friendly feature. With brilliant camerawork, editing, lighting, and a kick-ass score to boot, TMNT ascends genre cliches, and elevates itself to the level of a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster! Groundbreaking costumes and effects help accentuate the mesmerizing, visceral action of the turtles, whether they are battling Shredder and the Foot Clan, or dancing and chowing down on some delicious pizza! With how much of a personal influence the Ninja Turtles and this film in particular have had on us, this episode was an absolute blast to record! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy! Cowabunga dudes!
New episode alert! This week Gavin and I are attempting the difficult task of reviewing the new Netflix buddy action film, ‘Hidden Strike’, starring the one and only Jackie Chan and wrestling superstar turned leading man John Cena. Why is it difficult you ask? Did we like the film? Did we hate the film? Well…. we have mixed feelings to say the least. If you want to know how we TRULY feel about the film, you will have to listen to find out! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
When corruption runs rampant, and the powerful exploit the weak, only a hero can defend the people, and bring the unjust to their knees. A Robin Hood of the east must team up with a Chinese folk hero in order to bring down a powerful government official with a deadly Buddha palm! Death-dealing nuns, killer Shaolin monks, and an army of soldiers can’t stop the righteous efforts of the one and only… IRON MONKEY! Listen in as we discuss the 1993 “wire-fu” classic, ‘Iron Monkey’, directed by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping and produced by visionary filmmaker Tsui Hark. Included in this over the top martial arts extravaganza is a diverse and eclectic cast, led by superstar Donnie Yen, genre favorite Yu Rongguang, and… a female Wong Fei Hung?! Add to that some absolutely INSANE fight scenes, and this film is perfect for die-hard martial arts film aficionados, or those interested in dipping their toes into the world of Kung Fu cinema for the first time! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
One is an illegal immigrant on the run from a ruthless Hong Kong gangster. The other, a struggling student from Taiwan just trying to make his father proud. Their paths cross in the most unlikely of circumstances, but together they must survive the mean streets of…. CHINATOWN! That’s right, this week we are taking a look at the 1977 Shaw Brothers Kung Fu classic, ‘Chinatown Kid’. Directed by genre pioneer Chang Cheh, and starring one of the biggest superstars of the era, Alexander Fu Sheng, this gripping tale of struggle, brotherhood, and revenge, delivers plenty of hard-hitting action, as well as a surprising amount of social commentary as well. Today’s episode is extra long as we spend a good 30 minutes trying to dissect how many different versions/edits there are of this film, and how the plot completely changes depending on which version you watch! We also take a look at the amazing Kung Fu battles, the thematic elements which make it a surprising entry in the long list of Hong Kong migration films, as well the interesting and tragic career of Alexander Fu Sheng. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week we are tackling one of my all time favorite old school Kung Fu movies, and perhaps the first one I ever saw! That’s right, we are discussing the 1979 Jackie Chan classic, ‘The Fearless Hyena’! Crazy villains?! ✅ Non-stop Kung Fu battles? ✅ Hyenas galore?!…. uhhh no ❌ BUT there is a unicorn!… sort of🦄. If epically intense fight scenes, with crazy intricate choreography are your sort of thing, then you should check this one out ASAP! See a young Jackie Chan at his athletic prime jump, kick, punch, and cross-dress (wait what?!) his way to victory! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
In honor of America’s birthday, we have a special Chuck Norris 4th of July episode for you this time around! If a karate kickin’, beer drinkin’, ex-marine Texas Ranger who drives a Dodge Ram Supercharger while battling gun smugglers and cartel bosses doesn’t scream “AMERICA”, then I don’t know what does! That’s right, we are taking a look at Chuck’s greatest film EVER- ‘Lone Wolf Mcquade’! This 1983 action classic features a modern day cowboy in a film heavily influenced by Spaghetti westerns, who uses guns, grenades, and grade A martial arts to bring down the bad guys! It’s a western! It’s an eastern! It’s American! It’s Italian! And shot entirely in and around the El Paso area in Texas, it’s also got some Mexican influence as well! Like our great country, it’s an amalgamation of multiple cultures all wrapped up into one! Heavily influenced by the style of Sergio Leone, yet maintaining a unique sense of individuality, this film is a must watch for any true action film fan! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
Imagine you and your best mate are having the time of your life on the beautiful mediterranean coast of Malta. You’ve started a successful business, things are looking up, and all is good! Then, OUT OF NOWHERE, your life is interrupted by ninjas, killer clowns, vampires, and Italian mobsters. You’ve got to fend off a horde of assassins, while simultaneously playing bodyguard to the most ungrateful, spoiled mafia brat you could imagine- whose sh*t (both literally and figuratively) is driving you crazy. Throw into the mix a wild Kung Fu master looking to test your skills at the most inopportune moments, and a surrogate father figure who is about as loving as the Predator, and you’ll get just a TASTE of what Mike Fallon has to deal with in ‘Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday’. A crazy, fun, action-packed martial arts extravaganza that will have you laughing from start to finish, this sequel to 2018’s ‘Accident Man’ far surpasses the original, and puts itself up there as one of the greatest VOD films of all time. With the look and feel of a major studio production, top-notch fight choreography, an extremely clever and legitimately hilarious script, as well as a phenomenal cast (including a scene stealing performance by Sara Chang), this is a film that just about anyone can have a good time watching! If you haven’t seen the first one, no worries, this is practically a stand alone film that gives you a rundown of the previous movie’s events and gets you up to date. Currently available on Hulu, I STRONGLY suggest you give this a watch ASAP! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy! And WHATEVER you do.. don’t forget the safe word… FLAMINGO!
A technological advancement that threatens the human race as we know it, a corrupt senator vying for ultimate power, and the one good cop who must travel through time and space to stop him, while saving the woman he loves… and still finding time to do the FREAKIN’ SPLITS! That’s right, this week we are taking a look back at the 1994 science fiction epic, ‘Timecop’! Directed by genre veteran Peter Hyams and starring the one and only muscles from Brussels himself, Jean-Claude Van Damme, this action-packed thrill ride hardly gives the viewer a chance to catch their breath! A non-stop barrage of shoot outs, explosions, and fist fights galore, integrated into a fun (albeit slightly disjointed) science fiction thriller, ‘Timecop’ will keep even the most jaded of viewers entertained. With a strong leading man performance from JCVD, and a wickedly good villainous outing by Ron Silver, this popcorn action flick is the perfect escapist entertainment we could all use once in a while! Now currently available to stream for free on Tubi, I highly suggest you give this one a go! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, we are discussing our epically good time we had upon our return to the New Beverly Cinema! This time around, it was a hyper-kinetic Kung Fu double feature of ‘A Book of Heroes’ (1986) and ‘Kickboxer’s Tears’ (1992). The first- a balls to the wall, zany, Taiwanese action comedy with some of the craziest and impressive fight scenes you’ve ever seen! The second- A Hong Kong martial arts melodrama dealing with the shady world of underground boxing, forbidden love, and bloody revenge! With both film featuring the legendary Yukarki Oshima, and ‘Kickboxer’s Tears’ being led by genre favorite Moon Lee, it was a “girls with guns” double dose that left the entire theater cheering, gasping, and wincing in pain! Listen in as we discuss both movies, are experience at the New Beverly and hanging out with our friends Juan, Aaron, and former podcast guest Tiger Sheu! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are tackling one of the greatest Kung Fu movies of all time. YES, we have said this before, but this is truly one of the masterpieces of old school Kung Fu Cinema- ‘Martial Club’ (1981). Directed by Kung Fu visionary Lau Kar Leung, and starring the iconic Gordon Liu as Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung, this master class in martial arts filmmaking has all the elements of an all-time classic, and it doesn’t disappoint! With an emphasis on 武德 or “martial arts ethics”, this picture showcases not only the physical aspects of Chinese martial arts, but also the honor and morals that go along with it. You’ve got North vs. South, kicks vs. fists, righteous vs. dishonest-this along with ferocious fight scenes from start to finish, and an opening lion dance sequence that has to be seen to be believed, and ‘Martial Club’ delivers one heck of a ride! To add to all of that, you’ve got some of the most technical Kung Fu choreography ever displayed on screen, which is why it’s easy to see why ‘Martial Club’ might just be the pinnacle of Kung Fu cinema! