1 comments about Challenge (2005).

1. this is awesome german martial art movie.the stick fighting was the best good script and good actorsand a ho lot of action and just a little bit humor i would watch this movie over and over it that good

4 comments about "Dirty Street Fighting" Self Defense Volume 2, Take Downs, Ground Fighting Positions, Escapes And Reversals.

1. Having bought all 5 DVDs in Adam "Pitt Bull" Series this is another top notch lesson to complete your fight game. He breaks down each move so you can master it quickly without hesitation. I really like the reversals and escapes from dangerous groundfighting positions, this is what will really gives you the advantage should a street fight go to the ground. Most people don't have a clue how to grapple or fight on the ground. As Adam says 95% of all street fights end up on the ground! Everyone will benefit from this ground fighting DVD.



2. I'm sure Hutch is a real bad dude but his home video of "basic" movies is worth maybe 10 dollars at best. His commentary and script seemed thrown together in no real order. Plus, it would be helpfull to know correct ways to punch and stand rather than how to round house someone to the head. Come on now, no REAL person is going to try a kick to someones face. As soon as you do, yo can expect to get bull-dogged to the floor and have your face pounded in. Most people will come at you flailing; swinging wild punches and going for holds and take downs. No offense to Hutch but maybe the basic principles he teaches will help a bit, but it's not really anything phenominal. Save your money folks. I think I am going to try a book to help me improve my fighting next time. Anyone know of some good ones?



3. Have a look at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0834804441/002-0312612-5340014?v=glance&n=283155 or just Google the word "Hapkido technique book" OR isbn 0834804441
   
   This is just a fantastic book that has step by step illustrations on everything. Starts with philosophy (short & sweet) then starts with the basic stances, punches and blocks (white belt stuff) then moves all the way through to weapons training and defence. There's a whole section devoted to the use of 'conventional weapons' like brooms, forks, books, etc. very useful in teaching our relatives the "Basics" on how to defend themselves without having to spend several years in martial arts training. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.



4. Within the first 10 seconds of this DVD you can tell it is worth the money, but my absolute favorite thing about the production is that the host wears a microphone so you can actually understand what he's saying; honestly it makes a world of difference. Also, he warns you about what moves you can expect to find on the street or at a bar in the real world and how to counter them.

No comments about Ultimate Ninja Collection, Vol. 1.

No comments about Saga of the Phoenix.

5 comments about 18 Fingers of Death.

1. Ok, I'm a fan of mockumentaries. I'm a fan of really bad sci fi with cheesy effects. I'm a fan of poorly dubbed kung fu. I'm just a general fan of the "It's so bad it's good" genre, but this movie was unwatchable. If I had but read the reviews of the other 9 people on amazon who gave this piece of trash one star (and wished that there were negative ratings, just so the abomination that is "18 Fingers of Death" could be fairly guaged) I would have never sat down to watch it.
   You're probably asking yourself, "Yeah, but how bad is it really?" It's so bad that the boys of Mystery Science Theater 3000 couldn't even do anything for it. The comedy (and I'm using that term loosly) of this film falls so flat, there is any possible way that any person on the face of the earth, even if they are a fan of bad cinema, could stand this movie. It's a total train wreck. Just step away and be glad you were warned. Some of the rest of us weren't so lucky.



2. Great slap stick comedy. Take the comedy classic: Hollywood Shuffle, then add a kick to the head and you've got the 18 Fingers of Death. A satirical look at the life of a fictitious Kung Fu great. Our hero is a mix of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Samo Hung, with just a touch of Buster Keaton. Being a long time Fan of the genre, I especially enjoyed this comedic glimpse behind the camera.
   
   Written and Directed by one of the great unsung hero's of the Martial Arts movies: James Lew. Look him up, and you'll see a man that's been killed in every American Martial arts movie made in the last 30 years. From directing the fight choreography of Big Trouble in Little China, to swash buckling in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, James has done it all. This is especially apparent during a scene with the late Pat Morita, the life and pains of the writer/director shine shine through. There's a true sense of what it is to be a martial arts Actor and Stunt man; ever the villain, but never the star.
   
