Nunchucks are one of the most popular martial arts weapons. They are widely used in tournaments and in the movie industry because of how flashy and exciting they look when they are spun around. Our customer service team is often asked which nunchaku they would recommend based on the skill level of the person using them. So, we decided to write a blog post to discuss the different options we have at KarateMart.com.
There's a lot of concern about the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak with lots of calls for quarantining and social distance and we wanted to ease your fears and let you know our plans going forward.
As the name suggests, everyday carry (EDC) weapons are those that you can easily take with you on the go and that help you with various tasks. For our purposes today, we'll be focusing on EDC weapons that deal some damage (especially self-defense weapons), but of course some everyday weapons can be multitools that have multiple functions.
So you like sai, but you're not sure which one to get. Don't worry, KarateMart has got the differences (and similarities covered) so you can pick the right sai weapon for you.
Everyone loves superheros, but what if you could be a superhero? Well, we can't give you mutant powers, an alien birthright, or horrible accidents in a science lab, but we do have a few weapons that you can use to at least look the part.
We have four different hardwood bo staffs. In addition, each of these has three length options, which means that there are twelve different possibilities for you to choose from. If you're just getting started with the bo staff, it's hard to know what the best option for you is. Luckily, KarateMart has you covered.
Our customers have spoken, and they love ninja stars! Otherwise known as shuriken, ninja throwing stars come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some of our favorites. Which one do you like the best?
Can you make high-quality videos? Do you have a large social media following? Use your talents to gain exposure and get free stuff from KarateMart.com!
With so many different types of throwing knives to choose from, which ones are the best? Here is a comparison of some of the most popular throwing knives on KarateMart.com. However, we'd really like to hear from you and know what types of knives you like to throw, so please comment at the bottom of this post and let us know!
So you've fallen in love with escrima sticks, but maybe you aren't sure which material and type you're most compatible with. Well, don't worry, KarateMart has you covered. Come with us on a journey of escrima stick discovery.
Hidden weapons come in all sorts of types. Finding out the best secret weapon can be difficult. But today, KarateMart.com will guide you through the different considerations when it comes to hidden weapons, whether you want a hidden self-defense weapon or you just want something cool to carry around on the sly.
So, you want to learn the tonfa? Great! Many martial arts schools (including the one I began with) designate the tonfa as the first weapon their students should learn. Knowing this, we decided to do a comparison of the different tonfa available for purchase on KarateMart.com.
Inquiring minds want to know: what's the deal with speed nunchaku and speedchucks? Well, the long and the short of it is that these are specialized nunchucks designed to be smaller and lighter. But what does that lead to?
Let's consider some of the differences that speedchucks offer.
Halloween is coming, and it wouldn't hurt you to stand out with a cool Halloween costume. And that's where our selection of urban ninja costume gear can help. These costume accessories will allow you to mix and match to make your own unique urban ninja costume.
Not all ninja weapons are created equal, and while you can do a lot of damage with many of our ninja weapons, we thought we'd highlight a few that stand out as particularly awesome.
Two customer questions have long kept us up at night: Can We make a six foot version of the Collapsibel Bo Staff and can we make one that separates in the middle? We can rest easy now that the answer is yes.
Something has been brewing in the KarateMart.com Ninja Forges. Now we're ready to unveil our newly redesigned steel bo staffs. Come take a look at how we've used the lessons of the past few years to improve on our high-quality original metal weapons.
With more and more people purchasing online instead of at retail stores, the sales tax laws needed to be changed to affect e-commerce businesses and Amazon resellers, but the way this was done has already begun forcing many small businesses to close their doors.
Global Martial Arts University (GMAU), an online martial arts training website, used one of our metal bo staffs to create an awesome total bo exercise video. Come see the details.
Our forge ninjas are at it again. This time we've made some solid metal tonfa out of high-quality aluminum. Come check it out the video where we feature them.
Holy shuriken! You need to plan a party for your little ninja but there's so little time! Not to fear, KarateMart.com is here to save the day. With one simple order and a little planning, you can make a wicked ninja-themed party.
It is said that one learns best by doing. That's what Products Guy Ian and Corbin the Formal Ninja, decided to do to with nunchucks. What could go wrong?
The best offense is keeping your target from putting up their defense. That's why KarateMart's selection of hidden, stealth, and concealed weapons are such a great idea for ninjas.
What's this? A high-quality katana with a sharpened Damascus steel blade? This samurai sword is a work of art, which is why we decided to do something special with it as a way to demonstrate the power and versatility of this samurai weapon.
We've got sharpening stones that are designed for taking a sharp edge and making it sharper. When we decided to use them, it turned into a great adventure. It also turned out to be great for you, dear readers, because we've got a giveaway contest for anyone who likes sharp things.
KarateMart has some new trick chucks available now, but if you are unfamiliar with what tricking even means, you might not know what they're for. Luckily, KarateMart is here to help.
Non-lethal weapons are all the rage nowadays, especially if you want to be an upstanding hero who captures and incapacitates fleeing culprits without killing them or endangering nearby civiliants. Now KarateMart makes a series of entangling weapons called bolas for just that very purpose!
What's the deal with these black grip nunchaku? They're made out of solid metal but also have black rubber grips. We actually have a whole video on them, if you're interested.
Buying clothes online can be hard. You can't try anything on and so you don't know what will fit. What if the material is too thick or too thin? We strive to make shopping with KarateMart as painless as possible, which is why we have now made new sizing charts that are a little more detailed than what you see on our product pages.
Hey, do you like Mortal Kombat? Do you want to dress up as a Lin Kuei ninja? KarateMart is here to help with our series on Do-It-Yourself costumes using KarateMart.com uniforms, costumes, and accessories. Today's installment is a Sub-Zero costume you can put together yourself.
KarateMart is helping you out with our series on Do-It-Yourself costumes using KarateMart.com uniforms, costumes, and accessories. Today, we've got a Jedi costume you can put together yourself.
Are you looking for a great martial arts Halloween costume? As part of our series on Do-It-Yourself costumes, we decided to design a Master Wu costume using stuff you find at KarateMart.com.
Our innovation ninjas never fail to deliver. This time, we have improved on a product everyone has come to love: The Collapsible Bo Staff. Are you ready to learn about what changes we have made to this unique weapon, found nowhere else?
We sell lots of products here at KarateMart. But we are often so busy designing new weapons and simply running our website for our loyal customers that we don't devote enough time and energy to show off our weapons and what awesome ninja moves can be done with our exclusive weapons. This is why we are proud to present to you Shinobi Sean, Karate Mart's newest brand ambassador. But who is Shinobi Sean? What makes him so special?
We first found Shinobi Sean on Instagram and liked his cool moves and awesome ninja cosplay. Sean performs some impressive moves with and without ninja weapons. We sat down with Sean to ask him a few questions about who he is and what he's about.
Kyle and Matt are at it again with a new video showcasing a great bo staff drill you can do if you've got a friend and at least two bo staves. Click on the video below to watch. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two.
So it has come to this. Our new Solid Aluminum Hexagon Bo Staff has faced the test against the Steel Bo Staff. But what are the results? Come check out what happens when an immovable object meets an irresistible force.
Recently at KarateMart.com, we unveiled two related nunchucks that use nylon cord instead of chain and ball bearing. These chucks are part of our series of exclusive metal weapons. For those of you familiar with unique items, you know we put a lot of thought and passion into our exclusive items. Today we'd like to explore why we made two nunchucks with cord.
In part three of our neverrending series of instructional and how-to videos, resident Bojutsu enthusiast Matt shows how you, too, can increase the speed of your bo staff spins with some handy tricks. For added flavor, he even uses our exclusive Collapsible Bo Staff, which you can only get at KarateMart.com.
KarateMart.com is the source of all kinds of expertise with weapons. Our very own Kyle isn't afraid to work up a sweat to show you how to turn your nunchucks into lethal weapons. In today's video, he uses a set of rattan nunchucks to show you how to improve your aim (which is important), as well as your speed (also important).
Play the video below and start the journey to becoming a chuck-wielding killing machine.
Our resident Bojutsu Enthusiast Matt has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to bo staffs. So, when he found out that we now make an Ultra Light Aluminum Bo Staff, he jumped on the chance to show our loyal customers one of his favorite bo techniques: the reverse roll.
Play the video below and see how easy and fun learning the bo staff can be!
Our Collapsible Bo Staff is not only a fearsome weapon, but also fun to swing around. KarateMart.com's very own Kyle decided to have a little fun with one and share the experience with you. Play the video and enjoy!
As much as we like to make videos, our quality and panache is nothing compared to that of our faithful customer, Tony Valente. Tony has recently made an awesome video demonstrating KarateMart.com's very own Collapsible Bo Staff. Check out the video yourself and prepare to be impressed.
Our ninja forges have been cranking out steel and aluminum bo staffs to meet with your demand. But the burning question you all want to know is how they stack up when it comes to durability. After considerable effort, we have your answer.
Nobody wants to get in a fight with an oversized opponent. But, when someone bigger and stronger is menacing you "in the streets," you need to defend yourself. That's why Jake Mace recently put out a video demonstrating four techniques to help you get out of that situation safely and with your dignity intact.
At KarateMart.com, we have worked hard to create new weapons in our ninja forges. We recently shared a few videos showcasing the talents of our very own Kyle with these weapons and some unlucky fruit. However, we know that the fruits of our labor couldn't compare to that of some of our fans. So we take it to you, our loyal customers, to give these weapons the awesome screen time we know they deserve. Here's how it works:
Putting money or candy in your easter eggs is old hat nowadays. Your kids want some creativity in their holiday hunt. As such, we've put together a list of alternatives to candy and money that you can put into your eggs that will not only turn your hunt up to eleven, but allow your children to experience Easter in a new way.
We love getting cool martial arts stuff to you, our loyal followers. But, when we get an opportunity to make our mark in the world and apply our creative talents to actually design new goods, it's much more fulfilling. We did it before with the collapsible bo staff. Today we would like to showcase the newest fruits of our labor. Here's what you need to know about our new metal weapons.
Imagine a child practicing karate. Now imagine that child continuing to practice karate for 45 more years, refining his abilities and expanding to other forms of martial arts. What you have been imagining this whole time is Chris Casamassa. A legend on the mat and on the screen, Casamassa has combined his love of martial arts and children with a series of KickNFit Kids videos.
Since we decided to rename our "polypropylene samurai sword" to the "indestructible plastic samurai sword", there has been a lot of controversy around the KarateMart.com office about whether this item is really indestructible. On the one hand, as our legal team explains it, "it's not technically indestructible, guys." On the other hand, the polypropylene material makes the sword tough and flexible so that it will weather all kinds of thrashing.
As we batted these swords around the office, it occurred to us that we didn't actually know the limit to the indestructibility of these plastic swords and that we should figure this out for you, our loyal readers. It also seemed a better use of our time than "accidentally" breaking the legal guys' coffee cups. So here are a few things that may or may not destroy your indestructible plastic samurai sword.
Jake Mace has been a full-time teacher of Tai Chi for more than a decade. His goal is to offer his students the traditions, techniques, skills and health that he has attained through Kung Fu, Tai Chi and QiGong. Jake is also an environmentalist, vegan, urban farmer and gardener, energy conservationist, animal and human rights activist inspiring people and raising awareness for environmental, human and animal, and energy causes. Jake raises awareness for the Earth, animals, people, and energy by leading workshops, leading seminars, producing videos, and living an example of the life he teaches.
The Wing Chun wooden dummy has been used for 1000's of years in traditional Chinese martial arts training. Historically, they are very large and impractical to own, but the foot-print of our free standing model allows it to comfortably fit in almost any training space. This modern dummy has 3 arms and 1 leg that represent various body positions and lines of force. Watch the video below to see how this dummy is constructed and check it out on our website here.
Every year, we try to raise the bar by coming out with new products that put us on the map. This year, we began sparring (no pun intended) with the idea of reimagining one of our best selling products, the lightweight student uniform. After much time spent examining our previous uniforms and comparing them to other brands, we came up with what we feel is the perfect lightweight karate uniform for the modern martial artist.
It wasn't but just over a year ago that, armed only with the trailer below, the creative talents behind Kung Fury successfully Kick-started their film fantasies with a whopping $630,019 crowd-funded campaign that would allow them to complete their 1/2-hour short film.
Last month the team generously laid an incredible, 80's inspired music video upon the Internet's doorstep (Click through for the video). The promise of an imminent release was made. Now, today finally marks the day that the action-starved masses can be satiated with the full release of their beloved indie film.
Recently, Jesse-Jane McParland, a 9 year old girl from Ireland wowed the judged on Britain's Got Talent with her amazing martial arts skills. She began practicing in the martial arts at the age of 3 and has only been studying for a total of 6 years. In the video, she states that she started in ballet and hated it, so began studying the martial arts. As a child martial artist myself, I am personally amazed by the dedication this girl must have to get to the level she is at.
For many of us, the high-kicking feats of the great bearded one served as our gateway to the martial arts. Come share in a short internet video celebration of Mr. Chuck Norris. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll see many, many roundhouse kicks.
Have you ever wondered what it would really take to make and star in your own martial arts film? For most of us, starring in a kung-fu movie is a fantasy. Maybe a daily one, but a fantasy nonetheless. For Canadian Elliot "White Lightning" Scott, it's a reality.
What do you get when you take a healthy handful of mixed martial arts and slather it with accoutrements that look fresh from a Game of Thrones battle? M-1, the Russia-based MMA organizer, knows the answer and they have dubbed it M-1 Medieval.
Die hard fans of the popular "Ninjas Vs" movie series rejoice! The third installment is now upon us. And here we were rushing to make dinner plans for Valentine's Day. Nuts to that!
We're making all new product videos that highlight our most popular products and make it easier to see what you're buying BEFORE the package arrives. We're getting up close and personal so you can see how our items will actually feel when you have them in your hands.
About this time last year, we introduced our new line of colored ninja uniforms. And the ninjas rejoiced! This was the first time (to our knowledge) that people in the United States could purchase authentic ninja uniforms in colors like green, pink, blue, and red. This year, we took our love of ninjas one step further and came up with some pretty exciting new costumes.
There's nothing quite like a great fight scene in a movie. The only way to improve it would be with KarateMart.com items. Don't believe it could be true? Then check out the spectacular follow-up trailer for The Black Ninjas, created by Lee Williams. a loyal customer.
The titular black ninjas are the center of attraction. However, their menacing glares and deadly maneuvers are only enhanced by the high-grade weapons and uniforms, which you can get here at KarateMart.com. With amazing choreography, inimitable scenery and a director like no other, Black Ninjas is sure to be the next great martial arts film. Click here to see the trailer or click to continue reading.
