1 comments about Combatant Extreme Self Defense.

1. If someone edited out everything except Bill Kipp's FAST Defense stuff, maybe I would given this 5 stars. Although the production value is high, and the overall premise (let's see how 4 different styles deal with the same set of attacks) is pretty good, some of the attacks are hokey at best. Some of the voice over "facts" are somebody's strong, yet unbacked up opinions at best.
   
   The Combat Krav Maga is Ok, but some things seems didn't strike me as being highly effective for ordinary citizens with little or no athletic skills. The guy is a military monster... of coarse it works for him. Decent though.
   
   The Wing Chun stuff was a step below the Krav Maga, and way below Bill Kipp's FAST Defense stuff. The guy hits so fast and repeatedly to the face with his fist, that the speed takes away from the power. And, if he did have enough power at each punch, he would be likely to bust his hand on the guys jaw bone. I did like some of the guy's practical (just give him your wallet and don't fight it) stuff, but his fighting moves didn't seem heavy-duty and crude enough to work in the savageness of real fighting.
   
   The Kali knife fighter old man was a COMPLETE AND TOTAL JOKE! This guy actually advises and shows you how to murder someone if they throw a punch at you or point their finger in your face. How irresponsible and stupid of him. He slices and stabs other people for simple assault threats. That's murder buddy... good luck spending the rest of your life in prison! Otherwise, he spends most of his time wrapping this poor dude up into a pretzel. The joint locks and holds are so complex and detailed, not even he can remember and explain what he did just a second ago. This guy, and his system are complete junk for citizen self-defense.
   
   Now, Bill Kipp's FAST Defense. This was worth the price of the DVD alone. I wish the whole thing was of Bill's stuff. All the other guys wasted my time. At least they served to highlight crappy martial arts trying to be self-defense against the EFFECTIVE self-defense of FAST Defense. Bill's advice is dead-on solid, and his physical movements are simple and effective. Even overweight grandmom can do this stuff! Very pragmatic and responsible advice and moves.
   
   As the founder and senior professor of VITAL Self-Defense, and the co-host of the Self-Defense Show podcast, I feel I have a degree of expertise that allows me to comment on this DVD with some merit.
   
   Bottom Line: Buy this DVD for Bill Kipp's FAST Defense, but use the DVD's menu to only play his stuff, and skip the other ones... they are pretty much crap. (Maybe watch the Krav Maga if you really want to)

No comments about Pangai Noon Karate Vol 5.

5 comments about Shaolin vs. Lama.

1. It would be a gross dis-service to give out details on this flick,,,,almost everyone who review this movie gave it 5 stars,,,therefore, that should suffice for anyone to make a decission to check out this awesome, amazing kicker!!
   
   Three words for this flick TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH. This flick is easily among my top 5 best ever kung fu movie of all times,,,I must have watched this flick over 10 times, and each times feel like the first,,it just an amazing flick!!



2. this movie is very good. a must for collectors. you won't be disapointed



3. This movie is just funny. Memories of kung fu theatre on saturdays at noon rushed through my head as I watched this goofy romp. Ridiculous dubbing, an awful story line and some great martial arts action a la the old days of the genre. The choreography reminded me of a capoeira match where the fighters are just barely missing each other on purpose. I wish I could've seen it in the original cantonese or mandarin with subtitles as the films are always better. Worth watching if you love kung fu flicks.



4. Let's be honest with each other for a moment. Sometimes everyone needs to see a movie that appeals to them on every level no matter how much sense it may make. That is exactly what this movie is to a kung fu movie fan. The story is kinda out there and involves a young monk who happens to cross a young kung fu fighter trying to find someone who can beat him, and ends up being an enthralling slug fest featuring many different styles of kung fu. This movie although amazingly awesome is also pretty corny and as such has many memorable one liners, some of which you may be familiar with if you are a fan of the wu tang clan. Thats all i'm gonna say. If you are a kung fu fan you habve not excuse not to watch this movie.



5. This movie Shaolin vs. Lama has a variety of action in it, but the Villan had the advantage with the Army that he has with him. So, the main actor has a hard time to defeat the Villan. I gave the movie 5 stars, because of the action seens of Kung Fu been displayed in the movie.

1 comments about Legends of the Poisonous Seductress #3: Okatsu the Fugitive.

1. This is a great samurai (chambara/jidai-geki) film, filled with loads of swordplay, villainy, and heroism. I'm quite confused as to why the film distributors labeled this film as "pinky violence." Those seeking "pinky violence" will be quite disappointed, as this film is no more "pinky violence" than any of a score of regular samurai films.
   