   This is a very funny film with a depth that makes it a true standout. I very much enjoyed 18 Fingers of Death. Watch it. It's worth it.



3. This movie is nothing to do with Spinal Tap or Kung Fu Hustle.
   
   This movie is, essentially, a parody of Jackie Chan - his life, his movies, his personality. It would be better classed as a film-length Celebrity Roast of Jackie Chan. James Lew, the actor who plays Buford Lee, is actually a stuntman who has doubled mostly all of Hollywood's great action stars including Chan, and is a friend of Chan's. This movie's intention was to demonstrate how hard it is for Asians to break into the film business and a great deal of this film is actually a parody Jackie Chan's true to life struggles that he had making it in Hollywood pre-Rumble in the Bronx. James Lew did a fantastic job of caputuring not only the public essence of Jackie's persona, but the darker side too (by using the spoof character Jackie Chong to demonstrate Chan's major downfall - women, and his little-known foray into music)
   
   If you know nothing of Jackie Chan's life or career, I'd give this a miss as simply put, you won't get it. If you are a fan of Chan and know a great deal about his life as well as his movies, you'll get the joke the filmmakers intended here, and find it hysterically funny. Not one for the casual fan, but a great inside joke.



4. Ok, yes this is a terrible movie, acting sucks, plot sucks, production sucks, but it has a great message. People keep talking about the quote on the cover that says "Kung Fu Hustle Meets Spinal Tap" - Chen, Buford's Other Brother. The key word being, "Bufords Other Brother." It's a fake quote. I love this movie. I know this sounds stupid but it helped me get through a tough time in my life. The message it tries to get across is to keep trying for your dreams, and don't give up. Yeah it's really cheesy but it's kind of fun too watch.



5. 18 FINGERS OF DEATH is the story of kung fu movie fan-boy Ronald Mack (played by Maurice Pata) and his completely irrational determination to make a documentary of the objection of his obssession,the most over-worked, least appreciated kung fu movie "star" of all time Buford Lee. Who? Buford Lee, "The only action star who does his own stunts AND his own hair!" Pity poor Buford. He has made 803 films in his career as a kung fu movie star and yet no one has the slightest idea who he is, or has the tiniest bit of respect for him, facts with which Buford is cheerfully unconcerned. He just wants to keep making his movies. And this is where his problems arise.
   
   
   In the course of the documentary we meet some colorful characters. We encounter two of Ronald's friends, who may constitute a goodly portion of Buford's Los Angeles fan base, as they ravage a video store in search of lost gems such as his 49th film, THE LEGEND OF YOUNG DRAGON which was released in the US as I'LL KILL YOU UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD. Then there's the beauteous Sushi Cue,a kwailo who nearly gets Buford killed by pushing him off a roof while setting up an advertising stunt for her employer Honorable Fortune Cookies. And of course we also meet Buford's long suffering parents; his proud mother who brags endlessly, and his beleaguered father Pat Morita, (in one of his last film roles)who isn't allowed to say a word in protest.
   
   Every documentary of this kind must also have interviews with all the famous folks Buford has worked with over the years, and their name is legion starting with David Carravousier who played Kwai Shame Kane in the 1970's tv hit BONG FU. Buford was "killed" on that show when Kane accidentally hit him with a staff while Buford's character was sweeping up the temple. An interesting aside is that Ronald had only recently learned that Carravousier was NOT Chinese! What a stunner. He also worked with Steve Seefood, Chuck Snorris, and Billy Buff. The first had little intelligible to offer in his interview since he was eating at the time, the second kept trying to sell Ronald exercise equipment, and the third, well, its just didn't work out. Pun intended.
   