Do you like our ninja products and want to see them in action? Then check out the very cool teaser for The Black Ninjas, a movie made by one of our customers, Lee Williams.
It is full of excellent ninja action, gorgeous cinematography, and as the title implies, black ninjas. It also features our very own KarateMart ninja uniforms and weapons. Click here to see the trailer or continue reading below.
Good news for fans of the the previous Mortal Kombat reboot from a few years back: A new installment is set to release next year.
Fresh from the success that was the aforementioned Mortal Kombat game, Warner Brothers is ready to dive back into the hyper-violent (Nether)world of fast fists and brutal Fatalities. We'll learn more next week when the game debuts at E3, although it has already been confirmed that the game will be released on PC, PS3/PS4, and Xbox 360/One. Sorry Nintendo, no room for decapitations and evisceration in the Mushroom Kingdom I guess.
In the meantime, check out the very polished albeit disturbingly violent trailer above and let us know how excited you are for E3!
Make no mistake, the suppression of the urge to fill the preceding paragraphs with Mortal Kombat puns was a real test of might.
While the live-action web series has been long in the making, today is the day that fighting game fans everywhere get to watch their favorite Street Fighters duke it out in a medium other than computer generated pixels.
And no, we shall not speak of a certain Street Fighter movie which disappointed debuted in theaters everywhere in 1994.
The new series, Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist, weighs in at a healthy twelve episodes, all of which can be watched in the full post. As you can guess from the teaser trailer above, the story centers around the legendary friendship between martial artists Ryu and Ken as they train and grow under the same master.
Continue reading to check out new web series in its entirety.
Finally, the time has come for an official trailer to everyone's favorite cinematic mash-up of action heroes of yore and their latter-day counterparts. The end result? It would seem we can expect more of the same over-the-top action goodness and smile-inducing cameos that we've come to expect from The Expendables franchise. Which can be a good or bad thing depending on which side of the action movie theater you choose to park your tank.
This first of (I'm sure) several trailers gives a solid rundown of the cast, though any story details and/or spoilers have been cleverly disguised amongst the clamor of gunfire and assault of biceps. The most surprising new name on the list? Probably Kelsey Grammer. Not to critique too harshly, but his strongest action movie credential is looking like Down Periscope.
Astute readers of the KarateMart.com Martial Arts Blog will notice that we successfully predicted the casting of one new team member. Now if only we could harness our powers for good...
So sit back, tune the speaker level to eleven, your brain-power to three, and let Mr. Billy Squire lead you through the lands of action movie fun. It's Friday.
Fret not dear KarateMart.com Blog readers. We can at last sleep peacefully, knowing that the answer to one of life's greatest questions has been discovered. I refer of course to the the question "What would a video of Mike Tyson clips edited with Street Fighter sound effects look like?"
Didn't want to wait another day before laying eyes on the new Ninja Turtles trailer? Yeah, neither did we.
Luckily, the internets heard our cries and obliged us by releasing the first peeks at our mutant heroes this morning. The end result? It's...interesting.
Many of you were fortunate enough to have been born after the dark days of 1994, the year that saw the birth of one of the most infamous games to ever grace a console: Shaq-Fu. Alas, many of us were not so lucky. For us, Shaq-Fu was an insidious plague. A plague that entered through our precious video games, greeting us in the guise of a much beloved basketball star. Shaq + martial arts? It had to be a great idea, right? Oh, if only we had known...
It's a new day, and the crazy cats at Big Deez Productions have decided to resurrect the Shaq-Fu franchise, and they're looking for your help! Currently an Indigogo (think KickStarter) project, the game team is offering many a Shaq inspired perks to help get their game off the ground.
Can we expect a new iteration/redemption of this infamous title? I guess we'll find out in another 39 days!
Feeling nostalgic and/or masochistic? Continue reading to watch a gameplay video of the ORIGINAL Shaq-Fu (SNES). Check it out!
If you've been sitting around thinking that 2014 has been sadly void of any new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie news, well, you aren't the only one. Luckily, fellow fans of the of the half-shell heroes won't have very long to wait. The first trailer for the Michael Bay produced Ninja Turtles is set to premiere on April 4th, before showings of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
In related news, April 4th shall hereby be referred to as Probably The Day All Of My Joy And Childhood Dreams Are Carelessly Squashed Like A Grape, But Hopefully Not-day.
Not much (if anything) screams 'Future Ninja Combat' more than the picture above. What looks like a battle between two G.I. Joe super-soldiers is actually the newest brain-child of Unified Weapons Master, an Australian company that has its sights set on the future of combat sports. Their plan? It's called the Lorica, and if you think it looks like something Bruce Wayne would train in, you wouldn't be that far off.
Keep reading to learn more about how this one-of-a-kind suit plans to sweep the legs right out from under the world of combat sports.
Greetings web-wandering martial artists! 2014 is well underway and March draws nigh, so what better way to keep your martial arts plans on track than for a quick check-in?
If you're like us, right about now any New Year's resolutions you may have had a choke hold on are quickly looking for any opening to escape. It happens, but you don't have to let it. No matter how big or small your martial arts goals may be this year, you can achieve them!
Keep reading for a brief rundown of martial arts resolutions that may be on your list and the appropriate counters that will keep you on track for victory!
Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is a hybrid combat system developed by martial arts icon Bruce Lee, whose legendary fighting talent shot this pint-sized phenomenon to fame in the 1970's. Trained in classical Chinese fighting disciplines, Wing Chun and boxing, Bruce diligently worked through these systems, but went on to develop his own style of fighting known as Jeet Kune Do or, The Way of the Intercepting Fist.
Favoring simple, unassuming forms with seamless chic movements applied at super speed to affect maximum impact, JKD took a bold step away from the exclusively rational (and largely unrealistic) approach of traditional styles. Although not developed as an improvement on Wing Chun or his other training, JKD became an exception which bested the rules from which it had evolved, and done so by virtue of its multiple fighting disciplines and the resulting intuitive adaptability which characterizes it. Its efficacy when applied in real life scenarios created JKD's definitive point of difference; this being that it was functional for real-life street fighting, since it operated beyond the limits of traditional training of the day.
The highly anticipated martial arts movie starring Keanu "I know Kung Fu" Reeves finally has a trailer, and boy is it worth checking out! From what I can gather, it's set in a fantasy world mirroring Feudal Japan. A grungy looking Neo Keanu breaks free from captivity, kills a Hogwart's troll, and teams up with 46 other awesome samurai to put a hurtin' on some Japanese dragon demons. So historical realism is obviously a priority here.
Honestly, I'm excited to check this one out (even if it did remind me at times of the bad taste left over from Sucker Punch). The action looks good and the cast is promising (it even has my favorite Shang Tsung in it). Now here's hoping the story is even half as good as this trailer looks.
The film is slated for a December release so I guess we'll just have to wait see whether we get a lump of coal this Christmas or not.
One of the greatest things about working for KarateMart.com is that we get to meet so many martial artists who are constantly introducing us to new martial arts styles. Recently, a customer of ours told me about the Keysi Fighting Method. I had never heard of it before, but apparently it is being used to choreograph all sorts of Hollywood movies, so I decided that it would be perfect for this months martial arts spotlight.
The Keysi Fighting Method is considered one of the deadliest martial arts currently practiced. It is the fighting style featured in the latest Batman movies, Jack Reacher, and Mission Impossible 3. The Keysi Fighting Method made its debut in Batman Begins, and has since gained a fair amount of popularity.
It's a good day for comic-book and/or ninja fans! The new trailer for the much anticipated reboot of everyone's favorite X-man, The Wolverine, is pretty much what you'd expect. It's full of action, exotic locales, ninjas, and a grizzly Hugh Jackman.
Check out the trailer below and then let us know what you think!
Ready for the latest slice of Ninja Turtles movie news? We've known for some time now that the Michael Bay produced movie is slated for a June '14 release, but we haven't heard much in the way of casting. The only detail to surface has been that Megan Fox will be joining the heroes in a half shell (shocker, I know). That is until this week.
Yesterday marked the day that Turtle fans could finally glimpse the faces that would be playing their favorite ninjas, and those faces are...totally unfamiliar. Continue reading for a breakdown of the actors and their limited roles.
These mark the last round of fights before the quarter finals begin, so it's not too late to cast your vote as the contestants dwindle. I for one have my money on Batman taking the whole show. Everybody loves batman. Unless of course the internet gathers up its collective consciousness to enact the devious plan of voting Aquaman all the way to the winner's circle. Mind you, this is an entirely plausible scenario and should not be dismissed outright.
Continue reading to check out the second fight featuring a showdown between Green Arrow and Hawkgirl.
Even the charms of the newly added Megan Fox couldn't prevent yet another delay in the movie's production schedule. Previous delays saw the film's release date pushed back until May 16th, 2014. However, sources at famed celebrity gossip site PerezHilton have confirmed that the release has now been pushed back to June.
Welcome to the Third Round of the ongoing tournament being presented by DC Comics to promote their new fighting game, Injustice: Gods Among Us. The winner of each round is being determined by internet votes, with each fight being played out after victor has been selected.
What that all boils down to is just an excuse to show you some pretty sweet footage from the soon to be released game. The above video features possibly the most loathed of all DC heroes, Aquaman, taking on Cyborg. I happen to have a soft spot for the watery warrior though, so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.
Continue reading for the second matchup of the day: Green Lantern vs. Solomon Grundy!
Anyone with even cursory knowledge of the main event's fighters would probably be able to make a safe guess as to who wound up taking home the victory in UFC 157 this weekend.
Rousey fans rejoice, the feisty female fighter continued her astounding streak of first-round, armbar finishes and shows no signs of stopping. Challenger Liz Carmouche did put forth a worthy performance for her part. Nearly managing to make it through an entire round with Rousey, Carmouche was briefly able to secure a vicious looking rear choke on her opponent before losing control of it. With Rousey able to take Carmouche to the ground, it wasn't long before the judo champion rolled her way to a signature armbar.
This marked the first time ever in which a UFC main event featured two female fighters, and judging by the amount of cheering going on in that arena, it won't be the last.
So, depending on where you stand, today's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles news may be awesome and worthy of both praise and a day one ticket purchase. Or it may have you running for the hills, hands covering the eyes of your imaginary children and/or ninja turtle action figures.
Apparently the rumor is that the two Transformers alum have reconciled their differences and can look forward to Megan playing the iconic April O'neil. Right now my hope for the movie being better than even Ninja Turtles III: Turtles in Time is about as thin as the storyline in Bad Boys 2.
Maybe after this Mr. Bay would like complete the circle of destruction surrounding my greatest childhood memories and cast Shia LeBeouf in a He Man movie reboot.
It's a good thing you didn't have anything important planned tomorrow (other than catching UFC 157 that is), because Part III of the ongoing UFC Primtime: Rousey vs. Carmouche is set to air when the clock strikes midnight tonight. The documentary series (which we told you about here and here) has been following both female fighters in their final days before finally squaring off in the Octagon tomorrow evening. It also marks the first time in UFC history that the main even will consist of a women's match.
Ah how I miss the days when midnight merely marked Round Two of a late-night movie/game marathon. Nowadays, if I'm still up at eleven at night it's only because someone slipped some sugar into my prune juice before back-to-back episodes of Matlock.
On today's edition of Striking Stars we take a close look at one of the most entertaining directors to come out of the British Isles in the past fifteen years. Whether you're a fan of his stylish stories or not, one thing is for certain: he knows a thing or two about the martial arts.
Continue reading for the thrilling conclusion to this week's Striking Stars:
Guy Ritchie
You may or may not put off reading today's edition of The Mental Game. If you do, hopefully you remember to come back to it! Be sure you pay particular attention to the lessons when you do!
This week The Mental Game focuses on that nettlesome procrastination bug that seems to bite even the best of us.
Today on The Mental Game: Beat Procrastination For Good
Continue reading to find out procrastination at bay and your mind focused!
Ultimate movie news site The Hollywood Reporter has released the latest details concerning the brand new Bruce Lee biopic in the works. According to the site Birth of the Dragon will be penned by Christopher Wilkinson and Stephen Rivele of Ali and Nixon fame. So as far as biopics go, the duo's credentials would appear to be in order. The movie is said to center around the real-life fight between the martial arts legend and kung fu Master Wong Jack Man. Bruce Lee history buffs will recall that the legendary battle took place in San Francisco, 1965. So far so good, but then more details are revealed...
According to the latest reports:
"The writers are using this true event as a jumping-off point for a wider-canvas action movie in which Wong and Lee team up to battle a band of Chinatown gangsters."
...So it's at this point that my hope for the movie takes a gut-wrenching dive. Maybe it's asking too much, but I was looking forward to an accurate biopic centered around one of the most unbelievable rivalries of the 20th century. Instead, I get the premise for some alternate history, buddy action movie that would barely hold juice as a USA show. Man. I'm used to having my hopes raised and destroyed but rarely does it happen in the same article.
Welcome to another episode of Fists of Netflix, the (mostly) weekly blog post where we take a look at the plethora of martial arts movies offered by everyone's favorite movie-streaming service, Netflix. Each week we try to select one, give it a viewing, and let you know whether you should rush it to the top of your movie queue or avoid it like a sweep kick to the leg. Continue reading to find out whether this week's selection is the former or the latter.
Today's Fists of Netflix pick: Mandrill, R, 2009 (90 min)
Kevin Tancharoen is back to keep the spirit of Mortal Kombat alive for fans everywhere, for one more season at least. The trailer to the second season of Mortal Kombat Legacy went live today and promises at least a few surprising cast changes for fans.
For starters, everyone's favorite martial arts narcissist is now no longer being played by Matt Mullins. This season Johnny Cage will in fact be played by Rico Casper Van Dien. Crazy right? To be fair I haven't seen much of Mr. Dien's work. For all I know he can throw a snap kick that would put me in traction. It still won't make up for The Omega Code.
The most welcome surprise in the cast change this season? Why, the inclusion of Cary Tagawa (a.k.a. the original Shang Tsung) of course! This casting choice is long overdue and will hopefully help to bring back that Mortal Kombat magic that fans of the franchise have been missing out on.
Continue reading for a funny video from Legacy director Kevin Tancharoen as he gives a brief look at what you can expect from the Season 2 Kombatants.
This second video in the three-part Primetime series from UFC is an excellent follow up the first entry we showed you last week. It gives an even deeper look at both of these impressive fighters and has me even more excited about their fight next week.
I also still have no idea who I'm going to be rooting for in this match!
Last week DC Comics launched an early marketing campaign whereby people may vote for the winner in a series of matchups that will play themselves out in a bracket-tournament, culminating with the games release. We show you the first round of the tournament last week, and can now bring you the two fights featured in Round Two. The video above features a showdown between The Flash and Shazam.