   The hero of this film is a samurai swordswoman on the path of revenge to avenge the death of her parents by corrupt clan members. Miyazono Junko is fabulous as the expert swordswoman O-Katsu. After her parents' torture and deaths, she wanders the countryside seeking vengeance and, on the way, uses her flashing sword to save helpless people from various villains. Great film, especially for those (such as myself) who are tired from the weeping, wafting, helpless females that infect too many films all over the world. O-Katsu provides an example of a strong woman who can take care of herself as she seeks righteousness.

1 comments about Wadokai Karate-Do kihon and Basic Kata.

1. On this DvD you will learn from Yoshiaki Ajari every possible stance, hand technique, kick and block, with all of the correct Japanese terminnology.

3 comments about Secret Rivals 3.

1. Now I will start off by telling you that this is by videoasia. So yeah, you may want to find another version, but I will tell you what. You don't know kung fu if you can't watch the picture on this one. I mean it isn't distorted or anything, and the print isn't too dirty, hell it isn't even fully full screened. The picture is just kind of like there and it's good, just no full rich colors. It is hard to explain the picture on this one, but if you have seen 7 steps of kung fu then I can say the picture is better then thta. I hate having to try to come up with new terms, but i will leave at "this dvd is very acceptable".
   
   Also the sound will vary, typical videoasia release.
   
   So the movie is freaking awesome. The action is directed by the great robert tai. The only real confirmations that I know of is that he is the SUPER cool bad guy from john liu's Incredible Kung Fu Mission, aka Kung Fu Commandos. And he worked as an action director on The Return of the Five Deadly Venoms, aka Crippled Avengers, aka Mortal Combat. So he is back as the bad guy for this, and I have to believe he at least had a hand in the martial arts instruction, because this a beautifully choreographed movie. And classic style, savign the very best for last.
   
   Speaking of the dvd itself, it has a great special feature on it shows you arrest techniques and stuff like that. It is some really good instruction. A great new addition to the instructional video section.
   
   Now the movie itself kicks some serious tail. You get a secret rivals type of a story where john liu's brother is killed and he finds a knife in his body. He goes to fight the southern fist champion(lo rei) becasue it is just known i guess that it is his knife. They talk it over and liu tells lo rei that if the murderer hasn't been found, then lo rei is going to jail. Lo rei, is just like, whatever dude, you are not gonna be taking me anywhere, so keep on blowing smoke if you feel like it. So we get to meet the boss behind all these plans(robert tai). And not really giving anything away(unless secret rivals 1 and 2 are some of your favorite storylines), but he framed lo rei of the murder. So that is basically the whole story, but we get a ton of good fights the whole way through the movie and a lot with a young acrobat that I have only seen in a couple of other movies. Everybody seems to remember ninja in the dragon's den because of the final fight with hwang lee, just so all you people know, the kid who kept saying: "My father will make you pay for this", well he is hwang's magic stylist son. HE IS ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE MARTAIL ARTISTS. They didn't really showcase him in corey yuen's classic with hiyuroki? sanada, and the great conan lee. But even though his legs seem to be like 2 feet shorter than liu's (LoL), his form and legwork are freaking sweet. And his friend is a pretty good comedy actor. And that's another thing, corey yuen didn't showcase the MA skills, but This kid playing the woodcarver (LoL) was picked for his acting. Well both are on dispay here and he makes the movie so enjoyable it would seriously suck if he wasn't in it. So whoever directed this $100 movie, thanks.
   
   So of course northern kicks champ and southern fist champion alexander lo rei are going to have their fights and those are all good. But you all know what you got this for. The final fight definitely tops all the others in this movie. But the choreography is just so awesome, I honestly had to put this movie right back in after the first time I watched it to see it again. And when the final fight came, oh man, it was even better than the first time.
   
   So the dvd isn't remastered, but it is a GREAT movie.



2. I really enjoyed this flick,,,,equally an amazing performance from John Liu as he was in Secret rivals 1 and 2. I'm a John Liu fan period,,and expect nothing less than a stellar performace every-time I check out his flick,,this dude has never let me down!! The cinematography and choreography well done!! This film is easily up there with the best of them!! Definately a gem!! Respectively,,the dvd transfer may not be great unless you have the "Red-Son version,,,however, that took nothing away from this amazing, well put together kicker!!



3. i have this and the fight sequence is not bad in comparisum to 1&2 the series stays true to the hard core fighthing and actors in 1&2 but if your into collecting id say buy it. but if you don't have 1&2 id say leave it right on the rack where all the corney one's was left.. (lol) however this is the english version though this cover of the dvd i'm talking bout.