   Its at about this point in the film that Buford's life takes a turn for the worse--the financial backers have pulled out of his latest film leaving him high and dry with absolutely no prospects for the first time in his career. No matter who he tries to impress with the fact that his last film, 17 FINGERS OF DEATH, made $615.31 net profit no one wants to produce his film. Ronald is the one who comes up the big idea that may just save the day. While reading a copy of "Variety" he notices that the Sundance Film Festival has a category for films shot on dvd! Its the perfect answer to everyone's problems; Buford can make his new film, 18 FINGERS OF DEATH, with Ronald serving as director etc, while Ronald can simultaneously complete his documentary on Buford! For Ronald, who has always wanted to work in films, what could be better? The deadline for Sundance is in one week, and Buford has never taken THAT long to finish a movie before so there shouldn't be any problems at all!
   
   Will they be able to complete the film in time? Will Buford finally get the respect he deserves? Will you actually care enough to rent this movie and find out?
   
   Of course not! Pity poor Buford and pity poor James Lew, for this film is actually a comedic autobiography. A look at what 35 years of doing everything from modeling kung fu outfits and demonstrating equipment in martial arts magazines to catch-me-if-you-can cameos on tv's KUNG FU to being killed and/or having his butt kicked by stars including the likes of Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Seagal, Norris, Van Damme, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Charlie Sheen, Brandon Lee, and even Sarah Michelle Gellar for God's sake. And then finally getting his own feature film only to find he isn't even pictured on the front cover! , Rodney Dangerfield was deified.
   
   This is not a parody of the life of Jackie Chan as some have suggested, this is a satire of Lew's own life as he approaches his mid-forties and realizes that it ain't gonna get any better than this, he is never gonna be a big movie star--and that's okay. Like Buford he remains indefatigable and cheerfully optimistic in the face of reality.
   
   So did I like it or not? And should you see it or not? Sure I liked it for what it was-- a silly little introspective movie with some kung fu thrown in. Should you see it? Not unless my reason really turned you on. My rating of 5 stars is another error. Its at best a 2 and 1/2 which I will round up to 3 stars for sentimental reasons.
   
   Lew did have at least one additional starring role; SOUL OF THE AVENGER which co-starred, among others, Mark Pellegrino, Nancy Kwan, Kato Kaelin, Karen Sheppard and Richard Norton. The fact that I'm not reviewing IT should say it all.
   
   Title explanation: Lew appeared in HOT SHOTS PART DEUX as the muscular Thai boxer who spits up his own walnuts after a fight with Sheen. In the first HOT SHOTS we learned that Sheen's character's Native American name translate's to "Fluffy Bunny Feet". On the cover of 18 FINGERS you will notice the not-James Lew-central person is wearing the same fluffy bunny slippers Sheen wore in HOT SHOTS. VOILA! Title explained.

5 comments about Naked Killer.

1. Okay, there have been a lot of different DVD editions released, so be sure what you're getting.
   
   The theatrical version ran about 88 minutes, has a rather comically censored audio track in one scene, and can rightfully (technically) be called "uncut." The "director's cut" runs about 93 minutes and does not have bleeps on the audio track in the scene in which Tinam's partner eats the penis. In-between is a version that includes some of the extra footage, but not all of it. (Some sapphic nuzzling between Sister Cindy and Kitty in the training sequence.)
   
   Avoid at all costs the dubbed and censored FOX release. This version was heavily cut to get an R rating, which, of course, bites. Any version of 'Naked Killer' that skimps on the nakedness or the killing is to be vigorously spat upon. Shame on you guys! I'd like to hire Carrie Ng to explode your you-know-what.
   
   I haven't seen any of the Tai Seng editions. I know that they have released an English dubbed version (yuck!) - but, if there's a widescreen Chinese version available, that might be the best you're going to find on Amazon right now.
   
   Media Asia/Megastar's disc is pretty darn good, and I believe this is the director's cut! It has an uncensored audio track and quite a bit of footage that wasn't in the theatrical cut. If you can find it, this is the one to get. I believe Amazon has it, but the releasing company is mistakenly given as Tai Seng. Look for the title in large, yellow, vertical Chinese characters on the right hand side of the cover with a smaller English title just above that. I have read that this is out of print - so grab it if you see it!
   
   Mei Ah's theatrical version disc sucks in terms of quality - but I'm keeping mine because it preserves the hilarious subtitles that were such a big part of the theatrical experience (when you can see them, anyway).
   