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I get to share our AWESOME experience we had viewing an absolutely AMAZING entry from the golden era of Hong Kong martial arts cinema, ON THE BIG SCREEN! Not only that, it was a rare first time viewing for the both of us! I am talking about the 1990 action epic, ‘Licence to Steal.’ Starring Joyce Mina Godenzi (aka Mrs. Sammo Hung) and featuring one of the best supporting casts ever assembled, including superstar Yuen Biao, comedic genius Richard Ng, up and coming martial arts dynamo Colin Chou, World Kickboxing Champion Billy Chow- and that’s just to name a few! Directed by veteran Hong Kong stuntman/actor Billy Chan, and produced by Sammo Hung himself, this film features non-stop martial arts action of the highest caliber from start to finish. With fist fights galore, cat and mouse games of master thieves, and an eclectic cast of characters that have to be seen to be believed, this movie has a little something for everyone to enjoy! With a highly captivating opening Kendo battle, and not one, but TWO jaw-dropping final fight scenes, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! We want to thank the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for putting on this amazing evening of films as part of their moth long tribute to Sammo Hung! We hope they make this an annual tradition and look forward to whichever martial arts star they may decide to feature next year! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are discussing one of the most beloved Cantonese Kung Fu comedies of all time, the Golden Harvest classic ‘Knockabout’. Directed by and co-starring everyone’s favorite martial arts filmmaker, Sammo Hung, and starring his younger Peking Opera brother, the extroardinary Yuen Biao, this tale of ruthlessness, righteousness, and revenge will leave your jaw on the floor with its absolutely incredible martial arts sequences! With a stellar supporting cast including a fantastic comedic turn from Leung Kar Yan (aka Beardy), an absolutely treacherous villain in Leung Kar Wing, and a plethora of other familiar faces from the era, fans of the genre are in for a real treat. Far more than your standard “Kung Fu flick”, ‘Knockabout’ delivers in every aspect, including one HELL OF A FINALE, full of flips, kicks, falls, and…. jump rope?! You’ll have to check it out to see for yourself! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are discussing one of the best martial arts movies of the past decade that you probably missed, and maybe one of the GREATEST Manga adaptations to ever hit the big screen… ‘Blade of the Immortal’! Directed by the visionary action maestro Takashi Miike and based off of the long running manga of the same named created by Hiroaki Samura, this bloody, battle-tactic, Bushido bonanza will leave you on the edge of your seat! The story follows Manji, a samurai cursed with immortality, who reluctantly becomes the bodyguard for Rin, a young woman out for revenge against the ruthless assassins that wiped out her entire clan. Filled with non-stop swordplay, intricate action design, some the coolest manga characters come to life you have ever seen, and a plethora of wild weaponry, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this one! With a truly enthralling performance by iconic J-Pop star and actor Takuya Kimura as our grizzled protagonist Manji, as well as a stellar supporting cast who are as diverse as they are captivating, every scene keeps your eyes glued to the screen as you wait to see what insane scenario our characters find themselves in next. Listen in as we break down everything from the high-intensity swordplay, the genius of director Takashi Miike, and why this film succeeds where others have failed. You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I have a VERY special treat for you guys. International espionage? ✅ Nefarious criminal organization? ✅ Helicopter battles?✅ And most importantly….. NINJAS!? ✅🥷 That’s right, We are FINALLY tackling our first James Bond movie- ‘You Only Live Twice’. Starring the OG 007 himself, Sir Sean Connery, this film is the 5th entry in the long running series, and one of the most fun to boot! This time around, we see Bond investigating the mysterious disappearance of both Soviet and American spaceships, heightening tensions between these two nations during the already tense Cold War. Although both governments blame each other, her Majesty’s Secret service believes there are other powers at play, and send Bond to investigate before tensions escalate between the two super powers, and the Cold War becomes a whole hell of a lot hotter! Set almost exclusively in Japan, viewers are treated to absolutely beautiful locales, authentic Japanese culture, and most importantly for this podcast, some legit martial arts sequences involving sumo, Kyokushin Karate, and other various forms of Budo! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This time around, Gavin and I are giving you the 4th edition of our ‘Kung Fu Comfort Films’. Listen in as we share 5 movies each that we go back to time and time again. Whether we want to sit down and just get lost in a great action movie, or simply need some background noise as we work on other things, our Kung Fu comfort films are nostalgic favorites that never disappoint. This list is a lot of fun as we jump back and forth between Hong Kong and American martial arts cinema, including one ultimate 80’s action flick that everybody needs to check out! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! We’ve got a special treat for you this time around, as we are reviewing one of the most unique and powerful martial arts pictures from the early 2000’s. The gritty, action-packed, psychological crime thriller ‘Unleashed’ aka ‘Danny the Dog’. Starring the one and only Jet li, and produced and written by French filmmaker extraordinaire Luc Besson, this film serves as one of the best examples of not only Li’s incredible physical abilities, but his stellar acting chops as well. Featuring an incredible supporting cast led by Morgan Freeman and the late Bob Hoskins, as well as fight choreography by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping, this picture has all the ingredients to be an action classic- and it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Far more than your standard Hollywood popcorn flick from that time, ‘Unleashed’ gives viewers a story they can get behind, characters they are invested in, and action that will keep them on the edge of their seats! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are taking our first exploration into the world of Cambodian cinema, looking at the epic 2017 action thriller ‘Jailbreak’. Starring French martial artist/ stuntman Jean-Paul Ly as well as Dara Our and Tharoth Sam (experts in the ancient Cambodian martial art style of Bokator) this hard-hitting martial arts extravaganza can be looked at as Cambodia’s answer to ‘The Raid’. However, rather than simply produce a derivative copycat, director Jimmy Henderson and fight choreographer Ly offer us a truly captivating film with its own unique action style and technical slickness. Listen in as we breakdown everything from kinetic and visually captivating fight scenes, the star presence of lead Jean-Paul Ly, and why there needs to be more Bokator films! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Also, make sure and watch this film on Netflix before it leaves May 1st! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are going OLD SCHOOL and tackling an early Kung Fu film from the ‘Basher’ era- a time before the slick, fast paced, and clean choreography of the late 70’s. Back when things were still mean, gritty, and rough and tumble! Listen in as we discuss ‘The Prodigal Boxer’, a 1972 retelling of the Chinese folk hero Fong Sai-Yuk! Starring Meng Fei as the titular character, this version of the story has him going into seclusion to train under the tutelage of his mother, after his father is murdered at the hands of two treacherous martial arts expert brothers-one of whom is played by the legendary Yasuaki Kurata! We break down everything from the extremely unique, artistic approach of director Yang-Ming Tsai, the intriguing storyline, and of course the fight sequences, which set themselves apart from other entries of the ‘Basher’ era thanks to the genius choreography of Lau Kar-Wing and the performances of both Meng Fei and Kurata Sensei. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are reviewing the brand-new action epic, John Wick: Chapter 4! It’s hard to put down in words just how extraordinary this film is, so I’m going to keep it brief. If non-stop martial arts melees, ballistic bullet ballets, and crazy colorful characters are your jam, then you are absolutely going to love this cinematic experience! With so many stars giving career defining performances, from the legendary Donnie Yen, to martial arts maestro Scott Adkins, Keanu Reeves has one of the greatest supporting casts in action cinema history backing him up. Throw in Marko Zaror and Hiroyuki Sanada on top of that, and you are in for one hell of a ride! Listen in as we breakdown everything from the absolutely brilliant fight scenes, the amazing cinematography, and hands down THE BEST NUNCHUKS SEQUENCE EVER CAPTURED ON FILM! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! If you haven’t already gone to see John Wick: 4 in theaters, do so immediately! You won’t regret it. Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are finishing off Women’s History Month with an absolute BANG! We are taking a look at the brand-new Netflix martial arts picture, ‘Furies’- a hyperkinetic thrill-ride filled with more carnage, calamity, and chaos than you could possibly imagine! A prequel to the epic 2019 Vietnamese martial arts actioner ‘Furie’, this time around, star Veronica Ngo steps behind the camera to take over directorial duties as we are given the back story of the nefarious ‘Wolf’ character from the first film. We bear witness to the horrific childhood of our protagonist ‘Bi’, which leads her to the mean streets of Saigon, and eventually has her falling under the tutelage of savage vigilante Jacqueline aka ‘Aunt Lin’ (played by Veronica Ngo in a brand-new role). After teaming up with Aunt Lin’s other two proteges, Thanh and Hong, she is given the tools and training needed to become a ferocious killer herself and take vengeance on a sinister crime syndicate that has been exploiting the women of Saigon for too long. However, as she dives deeper and deeper into the dark and sadistic underbelly of society, she finds not everything is as it seems, and not everyone is who they claim to be. For fans of the newer, frenetic style of camera work found in pictures such as ‘The Villainess’ and ‘Carter’, you are going to be genuinely delighted by the abundant amount of action on display. For fans of the more grounded and traditional style of martial arts cinema, you will still find enough to enjoy in the carnage that plays out on screen, which can be looked at as an updated homage to the heroic bloodshed pictures of the early Shaw Brothers days. However, this time around, the theme of chivalrous brotherhood is flipped on its head and replaced with valiant sisterhood! For any and all fans in general, you will appreciate the brilliance of Veronica Ngo’s directing, and the absolutely hellacious yet mesmerizing mise-en-scène she creates for the setting of the film. WARNING- this movie is EXTREMELY violent and contains multiple disturbing images and scenes of sexual assault and exploitation. This is definitely an R-rated picture not suited for the whole family! Also, there are some MINIMAL spoilers throughout this episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! We highly recommend you check out this picture and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Veronica Ngo as a director, and what could possibly come next in the ‘Furie’ universe! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are discussing the chaotic, kinetic, and colorfully crazy world of ‘Sister Street Fighter’! Starring one of the greatest martial arts actors you have probably never heard of, Etsuko (Sue) Shihomi, ‘Sister Street Fighter’ holds its own against the previously established ‘Street Fighter’ series starring the one and only Sonny Chiba. Take the hard-hitting, highly intricate fight choreography of Japanese martial arts cinema at that time, combine it with absolutely over the top villains straight out of a comic book, and then graciously add a splash of the 1960’s Batman television series, and you will get just a GLIMPSE of what this epically good time will have in store for you! A protégé of the aforementioned Sonny Chiba and his Japanese Action Club (JAC) program, Etsuko Shihomi was a pioneer for female martial arts stars in terms of her athletic abilities and martial arts prowess. Possessing powerful movements and a magnetic screen presence, Etsuko paved the way for future female action stars by not only holding her own against her male counterparts but also surpassing them in many facets. ‘Sister Street Fighter’ was the perfect launching pad for her solo career, giving her plenty of room to shine amongst a cast of absolutely insane characters and scenarios she must overcome. Oh, and the martial arts action? Let’s just say it goes from start to finish, with her character of Koryu (aka Tina) taking on a plethora of different henchman: Amazonian kickboxers, nunchuck wielding assassins, and a lead villain with an iron claw and penchant for keeping an army of ruthless killers in his backyard for his personal amusement! After a successful career spanning just over a decade, Etsuko chose to retire and step away from the limelight to focus on her family, and then later a career in flower arrangement. Who knows what could have happened had she continued making movies, but we are grateful for the ones she did do and continue to enjoy them to this day! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, we are discussing the newly crowned academy award winning actress Michelle Yeoh and one of her all-time classic films, ‘The Magnificent Warriors’; a big-budget, international, martial arts adventure epic! Michelle gives Indiana Jones a run for his money as a bad-ass WWII pilot/ secret agent, who goes on a high-risk mission for the Chinese government. Her assignment- to extract the leader of a remote city near Tibet, who has vital information about a nefarious plot that could put the entire country at risk! High-flying dogfights, intricate car chases, and explosive shoot outs ensue, as our protagonist and her unlikely team of heroes race against time to save the day! However, the true highlight of this picture is the phenomenal martial arts sequences, which are a showcase for not only the incredible abilities of Michelle Yeoh, but the creative genius of fight choreographer Tung Wai. Fast paced, intricately choreographed, and brutally hard-hitting, fans of the genre will not be disappointed by the plethora of astounding martial arts sequences on display. Congratulations once again to Michelle on her best actress win, and we look forward to whatever the future has in store for her! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, with my esteemed co-host Gavin being on a much-deserved vacation (living it up in Japan!) I am privileged to have a very special guest helping me out this time around, the one and only Tiger Sheu! Actor, stuntman, television personality and lifelong bad ass martial artist, Tiger is not only a polymath of anything and everything martial arts related, but he is also someone I am lucky enough to call my friend! Listen in as we discuss all sorts of juicy topics including: faux martial arts style of America, Asian representation in cinema, martial arts fandom (and nerdom), Kung Fu movies and genre studies, Michelle Yeoh and her awesome library of work, and the wonderful hypothetical of… what would have happened to Bruce Lee had he not passed away? Would he have faded into obscurity? Or possibly become the next Charles Bronson?! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! I want to thank Tiger for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk with me, and I look forward to having him on the show again! Thanks again to all of you listeners for the continued support and I hope you enjoy!
This week, we are exploring the strange and wonderful world of the Indie classic- Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. A unique amalgamation of multiple genres and filmmaking styles, this intricate picture is unlike any other we have reviewed before. A Bushido themed film? Absolutely. A dark parody of the mafia genre? Yep. A captivating motion picture that manages to weave its way through a beautiful yet peculiar story with equally as abnormal characters throughout? Most definitely. Listen in as we break down everything from the unique visual style of director Jim Jarmusch, the fantastic performances from our stellar cast (led by the one and only Forest Whitaker), and of course, the killer soundtrack courtesy of the RZA. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are tackling our highest-flying feature yet! When the world’s greatest hijacker takes over a commercial airliner, only one man can bring him DOWN- security expert John Cutter aka… Passenger 57! Listen in as we discuss this classic 90’s action flick which just happens to be chock-full of shrills, kills, and martial arts thrills! Starring the legendary Wesley Snipes, backed up by an amazing supporting cast, this high-octane joy ride is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! We break down everything from the performances, the killer soundtrack by Stanley Clarke, and of course, the fight choreography, which is an incredible showpiece for the stellar abilities of our leading man. You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and remember… ALWAYS BET ON BLACK!