2 comments about Iron Neck Li.

1. I'm surprized I am the first and only reviewer on this really amazing classic. This flick has to be a well kept secret, a hidden gem!!
   
   Here is a brief synopsis on this flick,,,,,I hate giving synopsis on movis,,i do belive it take away from the core of the flick,,,,Therefore, I do this with immense reservations: "Iron Neck Li" is about this dude "Chi Kuan Chun", who has a history of putting his neck on the line for the citizens of his neigbourhood, protecting them from the bully leaders, and governors. One fine day,,it just so happened that the King/ Emperor (A really nice guy), was passing through the town incognito and saw this great deed, Iron Neck Li fighting some thugs,who just murdered a fellow citizen. Not only did the Emperor saved him from execution but also spoke on his behalf, thus spearing his life,,the Emperor then hired him to be his personal body guard. They then too a trip to Taiwan. The rest you can just imagine the chaos and mayhem. This flick has all the features of an amazing old school performance,,,,the choreography and cinematograpy well put together. A really tight, and great story. The dvd transfer very good. You will not be dissapointed!!



2. Well, Im a Chi Quan Chun Fan for sure. This guy can not only fight he can act. This was a very different type of Shaw Movie. It is a must see film. The fighting is excellent. And the choreography is well worth watching. They took there on this one. And given its age its a very good transfer however it looks as though it was redone through film or transfered from vhs. There are about 3 very short runs in the film. But it doesn't take away from the film much at all.
   
   I would have given it a 5 star rating because for me its the best film Chi did out of all his Shaw movies. But the Chinese Native Americans in the forest [I'm Native American] Was a bit much. And there is a surprise in this movie that makes you go what the heck!
   
   But all in all its very good. The humor is also very good. You will enjoy the laughs. This movies emotional aspect also made the movie worth seeing. Its like I said a really different Martial Arts movie. A must have to your DVD Martial Arts collection.

5 comments about Grappler Baki: The Ultimate Fighter.

1. I liked this dvd alot. Grappling Baki is a film that is alot of fun to watch because it is about a teenage kid who fights in an underground tournament and just kicks tail! When Baki fights he reminds you of Bruce Lee. He fights these tough characters leading up to the final battle against the most notorious fighter , Shinogi the Cord Cutter , and this final battle is pretty well done and it lasts for a decent period of time. I would have loved this film even more if it was at least 80 or 90 minutes long. The film is 45 minutes long but considering the context of the film I guess 45 minutes is fine and I appreciated it for what it was worth. The dvd has english and japanese audio , character highlights , and the animation style is similar to "Legend of the Overfiend". You can probably show "Grappler Baki" to a boy above 10 years old. It is fairly clean except for the surreal violence. Otherwise just about anybody could watch it. It is just about a kid who lives to fight and he fights the deadliest fighter in the final battle. THIS IS NOT "RAGING BULL" OK. If you just want a quick adrenaline rush and a very , very simple plot then this is the dvd for you. Short , simple , fun stuff.



2. the only real problem with this movie was its length. also, it wasn't too bad for a martial arts anime; fake martial arts, but not too goofy.also, some people were saying they wanted a sequel.the movie became a tv series in 2001, and on places like ebay you can find the series. seeya



3. It was the 18th Shinshinkai all-Japan open at Tokyos Buddahkhan stadium. It was a tournament open to all fighters, although it was mainly to showcase fighters from the Shinshinkai Organization. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a young fighter shows up at the tournment. He is a white who sunt other fighters to the hospital can you believe that.



4. man this thing sucked. but it was sort of almost its so bad its good. horrible dub that that to no suprise cant be unintentiionally funny. grungy and ugly animation that seriously doesnt stand the test of time. zero plot,but at 45 minutes thats really no suprise.but for just a sort of "bloodsport" rip it works on a lightweight,lowest common doniminator level. with its combination of corny humor and over-the-top violence it manages to trigger a guilty pleasure type liking. yeah it's horribley dated.....but.....nah actually thats about it



5. I first saw this over 10 years ago as a rental. In the eyes of everyone that saw it with me, it's a classic. It is short... VERY short. It's almost like they expect you to know everything about all the characters and left 45 minutes worth of backstory, character development and plot on the cutting room floor. So while 45 minutes isn't much, if you editted out all the fluff in a DragonBall Z episode, you'd probably only have about 4 minutes. Thus, this is the equivalent of 10 episodes of your standard fighting anime.
   