   As for the film itself - If you haven't seen it thirty times already, what are you waiting for? This is the greatest of the killer-babe classics alongside Russ Meyer's immortal 'Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!' (And, no, I'm not forgetting 'Kill Bill,' I just don't think it rates better than 'OK' when you've seen a lot of the kind of movies it was cribbing from - movies you have to get out and look hard for, because they aren't going to fall into your lap at your local multiplex.) This one consistently packed the house for a decade of return engagements in my area (sometimes at midnight, sometimes as the co-feature of such fare as 'Chinese Torture Chamber Story') before scoring a week-long engagement at the local art-house(?!) - so it is a tried and true crowd-pleaser. Highlights include a high-rise mini-holocaust that must be seen to be believed, all-girl action in a bloody swimming pool (okay, there was a guy in there, but he was dead and his unit had been removed), a cop who pukes every time he holds a gun, CARRIE NG(!!!), wall to wall sex and violence, amazing dialogue... I could go on and on. Suffice to say, if you like lots of action (both kinds) you won't feel cheated.
   
   A treasure.



2. I rented "Naked Killer" after I read that it had been called the definitive Hong Kong action picture in some circles. While it certainly has the stuff to be in the top ten (car crashes, shootings, stunts galore), John Woo's "Hard Boiled" still tops the list for me. "Naked Killer" probably belongs in a genre all its own.
   
   I didn't know what to expect from "Naked Killer"; the title, I have to say, is a much more apt description of the movie than I first suspected. There are certain aspects that are traditional fare, but then there are the beheadings, the icepicks shoved into crotches and the soft-core nookie scenes.
   
   The plot (such as it is) concerns a feisty girl named Kitty (Chingmy Yau), who joins a group of lesbian assassins who come up with some rather creative ways of killing the men of Hong Kong. I'm still fuzzy on how they pick their victims (Are the men rapists? Criminals in general? Or - I shudder to think - are they targeted simply because they're men?), but such questions are kind of moot in cases like "Naked Killer". The point is the stuff, not the story, and there's plenty of stuff. The shoot-outs and chases are not quite on a par with John Woo, but they're immensely entertaining, more so than most of the lame flicks that pass for "thrillers" in the U.S. In addition, there are some absolutely grotesque sight gags, most of which would never have made it past American censors: kicking and stabbing of private parts, gory decapitations and one particular sequence involving a murdered victim's severed reproductive organ that simply has to be seen to be believed. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I've developed a real aversion to polish sausage since I saw this picture.
   
   My personal favorite thing in the movie is Chingmy Yau, who is pretty much the sexiest thang I've ever seen in a movie. Forget Denise Richards, Jennifer Lopez, etc. All mere amateurs compared to Yau, a profoundly dazzling creature who sports beautiful, expressive eyes and lips that go on for days (Angelina Jolie would be green with envy). It also helps that Yau spends most of the movie wearing a variety of skimpy outfits. Call me a pig if you wish, but the heart wants what it wants. I'm usually given to awarding an extra star to a movie if I'm particularly impressed with a certain performer, and Yau has earned it.
   
   So, should you see it? Yes, if you're not easily overcome by graphic violence and erotica of both the lesbian and straight varieties. It helps if you're already familiar with campy Hong Kong flicks and like your plots simple and your dialogue generously peppered with some real howlers (...). If you're offended by any of the elements I've mentioned, read this carefully: STAY AWAY FROM "NAKED KILLER" AT ALL COSTS. You may consider this a public service announcement.
   
   And if Chingmy Yau ever decides to quit making movies, it'll be a sad day in the world of cinema.



3. 1992 Hong Kong Erotic Thriller. Rated R for strong sexuality, violence and language. Caution: contains brief nudity (the opening credits), and the movie is very violent and bloody. Something of a romance. Also known as Chiklo gouyeung and Chi luo gao yang. The producer mentions a "Naked Weapon," saying that it had been intended as a sequel, but ended up a different movie with different actors and director.
   