New episode alert! This week Gavin and I are tackling one of our all-time favorite comedies, which just happens to be a martial arts movie as well! Part Kung Fu, part Blaxploitation, and all-around hilarious, prepare yourself for an uproariously good time with Black Dynamite! Written by and starring the one and only Michael Jai White, this modern day take on the Blaxploitation genre entertains from start to finish. It’s got everything you could possibly want in an action comedy. Heinous Kung Fu masterminds? Check! Lots of lovely ladies vying for Black Dynamite? Check! Absolutely brilliant, but absurd, facetious scenarios throughout? Double check! Listen in as we break down this homage to a bygone era of filmmaking, what makes this picture work when others from its time failed, and why you should IMMEDIATELY go check it out if you haven’t seen it already (its currently available on Prime). Be warned, this film is definitely R-RATED! With lots of obscenities, scenes of sexuality, and graphic violence, this one is definitely not for the whole family. Also, we uncharacteristically use some profanity throughout this episode as we quote directly from the film, so we do apologize in advance! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are discussing one of the greatest Kung Fu films ever made. The wild, walloping, Wing Chun classic- Warriors Two. Starring the Korean kicking sensation Casanova Wong, genre favorite Leung Kar Yan aka Bryan Leung aka Beardy, and co-starring/ directed by the legendary Sammo Hung, this ferocious fight fest is sure to entertain even the most jaded of viewers! With wall-to-wall high-intensity Kung Fu fight scenes, ingenious training sequences, and a plethora of imaginative and ferocious characters, this definitive 70’s martial arts flick delivers from start to finish. Listen in as we discuss what makes this film stand out above the rest, why it works where other pictures have failed, and why over 40 years after its release, it is STILL recognized as one of the seminal Kung Fu pictures. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
This week, Gavin and I are FINALLY tackling our first Bollywood picture, the 2016 action/martial arts epic- Baaghi. Starring the insanely talented Tiger Shroff, this film is an amalgamation of both Bollywood and Hong Kong cinema, giving us a modern day ‘gongfupian’ in the least expected place. Switching out Chinese martial arts with the ancient Indian fighting art of Kalaripayattu, the rest of the movie borrows many classic elements of the traditional Kung Fu flick, while simultaneously paying homage and making references to international martial arts cinema from around the world. Finding inspiration from Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, and even the Karate Kid, the film manages to put its own special touch on the genre through its blending of musical sequences, romantic comedy, and hard-hitting, bone-crushing action! This is thanks mostly to the out of this world abilities of lead Tiger Shroff, whose kicks must be seen to be believed! Listen in as we dissect this over-the-top action extravaganza, share what we liked about it, and why you should give it a chance! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! For our first episode of the year of the rabbit, we are tackling an AWESOME top 5 list. One that has been in the works for a while now and is very special to us both, as martial artists, as well as film enthusiasts. We hope you are ready for this extra fun (and extra-long) episode… Our Top 5 Bushido Themed Films! Listen in as we give our personal favorite films that revolve around the concept of Bushido- the way of the warrior. Originally a moral code concerning Samurai values and ethics, this concept of honor and diligence can still be found in everyday life in Japan, but particularly when it comes to the world of martial arts. More than just a mastery of the physical side, Bushido can be looked at as an ethical compass to guide one’s existence, maintaining the highest levels of honor, sincerity, and loyalty. This episode was a lot of fun, and although our lists had some similarities, they also had A LOT of differences. Spread across multiple genres, eras and styles, we give you a plethora of Bushido themed films that you will hopefully take the time to check out in the near future! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New Episode alert! In honor of last week’s Golden Globes, Gavin and I are discussing the 1991 straight to video action extravaganza, ‘Breathing Fire’! Produced and co-written by legendary Kung Fu star Tan Tao Liang, aka Flash Legs Tan, this American remake of ‘Shaolin Deadly Kicks’ features some insanely fun, fast paced, frenetic fight scenes that almost seem out of place by how good they are! Featuring a cast of stellar martial artists, including genre favorite Bolo Young and 2x World Kickboxing champion Jerry “Golden Boy” Trimble, it is headlined by one of the most talented individuals in Hollywood, one of the greatest child actors of all time, and now Golden Globe winning actor- Jonathan Ke Huy Quan. Listen in as we deep dive into why we love this movie so much, how it manages to rise above many of its shortcomings, and why it might be one of the greatest straight to video movies of all time! Both Gavin and I want to express how happy we are for Ke Huy Quan’s win, how excited we are about his return to Hollywood, and how although we could watch him in straight acting roles and be 100% entertained, we also wouldn’t mind if he decided to do a straight up martial arts film again either! :-) You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are exploring the weird, wacky and wonderfully wild world of Bruceploitation cinema! Which movie are we reviewing? Well, that depends on who you are asking 😆 After some initial confusion, we tackle one of the best of the bunch, ‘Game of Death II’ aka ‘Tower of Death’. Official Bruce Lee sequel? - not really. A follow up to Game of Death?- Maybe? Kung Fu fighting lions?- Surprisingly yes! A hard-hitting crazy as hell Bruceploitation flick with fights from start to finish? You betcha! Listen in as I give my best attempt of explaining the history and significance of Bruceploitation, why this film is so entertaining, and why you should give it a chance no matter what your opinion is on this weird sub-genre of martial arts cinema. NOTE- MAJOR spoiler alerts in this episode (don’t worry, it’s not anything that you wouldn’t have already seen coming). Also, we have a guest appearance from Otis the dog! 🐶 Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert and our first entry of 2023! This week we are tackling one of the greatest martial arts films of all time- ‘Dragons Forever’! Starring the three dragons (Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung & Yuen Biao) this was the final film the Kung Fu trinity would appear in together, after nearly a decade of highly successful collaborations under the Golden Harvest banner. Directed by Sammo Hung and legendary fight choreographer Cory Yuen, this fight-filled, fantastic, ferocious fest of feet and fists features some of the greatest fight sequences ever filmed! With Jackie Chan vs. Benny “the Jet” part deux, a comical scuffle between the dragon trio themselves, and a finale that has to be seen to be believed, ‘Dragons Forever’ puts itself up there as one of the most fun and highly energetic pieces of Hong Kong cinema to ever be produced. Listen in as Gavin and I deep dive into our personal experiences with the film, what makes us come back to it again and again, and why we think you should all go out and get yourself a copy of this film ASAP- particularly the 88 Films special edition blu-ray! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy! Happy New Year and here is to a prosperous and peaceful 2023!
New episode alert! This week Gavin and I are back with our final episode of 2022! This time around, we are giving you a countdown of our top 5 martial arts moments of the year! Listen in as we discuss some awesome Kung Fu movie screenings, some new films that blew us away and some personal martial arts endeavors that we undertook. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This time around, Gavin and I have a holiday themed episode (sort of?)- The 12 Questions of Xmas! Listen in as we ask each other 6 random questions in regards to Kung Fu movies, martial arts training, travel and so much more! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week, different from our usual format, we are giving you a breakdown of our AWESOME experience at LA Comic-con! Listen in as we talk about all the cool new friends we met (like the ultra-talented Jeremy Adams and kicking sensation Gemma Nguyen), how manning our first booth went, and some of the cool stuff that went down that weekend! We will be back with our regular programming next week, but we hope you enjoy this fun episode and thanks again for the continued support! Also, big shout out to The Union Designs for helping us with the design work for our booth and providing the awesome gear we were selling!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I are discussing the best martial arts movie of the 21st century that you have probably never seen, Black Belt: Kuro-obi. Listen in as we discuss this truly fascinating, beautifully shot and executed picture, that not only has possibly the most authentic Karate ever displayed on screen, but also one of the finest examples of Bushido and finding your own unique path in the world of martial arts. This picture feels like an arthouse film of the highest caliber, which just happens to have a truly captivating story revolving around the martial arts. Listen in as we break down everything from the script, the filmmaking style, and of course- the BRUTAL, bone crunching fight sequences. you can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy! ALSO, don’t forget that we will be at LA Comic Con this weekend! Please swing by to say hello and chat it up with us!