Continue reading to see the second fight between two of the most infamous villains to grace the pages of a comic book: Lex Luthor and The Joker.
Last week we introduced you to Foxtel's martial arts short video series, The Art of Fighting. It's another cool addition to the series even if it does go by a bit too quick.
February, 23rd will see the first-ever women's fight in the Octagon when "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey defends herself against challenger Liz Carmouche in the Main Event. This will mark a huge step for not just professional women fighters looking for a shot in the UFC, but also for women martial artists everywhere.
The UFC will be releasing a three-part documentary series (part one is above) as the fight nears. It provides an inside look at both female fighters as they reveal their personal stories and training routines. So far it looks to be a solid series, well produced and entertaining. In other words: You won't regret watching it. Stay tuned to the blog here later in the week as part two is set to be released on Valentine's Day.
As if I needed an excuse to post anything Batman related, the upcoming DC Comics fighting game I told you about last year has started what looks to be its last big promotion before the release of the game in April. The first video shows an awesome square-off between two of comic book history's most volatile meetings, Batman and Bane.
Continue reading for more details about the promotional tournament and for another full battle video between Wonder Woman and (my personal fave) Harley Quinn.
Welcome to a brand new edition of Striking Stars, where we take a closer look at some of the surprising celebrities with martial arts backgrounds. The famous figure under out celebrity spotlight today may not be easily recognizable without a football helmet, but when he's not busy kicking a pigskin, he's taking it to a sparring partner.
Now let's get started with this week's Striking Stars:
David Akers
This week on The Mental Game we take a closer look at how you can keep that precious training momentum you've likely been building up from the New Year. It's a fairly well-known fact that people who make New Year's resolutions, no matter what they may be, tend to give them up around oh-, now. Hopefully this week's lesson gives you some help with staying focused on your martial arts goals for the year, whatever they may be.
Enter today's lesson:
Keeping Your Martial Arts Momentum
Continue reading to find out how you can manage and maximize your precious training time!
Australian pay-television giant Foxtel began a short series of educational videos that took a closer look at the fighters of the UFC. Each video focuses on one mixed martial artist, giving each a chance to talk a little about how they got into their chosen sport.
The Art of Fighting is a very thoughtfully produced series ,albeit a bit too brief, and provides a little-seen peek at the stories behind the fists. Check it out when you have a minute. We'll be posting the other two parts as the week progresses.
NPR's On Point struck a special chord in our hearts today with it's newest radio show/podcast titled "The History of Ninjas". The show features guest John Man, author of Ninja: 1,000 Years Of The Shadow Warrior discussing the fascinating history behind history's most infamous figures.
It's a great piece and would make a welcome addition to your next work/school commute. Give it a listen when you get the chance and shed some light on our favorite shadowy skulkers!
It's no secret that football was under a stronger magnifying glass than usual this season regarding the state of head injuries. Now, more than ever, people are are becoming aware of the significant long-term affects of concussions and other head trauma. While such an aggressive, full-contact sport like football will never truly be free of risk, there may be steps coaches can take to change how they do things. Mixed martial artist and retired Arizona Cardinal, Scott Peters, may have found the solution.
Check out the news segment above and continue reading to learn how mixed martial arts might be called upon to make football a safer sport.
Today marks yet another first of what will hopefully become a regular series on the martial arts blog. In the same vein as our Redbox Reviews segment, we want to present you some fun martial arts movie options to help fill your movie nights. However, rather than focus on brand-spankin'-new releases, we'll be exploring the depths of everybody's favorite movie-streaming service.
Our selections might range from solid classics to newer fare and everything in between. Whether it's filled with fantastic wire-work or insane stunts, we hope that most of these picks will hold an entertaining couple of hours for you. We'll be sure to let you know if they won't.
If you're one of the martial arts gaming fans that picked up a copy of Square-Enix's open-world, mma action game Sleeping Dogs, you're in for a treat. Apparently a teaser trailer emerged earlier this morning, showcasing an upcoming DLC pack titled 'Year of the Snake'.
A fitting title that I'm sure will provide plenty of material with which to build a satisfying story. Sadly, the teaser trailer is a little too...teaser-like for my tastes. I don't know what I'm complaining about though. I still have to pick up the game. If only I could put Hitman down...
Today's edition of The Mental Game takes a close look at how you manage one of your most valuable resources in your martial arts training: Time. It's the only thing you can never get more of once it's gone, making time the costliest aspect of any martial arts endeavor. And here you thought uniforms and tuition would be your biggest obstacles!
Enhance your calm dear reader, for not all is lost. I'm here to show a few easy tips that could be just what you need to free up some extra time to squeeze those classes in.
Say hello to today's lesson:
Master Your Training Time
Continue reading to find out how you can manage and maximize your precious training time!
Say
hello to yet another new series you can expect to find on a regular basis at the KarateMart.com Martial Arts
Blog. With Striking Stars we want to take a closer look at some celebrities that you may not have known were
martial artists. You'll see everyone from sports figures to action stars and hopefully be able to take a little
inspiration from their stories.
Now let's get started with the very first of our Striking Stars:
Ed O'Neill
There's an exciting new trailer out for the upcoming G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation and it's got ninjas! Ninjas and a dubstepped remix of some White Stripes. Honestly, this trailer makes up for the entire last movie. I don't even care what the movie is about, I just want it to be 120 minutes of these ninja fight scenes with this song on a loop. The Rock and Bruce Willis can pop in during the credits, like the outtakes scenes in Jacki Chan movies.
While we're on the topic, I've decided there are entirely too few trailers which feature ninjas, dubstep, or some combination thereof. In fact, as of this writing, I can count them on one finger. If I had to make trailers for a living I'd make sure ninjas were in every trailer at least once. People would be like 'Oh look! They're making a new movie of my favorite Jane Austen book!' Then in between the beautiful panoramic shots of Victorian England, they'd get a full helping of Snake-Eyes being awesome.
Potential lawsuits aside, I can almost guarantee double attendance through liberal use of this patented new method. Seriously, it could have saved Parker this weekend...maybe.
Today marks yet another addition to the KarateMart.com Martial Art Blog, The Mental Game.
There are all sorts of articles on the internet full of martial arts tips that focus on technique. Learning the best way to pull off a successful spinning roundhouse kick or choke hold can be helpful, but what about the second half of your martial arts skill set? Of course, I'm referring to the mind. After all, a martial artist without a prepared mind is only working at half strength.
This series will focus on very basic lessons of the mind and look to apply them to the martial arts. Which brings us to today's lesson:
Learn to Like Failing
Continue reading to find out how failure just might be the key to your martial arts success!
This post marks the first of what will hopefully become a regular series on the old martial arts blog. In brief, I'll be taking the newest martial arts flicks available to rent and reviewing them for you. What may appear at first to be a cleverly veiled excuse to write about the newest action movies is in fact a truly valuable service. A service in which I'll let you know whether said movies are worth your hard-earned free time.
After all, your time is valuable right? When two hours of movie relaxation could be two hours of martial arts training, it's best to spend one's time effectively. A bad movie can be the deadliest of bullets, killing hours that you will never see again. I am here to take that bullet for you.
So, without further explanation, let's get on with it. Continue reading for the thrilling conclusion to our thoughts on Universal Soldier 4: Day of Reckoning.
January 26th will mark the official break of former UFC light heavyweight champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson from the UFC. While it's been no huge secret that the mixed martial artist has been unhappy in working under the promoter, what hasn't been quite clear is what his plans may be for his career after the UFC. Some questions were answered today however as Jackson held a conference today during which he expressed an interest in either boxing as kickboxing as possibilities. A true showman, Jackson was quoted as saying "I just want to entertain people. I want to be very exciting. Maybe I want to try some boxing or do some kickboxing". Unfortunately for A-Team fans, there was no mention of acting.
It has been some time since we last heard anything new about the much anticipated martial arts MMORPGAge of Wushu. Until the games release at the end of last year that is. With the dust finally settling on the reviews, I wanted to give it a closer look before deciding if this game will be taking up any of my hard-earned freetime.
Continue reading for a more detailed look at this new martial arts game!
Today marks the 48th birthday of one of boxing's legendary competitor, Bernard Hopkins. It also marks the day of his announcement to challenge fellow pugilist Tavoris Cloud for his 175 pound title. Should he emerge from the bout victorious, this will mean a record shattering accomplishment if being on of boxing history's oldest record holders.
Whether you count yourself a B-Hop fan or not, you have to be a at least a little excited to see if this impressive athlete can pull off such an amazing feat. One thing's for certain, I surely wouldn't want to be in Cloud's shoes come March 9th.
So in a little roller coaster of movie rumors today, Zack Snyder has denied the rumors which sprang up today that he was to helm a brand new Star Wars project that was to be a re-imagining of Akira Kurosawa's epic classic Seven Samurai but filled with Jedi instead. I genuinely got excited about the idea until just moments ago when Snyder denied the rumors of his involvement in any Star Wars project right now, let alone one based on the samurai film.
Oh Internet! Why must you fill my heart with such hope only to burst it with your facts?!
After a brief stint with a series of unfortunate events, it appears that Michael Bay's much maligned (or lauded, depending on your taste in explosions) re-boot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is back on the production track.
Continue reading for a reminder of the pre-production setbacks that have plagued the movie as well as other release details.
Legendary Chinese art-house film director Wong Kar Wai finally released his highly anticipated 'The Grandmaster' this week. Nearly 10 years in the making, 'The Grandmaster' is a biopic centered on the martial arts legend Ip Man. I'm sure I don't have to explain here that Ip Man was most famous for being Bruce Lee's instructor.
No U.S. release has been announced just yet, but hopefully it won't be long before we have a chance feast our eyes on what is sure to be a visually stunning martial arts film. Reviews are trickling in and have been positive for the most part so things seem to be looking good so far!
In what has quickly become one of my most anticipated movies of 2013, Ryan Gosling will be teaming back up with Drive director Nicolas Refn in his new martial arts movie Only God Forgives. Few details are known just yet, but all of the essentials are there: Ryan Gosling is set to play a vigilante who enters the enters underground muay thai matches. Yeah, sold.
The quality on the teaser trailer above may look like it came straight from Bangkok (and it probably did), but just watch and enjoy. I'll be over here making a list of Ryan Gosling/martial arts jokes.
Over the past couple of months, we began releasing self-defense technique videos on a weekly basis. During that time, we've had several requests by our readers to teach a technique showing how to escape from a Full Nelson. Full Nelson's are a popular street fighting move because so many people grow up learning the technique in high school wrestling.
One of our favorite instructors, Shihan Albert Fabian, a 7th degree black belt in Aiki-Jujitsu from the Phoenix area, invited us to his home dojo to demonstrate how to easily escape a full nelson. Please be careful when practicing this technique so as not to injure your partner.
This past weekend saw an interesting Facebook post from Sylvester Stallone in which he confirmed the circulating rumor that Nicolats Cage would in fact be joining the rest of the Expendables in their third film venture. The post is as follows:
"We are preparing the film with the same passion and commitment as the previous two. We have confirmed Nicolas Cage, a master actor who gives a veneer intellectual group. Hopefully we can realize to Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes and Mickey Rourke. That is the great mission of the producer. We will continue with the same narrative scheme, the agility and the frenzy, which are inherent to the saga. What will definitely be the last? I can not guarantee. In principle it would be two deliveries, but the affection of the people encouraged us to work on a third. I guess as long as we amused ourselves by offering fun and people, we can continue playing 'The Expendables'. For now we are not as expendable as it should and as some critics want."
It might look like auto-correct got the better of Sly but the general message comes across in the post. Nicolas Cage will in fact be appearing in the third (though possibly not the last) installment of the over-the-top action series.
One of the most popular self-defense techniques taught in martial arts classes around the world is the defense against a headlock. Chances are, sometime throughout your life, you have been unlucky enough to be put in a headlock. Growing up, I can't remember how many times I saw kids in my class put into headlocks and given a noogie.
Shihan Albert Fabian, a 7th degree black belt in Aiki-Jujitsu from the Phoenix area, was nice enough to demonstrate how to properly escape a headlock. Make sure to be careful when practicing this technique so that you do not injure your partner.
Back from what has been a string of action roles this year, action icon Bruce Willis will be donning the signature tank-top of John McClane once again in the upcoming Die Hard 5: A Good Day To Die Hard.
Even though I did end up enjoying the PG-13 action of Live Free Or Die Hard, my fingers are being kept tightly crossed in the hopes that this newest installment will be graced with an 'R' rating.
In the meantime, check out the guns/explosion filled teaser trailer and let us know if you'll be looking forward to this one when it lands next year.
It's that time again! This week's Self-Defense technique of the week is one of my favorites.
While going to college at Arizona State University, I spent my nights working as a bouncer at one of the popular Tempe, AZ nightclubs. Every so often we had a rowdy customer who refused to leave peacefully and needed to be escorted out of the building, so I found that the best technique I could use to restrain a person without risking much injury to them was a double chicken wing.
Throughout my years as a martial artist, I've been able to find very few people who can escape a double chicken wing that is executed properly. Albert Fabian, a 7th Degree Black Belt in Aiki-Jujitsu was kind enough to bring me to his house and let me record how to successfully escape a double chicken wing.
Please be aware that you can permanently injure someone by using this self-defense technique too forcefully on their arm. Be careful!
Video 2: How to Escape from a Double Chicken Wing
Be sure to check back for next week's self-defense technique!
Earlier this week it was revealed that female MMA fighter and all-around martial arts pro Gina Carano will be the first to sign on for an upcoming action movie being touted as "the female version of The Expendables".
The movie is still in its beginning stages of production (a script is still yet to be written) but it comes from the same producers behind the popular Expendables franchise so hopefully we'll be able to expect something along the same lines as the well-received Expendables 2 of this Summer.
Check back to the KarateMart.com Martial Arts Blog for the latest news on this project as we find it. Oh, and you know we're going to be making our own recommendations for this new fighting female cast of action heroes, right?
While working for KarateMart.com, I've been lucky enough to meet some incredible martial arts instructors. One of the instructors I've been privileged to spend quite a bit of time with is Shihan Albert Fabian, a 7th degree black belt in Aiki-Jujitsu.
Recently, I mentioned to Shihan Fabian that I would be interested in creating a series of blog posts on KarateMart.com that would highlight different martial arts self-defense techniques to help our readers learn to defend themselves a little better. Shihan Fabian was kind enough to invite me to his house to show me how to perform some great escapes on one of his students. THANKS ALBERT!
Without Further Ado...Video 1: How to Escape from a Rear Choke (Sleeper Hold)
Be on the lookout for next weeks self-defense technique!
"I'll silence you faster than a Michael Bay dialogue scene."