   What sells it is how over-the-top it can be. It could be a lot worse, but for its time, it was pretty impressive. For example, when he fights the huge guy behind on the cover, the huge guy breaks his hand (the bone pops out the skin) when he punches Baki in the face. You'd think Baki would be in a lifelong coma after charging into a punch like that from such a large man, but he gets up with a wry grin and a swollen eye and says, "Crying over a broken hand?"
   That's just part of the first fight.
   
   Although it's not on par with Fist of the North Star for ludicrous brutality and machismo, it's up there. I actually like that from time-to-time, but most people don't. I give it 5 stars, most people would consider it worthy of a rental.

5 comments about The Kung Fu Master (Special Edition).

1. The last reviewer mentioned that the flick bombed because of the quality and all that. I would just like to bring to his attention that this is not a film, it is a TV action series which obviously doesn't have the financial backing a regular movie has. Considering the before mentioned explanation, it is my opinion that this is great entertainment. I cant't wait for Revenge of The Kung Fu MAster to arrive by mail.



2. While this film is definitley a must for all Kung Fu Junkies out there, it may be a little hard to swallow for the average person. Donnie Yen Is Incredible, and this movie does produce some great fight scenes, However, the Production, direction, and several other aspects leave so much to be desired that its actually distracting from the movie.
   
   Much Love though to Donnie Yen and all the other great Martial Artists who contributed.



3. If you have seen the real show then you know that their is no point in buying this. I wanted to see this becasue of the Donie Yen commentary, yes IT HAS A DONNIE YEN COMMENTARY! I was surprised to see how great of an editing job they did. The whole focus on the TV series is the relationship between father and son. Tai Seng did a masterful job with this.
   
   So the show/movie is about Donnie Yen playing the famous inventor of the hung fist. The story really goes all over the place but manages to focus on the main points just enough. We meet Miss Yim Wing Chun and that was certainly a surpirse, but if you watch revenge of the Kung Fu MAster you will figure out that they just try to make this thing every kung fu movie ever rolled into one. Now the action was the real high point. BEST ACTION YOU WILL EVER SEE IN A TV SHOW. And Donnie Yen's parts are some of the coolest stuff I have seen in a little while. He has his own style and it is not for everybody. Iron Monkey fans may enjoy it but it is REALLY fast.
   
   So the story is good, acting is good, action is really good, but I remind you, this is a TV show. Don't expect all that Hollywood type of movie shine to it.
   
   The commentaries are just freaking awesome. Bey Logan and DONNIE YEN!!!! Then a second commentary by Ric Myers, Bobby Samuels, and Frank Jane(I think he does the subtitle work).
   
   So all in all the REAL TV show gets a 4.5. This double disc set gets a 3.5 and the dvd as a whole gets a 1000/1000.
   
   Also don't watch the making of featurette because it gives away stuff from Revenge of the Kung Fu Master. BUT, it does have the lyrics subtitled for the Wong Fei Hung song From Once Upon a Time in China. Personally, I think that was the best special feature on the discs.



4. i love donnie yen on iron monkey and once upon a time in china 2, so i decided to buy this movie expecting a raw good kung fu action. However, I ended having a a huge dissapointment on the film because the action are being fast forward in purpose so that it will look like they are fighting rapidly. I would have continue watching the film if the director would just left the action scene the way it was without fast forwarding it. The action lost its rawness; therefore, about 20 minutes later of the film i stop watching it. This film is about the fourth time in a row that I wasted my money with kung fu movies such as the last duel, deadful melody and the leg fighters. I need to be more cautios next time =(



5. The costumes and settings reveal this movie's shoestring budget. The fighing scenes are below par compared with other good films starring Donnie. The acting and the plot are not intersting either. This is more like a bad TV show than a movie. Donnie's famous for his kung fu skills. You should see Iron Monkey, Hero, Butterfly sword, Once upon a time in China 2 and Blade 2 to appreciate how good he is.
   
   It's still worth renting to satisfy your curiosity.

5 comments about UFC Vol 15.

1. The last UFC saw the greatest upset in MMA history,how odd was it to see it one-upped so soon.

   One heavyweight tournament and 2 Superfights. This is the event on paper, how it unfolded was something else. The heavyweight tournament would see the return of Mark Kerr and his undefeated record spanning different fighting organizations. To see Kerr fight in another tournament was a little bit of an insult. He was just as dominating as a Vitor Belfort, yet he had to go thru a tournament again. Still Kerr was ready and able. Serious competition from undefeated BJJ sensation Carlos Barreto, and UFC vet Dave Beneteau fell before him.