   DVD Features: Along with the movie, which can be heard in English or Cantonese, or read in English or Chinese, the DVD contains special features and trailers. There are seven trailers on the DVD (other than this film's trailers) and which include: Magnificent Warriors (rated R; war film, Japanese invade; stars Michelle Yeoh; trailer in English), City Hunter (PG-13; Jackie Chan film; other than humor and fighting, can't tell what the movie is about; trailer in English), Magnificent Butcher (PG-13; Sammo Hung; Action director: Yuen Woo Ping), Hong Kong 1941 (rated R; Chow Yung-Fat; Japan invades Hong Kong, resistance movie), Heart of Dragon (rated R; 30 yrs old, limited intelligence, "great detective" takes care of him; Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan), Kiss of the Dragon (rated R; Jet Li is a spy, also includes Bridget Fonda), and The Transporter (PG-13; in Euro-accented English). The Special Features include: this film's Trailers (two, an original (which has scenes in it I don't recognize being in the movie) and a new trailer (which is in English and doesn't have scenes in it I don't recognize)), Photo Galleries (two, one for the film (even the photo gallery has pictures of a scene not in the movie, maybe its my DVD, cutting out that type of thing for me), and one for the "beauties" of Hong Kong (very long slide show set to music)), Interviews (3 separate interviews with the producer (who speaks in English), director (in English; mentions nude scenes, seriously, what's wrong with my DVD, why do I only see nudity in the opening credits?), and one of the stars: Simon Yam (in English)), Promotional Materials (posters and still photos) and Production Notes (synopsis, cast and crew notes).
   
   Credits: Starring: Chingmy Yau (Kitty; "Return to a Better Tomorrow"), Wai Yiu (Cindy; "The Flower Floating on the Sea"), Simon Yam (Tinam/Tom; "Once Upon A Time A Hero in China"; "Tomb Raider 2"), Carrie Ng (Princess; "Best of the Best"), and Madoka Sugawara (Baby). Written by: Wong Jing ("Naked Weapon") and Directed by: Clarence Fok Yiu Leung ("Century of the Dragon").
   
   Plot: Hong Kong Detective Tinman (also known as Tom) is investigating a series of murders in Hong Kong that he believes are related and committed by a female assassin (he notes his suspicions but they are initially not believed to be likely, namely because his brother has been killed, and the nature of the deaths). Meanwhile, Tom has started a "relationship" with Kitty, a woman that is rather rough on the male population, and later revenges her father's death (which was pretty much an accident). Due to her actions, Kitty is now on the run from the police and organized crime, but is helped by a hit woman named Cindy (who teaches her how to become a better killer, using any weapon on hand or using her body). Cindy had another student before Kitty, and this student (Princess) and her female lover have targeted Cindy and Kitty for death.
   
   Review: Interesting opening credits, and it certainly says something about the rest of the film that it includes nudity (though the fact that the first scene involves a naked hit woman taking out a man, but without anything "good" visible, also says something). A rather professional looking movie, but the dubbing is not the best (though, oddly enough, unlike some Asian movies I've seen, the spoken words and the written words actually match, for the most part). Though having the hit women twirl her loaded gun is strange and not professional looking.
   
   A rather interesting and good movie, that is actually erotic, unlike many of the "erotic thrillers" out there. Oh, and it also appears to be an overall better film than most "erotic thrillers." On the other hand, there is a lot less nudity than I would expect (for the most part, none, the opening credits lie; maybe the US version of the film had the nudity edited out).
   
   The movie has a connection with movies like "House of Flying Daggers," and "Romeo and Juliet," in that all three movies involve people who become romantically linked but work (or are otherwise members of) for different factions in a feud (here, criminal/police).
   
   The plot is kind of rambling along, almost seeming to have little point. The acting is difficult to determine due to the nature of the dubbing and my not speaking the language the film was originally filmed in. Despite that handicap, I believe that the acting was good (every actor; I hadn't seen any of these actors before and I am interested in catching some more of their films). Overall, I would rate the film 4.22 stars.