The next time you pull out that cell phone for a quick text, don't be surprised if a shadowy warrior materializes behind you and tells you to stop it. Sound crazy? A London movie theater is doing exactly that.
The Prince Charles Cinema is apparently trying out a program whereby ushers, hidden by black morphsuits will be on the prowl to silence any loud talkers, annoying phone users, and general miscreants that may be out to ruin the movie for the rest of us.
Interestingly enough, the idea actually began when Gregor Lawson became so fed up with obnoxious movie-goers, he decided to do something about it. Who's Gregor Lawson you ask? None other than co-founder of the official Morphsuits company. Sounds like a win/win for everyone.
I'll be curious to see if a similar trend follows in American theaters. It may seem a little odd but I'm all for keeping distraction down in a theater. Now if only they can do something about the people that have to get up every fifteen minutes and walk in front of me...
As part of our ever--growing effort to expand the KarateMart.com blog into different facets of the martial arts, we want to take a moment each month to highlight one particular school or dojo. Our goal is not only to give recognition to those schools out there doing it right, but also to provide a resource from which other dojos may learn. We want to help give a boost to those martial artists out there that may struggling to maintain a successful martial arts program.
Whether you need a fresh outlook on the direction you school is taking, help on your latest marketing idea, or just a few tips that might help bolster enrollment, it is our genuine hope that our Dojo Spotlight series will help.
So let's jump right in to our very first Dojo Spotlight shall we?
Klei Entertainment's ambitious foray into the often overlooked world of 2-D stealth games has garnered some serious attention in the past few months. Mark of the Ninja has easily been one of this year's most hotly anticipated Xbox Live Arcade releases. And if the videos we've seen have been any indication, the hype is well deserved indeed.
If you've been following our tidbits on this stylish stealth game, you'll be able to appreciate the above gameplay video. Who are we kidding? Anyone with even half an inkling to stalk through the shadows as a ninja on a mission will get all giddy watching this footage.
Too bad the game itself isn't out until next month (October 2nd to be exact). In slightly related news, I shall be taking a week off from this blogging thing as of October 3rd. For that is the week I must make my official mark as a feared ninja by way of my Xbox.
UPDATE: So apparently Mark of the Ninja came out last week and nobody told me?! What do I pay you guys for?! Seriously, this game was an insta-buy for me after playing through the demo. Awesome. Just awesome.
It perhaps goes without saying but, come Zombie Apocalypse Hour, I'm heading for samurai sword and fast. Handguns and rifles? Pfft. They're all well and good till the ammo starts running low. Meanwhile, you know what doesn't run out of ammo and is perfect for separate zombified head from body? Yep. The aforementioned samurai sword. But I digress...
The above teaser trailer for Yaiba keeps the deets to a minimum but what we do know is this: There's a one mean looking ninja with a robot arm slicing up a plethora of zombies. In Yaiba's case, that's enough awesome to earn my money, I just need to know when this masterpiece will be released!
And for those skeptical few out there, let me remind you that said game comes from none other than the legendary Keiji Inafune, the mind behind such classics as Megan Man and Resident Evil. Did I also mention he was behind Dead Rising? So yeah, he's earned his zombie merit badge and them some.
Stay tuned to the good ol' KarateMart Martial Arts Blog and you'll know more as soon as we do!
When a game is going this strong after 18 years (yes, I felt ancient just typing that sentence) you know something very, very right is going on. In the case of Namco Bandai's popular Tekken franchise, their solid game mechanics, hyper-realistic martial arts styles, and all around fun approach has finally culminated in what is looking to be their finest martial arts masterpiece, Tekken Tag Tournament 2.
If you've already plowed through your copy of Sleeping Dogs and are looking for a tasty morsel to satisfy that fighting game sweet tooth, I'd highly recommend looking into this one.
Just don't come a-cryin' when my Paul/Nina team becomes too much for you to handle!
You can check out a more in-depth review over at our favorite gaming blog through the link below.
This Wednesday marks the official launch of WayForward's latest foray into the world of classic video game reboots with Double Dragon Neon. If you are unfamiliar with the classic, side-scroller fighting game franchise (and may I add, shame on you), continue reading for a brief look at the classic arcade game.
For those fans of the Lee brothers that have been wondering of Double Dragon Neon will be able to match the martial arts mastery for which the series is known, you may indeed rest easy. The good folks at Joystiq have seen fit to grace us with an early review and so far the reception is positive.
I'm not sure how Jet Li's newest martial arts movie snuck under the old radar, but better late than never right? And if you're lucky, you'll still be able to catch this one in it's final week of a two week limited release on IMAX 3D.
As far as the movie itself, it's shaping up to be quite a work of eye-candy (though some of the CGI looks a little rough at the end of the trailer).
Here's hoping the martial arts fights and and the story are as entertaining as the trailer quotes would have us believe. Otherwise we'll just have another throwaway piece of popcorn movie fluff. It'll be like Jet Li's The One and The Mummy series had a movie baby.
UPDATE: At least it's getting a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, so at least there's hope.
Whether or not you consider Parkour (the urban art of freestyle street acrobatics) to be a cousin to the martial arts, there is no arguing the amount of talent and discipline involved in pulling off a fan video like this one.
What happens when a reporter from Australian sports entertainment program The Footy Show bad-mouths the sport of Taekwondo? He's forced to account for his transgressions in the most publicly humiliating way possible: By being used as a training dummy in front of a television audience. Enjoy!
Okay, okay. So there might be some positive tips to take away from this slice ultra-cheesy YouTube gold, but we dare you to watch this thing to completion with a straight face. The awesome part is these guys are completely serious. Of course, we suspect someone had a little fun with the editing on this version to make it extra silly...
But seriously, how can you take notes when you're laughing so hard at these two? Continue reading to watch the video in all its glory.
The above animated short debuted as one of a series of shorts on Cartoon Network's DC Nation.
It's beautiful, unique, and full of anime-inspired kung-fu action! Take 3 minutes out of your day to view this wonderfully stylized piece of Batman art. Your brain will thank you.
Before you roll your eyes at the thought of an auto-tuned Bruce Lee, take a minute to empty your mind and let the music flow over you like water. Granted, the tune is enhanced by the various video clips from Bruce Lee interviews and films, but still. It's catchy, has a great message, and makes me want to practice my strikes like nobody's business!
The newest trailer for what is advertised as Jackie Chan's last big action movie Chinese Zodiac landed online not too long ago. If you're a fan of the Chan, you owe it to yourself to check this one out!
Before you go knocking Chan's newer movies for being too mainstream just remember two things: One, this whole 'Rollerblade Man' stunt from the trailer is both extremely unique and entertaining, and two, the guy doing it all is almost sixty years old! I was twelve when I got my first pair of roller blades and the only way I was making it down a hill was on my face.
The movie should be released overseas by the end of the year, so it won't be long before this (probably) last action movie from one of the all time greats lands on American soil.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan blog TMNT, NOT TANT earlier this week claimed to have gotten their hands on a leaked copy of the script (for the reboot being led by explosion king Michael Bay) along with a cease and desist letter from Paramount Pictures. (And while something like this may easily be dismissed as just rumor, the blog has since removed all trace of the script and posted a written explanation regarding the letter)
Would Paramount really take such action if this were a completely false rumor?
Continue reading to learn some of the details concerning characters and dialogue that were gleaned from the scripts pages before its ban from the internets.
Thanks to KarateMart.com Facebook Fan James for letting us know about this latest Ninja Turtle development!
A recent study performed by British researchers compared the punches of two different groups of martial artists. The first, a group of a dozen black belt karate masters. The second, a group of martial arts novices. The results? The group of black belts were able to produce stronger punches through increased coordination between various body components.
Most martial artists already know that the key to a good punch involves a lot more than just a big bicep. Successful coordination between the hand, wrist, shoulder, and even hips are what turns a 'How ya doin'? tap' into a 'Nighty night punch'. But where's the science?
Upon studying the brains of the two test groups, scientists discovered that the black belts actually had greater changes in their white matter, which is responsible for helping transmit brain signals for processing. What's all that mean? More training = More white matter = Super punch masters.
It's an interesting study that sheds a little more light on the mysteries of the brain and its link to the martial arts. Check out the original article through the link below.
Last week saw the release of the hotly anticipated sandbox-crime-saga 'Sleeping Dogs' on both the pS2 and Xbox 360. After months of build up, enormous walkthrough videos, and a endorsement from mixed martial arts legend Georges St-Pierre, we finally find out whether the new game from Square-Enix has been worth the wait.
Continue reading for a synopsis of Joystiq's official review (along with the video review) or check out the link below for the real deal.
You may run into the occasional citizen who has foolishly dismissed ninjas as mythical creatures that in no way should be feared. Strangely, these people seem to disappear shortly thereafter... But if they were to stick around long enough, you may want to point them to the video above as proof that ninjas do in fact exist. For how much longer is another matter entirely.
This all-too-brief interview focuses on one Jinichi Kawakami, a 63-year-old ex-engineer who also happens to be the 21st head of the Ban ninja clan. As of now, he has no interest in training an apprentice to be the 22nd. Kawakami has trained in Ninjutsu since he was 6 years old.
Check out the link below for more awesome tidbits.
If you blinked at some point during this past Saturday's Strikeforce mixed martial arts event, chances are you missed the main event. Woe to anyone who thought they could sneak in a quick bathroom break before the fight started. It took Ronda Rousey all of 54 seconds to cripple her opponent into submission with yet another signature arm-bar move.
It takes me longer to decide where to grab a burger.
Whether you love the 'Rowdy' fighter's cocky attitude or not, you simply can not deny the fact that this girl has some serious talent. Hopefully it won't be long before we hear whether Rousey's challenge to Christiane "Cyborg" Santos will be answered or not.
Looking for an excellent way to finish a weekend that starts with The Expendables 2? Saturday's Strikeforce featuring a heavily anticipated bout between Ronda Rousey and veteran Sarah Kaufman should end up being the cherry on the proverbial action-packed cake.
While Rousey is getting to be the favored fighter of the two, Kaufman's experience (having almost twice the fights of Rousey) should not be overlooked. Fight fans will definitely want to work this into their Saturday schedule when it debuts on Showtime.
For anyone that hasn't looked at a television for the past two weeks, Expendables 2 is here and ready to fill your weekend with as many explosions and bullets as you can handle. So has it all been worth the grueling wait?
Well, if the video review above from IGN is any indicator, it's exactly what we've been expecting. As the review suggests, along with the 65% Rotten Tomatoes score, the action doesn't disappoint. Just don't go into it expecting too much in the way of plot. But then again, who expected to find that here in the first place?
While release details on this stealthy, side-scroller from Klei Entertainment have been sparse, we were finally graced with a launch date of September 7th of this year for Mark of the Ninja. The price is still hiding in the shadows like a sneaky shinobi warrior, but since it's going to be an XBLA release, one can most likely expect a price tag of somewhere between $10-$15.
It's been a while since the ninja game sub-genre has seen a cool new approach like this one (we shan't speak of Ninja Gaiden here) and I for one will most likely be purchasing this one first-day. Already, I'm smitten not just with the amazing 2-D animations/artwork, but I'm stoked to play what looks like a genuine attempt at creating a solid, stealth, side-scroller. Yessir, I'm already setting aside some gold pieces for this one.
With the scary thought of Halloween being just around the corner, the staff at KarateMart.com has begun to work overtime in preparation for the costumed holiday. Two and a half months can go by in a flash but do not fear because we are here for all of your Halloween needs! In anticipation for another frightened filled busy Halloween season, we will be releasing our KarateMart.com exclusive costumes next week.
Another great walkthrough video for 'Sleeping Dogs' has hit the usual spots today, and this time it's focusing on the investigative aspect of the game. It may not be L.A. Noire, but including something different like this goes a long way in helping it stand out from the usual story-driven, crime-saturated, sandbox games.
The 'dialogue' mini-game seems like it will be a tad too easy, but the idea of changing disguises regularly is kind of cool. Plus, the different investigative actions should keep things from getting too boring.
So far this one's still on the ol' game radar, but man! If this game has many more walkthrough video come out, I won't have to buy the game, I'll just be able to watch it on YouTube!
Whether you've have an exhausting work week or are just looking for the latest funny video to land on the sordid shores of the Sea of Internet, we've got your back. Check out this spoof trailer featuring a premise that can be surmised as 'What if Taken were to happen for real?'. I for one know for a fact that if I get 'Taken', I've got a better chance of Liam Neeson stumbling across me on the way to the restroom.
It's funny, clever at times, and well worth 3-minutes of your life. Many thanks to Captain Hippo, the creative team behind this and many other funny video projects. Check it out when you have a minute.
So while we're going to have to wait until the 17th of this month to get our hands on the game itself, we at least have the above video to satiate our curiosities. Featuring a burly helping of gameplay, this fifteen minute video should confirm the suspicions of pretty much everybody that saw the screenshots from last month. Feast and enjoy!
Easily missed amongst the frantic rush to view the latest Skyfall trailer (which was sorely lacking in both close quarters martial arts combat and the grizzled voice of Liam Neeson), the new Taken 2 trailer was nearly identical to the first one. Nearly. (That last line is much more effective if you read it in Liam Neeson's voice. In fact, this entire post is better if read in Liam Neeson's voice.)
This latest trailer features a brief exchange between 'the man with a very particular set of skills' and the foreign guy he'll no doubt kill in violent fashion by roll of credits. Neeson explains "If I kill you, your other sons will come and seek revenge...and I will kill them too." Now it may be too subtle for any but the sharpest of wits to pick up on, but I'm going to go ahead and say it won't be long before we see a trailer for Taken 3: This Time They Have The Dog.
Developer QoocSoft hit the Steam Marketplace in a big way today with its new martial arts slug-fest Kung Fu Strike: The Warriors Rise. In what looks to be a very stylized, arcade beat 'em up, Kung Fu Strike is looking to make an impression on both gamers and their pocket-books.
Released today on PC for the very reasonable price of $9.99, it can even be found for an impressive 20% less depending on the online dealer. Not too shabby for a brand new title.
Clocking in at 28 levels, the title may not be vying for all of your spare time (and really, is this such a bad thing?), but martial arts loving gamers out there should definitely get their money's worth from this title. For the console-bound players, an Xbox version is supposedly in the works.
The always entertaining sports blog, Bleacher Report, came up with a thoughtful list of 7 of the most well-rounded Olympians that should make the transition to the MMA.
As would be expected, a freestyle wrestler take the top spot on the list, though there are some interesting considerations here. Notably Kayla Harrison, the current Number 2 ranked woman in the world for her judoka skills. A hard-hitting match-up between Kayla and Ronda Rousey? Consider my ticket paid for.
Check out the source link for the full list of Olympic-level fighters that could find success in the MMA.