This week, we’re traveling to the land down under to examine one of the greatest straight to video action films ever made, ‘Under the Gun’. Starring the one and only Richard Norton and featuring such martial arts legends as Kathy Long and Sam Greco, this super fun, well-written and hard-hitting action flick delivers one hell of a kick-ass ride. Norton not only shines in the action department per usual, but also gives what is his finest acting performance as the down on his luck, tough as nails, and undeniably suave Frank Torrance- an ex-hockey player turned nightclub owner, whose charm is matched only by his lethal martial arts abilities. With a target on his back and everyone out to get him, he must use every trick in the book to make it through the night and survive his high-risk gamble, where there is more than just money at stake! Listen in as we analyze what makes this movie so special, why it stands out in the vast field of 90’s straight to video action movies and why you should check it out as soon as possible! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This time around, Gavin and I are discussing the bearded bad-ass himself, the Karate Cowboy, the Total Gym Titan, the man, the myth, the legend… MR. CHUCK NORRIS! Tune in as we deep dive into one of his early, underappreciated classics, ‘An Eye for an Eye’. A revenge thriller set in in the seedy world of drug dealing and corruption, with the beautiful San Francisco Bay as its backdrop, this picture delivers in all the ways you’d expect a Chuck Norris movie to. Lots of Karate based action? Check! Over the top bad guys and ominous henchman? Check! Roundhouse kicks galore? DOUBLE CHECK. With a stellar supporting cast featuring Christopher Lee, Mako and Richard “I’m only talking about Shaft!” Roundtree, this film goes above and beyond in delivering one heck of a good time. Listen in as we inadvertently go down multiple rabbit holes, talk about what we feel worked best in this movie, and why we appreciate Chuck Norris and his hard-hitting martial arts abilities so much. Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with you friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
We’re Back! This time around, I’m giving Gavin a break and sharing 5 of my personal favorite Kung Fu Comfort films! We’ve got entries from legends likr Bruce Lee & Jackie Chan, friends of the podcast such as Michael Worth and Richard Norton, as well as a few more! Listen in as I share why these films are so special to me, why I go back to them time and time again, and why I think you should all check these out! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
New episode alert! BUT FIRST, please follow the new official Instagram page for the podcast @martialartsmaniapodcast! We are switching over from our old page to try and increase the reach of the podcast, so make sure and follow and share! ANYWAY...This time around, Gavin and I have a fun Halloween themed episode as we review the absolutely BONKERS Hong Kong Fantasy Kung Fu comedy extravaganza- The Miracle Fighters! Directed by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping, and featuring almost the entire Yuen clan, as well as Hong Kong film veterans Eddy Ko and Bryan Leung, this 1982 Golden Harvest production melds genres, action styles and just about everything else in between to give audiences one hell of a crazy ride! With fantastical Taoist magic, hard core grounded Kung Fu, as well as top-notch wirework, you can expect to be thoroughly entertained throughout this entire picture which can currently be seen on our favorite Hi-Yah! app. Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with you friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I discuss one of the newest entries on the Hi-Yah! app, the Japanese Yakuza action picture ‘A Janitor’. Listen in as we discuss what we liked about the film, where it fell short and how it compares to the landscape of lower budget Japanese action picture from the past decade or so. We also discuss some exciting news about the podcast and our first live event we will be attending! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I discuss the Angela Mao Kung Fu flick- ‘Broken Oath’! A remake of the Japanese cult classic, ‘Lady Snowblood’ (which was a major inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill) this revenge picture features some stellar action sequences and phenomenal kicking displays thanks to both Angela Mao and her co-star Bruce Leung. Listen in as we discuss the overall production, it’s significance in the landscape of the evolution of the Kung Fu genre, and of course the fight scenes! Broken Oath is available now on our favorite app, Hi-Yah TV. If you haven’t given this one a watch yet, we highly recommend it. And if you haven’t signed up for Hi-Yah yet… WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support!
New episode alert! Gavin and I are back! This time around, in honor of the passing of the legendary Coolio, we are reviewing his one foray into the world of martial arts cinema; co-starring in the underrated classic, ‘China Strike Force’. Directed by the brilliant Stanley Tong (Rumble in the Bronx, Supercop) and starring superstars Aaron Kwok and Leeholm Wang, this martial arts extravaganza features a plethora of intricately designed, stellar action sequences that will leave you on the edge of your seat. On top of that, any time you have the legendary Marc Dacascos as your lead villain, you KNOW you are going to be in for a good time. Listen in as we break down this oft forgotten Kung Fu flick, examining everything from the fights and stunt work, to the over the top but absolutely fun-filled performance of Coolio as the villainous… Coolio. You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and RIP to the gifted and charismatic Coolio, whose contributions to the world of rap and American pop culture will never be forgotten!
New episode alert! This time around, Gavin gives us a list of 5 of HIS favorite “Kung Fu Comfort Films”! Listen in as he breaks down why these entries are a few of his go to favorites when he wants some good ol’ Kung Fu escapism! You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support!
After an extended hiatus, Gavin and I are back and better than ever! This time around, we discuss one of the newest, old-school classics to drop on the Hi-Yah app- the “girls with guns” classic, ‘She Shoots Straight’. Starring Joyce Mina Godenzi, aka Miss Hong Kong 1984 aka Mrs. Sammo Hung, and directed by veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Cory Yuen, this hard-hitting female driven action picture delivers on so many levels! Listen in as we breakdown what we liked about, what left us wanting more, and one of the most brutal machete displays we have ever seen! Plus, stay tuned till the end to hear the weird connection that WE BOTH HAVE to Joyce Godenzi! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support!
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I discuss the Jackie Chan starring, Sammo Hung directed, ‘Heart of Dragon.’ This atypical entry in the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema adapts a more serious tone, while simultaneously tackling the sensitive subject matter of adults with intellectual disabilities. A family drama, social commentary, and hard-boiled cop thriller all rolled into one, this picture manages to succeed where others could have easily failed. This is in part due to both the stellar direction of Sammo Hung, as well as his nuanced performance as Jackie’s mentally challenged brother. Listen in as we break down this truly unique film, discussing: the fantastic performances of our leading actors, the artistic production choices, and the absolutely phenomenal action sequences on display. Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support!
We’re back! This time around, we’ve got an AWESOME list for you… our Top 5 Cynthia Rothrock films! This was no easy task, as we set ourselves a lot of caveats as to which films could qualify for our picks! Listen in as we discuss the storied career of “the Lady Dragon” herself, a pioneer in the world of Kung Fu cinema and one of the greatest martial arts stars of all time! Which ones made our list? Which ones didn’t? Well, you’ll have to tune in to find out! Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks for the continued support as always. We had a lot of fun recording this one, and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! Gavin and I are BACK! This time around, we talk about the epic, double Kung Fu screening we attended last week at the New Beverly Cinema! We got a double dose of hardcore, Japanese inspired, Hong Kong cinema. First up was the ‘Seven Samurai’ remake, aptly titled ‘Seven Warriors’, directed by Terry Tong & Sammo Hung (allegedly), featuring an ensemble cast including: Adam Cheng, Tony Leung, Max Mok, Jackie Cheung, Benny Lam, Lo Lieh and many more! Second up, was the ‘Shogun’s Samurai’ inspired, Frankie Chan directed, gangster epic ‘Burning Ambition’. Listen in as we breakdown these two amazing features, including the sweeping, heroic nature of ‘Seven Warriors’ and the balls to the wall madness of ‘Burning Ambition’. We also discuss training with our Sensei Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham, the disastrous consequences of a Godfrey Ho edit, and Gavin’s amazing Spanish skills! Don’t forget to subscribe, like, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! It’s been a little while, but Gavin and I are officially back! This week we talk about an underrated 90’s martial arts classic- The Quest! Directed by and starring the muscles from Brussels himself, Mr. Jean-Claude Van Damme! This Bloodsport inspired period piece checks off all the boxes for an entertaining, popcorn action flick! A cool international setting? Check. A diverse cast of martial artists from all different styles, from all over the world? Check. Most importantly though… A ton of high quality fight scenes? DOUBLE CHECK. Listen in as we discuss what makes this movie great, what we have been up to recently, and the future of the podcast! You can listen to the Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the support!
New episode alert!!!! We’re back, and this time around, we are discussing the debut picture of one of the biggest martial arts stars of all time! The notorious, bone-breaking, accent changing, aikido phenomenon himself- Steven Seagal! That’s right, this week we tackle the Andrew Davis directed, 1988 action classic- ABOVE THE LAW aka Nico. Listen in as we discuss our experiences with this film, our appreciation for Seagal’s early entries in the action film genre and the current status of the powerful, ponytailed, part-timed lawman. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
New episode alert! This week Gavin and I are back with a VERY special episode. This time around, we are talking about my favorite movie of all time… ENTER THE DRAGON! Listen in as we break down this Bruce Lee classic, why it is special to us, and more importantly, why it is so significant in the overall history and development of cinema. If you haven’t seen it before, do yourself and favor and go and buy the Criterion Collection Bruce Lee boxset, where you will be treated to this film and much, much more! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
New episode alert! Gavin and I are back! This week, we catch you up on everything we’ve been up to recently! More specifically though, our trip to the New Beverly Cinema where we got to watch a double Kung Fu screening featuring two all-time classics, ‘Tai Chi Master’ and ‘Wing Chun’! A double feature of not only one of the greatest action stars of all time, Michelle Yeoh, but also one of the finest directors in the history of Kung Fu cinema, Yuen Woo Ping. Listen in as we discuss how fun the double screening was, recent movies we’ve been watching and also the absolutely bonkers and AMAZING ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support!