4. Rent don't buy. There are some truly sick scenes that I thoroughly enjoyed, but they were few and far between.



5. "Naked Killer" is an outrageously trashy yet derivative Hong Kong action-thriller for the "Basic Instinct" crowd. The movie has its legion of admirers, but this sort of kinetic mayhem was better served by filmmakers such as John Woo and Tsui Hark. Caveat emptor!

No comments about Tanto Jutsu.

No comments about Emei Swimming Body Baguazhang Bagua Palm.

No comments about Naked Weapon.

5 comments about Pride FC - Fighting Championships: Grand Prix Finals.

1. THIS ONE OF THE GREATEST TOURNOMENTS EVER. With the first real defeat of a Gracie it becomes a classic. While the tape is about 6 hour long, there is the ever so famous Royce Gracie Vrs. Kazushi Sakuraba fight. While this fight was 1 and 1/2 hours long, it was one of the greatest fights ever. Going down in the history book! While it may seem teadius, it was well worthn it, to see the event, and its champion. Pride spares no cost to get the greatest fighters, thats what made this tournoment so geat. With so mant great fights, its hard to say every one wasn't the best. However, this did deffinity show who the #1 champion in the world is.



2. The Pride organization went all out on this MMA event. A true all around fighting styles tounanment, Igor Vovachyns Kickboxing and striking skills, Sakurabas outstanding wrestling moves and Royce Gracies well known Jiu jitsu tecniques. This collection is great for beggining fans for Mixed Martial Arts or even a professional No holds barred fighter. Pride Grand Prix has history making footage. A must have!



3. This tape was recorded on 5/1/00 in the Tokyo Dome in Japan as the finals of a tournament begun January of that year known as the Grand Prix. The object of the tournament was to crown the first PRIDE Heavyweight champion. I believe the opening round is scheduled to be released on tape soon, but the finals were a far better show and a much more historic occasion as well.

   While most of the fights on this tape can be pretty boring (nearly all go to decisions), it is still a must-own for any mixed martial arts fan because it contains what will go down in history as perhaps the greatest fight ever. Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Royce Gracie is a ninety minute fight and represents the first win by a Japanese fighter over a Gracie using the Gracie clan's own rules. You will never see another fight like this, as I would say it's highly unlikely any other promoter would agree to a no-time-limit stipulation as was the case here. The other fights are secondary to this historic battle, although the Mark Kerr vs. Kazuyuki Fujita fight is also interesting, for reasons you will see if you buy the tape.

   I should also note that the order of the first two fights on the tape is switched from the original broadcast, as the Gracie/Sakuraba fight is first on this tape but the Goodridge/Vovchanchin fight was first to begin with. All the fights on this tape are unedited and the English commentary includes names you'll recognize such as Bas Rutten and Maurice Smith.

   While not as exciting as PRIDE 10 (the other PRIDE tape currently available), the true MMA fan will pick this one up for the opportunity to see Gracie/Sakuraba as history in the making. I'd recommend it if you're a fan, but for an introduction to PRIDE, go with PRIDE 10 first (it's a better show and cheaper, too!).




4. Ok, to start, this is truly a good fight video. it is above average for sure. I have been watching Pride and UFC for quite a while and I fight in some no holds barred events, and I still feel UFC has a better standard of equality among fighters. The fights are all pretty good, but I still have a lot of questions about the Gracie v. Sakuraba fight. If you watch, Sakuraba is against the ropes quite a bit, and foten though them trying to escape submission, but somehow the judge doesn't see this. Every time Royce touches the ropes, however, he is told to get off immediately. I don't think Pride is that true of a MMA show. Sure, the fighters and fights are real, but the rules are often bent for the Japanese fighters. Pride 10 also shows this. I stick to UFC.



5. If for nothing else, the Gracie vs. Sakuraba fight is worth the price of the DVD. This is one of the best fights in modern MMA history. Also, Sakuraba (at least on this night) was arguably the greatest pound for pound fighter in the world during this tourney. Even after going 90 minutes with Gracie, he almost submitted Vovchanchyn in the next fight. Unfortuanatey, the rest of the fights (including the final), fall a little short, but then again, when compared to the Gracie/Sakuraba fight..most fights will.