The Sleeping Dogs videos are starting to pour in at this point, which is just fine considering that it's nearly upon us (August 14th) and every bit I see of this makes me want it more.
Give the video a look if you've got a spare a minute for some solid martial arts brawl. Now who doesn't have time for those?
For you kung fu movie super-fans out there, we've found the Comic-Con 2012 interview with the director of the hyper-stylized Man With The Iron Fists, RZA. The hulking mass next to him is none other than ex-WWE superstar Bautista. It's an interesting interview that sheds a little more light on the style that RZA is hoping to achieve with his movie. As if you couldn't tell by the trailer already.
Last week saw the release of a no-nonsense rankings list breaking down the top ten MMA fighters in each weight division, including top female fighters of the moment. Most of the names at the top of the list may not be absolute shockers but it's still darn interesting to glance over the various classes and remember (or imagine) various match-ups.
This is one of the most carefully considered lists you can find on MMA fighters, taking various factors into consideration including fighters performance as well as difficulty of opponents. One interesting item of note: Fighters currently undergoing drug-related suspensions are considered ineligible until time that they have had one fight after the time of their suspension.
For those of us that grew up in the eighties, it was a magical time. Filled with brilliant Saturday morning cartoons and the beginnings of what would be become legendary video game franchises, it's a decade that can put a smile on my face quicker than a crane kick from Daniel LaRusso.
If you're one of the unfortunate few that didn't get to experience the amazing martial arts brawl-fest that was Double Dragon in either its arcade or it's NES incarnation, then you owe it to yourself to give this re-boot of the classic franchise a look.
Clearly inspired by the aforementioned Decade of Decadence, Double Dragon Neon seeks to bring a radical new take on a video game series that deserves an overhaul.
Check out the video which features footage from this year's E3 demo and let us know if you're a fan of the series or if you'll be there to play this new, neon edition when it arrived on Xbox Live Arcade later this year.
Some gamers look at a game like the upcoming martial arts inspired Sleeping Dogs and know immediately whether or not they'll have fun playing it. For the rest of us, there's good old fashioned gameplay footage to fill in the gaps.
While we've seen plenty of carefully crafted trailers that have shown some in-game footage, it's always revealing to see a live run-through of any soon-to-be-released game. So if you've been on the fence with this title or even if this is your first time hearing about it, check out some of the footage above and let us know what you think!
Okay, so now that San Diego Comic-Con 2012 is officially over, we can finally start sifting through the mounting of news. First little pearl of fun on the radar? Try the announcement of a Street Fighter live action web series that will hit the internets at some point next year.
Tentatively titled Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist, the series is set to reveal the rich back-stories behind many of your favorite world fighters. Hopefully, this time next year, Street Fighter fans will have something they can look at rather pride, rather than sad disappointment.
Continue reading to find a link to the Street Fighter Fan Film that helped make the new series possible.
In a recent interview with MTV Kevin Eastman, creator of the beloved ninja mutant teens, loosed some general-opinion-defying remarks about new Ninja Turtles reboot being headed by Explosion King Michael Bay.
Eastman is quoted as saying: “From what I've seen, it's easily the best Turtle movie yet. We're talking Raid: Redemption-style fight scenes; we're talking about epic Rise of the Planet of the Apes sort of effects."
Whether or not the Turtle creator is the most unbiased source when it comes to the Turtles will remain to be seen. Still, his comments may help substantiate the previous rumors which cited The Raid: Redemption as a serious influence on the fight choreography of the new film. Plus, we all know how amazing the CGI was in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
A recent Tuff-N-Uff MMA bout gave fans in Las Vegas one of the most impressive female knockouts the sport has yet seen. The victor was (as of yet) undefeated Veronica Rothenhausler who managed to knock out her opponent, Ashlee Evans-Smith, with her first punch. There's not much else to say except that it takes longer to finish reading Rothenhausler's name than the actual fight lasted.
Here's a quick bit of action movie news hot off the press: Both Sly and Arnold made appearances at the Expendables 2 panel along with most of the other stars from the cast!
Some highlights include:
Sly reminiscing about the time Dolph punched him so hard that he ended up in a hospital. Dolph only shrugged and said, "He was my boss. He said hit me and I did."
Arnold yelling out random quotes from his past movies, including "I'm back," "It's not a tumor" and "WHO IS YOUR DADDY AND WHAT DOES HE DO?"
And how is it different working on an action movie than before? Arnold explained that now that they're older, they "move a little slower." The methods of training are more into stretching and "trying to keep as limber as I can." And at night, "we had to put a lot of ice on your knees, and your hips. Your body doesn't recuperate like when you were 30. You have to pace yourself. Just be more thoughtful."
Yes, there are plans for a Twins sequel.
Check out the source link below for the full scoop on the events of the panel!
As if I weren't already feeling bad enough for missing this year's San Diego Comic-Con, NetherRealms went and released a brand new gameplay trailer for Injustice: Gods Among Us that revealed not one, but TWO, brand new characters for the game. Enjoy. I'll just be hanging out here. And by here I mean "Not San Diego".
In an effort to keep you posted on the latest and greatest Ninja Turtles rumors circulating the great ocean of Internet, we've dug up this little gem thanks to the good guys over at Screen Rant.
Here's the scoop: A very reliable source who claimed to have gotten their hands on an actual TMNT script draft posted a Tweet that revealed the names "Krang", "The Technodrome", "Beebop", and "Rocksteady". Oh, and "Dimension X" is in there too. To longtime fans of the series, this list reads like an 80's kids dream come true. To everyone else, there's a trip to Wikipedia in your future.
Of course, as with any rumor, we should all be expected to take it with a Technodrome-shaped grain of salt, whilst simultaneously spouting such details as though they are fact.
Check out the link for the super-detailed version.
If you're like us, you get a kick out of looking at the fight purses for various fighting events and then ask yourself if you would have stepped into the same match-up for the same payout. Most of the time I find myself repeating a string of "No's" followed by the occasional "Heck no!". UFC 148's purses are no exception.
The big winner's this time around? Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin. While Ortiz went home with a paltry $250,000 Griffin walked away with $275,000 which included his $150,000 win bonus. Not bad for the scariest 15 minutes of your life. Still, to this I say if you add on another couple of zeroes I may agree to that fight.
How about you dear reader? Would you take a trip to the emergency room for the chance at that kind of dough?
You can check out the full list of payout amounts from UFC 148 at the link below.
Earlier this year we showed you a very brief glimpse of geek-worthy gameplay footage from Injustice: Gods Among Us, the current project from the creators of the latest Mortal Kombat re-boot.
The people behind this ambitious title (knowing which side their bread is buttered), took advantage of this year's amassing of fight-game fanatics at this weekend's EVO 2012 to show off a whopping 15 minutes of awesome gameplay footage
If you can't tell already, I'm already sold on this title. Awesome looking environmental destruction/interaction, amazing visuals, oh, and I can play as Harley Quinn. 'nuff said.
When it was revealed that MMA fan-favorite GSP was tapped as spokesperson for Square Enix's much anticipated martial arts action game Sleeping Dogs, it sent a clear message that the team was devoted to giving players a solid fighting experience. The trailer above echoes that sentiment. While I'm still curious to see where this will land on the old review scales, every new trailer I watch for this game inches me closer and closer to a release day purchase.
In keeping the spirit of this weekend's epic EVO tournament, G4TV has decided to have a Bruce Lee marathon, starting today. So you may want to call in sick from work. Even if you're already at work, you should call out. If they say no, just make hissing-static noises and say speak in broken sentences. Then quietly sneak out the back. It probably won't work but what do you care? You're on your way to an awesome kung fu fest!
So what are you're favorite Bruce Lee flicks? Tell us in the comments below!
At the forefront of what is virtually an untapped market, FOCUS is a video game documentary produced entirely by G4TV which follows Mike Ross. Ross is a professional gamer who spends the entirety of the documentary intensely preparing for the latest EVO series, a video game tournament dedicated entirely to fighting games.
Like all well done documentaries, you don't even have to be a huge fan of the subject matter to be moved by the underlying story. Whether you're a hardcore joystick jockey or don't know a Shoryuken from a Spinning Bird Kick, we highly recommend taking some time to check this film out. Plus, it's free!
A new Kickstarter project from Thousand Pounds Action Company is looking to give martial arts movie fans a way to invest in their favorite film genre with a brand new, fan-funded, webseries. From the Press Release:
Titled Clandestine: Follow The Path, the series aims to bring back character and story driven martial arts entertainment that features expert fight choreography.
The premise behind Clandestine: Follow The Path is grand to say the least, focusing on a female protagonist who finds her life turned on its head when it is revealed the she actually belongs to a long line of powerful martial arts rulers who vie for control over the physical world against four other ancient clans. The story is promised to stay epic in scope yet strongly character-focused in story. Of course, there will be intensely realistic martial arts battles along the way.
Having already put out more than 20 martial arts short films (Naruto Shippuden: Dreamers Fight, Street Fighter X Tekken: The Devil Within) the team is certainly no stranger to all of the challenges involved with intense martial arts choreography. And with more than 13 million collective YouTube hits, this ambitious group of filmmakers seems to have cultivated a dedicated following that may be able to pull off the Kickstarter backing goal of $75,000 in the next 28 days. The project already has 95 backers with a total of $4,666.
The project is certainly an ambitious one and, being a fan of film myself, I wish these guys the best of luck in getting their project made. Take a minute to check out the Clandestine project a little more closely and let us know your thoughts.
(Press Release)
Here's the Cliffs Notes version: The Man with the Iron Fists marks the directorial debut of Wu-Tang Clan member RZA. It is produced by Quentin Tarantino, co-written by Eli Roth, and stars Russel Crowe, Lucy Liu, and a slew of hip-hop and martial arts movie stars. In short, it will be gratuitous in its violence, stylish in its action and (hopefully) a stunning martial arts flick. We'll have to wait until later this year before reaching a final verdict. My only complaint: I hope they fix that CGI blood effect by final release. It's pretty distracting.
WARNING: The above trailer is in fact a Red Band Trailer (read: The extra naughty version) for an already violent film. It is not intended for children, young audiences, or those with delicate sensibilities.
Ever since the announcement of The Expendables 2, many gamers have been left to wonder just what the video game version of the cinematic beefcake-fest will look like. Will it be an FPS? Perhaps a third-person shooter? Turn-based strategy? Well the latest Ubisoft press release is here to shed some fiery light on the details of the game. Oh and there's some screenshots there too.
Continue reading to check out the rest of the screenshots.
Close to two months ago Time magazine featured an interesting list of "Brilliant Classroom Characters: The Top 10 Wicked Smart Actors". While much of the list is worth taking a look at, one name stood out more than others. Dolph Lundgren, whose martial arts action background could inspire jealousy alone, also maintains a shockingly impressive academic background that few people seem to realize.
Continue reading for a brief rundown of some of Mr. Lundgren's more impressive accomplishments both on and off screen.
The big news in martial arts today didn't have anything to do with top-winning karate champion or the latest mixed martial arts fight. As the above video interview shows, two Washington teens were given a rude awakening when they accosted young kung fu practitioner, Priscilla Dang.
Perhaps the most fascinating element of the story involved how well Priscilla handles the situation mentally. As she describes the events, one gets the sense that she was almost completely aware of her training during the entire exchange. No easy feat given the situation which ultimately culminated in one of the boys brandishing a knife.
If you or someone you love is at high risk for the devastating disease of Alzheimer's a new study may prove some aid in combating the most familiar symptoms.
A recent collaborative undertaking between University of South Florida and Fudan University (Shanghai) discovered marked increases in brain volume as well as memory function in elderly Chinese. What was the contributing factor to the improvement? According to the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the seniors were on a regiment of Tai Chi classes for three times a week.
Continue reading for more interesting details regarding this unique study, or check out the link below for the full press release.
It wasn't too long ago that the internet was ablaze with Jackie Chan fans begging the martial artist not to retire from action films. It wasn't a full 24-hours after making the statement that Mr. Chan felt compelled to better explain his meaning. The internet was appeased.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, we have a clip of Jackie Chan on a German television show of some kind. What the show is about is unimportant (which is good because I have absolutely no idea), but what is important is that it features Jackie performance an amazing physical feat using only an egg and some bricks. Watch and be amazed.
For those of you aching to see some footage of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in all of their CGI glory before they officially land on Nickelodeon later this year, you'll want to give this trailer a peek. As a (slightly) older TMNT fan, this trailer was definitely a bit too geared towards the young'uns for my tastes.
I know full well it's a kids show, but I was so hoping for something a little darker. Of course, if you've always been a fan of anthropomorphic amphibians shouting "Boo-ya-ka-sha!" at their foes, then by all means have a ball. I'll be over here watching some He-Man cartoons.
Okay, okay. So the plot presented in this new trailer for Taken 2 is dicey at best. Please, for the love of all that is good in movies, do not allow the daughter to actually beat up any of the revenge-seeking terrorists that will surely populate this film. The whole 'daughter of a hard-boiled anti-terrorism expert can kick butt too' will FAIL.
Sure, much of the action from the first Taken was a step away from reality, but one of the things it did bring to the table was the fiercely raw intensity that fueled the CQC fight scenes. Grown men getting whupped by an overly-excited tween is going to take it just one step too far.
We'll see how the sequel holds up when the film lands in theaters in October.
A lone, bleary-eyed intern sat at his desk, sifting through stack upon unending stack of busy work. Redundant office memos, nonsensical correspondence, and rows upon columns of mind-numbing spreadsheets. Long gone were any hopes of fortune and glory reaped through aiding the development team behind the Expendables 2 game. Those sweet fantasies had died a cold, whimpering death. Suffocated by a flood of fluorescent office-lighting and choked by reams of copy paper. Until today.
How the game manual made it's way to the young interns desk was never made entirely clear. Perhaps a sinister move of petty cruelty. Perhaps a mistyped address label. Perhaps fate... Whatever the agent, as the young intern flipped casually through the pages what was surely the only copy of The Expendables game manual in existence, the golden-hued dreams of fortune and glory returned, washing over him in a single instant. A tingling baptism of hope realized. But who would believe such a turn of fortune?
In a single deft move, the intern's phone was in hand, ready to shoot. Soft, electronic shutter-clicks filled the cavernous space, echoing in the darkness like the unanswered mating calls of some exotic cave-dwelling insect. Snikk. Snikk.
I must send these to the guys at KarateMart! They have the necessary means to make these images known. To make my awesomeness known!
A flurry of swipes across a smartphone touchscreen was all that it took to send the images to their intended destination. With painful care, the intern wiped the manual of all signs of his presence and placed it back in the exact position in which he had discovered it. He then took an early lunch.