New episode alert! In honor of last week’s date of 2/22/22, we decided to go all in on the double trouble and review a classic piece of Hong Kong action cinema and one of Gavin’s all time favorites- ‘Twin Dragons’! Starring the one and only master of action comedy himself, Mr. Jackie Chan, this collaborative directorial effort between Hong Kong legends Tsui Hark and Ringo Lam is a real treat. Jam-packed full of serious, top-notch action sequences, juxtaposed with a stream of lighthearted mistaken identity hi jinks, both newcomers and fans of Hong Kong cinema alike can enjoy this entertaining melee of fun! With fistfights, shoot outs and chase scenes galore, even the most jaded of enthusiasts can’t help but have a good time while watching it. Listen in as we give our take on this madcap Kung Fu comedy extravaganza! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like and share with your friends! Thanks for the continued support and we hope you enjoy! #jackiechan #twindragons #kungfumovies #hongkong #action #podcast #martialarts #comedy #2/22/22 #twins #spotify #soundcloud #applepodcast #goldenharvest
New episode alert! This week, Gavin and I have a super fun episode to share. This time around, we are discussing the “Top Ten Henchman of Hong Kong Cinema”! Listen in as we go over our all time favorite baddy enforcers of Hong Kong action movies! Lots of evil doers, some incredible martial artists and some surprising choices make up our lists. Also, SPOILER ALERT we both picked a surprising #1 entry… OF THE SAME PERSON! Want to know who? You’ll have to listen in to find out. Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like and share with your friends! Thanks for the continued support and we hope you all enjoy!
New episode alert! Gavin and I are officially BACK! We apologize about the long absence, but worry no more! We are back and better than ever! For our first episode of 2022, we tackle one of my all time favorite Kung Fu movies, the 1981 kicking classic, ‘Hitman in the Hand of Buddha’. Directed by and starring the legendary Hwang Jang Lee, this rare example of the legendary ‘boot master’ playing a good guy is a real treat. With stellar fight choreography by Cory Yuen and Hoi Mang, as well as an outstanding supporting cast featuring familiar faces such as the great Eddy Ko and sinister Tino Wong, this picture is a real treat for Kung Fu film aficionados! A plethora of intricately choreographed fight sequences, great locales, as well as an amazing (albeit copyright infringed) soundtrack, any true fan of martial arts cinema shouldn’t miss this one! Listen in as we break down all sort of different elements of the film, why we recommend it and how you can go about watching it! Don’t forget to subscribe, like and share with your friends!
New episode alert!!!! ‘Dragon: the Bruce Lee Story’- Biopic, Historical Fiction or Bruceploitation? This week, Gavin and I discuss the 1993 Rob Cohen directed film starring Jason Scott Lee (no relation) and Lauren Holly, which tries to tackle the monumental task of telling Bruce Lee’s story. Many had tried before it, many have tried since… and almost all have failed. Although ‘Dragon’ is about as accurate of a retelling of someone’s life as ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’, and saying it plays fast and loose with the facts would be an understatement, this movie most definitely has a hell of a lot going for it: fantastic performances, beautiful cinematography, costumes and set design, as well as maybe one of the most underrated film scores of all time. There is also plenty of top notch action on display, although the actual martial arts utilized on screen is definitely a hot button topic amongst Bruce Lee fans and JKD practitioners. We do our best to handle all of these different subject matters and give our honest take on a film I believe everyone should check out! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, follow us on social media and share with your friends! Thanks again for the support and we hope you enjoy!
New LOST episode alert!!! So, this is our very first “lost” episode- one which we recorded but thought we lost to technical errors/difficulties. I managed to find a backed up copy of it and so I present to you… our critique/ analysis of the 1979 Jackie Chan old-school Kung Fu fight fest… ‘Dragon Fist’! Directed by Lo Wei and co-starring the likes of Nora Miao, James Tien and Yen Shi Kwan, the film was not released until after Jackie’s breakthrough performances in both ‘Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow’ and ‘Drunken Master’. Filled with an incredible amount of high-octane, geniuslely choreographed fight sequences, this tale of revenge and redemption hits all the marks when it comes to a classic piece of martial arts cinema. If you are a fan of old school Kung Fu flicks, you DEFINITELY need to check this one out (which is currently available on the hi-yah app on Prime). We recorded this episode back in January (I think), at a time when we were still using zoom to conduct our discussions, so unfortunately the quality on my end is sub-par at best. However, I encourage you to give it a listen any way, as we have a lot of fun breaking down and examining this true Kung Fu classic. Don’t forget to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again for the support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! This week Gavin and I discuss one of our all-time favorite films, ‘Righting Wrongs’ aka ‘Above the Law’. Listen in as we deep dive into what sets this film apart from others of its’ era, why exactly it is so darn good, and the huge influence it had on us in a multitude of ways- including being one of my first introductions to my sensei Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham! We break down the crisp and highly innovative direction of the legendary Cory Yuen, the fantastic performances of the entire cast, as well as the breath taking fight sequences throughout. Don’t forget to subscribe, download and tell your friends about us! Thanks for the continued support and we hope you enjoy.
We’re back! Gavin and I have been busy as can be, so we went the easy route and did another edition of “Kung Fu Comfort Films”! Listen in as we each pick 5 or our favorite go-to movies that we can watch over and over again! We’ve got entries from some of the all time greats, including: Jackie Chan, Cynthia Rothrock, Jeff Wincott, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Li, Sammo Hung and many more! Listen in as we nerd-out per usual and share our insight on some of our favorite flicks. Remember to subscribe and share with your friends! Thanks again everyone!
New episode alert! We’re back! FINALLY! We apologize about the long hiatus, but both Gavin and I had a ton of cool stuff going on the past few weeks (including hanging out together and training with our sensei Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham) which had us a little preoccupied. However, we have a special new episode where we catch you up on everything that’s been going on, including a New Beverly double Kung Fu screening, Gavin meeting one of his childhood heroes and most importantly, the movie we are discussing, the masterpiece that is ‘Raging Fire’. The final film of iconic Hong Kong director Benny Chan, this epic action picture starring Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse is one of the best Hong Kong action pictures in recent memory, chock-full of stellar shoot outs and phenomenal martial arts sequences. Hard hitting, brutal and furiously paced, this cops and robbers heist thriller is certain to keep you on the edge of your seat. I was so blown away, that I went to see it TWICE in theaters. If you missed the theatrical run, no worries, it will be getting released by Well Go USA on the Hi-Yah app next month! Definitely check this one out when you get the chance, and remember to subscribe, download and share the podcast! We are available on Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts. We hope you enjoy!
This week Gavin and I discuss the 2019 Hong Kong action picture ‘Undercover Punch and Gun’ starring the ultra-talented Philip Ng and featuring performances from bad-ass dynamo Andy On and pop star Vanness Wu. Listen in as we discuss this entertaining, action-packed throwback to early 90’s Hong Kong cinema, which has all sorts of extended martial arts sequences, shoot-outs galore and some insane stunt work! We highly recommend you check out this ultra-fun flick which is available on the ‘Hi-Yah’ app or on Blu-ray courtesy of Well Go USA. Remember to subscribe, download and share with your friends! Thanks again and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert. In this week’s entry, it was a tragic coincidence that our planned topic was “The American Rise of Jackie Chan.” This was to focus heavily on his films in the 90’s, culminating with the release of one of our all time favorite movies- ‘Gorgeous’. With the passing of legendary martial artist, fight choreographer and co-star of the movie, Brad Allen, we weren’t sure if we wanted to continue with our planned discussion or talk about something else. However, we decided in the end that we would continue on and do our best to pay homage to one of the all time greats. Australian born Brad Allen was groundbreaking in more ways than you could count. Aside from being a phenomenal martial artist with abilities that seemed out of this world, he was also the first foreign member of the legendary Jackie Chan stunt team, being involved in numerous Jackie Chan pictures as a stunt performer, coordinator and choreographer. He would forge his own path as one of the most prolific stunt/fight choreographers in recent memory, being involved in some of the best and most fun action pictures of the past twenty years, including: ‘The Kingsman’, ‘Kick-Ass’, ‘The World’s End’, and the upcoming ‘Shang Chi’. However, what he will probably be best remembered for, are his fight scenes against Jackie Chan in ‘Gorgeous’. This includes the incredible finale, which is one of the last, truly great, extended one-on-one fights in the style of classic Hong Kong Cinema. He was loved by many and seemed to be a very humble, kind and hard-working individual who took his craft seriously, loving what he did. His memory will live on and hopefully he will continue to inspire future stunt performers and film makers alike. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time. RIP good sir.