   The first Superfight pitted Randy Couture vs. Vitor Belfort. Randy Couture was a UFC heavyweight tourney champ in search of an upset, against the incredible Vitor Belfort. Belfort was already touted as the next eventual Superfight champion. His dominating victories and his great personality had the makings of great things to come. The match-up against Couture was just another hurdle in his quest. Leading up to the fight, Couture seemed loose and fresh, while Belfort looked tight(too buffed) and serious. The fight became the greatest upset and still is to this day the greatest upset ever in MMA history. This fight alone is worth checking this video out!

   The Main event(Superfight 2) was for the UFC title. Maurice Smith was back to defend his championship against Tank Abbott. On paper a clear mismatch, but Abbott's right hand always makes a fight interesting. Abbott is the clown of the UFC, a sideshow in a sport trying to legitimize itself. He is basically a tool to bring in the beer-guzzling idiots who help fill the seats. His role is known, but his decision to fight in such short notice should be commended. He was beat, and did submit verbally, but he earned a little bit more respect.




2. Watch the heavyweight tournament to see why RIP (Airborne Ranger hand-to-hand combat style) is the 'most expeditious' form of fighting in the world. Greg Stott should have spent more time training, and less time reading a dictionary. The Couture-Belfort match was a surprise. Belfort gained about 20+ pounds (of muscle) from UFC XII to now, which was less than a year(mmm...steroids). I don't think his conditioning was where it should have been. I guess with all his quick fights, he didn't think it was necessary. Pretty good Maurice Smith-Tank Abbott fight. No surprises, though.



3. I do not know what all of the hype about this UFC release was all about. None, none of the fights were spectacular. Maybee they are to someone who is real into the specific technics or is a UFC trainspotter but to me (myself having no form of martial arts training) the fights were all fairly boring. Call me shallow or whatever but I like to see action, and there was not a whole lot displayed, no blood. I was very dissapointed by Vitor Belforts showing, all of the other things I have seen with him he was the man but not in XV. I dont know maybe I am missing something, or its just that I like the first few UFCs where the octagon was covered in blood stains. This was more like a wrestelling tournament with a few punches thrown. Nothing like the older tournaments. Well blood is lacking, so for all of you (like me) who really enjoy blood spurting all over the place and hitting the fans, this is not for you. I may not be a purist but I know what I like, and this is not it. Go get 1-5 those are the best I think



4. saw this live on tv...and trust me mark kerr is a BEAST.where is he now anyway?? but ufc needs 2 release this things on dvd..my vcr broke years ago



5. October 17, 1997
   Casino Magic
   Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
   
   On this night, current super fight champion Maurice Smith was supposed to meet Mark Coleman for a rematch... that fell through. Then, Smith was slated to fight Dan "The Beast" Severn... that also fell through. The UFC put out a call for a challenger. David "Tank" Abbott answered the call to battle.
   
   The night starts out with two less-than-stellar alternate bouts. In the first, Alex Hunter faces Harry Moskowitz. This is a lackluster fight that goes to a decision. Houston Dorr then takes on Dwayne Cason. This one ends more quickly, but it nearly as boring as the previous matchup.
   
   Mark "The Smashing Machine" Kerr makes his UFC debut against Greg Stott. Stott looks like he's kidding, with his leaning stance and hand-to-hand combat style. Kerr ends it in 20 seconds. Goodbye, Greg Stott. Welcome, Mark Kerr.
   
   Dave Beneteau v. Carlos Barreto: This one is fairly exciting, but either fighter can end it and the fight goes to a decision.
   
   Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort v. Randy "The Natural" Couture: This is the true main event of UFC 18. Belfort had been tearing through the competition before this point in his young career (3-0 in the UFC). Couture is 34 at the time and Belfort is 20. Couture, however, makes this his fight. He uses his wrestling skills to control the flow of the bout. He imposes his will, begins landing standing blows and then eventually stops Belfort with strikes on the ground at just over 8 minutes. This was called an upset, but we know better by now.
   
   Mark Kerr's then meets Dwayne Cason in the heavyweight tournament finals. This one ends very quickly and we have a repeat and very impressive heavyweight tournament champion.
   
   In the main event, Maurice Smith faces off with Tank Abbott. We know who appears to be the better fighter in this bout - and we are correct... Smith is in good shape and Tank is not. Tank gasses and verbally quits. He chalks it up to coming from the bar stool to the octagon, but he was clearly outmatched and outclassed.
   
   This is a decent UFC event. The highlight was definitely the Belfort/Couture fight. Couture is a class act and it is somewhat satisfying to see him stop The Phenom.