Of course, what you have just read is both slightly embellished and an outright lie. In fact, not a word of what you just read is true. But still, we hope you enjoy the following 'fake' Expendables 2 manual pages as much as we do.
Come loyal KarateMart.com Blog readers. Join me as I take a short jaunt through time. When shall be our first stop? Shall we seek answers to our ages most intriguing questions. Mmmm, no. Perhaps we shall seek enlightenment via a moment of cultural, even historical significance? Getting warmer.
As you may have already guessed, our journey shall land us in the year nineteen-hundred and ninety-eight, during what could be described as the Golden Age of World Wrestling Entertainment.
Continue reading to learn why Mike Tyson will have a guest role in the next WWE video game.
Paramount Pictures, the studio in charge of the recently announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie re-imagining have officially pushed the release date of the film back to May 16, 2004. It would appear that pre-production has run on a little longer than estimated (perhaps trying to refine the whole mutant/alien origins fiasco?)
While Turtles fans around the world may be lower than a sewer-dwelling amphibian by now, this Turtle Power infused writer would like to take a quick second to look at the bright side. For one, any extra time devoted to fleshing out the details of a story in before filming should (hopefully) result in a much better final product.
I'm as excited as the next fan to see what the movie will have in store for my green childhood friends, but I'm willing to forgo a few extra months if it means a cohesive story (read: NOT Transformers 2).
Caught up on the latest Expendables 2 trailer? Check. Secured yourself an official Expendables nickname? Check. Pre-ordered The Expendables for Xbox? Che-wait, what?!
If you've never been one to be swayed by the tarnished reputation licensed video games have had for more than twenty years, then you may very well jump for joy at the newest game news. Apparently a recent list from the Australian Classification Board (think ESRB down-under) listed a rating for The Expendables 2 video game.
This would seem strange being that not a single peep of this this has been mentioned before, but there it is. Will this be the final piece of the movie's marketing plan, or is this a forgotten remnant of a long-since scrapped title that will never see the light of day?
Looks like we'll have to wait until we get a little closer to the official movie release on August 17th this year.
We at KarateMart.com have never attempted to hide our love for the great bearded one whose single glare can slay a dragon. This is why we present you with the following (mock) trailer which we stumbled upon during our daily internet journeys.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll try to IMDB the movie where Chuck Norris holds a gun to a dwarf's head.
In this weeks episode of "It Came From The Internet" we found a great compilation of 25 of the best streaming kung fu movies available on Netflix as of today. Some are old, some are new, some are very good, some are very, very bad. Either way, if you're a fan of some good old fashioned chop-socky action you should probably just go ahead and queue these up right now and find some way to thank us later. Don't worry, we'll be right here watching Cheerleader Ninjas.
If you're neither a fan of special effects filled sci-fi flicks nor tales of computer generated talking animals that squeeze the last breath out every pop culture/music reference they can get their hands on may be hard-pressed to find a new movie to watch this weekend...unless you're a martial arts fan that is. Scratch that. As long as your a martial arts fan that's lucky enough to live in one of the city in which Double Trouble is seeing its limited release that is.
Harkening back to good old day of corny, goofy, and just plain-old-fashioned fun kung fu movies, Double Trouble is sure to snare curious martial arts fans solely on the basis that it stars Jaycee Chan (a.k.a. Jackie Chan's son).
The film centers around the recovery of of a an ancient priceless painting or some such thing- oh who the heck cares it's Jackie Chan's son for crying out loud just skip the talking zebra and watch it already!
This video may be just the proof for anyone that may be second-guessing the idea that Mexico has the potential to put on an exciting fight.
Sure, the aforementioned fight may only last 15 seconds, but it could be all the at Mexico Fighter (think Mexican UFC) needs to gain the right traction and shoot Mexican mixed martial arts into the same heights as our North American version.
Having always wished for my own private place to test my physical strength and dexterity, I can appreciate how epically awesome this ninja bedroom really is. Of course, it would probably leave me gasping and dying on the floor before I even reached the foot of my bed, but still, it would be a sweet death. One of calm and peace in knowing that I had assembled one of the most amazing training facilities ever known to Ninjas.
The room was built by Mike Needham, a hopeful contestant for American Ninja Warrior as a training tool. He apparently even got selected and competed in this past weekend's episode. We are currently trying to hunt down the video clip of his performance, however from what we can gather, the room was not enough to see him through to the end.
Not surprisingly, Square Enix decided to launch a brand new gameplay trailer for the upcoming Sleeping Dogs at E3 this week. If you've been even slightly interested in this one, we highly recommend you check this new one out.
The video above basically reveals two things: 1)An interesting setup to what is hopefully a polished storyline for the martial arts action-fest that is Sleeping Dogs, and 2) A lot more profanity than what we've experienced thus far.
A recent E3 announcement from Snail Games the developers behind the anticipated new martial arts MMO revealed that Kung Fu legend Jet Li has signed on to become the game's official spokesperson.
This may be the easiest marketing decision ever made, but still, it's cool that such a high profile face of the martial arts is choosing to represent a unique video game like Age of Wushu.
So the new Expendables 2 trailer may just be a mostly re-cut version of the last trailer, but it has two things going for it. One, it's a new Expendables 2 trailer. Two, it refrains from revealing everything about the movie, a mistake which it seems more and more movies these days are all too happy to make.
Example? Prometheus. Now don't get me wrong. I'll be one of the first in line satiating their Alien universe fanboy-ism, but at this point, I feel like I've already seen the whole movie. Note to the studios: Less is more. You want me to actually feel like I should go to the movie because I don't know everything that's going to happen? Then stop showing me everything that's going to happen!
Anymore, I just have to call it quits after the teaser for a movie is released, otherwise I won't have anything to look forward to come opening weekend.
Okay. Sorry for the rant people. Sorta had that one stored for a little while now. Whew. Much better.
We've never tried to hide the fact that we're huge fighting game and comic book fans here at KarateMart.com. Which is why the announcement trailer for NetherRealm's upcoming game, "Injustice: Gods Among Us" has us in such a nerdgasmic state.
The astute among you will recall that NetherRealms is the development company behind last years successful re-boot of the hit Mortal Kombat franchise. And now they've set their sights on DC Comics and their super-heroes. The most important details (besides the release date) are already known. This will be a fighting game that pits DC villains and heroes against each other, and it looks absolutely beautiful.
You'll want to take a minute to watch the eye-melting trailer. Just don't come crying to us when you suffer from instant withdrawals. It's looking that good. Oh, and P.S., could they have picked a cooler title?!
If the first teaser trailer wasn't good enough for you, don't fret. The official, full-length trailer for this Summer's newest entry in the Bourne franchise has landed. As you can expect, there's more guns, explosions, and close-quarters-combat than your eyes will be able to take in through one viewing.
So go ahead, stay and watch it twice. We don't mind.
The latest Chuck Norris 8-bit animation from the always entertaining DoctorOC has landed on the internets today and it's about as insane as the title would suggest. Not much else to say here except that you should probably stop reading and just watch it.
Scheduled for release on August 14th, the newest collaborative effort between United Front Games and Square-Enix, Sleeping Dogs is looking better with every trailer. This latest one focuses on the Triad-centered storyline of the game while giving a slightly deeper look into the various activities players will be able to spend their time with.
While I'm still a little curious/leery as to how well the actual hand-to-hand combat will translate, this new trailer is very much filling a quickly-growing void which I would normally fill with something like the newest Grand Theft Auto entry. Consider my interest officially piqued.
Video game developer Zen Studios may be best known for its popular pinball series Zen Pinball, but that's all about to change later this year when the studio changes things up for its Playstation Vita entry, Kickbeat.
Continue reading for further details on why this may be the new game to hit your 'Must Have' list.
If there's anybody that should be able to stand half a chance in taking down the American Ninja Warrior obstacle course, it's somebody versed in the ways of parkour. So when we saw this video clip making the rounds about a gymnast/parkour runner taking on the insane course, we had high hope. Until we saw the run-time of the video clip that is...
Alas, the only real question is, can you you guess how quickly she fails?
We dare you to watch this animation without laughing just a little. If you're familiar at all with the legendary Street Fighter franchise and Valve's hit Portal series, this will an impossible feat.
The great thing is you don't even have to be a gamer to appreciate the creativity and time it took to put together a great animation like this one. Enjoy!
In an attempt to make hopefully make you feel as old as I do right now, I'll make you aware of the fact this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the beloved Street Fighter franchise. All is not lost though. Capcom has today revealed one of the most epic collector's compilation in recent video game history. Continue reading for a closer look at exactly what this $150 collection will include.
Kinesthetic Games has announced today its newest game project entitled "Kung Fu Superstar", which is looking to be the first real reason to think about owning Kinect since Gunstringer. In a (hopefully) entertaining mash up of action and martial arts education, players will assume the role Danny Cheng, a martial artist who one day dreams of becoming the next Steven Seagal.
The trailer looks entertaining enough, though I remain verrry skeptical when it comes to an ambitious project like this. I always hope the game will end up as awesome as it was presented but I've been let down so many other times that I can't help but be nervous. To be fair, I've yet to play with a Kinect in any capacity, so I can't really say if this seems beyond the capacity of the technology or not. We'll try to keep you posted on new developments. In the mean time, enjoy the trailer!
Fans of ninjas, obstacles, and epic fails were given a huge helping of all-of-the-above last night as NBC 'premiered' the first episode of 'American Ninja Warrior'. While full of the usual par-for-the-course failures at completing the run, the most interesting contestant of the night was Kelvin Antoine, a 53-year-old man who nonetheless failed to finish.
"American Ninja Warrior" is slated to play on Sunday's on G4TV and on Monday's on NBC. (Yeah, we're not the only ones confused at that scheduling decision)
Check out the video above for a ad-filled peek at Kelvin.
Today's mining of internet rarities brought us to this amazing little gem. Simply titled BJJ in MMA, this site is a BJJ news site/forum where enthusiasts and practitioners are encouraged to participate in discussions pertaining to the Brazilian art.
Slanted towards the role that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu plays in the mixed martial arts specifically, the site appears to have a small but loyal following that is sure to grow in the future. But the news and community are just the tip of this iceberg.
Read on to learn what really makes our new favorite site shine!
Action film fans around the world can rejoice as the first official teaser trailer has emerged. While the short trailer may leave you with more questions than answers (isn't that every teaser's purpose?), it's a well-done trailer that is hopefully a sign of where the movie is headed. That way we just pretend that "Quantum of Solace" didn't exist and move on from there.
Beating us to the punch, G4 whipped up a super-entertaining list highlighting the top fictional characters that would have no problem winning the American Ninja Warrior. It's a great list and hard to argue with the contenders they post...but I'll try anyway.
For starters, Katniss Everdeen? Really? She may have all the courage and endurance, but she wouldn't hold a candle to Ezio Auditore of Assassin's Creed fame. Check out the source for the full list of the crazy characters that did make the list.
You can watch all of the non-fictional people take on the obstacle course of insanity when it premieres this Sunday, May 20th, on G4TV.
According to an interview given in Cannes, Jackie Chan will be stepping away from action movies entirely. His latest movie, "Chinese Zodiac" will mark his last foray into stunt-filled world of action films as the actor, now 58, focuses his career towards roles that will showcase more of his acting abilities. At one point during the interview, Chan stated: "The world is too violent now. I love fighting but I hate violence."
We just thought we'd share another entertaining little video tidbit that stumbled across on the internets. If you haven't seen it before, you're in for a treat!
This short clip shows none other than the martial arts master himself delivering what can only be described as the worlds most incredible 6-inch punch. I'm still trying to figure out if the guy on the receiving end of said punch is brave or incredibly stupid.
You gotta love Craigslist, you really do. It may be the Internet equivalent of the Mos Eisley Cantina, but you can always count on a good laugh or two. Like this guy.
At some point, this poor guy decided that it would actually be a good idea to try to sell a gun on Craigslist. So much so, that he devoted what had to be fair amount of time in concocting this amazing posting selling said weapon under the guise of an Under Siege "DVD".
While it's normally a good idea to call upon the martial arts expertise of Mr. Seagal to aid one in the selling of a weapon, it would seem this attempt was far from subtle.
Continue reading for a screenshot of the dubious post.
No, it's not a typo. The new martial arts documentary is actually an adaptation of Ric Meyers' book of the nearly identical title: "Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Book". In both his book and movie script, Meyers brings a sharp, humorously insightful look at one of films most prolific sub-genres, the Kung Fu movie. The result is what appears to be a uniquely entertaining portrait of martial arts movies and the people that make them shine.
We'll be trying to make some time to squeeze this one into our schedules, but as soon as we do, we'll let you know how it fares in a review.
For those of who are gigantic fans of extra cheesy martial arts action, the much anticipated Kung Fu film/commercial "Kung Fu Vettel: Drive of the Dragon" has finally landed on Internet shores. And it's about what you'd expect.
It's entertaining as far as light-hearted martial arts 'films' centered around a paper-thin premise with a luxury car tie-in starring race car champions go. But that's about it. Honestly, I know it's a glorified commercial that can only fit so much story/action in approximately 5 minutes, but I've seen some pretty darn good 5-minute short films that managed to be more interesting with half the budget.
I hate to be a total downer about it, so watch the film for yourself and let us know what you think in a comment.
For those of you readers who have searched every end of the web and struggle to find a reliable, useful source of information on exercise and staying fit, it looks like you're in luck!
A blog website was launched today with articles written by David LaMartina, an experienced weight trainer and fitness expert, and Russel Hudson. According to news sources, Hudson is a black belt of “martial arts,” but they do not specify which particular art. As of the launch, the site looks promising and has several articles with useful tips on diet, certain exercises, and fitness routines. Let's hope the writers keep busting out articles on a regular basis! I don't care personally since I'm already a master ninja, but I'm sure you guys will enjoy it.
...Alright, alright, you got me. I will be keeping up with the Physical Fitness Training blog to glean some of that intel, and to make sure they add on more content. You can check it out for yourself right here.
Remember when we told you last week how all ONLINE bidding had ceased on that precious first-drawing of Kevin Eastman's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Well our friends at CBR.com (Comic Book Resources) came up with the final numbers on that much coveted piece of Ninja Turtle history. Guesses?
The first ever drawing of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles officially sold for $71,700 to an anonymous (presumably pizza loving) bidder. So it did see a bit of a jump from that steady (measly?) $50,000 that the online bidding had it parked at.
The upcoming martial arts focused video game from Square Enix that we've told you about just got a brand new gameplay trailer that has officially placed this title on my radar. It may not have reached 'Instant Buy' status just yet but things are on a good course.
If you're at all interested in martial arts inspired video games looking to try new things, you owe it to yourself to check out the video above.
Sleeping Dogs will be available on August 14th for the usual systems.