New episode alert! In our latest entry, I interview my good friend, Dr. Antonio Graceffo aka The Brooklyn Monk! Currently based out of Mongolia, Antonio is a true renaissance man: martial artist, author, researcher, professor, long-time Black Belt Magazine columnist, pro MMA fighter and so much more! Antonio and I discuss his life-long journey in the martial arts, being one of the only foreigners to ever live in the actual Shaolin temple, earning a Phd completely in Chinese, as well our experiences training together in Southeast Asia! If you are not familiar with Antonio’s work, he has literally HUNDREDS OF VIDEOS on YouTube (brooklynmonk1) including his long running documentary series ‘Martial Arts Odyssey’-which I HIGHLY recommend watching if you are at all interested in martial arts training in Asia. You can also purchase his books ‘Warrior Odyssey’ and ‘The Wrestler’s Dissertation’, both on Amazon prime! This was an extremely fun episode for me and I hope you guys enjoy. Remember to subscribe, download and share with your friends!
New episode alert! This time around, Gavin and I do our inaugural “AMA” episode, where we finally get around to answering some of the great questions people have been asking over the past few months! This episode covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from: Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do, how to pick a dojo, Hong Kong comedies, potential martial art stars that fell short and much more! We had a lot of fun with this one and look forward to doing more in the future, so feel free to comment on this post or message us privately if you have a question you want answered on the next AMA! Remember to subscribe, download, listen and of course enjoy! Thanks again for your support!
New episode alert! This week Gavin and I have a fun new entry that is going to become a recurring theme on the show, “Kung Fu Comfort Films”! In this first episode, we are each going to give 5 of our favorite “comfort martial arts films”. What do we mean by "comfort films”? These are movies that we come back to time and time again. Whether we are bored and need something to watch, are feeling slightly down and need a nostalgic pick-me-up, or are just in need of a good ol’ fashion Kung Fu fix! Listen in as we break down our immensely eclectic lists, share some fun memories and perhaps introduce you to some films you may have never seen before! We talk about some of the all time greats during this episode, including: Chuck Norris, Sonny Chiba, Jerry Trimble, Donnie Yen, Bolo Yeung, Jean-Claude Van Damme, our very own sensei Peter ‘Sugarfoot’ Cunningham and many more! Remember to download, like and subscribe to the podcast! Thanks for all of the support and we hope you enjoy!
New episode alert!!!! This week Gavin and I discuss the 2019 Japanese martial arts thriller ‘Hydra’, directed by Kensuke Sonomura and starring Takashi Sato. We break down everything ranging from: the slow-burning but well executed story, the impressive cinematography and of course the INSANE fight scenes! This film has gained a lot of positive buzz since its initial release and has most recently become available to stream on the ‘Hi-Yah!’ app, as well as receiving a blu-ray release courtesy of Well Go USA. There was a whole hell of a lot we enjoyed about this movie, but also some slight criticisms we had. Listen in as we give our insight in to what we thought worked, what could be improved upon and why you should definitely check out this high-octane flick! Remember to subscribe, like and download if you enjoy the episode! Thanks for the continued support!
We have a special second episode this week, as Gavin and I discuss a pivotal topic that often comes up in martial arts circles; “Fitness and martial arts training? Counterproductive? Or a necessity?” Listen in as we give our insight on our experiences with our physical fitness training as it has coincided with our personal martial arts journeys. We talk about everything ranging from: what we have done wrong in the past, the corrections we have made over time and what kind of physical fitness regimen might be right for YOU- that is of course depending on the reasons you choose to train (as well as what martial arts style you practice). Thanks for listening and remember to give us a like and follow us for more episodes!!!! #themartialartsmaniapodcast #martialarts #kungfu #muaythai #boxing #taichi #training #workout #fitness #functionaltraining #evolution #podcast #soundcloud #applepodcasts
New episode alert! Today Gavin and I discuss the New Beverly Cinema, the double Bruceploitation screening we attended and the absolute BOMBSHELL that just dropped regarding the late Bruce Lee! Listen in as we give our account of our eagerly anticipated return to the New Beverly, our critiques of the films we viewed (including the extremely rare and infamous ‘The Big Boss Part II’) as well as our take on the newly released letters regarding the absolutely crazy friendship and secret “business” arrangement between Bruce Lee and his student, friend and one time co-star Robert Baker. Thanks for listening and remember to give us a like and follow us for more episodes!!!!
New Episode Alert! After a long hiatus, WE ARE BACK! In our newest episode we are talking about what might be the best Kung Fu movie of the past 20 years, director Bao Tran’s incredible ‘The Paper Tigers’! Heartfelt, moving and a hilarious amount of fun, this epic Kung Fu saga also boasts some incredible martial arts action that will satisfy even the most hardcore of fans. Featuring stellar performances from principle cast members Alain Uy, Mykel Shannon Jenkins and Ron Yuan (who gives the performance of a lifetime) there are also some great supporting roles found in Matthew Page (aka Master Ken) and the ever-talented members of Martial Club. Listen in as we talk about what made this movie so special, why director Bao Tran succeeded where others have failed and why we both gave it an A+ Give us a listen, a like and subscribe! Thanks again and we hope you enjoy!
GET OVER HERE- WE HAVE A NEW EPISODE!!!! In our latest entry, we give our review of the newest Mortal Kombat movie! We give an honest critique of this latest entry of the franchise, which had elements WE ABSOLUTELY LOVED, and certain parts that left us wanting more. We break down some of our favorite aspects of the film, such as: stars Max Huang and Josh Lawson, awesome character upgrades including Raiden, Sub-Zero and Scorpion, as well as the most EPIC FATALITIES YOU COULD POSSIBLY IMAGINE! If you feel so inclined, please give us a rating and follow us for more episodes. If not, Gavin is going to show up at your door step and yell “YOUR SOUL IS MINE!”
New episode alert!!!! This time around, Gavin and I discuss our first ever Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson film, the Richard W. Munchkin directed ‘Out for Blood’ (1992). My personal favorite amongst the Dragon’s extensive library of work, this straight-to-video classic is a step above the rest. With a slick, polished and highly professional look, it stands out amongst other low budget fare from that period, with an overall mise-en-scène that was on par with theatrically released genre-driven pictures from that period. We of course also focus on the extensive amount of action in the film, particularly that of the fight choreography by the great Eric Lee. We also give shout outs to friends of the show, the legendary Sifu Don Niam and the ultra talented Bruce Willow of the ‘Bruce Willow Podcast’. We hope you enjoy!
New episode alert!!!! This time around, Gavin and I discuss the 1984 Thai action film ‘Born to Fight’, directed by and starring The Godfather of Thai action cinema, Panna Rittikrai. In this pioneering effort, we get to see the literal birth of the Thai style of cinematic martial arts action. We talk about everything ranging from the absolutely insane stunt work, the outside influence of Hong Kong cinema (particularly that of Jackie Chan) and the foreshadowing of future efforts by Rittikrai and his stunt team and proteges- specifically the great Tony Jaa. We also want to apologize in advance, as for some unfortunate reason, we had some technical glitches in which there are “audio blanks” where the sound cuts out for 2-3 seconds at a time throughout. If there is anything that gets cut off that you are interested in, please feel free to message us on instagram and we're more than happy to fill in the blanks!