Who says “traditional” Eastern martial arts can't be used in the ring? Well, a lot of people...but not the guys in this video!
Karate and closely related styles usually get tossed to the side when you want to talk about cage-effective martial arts. MMA has evolved over the years and is known now for hosting fighters specialized mainly in muay thai, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian ju-jitsu. In an MMA environment with MMA rules, it's really no surprise that it's very difficult to pull off a good career grounded in Oriental martial arts.
So today, we salute those fighters who managed to take their karate-dominant martial arts backgrounds, bring it to the MMA world, and – consistently – deck their opponents in the face with it! Such is a feat that has earned professional fighters like Lyoto Machida and Bas Rutten their fame and reputations. Sit back and enjoy the end of the week with front kick K.O.'s, palms to the liver, and glorious battle music.
Martial arts moms deserve the same (if not more) attention as every other mom this coming Mother's Day. So as a fun small Thank You to all of the mother's out there, we've put together some Mother's Day themed memes that we hope conveys our appreciation. It's the thought that counts right?
Don't forget to tell if you like them! Your praise is what fuels us.
Ninja Turtles fans bid a saddened farewell as much of their most desired pieces of memorabilia were auction off to richer (and now happier) TMNT fans. So what did things end up closing at?
The coveted First-Ever drawing closed at a steady $50,000, while the resin cast TMNT toy closed at a meager $1,050. My favorite though? The wonderful case full of various scripts, notes, and various promo material belonging to the live-action films that closed at $700.
All is not lost apparently, as there will be a live auction event today during which internet bidders could very well see their bids shattered. Check the source link for a complete list of the items on auction.
It's amazing! It's glorious! It's ...less than 5 minutes long?
Funny, I remember there being way more kicking involved in "Kickboxer" when I last watched it as a young lad. Oh well, at least I can now watch all of my favorite parts of "Kickboxer" without all that silly dialogue and extraneous story getting in the way.
Be warned: The creators of the video did take some liberties in allowing "knees", which while not technically kicking, will be allowed just this once as without their inclusion, the entire video would be half as long and make absolutely zero zero sense.
Watching this is like watching a Michael Bay film except that the explosions are replaced by kicks and by the end of it I don't want to jump off a cliff.
Days away from the highly anticipated UFC 146, heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos took some time from what must be a grueling training schedule to give a very interesting interview over at USA Today.
What's probably most impressive is the fighter's reluctance to indulge in the typical playing up of drama surrounding your typical 'grudge' or 'revenge' stories. He instead dismisses any attempts at goading a response by explaining that the fight is in no way a mission for payback as others have built it up as.
The full interview is an excellent one and highly recommended if you're at all a fan of MMA.
So we just stumbled across the nifty little marketing device known loosely as the Expendables Nickname Generator. It's quick, it's fun, it's not going to give you a better nickname than the one this writer got. Ready for it?
Expendable Nickname: Hellraiser
That's right, you may all bask in the awesome glow that is my Expendable nickname. Of course, in the off chance that I'm wrong, I'd love to hear what some of your nicknames are! Post them in a comment, send us a Facebook message, Tweet us. Oh, and don't forget about our brand new +KaratMart.com Google Fan Page!
Who knows, we may just pick the coolest of the entries to feature on their very own custom Expendables 2 poster!
Earlier this week we let you know that the Kevin Eastman artwork auction was underway and had a current bid of $50,000. Any guesses as to where the bids are at now?
Okay, okay, let's not make this any more anti-climactic than it has to be. So far the bidding has remain unchanged at $50,000. We're a little bummed it hasn't soared to some insane amount, but still, $50k for a single sketch is nothing to sneeze at. Just imagine how many pizzas that would buy...
Of course, with less than ten hours left on the auction, there's still the possibility of some lurking Ninja Turtles auction sniper out there just waiting to steal this out from under comic fans noses.
Continuing what seems to be a trending topic these days, another incredibly young, talented martial artist is finding himself in the media spotlight for his amazing determination. Nine-year-old Manpreet Singh of Punjab, India is on track to become the youngest recognized expert in Gatka.
For those that may not know, Gatka is the traditional martial art of the region, practiced specifically by Sikhs. It focuses on the skilled handling of long wooden sticks for both focused attacks and defense. Imagine Arnis stick fighting, except with sticks that are as long as a sword, and you have a rough idea of what to expect.
Continue reading to learn more about Manpreet and his chosen martial art, Gatka.
This week's KarateMart.com Photoshop fun seeks to answer one very important question pondered among gamers and martial arts enthusiasts alike: If Street Fighter characters had custom license plates, what would they look like?
An important question to be sure, but one that finally has an answer thanks to the wonders photo manipulation software, and a bored mind.
Gaze. Gaze you lucky few. You princes of KarateMart. You kings of the Interweb.
The video above features a news segment spotlighting a fast-rising Florida MMA fighter whose heart is winning the affection and admiration of Florida fighting fans. What makes the story stand out? It's about 9-year-old girl, Caitlin Kelley.
While the news piece itself lacks any real substance, the premise of the story should be enough to hold the attention of any martial arts fan. Already ranked 4th in her state for submission grappling, the up-and-comer has taken on a fair amount of competitors (boys as well as girls).
Of course, at her age I was first in my household at grappling for an NES controller. So I've always had that going for me.
Remember a couple of weeks ago when we told you to start saving your change for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles auction where Kevin Eastman was expected to auction away the first ever drawing of the Ninja Turtles? Well the time to start counting your quarters is nigh, as the coveted artwork went up today and has thus far met the reserve price with a current bid of $50,000.
The good news? There have only been 10 bidders so far. The bad news? There's still 2 days of auction left. The worst news? I couldn't afford this if there were 2 years of auction left.
At this point I'd have better luck creating my own smash-hit comic book franchise and auctioning the artwork. (Note To Self: Save all original sketches from Crazy Karate Curmudgeons In Space: Series 1)
We've been huge fans of these tiny toys for quite some time (it's true, here's proof), so when we heard that there was a game based on the popular Bok Choy toy line, we just had to check it out. After some serious digging (read: a Google search) we are happy to confirm the existence of the Bok Choy game, entitled Bok Choy Boy.
The game, playable in either your web browser or easily downloaded from the Apple App Store, is essentially a fun take on the tower defense game, complete with intriguing backstory.
Continue reading for more details on the what is surely the best casual-video-game-inspired-by-vending-machine-toys that you'll play this year (at least until the Li'l Homies game hits).
We were a little surprised at the funky, Seventies vibe the trailer hits you with. It comes off as campy, but it's better than taking itself too seriously.
It's always a wise policy to stay as tongue-in-cheek as you can when you're making a car commercial centered around a kung-fu film premise starring an obscure martial arts actress and a champion race car driver, at least in our book.
In an effort to keep you inundated with anything Mortal Kombat related, we've decided to call your attention to this amazing Mortal Kombat deal on Amazon happening right now!
If you've been at all interested in picking yourself up Sony's latest handheld system, now would be the perfect time to seal the deal. As of now you can purchase new PS Vita and receive a free copy of Mortal Kombat as well as a 4GB memory card. Not too shabby!
If you need reminding of what you can expect from said game, please refer to the trailer above.
This Saturday's big boxing PPV went the distance, ending with Floyd Mayweather Jr. grabbing the win after a unanimous judges decision. Cotto did manage to get his licks in on Mayweather though, managing to bloody the nose of "Pretty Boy" Floyd by the eighth round. While Cotto's performance was a strong one, it fell just short of swaying the decision, dropping the fighter's record to 37-3.
You know, because it was inevitable. Thanks to Binx Films , the world can now know what a live action, Batman-themed version of a Fruit Ninja movie trailer might look like. It's actually a pretty well put together trailer that takes a purely ridiculous concept and just has fun with it.
Unfortunately, the way Hollywood's been looking, we can probably expect to see a feature-length version of this next year. I'm seeing Stephen Chow in the director's chair...
The Avengers came smashing into theaters this week with action and adventure that excited fans have been waiting anxiously to feast their eyes and ears on. At the same time, devout Marvel comics fans have been praying that director Joss Whedon did not botch this movie initiative. Well, ladies and gentlemen, let me cut to the chase and echo what reviews on the web are unanimously raving: The Avengers delivers, and packs a punch that a thunder god would approve of.
The fifth in what is by now a classic video game series, Hitman: Absolution looks like it's going to be sticking to the tried and true assassination formula while turning the "Freakin' Sweet" dial to about an eleven.
The series, which has always maintained a focus on the story of highly skilled assassin Agent 47, puts player in the role of a cold-blooded operative as he (usually) finds the most efficient means of destroying his victims in cruelly violent ways eliminating the target. What can you expect to see? Super-efficient take-downs and quick kills? Check. Improvised weapons for subduing and/or killing a target? Check.
The past two weeks have seen some much welcome peeks into what to expect from the explosion-fueled fight-fest that will be Expendables 2. Yesterday we were given a brand-spanking-new trailer, while last week saw 12 new posters hit the Internet like a so many shoulder-fired-rockets. Which got us thinking...
What about the other potential candidates for "Expendables" that we haven't yet or may never see?
Sure, everyone's had fun making lists of their favorite 80's action stars that should have been in Expendables 2, but we wanted to actually see what those posters might have looked like. What comprises the remainder of this posting is an answer to that very question: What might the Expendables 2 posters from our fantasies have actually looked like?
Well, if nothing else, today marks the day of my official excitement for the upcoming Expendables sequel. While the first one left me wanting, I had hopes after seeing the new cast/trailers for Expendables 2. Congratulations Mr. Stallone, you have earned my dollars.
Now let's just hope the movie stays as exciting as the trailer above.
Modern Warriors a martial arts documentary featuring commentary from a variety of martial artists and martial arts entertainment figures was shared on YouTube last month.
The great news is it's still active for your viewing. Anyone interested in martial arts history should put their feet up, take a lunch, and click play above. You won't regret it.
If you've always wondered what might be the result of a full-force mash-up between kung fu and the sci-fi sub-genre known as "Steampunk", then you're in good company. As it just so happens, our wishes have been granted. Tai Chi O showed of their amazing trailer earlier this month.
Check out the insanity-on-celluloid in the trailer above, then continue reading for more details on the this steam-powered masterpiece in the making.
The Bourne Trilogy may have wrapped up back in 2007 but we all should have known better than to think the classic spy franchise would ever disappear completely from the grid.
This time around Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker, The Avengers) fills the rather large shoes of Matt Damon as a brand new CIA operative that finds himself embroiled in a plot which we're sure involves deceit, backstabbing, high-speed car chases, and a ballet of close-quarters-combat.
We're looking forward to the latter most of all.
Fans of the high-tension spy series can get a quick fix with the trailer above. We'll keep you posted on any new trailers that hit the web, otherwise we'll just see you when the movie hits theaters on August 3rd of this year.
In what can only be described as an incident that is so disturbing you have to smile at the sheer ridiculousness of it, two Australian men were hospitalized for severe wounds after engaging in hand-to-hand combat.
Their chosen weapons? A chainsaw and a samurai sword. How did this insane match-up conclude? Continue reading for the results. (Hint: They both got their licks in)
Today marks a significant point in the career of Gina Carano, ex-MMA champ turned martial arts actress. Today is the day that her first feature film lands on DVD, so we'll see how well received the film is with the fans that missed her debut on the big screen.
"Haywire", which also marks a rare foray into the action film genre for director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Ocean's 11), focuses on a female government operative who quickly finds herself double-crossed. From there, we imagine she "interrogates" a lot of bad guys through threat of physical pain and limb-breaking.
While we haven't seen it ourselves, we might. And if we do, you can expect a full report on the matter at some point this week. What more could you ask from your favorite martial arts blog? Don't say "candy".
After a marketing campaign that included a series of live-action mini-commercials, Mortal Kombat is finally here on the the Playstation Vita. As can be expected, the reviews are already making their rounds.
Thankfully for Mortal Kombat fans, Joystiq's critique on the game was almost all positive, with the only negative remark going to the noticeably scaled down graphics versus its console counterpart. This shouldn't prove a huge deal breaker for true fighting fans though, as a small sacrifice in graphics are generally welcome in favor of a smoother frame rate.
Check out the entire review in the source link below
So here's the story as we understand it: Apparently, during what had to be a super tiny, local MMA event, a completely untrained, 53-year-old man was approached with the opportunity to fight in the one of the nights events. He said yes.
His opponent? A 21-year-old (probably untrained?) fighter. What happens next will be making the internet rounds for quite some time. And by that we mean at least for the rest of the week.
Quick Warning: This is an amateur video taken from a small-venue fight, not a public broadcast. There are a couple of brief instances of vulgar language which may be inappropriate for younger viewers. You have been warned.
Late last week a virtual flood of new movie poster prints crashed onto the internets, drowning every fan of 80's action movie nostalgia in a deluge of biceps and bullets. The thing was, the posters were scattered, like so many bullet casings, with different sites each given a single unique poster to present.
Thankfully Jay over at The Nerdpocalypse gathered them all into one convenient spot on his blog. So head on over there to check out the entire collection. You can also continue reading to see our two favorites from the series.
With the spotlight focused so heavily on the antics going on in the UFC, it only stands to reason that boxing fans would find themselves a little a little down in the dumps. But this Saturday is looking to change that. Scheduled for Saturday, May 5th, the upcoming Super Welterweight Championship featuring Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas will definitely be something fight fans will want to keep an eye on.
Check out the video above to basically learn everything you need to know about the big match-up.
Martial arts movie buffs have had quite the menu to choose from in these last few weeks, from a new overseas action flick to an intriguing cage-fighting documentary. Sprinkle in some top notch UFC fights and it's probably safe to say there are some happy martial arts fans out there right now. Let's just hope they didn't hear about Safe yet.
As the above trailer shows, Transp- er, Safe is the newest Jason Statham vehicle to feature the usual hard-hitting, gruff-talking, shoot-em-up action one has come to expect from the English action star. Continue reading to learn just how successful the new movie was this opening weekend.
If you're like many people out there who couldn't get enough of former MMA fighter Gina Carano in Haywire, her lead-role debut, then you'll be pleased to know that she is in serious to talks to become one of the lucky participants in the next Fast and the Furious chapter.
Whether her drifting skills are as sharp as her submissions will remain to be seen.
The good people over at The Nerdpocalypse Blog shared some of their martial arts love with the interweb today in a fun little post featuring some of the most amazing fight scenes from 80s martial arts movies. We posted one of our favorites from the list above, although it's close call between this and the Lords of Death Street fight.
Check out the source link to see the full post from Nerpocalypse, and continue reading to see the other Big Trouble In Little China fight we're talking about. We like to remain fair and objective here on the KarateMart.com Blog.