New episode alert! We’re back with a new episode you’re going to absolutely LOVE! We’ve got a kick-ass top ten list for you…. “The Best Villains of Martial Arts Cinema”!!!! Listen in as we discuss our favorite martial arts baddies, with some iconic antagonists that you are definitely expecting, and some surprise entries that come out of NOWHERE! Cobra Kai?- we’ve got some of them. Yuen Wah?- you KNOW he makes our list. Who else? Well, you’re going to have to listen and find out! Don’t forget to subscribe, like, share and whatever else you feel like doing! Thanks again for all of the support and we hope you enjoy! #kungfumovies #villains #badguys #martialarts #cobrakai #brucelee #kungfu #karate #hongkong #Japan #yuenwah #podcast
New episode alert! In our newest entry, Gavin and I discuss “How to pick the best martial arts school for YOU!” We go over everything from debunking old school ideas about which style is “best” for you, the importance of finding a school which meets your needs and the necessity of doing your due diligence in terms of research and analysis. We relate some of our personal experiences and successes over the years(as well as some failures) when it comes to finding a style/school/instructor that will give you everything you are hoping for! Check it out on iTunes or soundcloud, don’t forget to subscribe and we hope you enjoy! #martialarts #sensei #mcdojo #podcast #oldschool #muaythai #kickboxing #karate #aikido #taekwondo #coach #Japan
New episode alert and BIG, BIG NEWS…. We have our first guest in almost a year!!!! Not only that, this particular guest is a true inspiration, who has kicked ass both on screen and off and continues to inspire so many people in so many different ways. We have the incredibly talented, multifaceted: actor, writer and martial artist…. Mr. Sean Kanan! Probably best remembered for his role as the primary antagonist Mike Barnes in ‘The Karate Kid Part III’, Sean has gone on to have a very successful career as both an actor (appearing in over 1,000 soap opera episodes!), best selling author and motivational speaker. In our discussion, Sean shares his tips on how to navigate this crazy world we live in and some of his personal philosophies for reaching the best version of yourself while simultaneously UNLEASHING YOUR INNER BAD ASS! You can learn about ALL of this and more in his upcoming book, ‘Way of the Cobra’ which is available for pre-order now on wayofthecobra.com Gavin and I were truly pumped up after this conversation and I’m sure you guys will be too, so give it a listen!
New Episode Alert! This time around, Gavin and I discuss one of the greatest straight to video franchises, ‘Rage and Honor’ starring two of the best to ever do it, Richard Norton and Cynthia Rothrock. This is a two for one episode in which we discuss both films, deep diving on the differences and similarities found within the production of these two extremely entertaining, albeit uniquely individual action flicks! Give us a listen on either soundcloud or Apple Podcasts and don’t forget to subscribe and all of that good stuff! We hope you enjoy!
New episode alert! In this episode, Gavin and I uncharacteristically DO NOT talk about Kung Fu Movies! INSTEAD- we are talking about training. More specifically, transparency in training. We discuss all things ranging from: workout trends, how to pick a good training methodology for yourself and whether or not we can really trust online influencers! We hope you enjoy!
We’re back with possibly the longest podcast episode of all time! Forgive us for the lengthy discussion, but we couldn’t help ourselves but to get super excited discussing 'The Top Ten Kickers of Western Martial Arts Cinema' ! Gavin and I did our Hong Kong edition a while back, so this time around we are talking about the greatest kickers from the west. Our list includes such legends as Phillip Rhee, Loren Avedon, Daniel Bernhardt, Mark Dacascos, previous guest Keith Cooke Hirabayashi, as well as my main man Jerry Trimble! Take a listen and see who else made our lists and who are top kickers of all time are! Enjoy!
The Martial Arts Mania Podcast is BACK! In our first episode of 2021, Gavin and I give our list of our top 10 performers of Hong Kong martial arts cinema! We discuss the impact these performers made and their contributions to an iconic era film making! Some entries are expected, while others are definitely going to take you by surprise!
New Episode Alert! This week is Filipino cinema and we are talking about the 2018 action thriller ‘Buy Bust’. Brutal, violent and filled to the brim with uniquely gritty fight sequences, we discuss everything ranging from director Erik Matti’s political commentary, Anne Curtis and Brandon Vera’s FANTASTIC performances, as well as Sonny Sison’s innovative and ambitious FMA based choreography. Although structurally its plot line is very similar to other action films before it, I guarantee you that you have never seen anything quite like it in its execution! I had the pleasure of going to see this one in theatres when it first came out two years ago, and you can go back and see my initial post/review on Instagram from that time as well! ‘Buy Bust’ is currently on Netflix, so if you haven’t seen it I suggest you go and check it out!!!!
In this episode we discuss the oft forgotten American/ Hong Kong co-production martial arts classic 'College Kickboxers'! Starring early 90's straight to video performer Ken Mcleod and the enigmatic Tang Tak-Wing, this amalgamation of western and eastern cinema is the best of both worlds; an awesomely cheesy action movie plot-line backed by authentic martial artists performing stellar Hong Kong style fight scenes! Listen in as we break down the movie, what we loved about it and what we wish we knew more of! Hope you enjoy!
In this episode we discuss the 1975, highly stylized (and highly fictionalized) biographical martial arts film, 'Shorinji Kempo' aka 'The Killing Machine!'- the story of Doshin So, the founder and creator of the Japanese hybrid martial arts system Shorinji Kempo. We go into a deep analysis of my own experiences training in the art, the history of the system with its roots in both jujitsu and Shaolin Kung Fu, as well as an examination of the technical aspects of the film. Enjoy!
The Martial Arts Mania Podcast IS BACK!!!! @Gavin and I return from a long hiatus and discuss anything and everything ranging from training during the crazy times of Covid-19, Scott Adkins’ new YouTube series, comfort movies we go back to again and again and Gavin’s chance encounter with the legendary Billy Blanks. Hope you enjoy!
Our long awaited return has finally arrived! After our first attempt to record this episode failed (due to glitchy zoom call interference) we managed to re-record a couple of weeks back. Well, we once again had some technical issues, but luckily I had a backup mic recording so the episode was saved! We are happy to bring to you ‘The Top Ten One-on-One Fight Scenes of Hong Kong Cinema’. In this episode, Gavin and I discuss and countdown our all time favorite throwdowns, with some preset rules and stipulations determining who/what can qualify for the list. We’ve got some obvious mega-stars on the list, showcasing their talents in some of the most famous and beloved martial arts films of all time. However, we also have some unorthodox entries on there that might surprise you; either bringing a sense of satisfaction or possibly utter confusion 🧐 Either which way, tune in as we nerd out and discuss all things Kung Fu movie related 👊🏻 We hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!
Our interview with martial artist, teacher, podcaster, author and Kung Fu film aficionado Sifu Alex Richter! Founder of City Wing Tsun Athletic Association in New York City, Sifu Alex is a life long martial arts practitioner and one of the most highly sought out instructors of Wing Chun, as well as being one of the foremost experts on Hong Kong martial arts history. He is the co-host of the popular martial arts themed podcast 'Dudes of Kung Fu' and also runs his own ever-growing youtube channel, 'The Kung Fu Genius'. Listen as we dive deep into everything Kung Fu related including Wing Chun movies, Yip Man facts and his behind the scenes insight on one of my favorite TV shows, 'Fight Quest', Thanks again to the Kung Fu Genius, Sifu Alex Richter!
A re-release of our very first episode to coincide with us finally becoming available on itunes!
In the first entry of this two-part episode, Gavin and A.J. start their separate lists of their top 10 favorite kickers of Hong Kong cinema! Listen as they share some similar entries, as well as some VERY DIFFERENT selections! This episode features their #10-6 and part 2, with their top 5, will be dropping soon! Stay tuned!
The Martial Arts Mania Podcast is back! This week we have a very special guest; martial artist, actor, author, minister, fitness guru and multi-time collegiate boxing champion, Sifu Leo Fong! Most famously known as a good friend and training partner of Bruce Lee during the Oakland years, Sifu Leo shares his incredibly inspirational story about immigrating from China to the United States in the 1930’s, growing up in the deep south at a time when racism was heavily rampant and there were not many other Chinese families, and how he took up boxing to literally fight for his life. In part one of our episode, Leo shares his early years, discusses his highly successful amateur boxing career and gives some insight into the current state of JKD practitioners. Part II of the interview will be coming soon!
In this episode, A.J. and Gavin sit down with martial artist, actor, trainer and all around incredible human being Keith Cooke Hirabayashi. Known for his roles in the 'Mortal Kombat' films and many other movies such as 'China O' Brien', 'King of the Kickboxers' and 'Beverly Hills Ninja', he discusses his career beginning with his early days in the martial arts, his championship reign on the tournament circuit during the 1980's and his experiences working on some of the the greatest martial arts movies of all time! Also, a Big shout out to our first sponsor The Union Designs! check them out on instagram @theuniondesigns or their website www.theuniondesigns.com