Now if you have to ask us what Big Trouble In Little China is, you may turn away in shame...go on.
For those of you who may not know, Usagi Yojimbo is just about as awesome as an anthropomorphic, samurai sword wielding, rabbit can ever get. Originally from a popular comic series by Stan Sakai, teh comic stars Usagi, rabbit who has assumed the role of a ronin in feudal Japan. Adventures ensue, honor is upheld, and a strict code of Bushido is adhered to. Seriously, you should take a weekend to acquaint yourself with the series. It's amazing.
The motion comic above, which was just launched by Dark Horse Comics today, provides a brilliant taste of Usagi both for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. Oh, and if you're wondering where else you've seen this long-eared wanderer, you just have to think back to your early Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles days. He has had cameos in both the comics and the television series of the Turtles.
For the few of you out there that may have purchased Ninja Gaiden 3 before reading the terrible reviews it received, you'll at least have a little DLC to look forward to today. Not content with releasing a sub=par Ninja Gaiden sequel, the developers have decided to offer players a free "Ultimate Ninja" difficulty upgrade. You know, in case you didn't think it was bad hard enough the first time through.
The update also adds Ninja Trial and extra, customizable items for the low low price of $9.99.
Last week Mortal Kombat fans were teased with two very short (but very pretty) live action trailers starring female fighters Kitana and Mileena. Their newest trailer pretty much combines the last two into a full minute-and-a-half video which also teases some actual gameplay footage.
While the port is looking good from what we can tell, someone needs to just hurry up and greenlight a feature-length movie already. I've a sneaking suspicion that one or two people would watch something like that.
If you've been following even the most remote of UFC news out there, then you'd know that the only thing bigger than the outcome of UFC 145 was what the fight card would look like for UFC 146. Amidst the unexpected controversy surrounding Alistair Overeem's removal from UFC 146's Main Event card, MMA fans around the world have been anticipating the announcement of Overeem's replacement in the battle against Junior Dos Santos.
Continue reading to learn who you can expect on the newly drafted fight card for next month's UFC Pay Per View.
Okay, so we just made the holiday up but at least it gives us an excuse to show you some truly awesome footage of some insane Tricking going on.
For those of you not hip to all the new hotness out there, 'tricking' involves a whole lot of martial arts inspired tumbling for the single purpose of displaying one's athletic prowess over another. What that means for you is a whole lot of awesome flips, kicks, and aerial acrobatics that are straight out of a Stephen Chow film. Enjoy!
Any good people out there want to lend me $60k or so? (Photos courtesy of Kevin Eastman)
According to the latest news at Kevin Eastman's Deviant Art page, the co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be auction off some of the very first artwork and memorabilia associated with the insanely popular franchise. One of the most anticipated and rarest of the pieces to be auctioned? The very first drawing of the Turtles by Eastman himself (shown above).
Continue reading to find out what other pieces of Turtle history you'll be able to find once the auction hits this May.
Serious MMA fans had got an all-around good show this weekend when the much-hyped UFC 145 landed on Pay-per-view Saturday night.
Perhaps what was most surprising was the fact that the highly touted Main Event between Jones and Evans was perhaps one of the least exciting fights of the night. What essentially stayed a five-round stand-up fight between the two fighters contained a few highlights, however, it was difficult to shake the feeling that the match itself fell flat after watching the excitement of the other matches on the card.
So apparently last week DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) released video of a fully robotic platform (read: Creepily humanoid robot monster). What made this robot so interesting? How about that it can traverse stairs, walk on a treadmill, and even do push-ups. It's okay, we'll understand if you've stopped reading to cower under your desk...as if that would stop this nightmare.
The highly anticipated martial-arts focused MMORPG "Age of Wushu" just released a tantalizing new video showcasing its character creation portion of the the game, which will probably be enough to hold anxious gamers over until later this year when the game is slated for release...but probably not.
Keep reading to learn a little bit about this brave little online game and why you should have it on your radar.
"Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat" was released this Tuesday but if the initial reviews on this intensely violent fighting game are any indicator, you may want to hold on declaring this one a champion just yet.
Read on to learn what some of the score are showing for the game in these early rounds.
Excited fans of last week's live-action trailer for Sony's upcoming Mortal Kombat Vita game have a brand new fix. It comes in the form of the lovely Mileena. Sure, we all know what she hides under that coy ninja mask of hers (SPOILER: Huge, gross fangs), but that doesn't mean seeing a real life version of her isn't appreciated. On the contrary, we can't wait until the full version is released.
A gigantic UFC Pay-Per-View not enough for one weekend for you? We know how it goes, and apparently so do the producers behind "Fightville", the newest mixed martial arts documentary at the center of a buzz-filled movie arena.
The film is set to premiere this weekend. In an interesting launch decision, the movie will play in theaters in New York City and Los Angeles, while everyone else will be able to stream it from either On-Demand cable or through digital download sources such as Xbox, iTunes, or Vudu.
Check out the official trailer above and then continue reading to learn more about "Fightville" and why you shouldn't miss this promising film. It's okay, we'll wait.
The Press Conference for the highly anticipated UFC 145 ended just moments ago but luckily the good folks over at Heavy.com have the conference in its entirety still available
Head over to watch some interesting Q & A between Jon Jones and Rashad Evans. It's yet another way to get amped for the amazing championship bout scheduled for this Saturday.
Just a year after his impressive performance on "Dancing with the Stars", Ralph Macchio of Karate Kid fame is expected to take on a new role as Joe Stefano, screenwriter of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho".
Titled "Hitchcock and the making of Psycho", the film is currently in production and if the rest of the cast is any indication, should be an interesting look at one of the most influential horror/suspense films of all time.
Continue reading to learn a little more about the upcoming movie.
In a recent interview with London's Associated Press, 21-year-old British Taekwondo Champion and Olympic medal favorite Aaron Cook makes no effort to hide his love for the high-flying combat of the martial arts super-heroes, The Power Rangers.
Having most recently secured a win in the 2012 Dutch Open in March, the young high-kicker is expected to take a top spot on Britain's Olympic Taekwondo team. You can check out the full interview via the source link below or watch the full length video clip of Aaron's most recent fight against Sebastian Crismanich in the 2012 Dutch Open. Both are well worth it.
Diablo 3 is the hotly anticipated installment in Blizzard's classic dungeon-crawling franchise, you know, just in case you've been living off-world for the past year or so.
It is so far scheduled for release on May 15th, otherwise known as the day my blog-post-writing robot takes over and I begin what shall be the first of thirty days without sleep.
For those of you who just can't get enough of watching people epic fail at ridiculously challenging physical feats (and let's face it, that's the only reason 90% of people watch the show), you'll be glad to hear that the new season of American Ninja Warrior premieres on May 20th.
While that might be exciting enough news on its own (or not), the real news comes from the fact that the show's finale will be held here at home. Las Vegas to be exact. Hmmm...a show involving dangerous stunts of incredible dexterity will conclude in America's gambling capital. Surely I'll be able to place a wager or two?
Man, the martial arts new just doesn't slow down this week! So remember that little tidbit we mentioned earlier in the week about a certain Formula One Champ becoming a martial arts star? While the short film itself is still slated for an early May release, Infiniti was good enough to release the 'making-of' video seen shown above.
It's your typical hype piece but it's actually pretty well done. It may seem like a lot of buzz for such a short final product, but we're still excited to see what they churn out. Enjoy!
This week saw a lot of interesting things go down that at nearly every level of the martial arts world. From mixed-martial-arts news to upcoming martial arts video games and newly opening movies, martial arts fans were anything but let down. But...
If you haven't yet had the chance to browse around the interweb for your favorite sports news, your friends here at KarateMart.com have you covered. We've rounded up a short list of some of the more interesting tidbits that surfaced this week. So let the weekend begin to set in, dial into Friday mode, and enjoy what we've put together for you.
The marketing train has officially left the tracks for Square Enix's latest upcoming foray into the world of fast-paced, martial arts action. Just earlier this week we brought you news of MMA champ Georges St-Pierre (GSP) being consulted for combat design, and now Sleeping Dogs has been tagged with an official launch date of August 14th.
In what has become par for the course in the world of game launches, Square Enix has also let us in on what can be expected in the way of pre-order bonuses for the game.
Check out the narrated gameplay video above and continue reading to find out what juicy bits of gaming goodness you can expect to find in your pre-order stocking.
While the live-action Mortal Kombat trailer above may have nothing to do with Kevin Tancharoen's beloved web series of last year, there is still some pretty cool imagery to be found in this all-too-brief video.
So sit back and enjoy. You know you never need a reason to watch the latest interpretation of everyone's favorite scantily-clad, steel fan wielding, princess from the Netherworld.
In what would seem like one of the strangest promotional campaigns in recent memory, performance and luxury car maker Infiniti has signed on the talents of 24 year-old (yeah, you read that right), two-time Formula One racing champion, Sebastian Vettel, to star in a martial arts-themed short film. It will be the first in a series of short films planned by the automotive giant. Sebastian is the one on the left by the way.
Continue reading for more details on the mini martial arts movie.
As if reigning as a champion in the Octagon weren't enough, MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre has taken the next logical steps in showcasing his abilities: video-game collaboration. According to video game developer Square-Enix, GSP will be "working on an ongoing basis with Sleeping Dogs, consulting on elements in the game as well as sharing insights with the public on the game’s progress."
Continue reading to find watch the most recent story trailer for Sleeping Dogs.
Jimmy Kimmel once again reacted to Oscar night in the only way he knows: with a reliably redicously star-studded parody video. After the staff at KarateMart.com watched Movie: The Movie, we realized something was missing. Can you guess what it is?
When it comes to furiously flying fists on film, I whole-heartedly put my trust in the choreographic genius's behind such gems as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle. So what do those films have to do with the Kung Fu insanity oozing from the trailer above? Same choreography team.
Yeah, I'm just gonna go ahead and say I'll be loving this movie.
Continue reading to find out more details on this classic in the making.
Last week saw the nostalgia-inducing announcement of a Double Dragon reboot dubbed "Double Dragon Neon" from Majesco Entertainment. The game is slated for release on both XBLA and PSN. A playable demo during PAX East was also promised and, thankfully, delivered.
What does Majesco have in store for the Lee twins? Does Marian still get sucker-punched in the gut before being hauled off by the infamous gang of ruffians? Will the music be just as just as infectiously catchy as the 8-bit original? Continue reading to find out the answers to most of these questions and more.
The fans at Monday Night RAW may have received more than their money’s worth with a surprise visit from a past WWE Star. The staff at KarateMart.com was wondering if it would ever happen and last Monday our questions were answered.
If it weren't already passed, we'd swear this is was some kind of April Fool's prank. But then we'd be mistaken. Sure enough, the next two minutes shows David Blaine taking some serious punishment from MMA monster, Kimbo Slice. Anyone wanna take bets on how badly this ends?
Last week we discussed how to properly use pepper spray as a self-defense weapon. This week the staff at KarateMart.com would like to share our insight on another practical self-defense weapon, the kubotan.
For those of you who have not been watching the news lately, the Mega Millions Lottery reached a record breaking $640 million dollars. The staff at KarateMart.com couldn’t help asking ourselves what we would do if we won $640 million dollars. Check out some of our ideas.
Scientist recently announced that they can now analyze the energy which is spent by martial artist. Previously, scientist have only been able to study predictable sports such as jogging and cycling, which are easy to replicate under lab conditions because the athlete stays in one spot. These findings could help martial artists train to become better fighters.
At this week’s meeting, the staff at KarateMart.com discussed which weapons are the most practical to carry for self-defense. After long deliberation, we have decided to focus on a little can that packs some powerful stopping power, pepper spray.
KarateMart.com was nothing less than excited to hear that Expendables 2 will be rated R. We have been on the edge of our computer chairs since January, hitting the refresh update every minute while we waited for the final verdict.
A commonly asked question is “What is your favorite martial arts weapon?” The staff here at KarateMart.com took some time to ponder on what our favorite weapon is and what we have come up with is our list of “10 Efficient Martial Art Weapons”
The staff at KarateMart.com spent some time in a recent meeting to reminisce about some of our all-time favorite martial arts fight scenes. He is our list of “10 Exciting Martial Arts Fight Scenes in no particular order. Enjoy!
KarateMart.com Fact of the Day: You can't just decide that the “Teenage MUTANT Ninja Turtles” will suddenly become aliens in an upcoming reboot and get away with it quietly. Half of our staff almost had a heart attack Monday morning after hearing Michael Bay announce that the TMNT turtles in the reboot will actually be aliens. Blasphemy!
With new professional competitions like UFC sprouting up across the globe, the martial arts fan base is beginning to grow. At KarateMart.com, we got to thinking about which martial arts have become more popular since the rise of UFC. Below is our list of the Top 10 Growing Martial Arts Styles.
Ok, ok, so it's not technically a panda, but still, someone's been watching too many Dreamworks productions. So what happens when you combine a bored Siberian bear, a Handy Cam, and a makeshift martial arts Bo Staff? 500k+ hits on YouTube, that's what.
We can't imagine the total number of hours it would take us to create something this amazing, but boy are we glad someone tried it. Kyle Roberts, clip director and serious Turtle fan, apparently created this stop-motion masterpiece using 4,000 separate images of Ninja Turtle action figures posed amidst hand-drawn settings that mirror the entirety of the show's intro.
Of course, the real question is: What are you doing still reading? Watch! Watch the video and try not to drown on the nostalgia.
At KarateMart.com we understand that there are people out there who do not understand why we love martial arts. For us, it is more than a workout routine, it is a lifestyle. Here are 10 reasons why we chose martial arts and why others should try a martial art.
After learning that Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris have roles in “Expendables 2,” the staff at KarateMart.com began pondering who we would like to see in an “Expendables” movie. Below is a list of the top 10 candidates for Expendables 3. Some of the names that made our lists may shock or confuse you, but keep in mind that we drafted this list just for fun.
Throwing a martial arts themed party can be hard even for the greatest of martial arts masters. The staff at KarateMart.com understands this and has drafted a list of the top martial arts themed party essentials to make your task easier. Check out our list below and make sure you didn't forget anything.
Living up to our New Year's resolution, KarateMart.com has added several new and exciting items to our already large selection. We fully believe that our new products will be top sellers with you, our customers. The staff at KarateMart.com went above and beyond to find products that we know you will be impressed and satisfied with.
Last week the staff here at KarateMart.com had a meeting that was focused on how we can improve our website and business for our customers. One of the ideas that came up was adding a product review option to each of our products. Today we are excited to announce that we have fully launched this new feature to all of our products on our website.
Last week we posted our picks for the "Top 5 Martial Arts Movies of 2011." This week we give you our list of the "5 Worst Martial Arts Movies of 2011." Remember that this is just our opinion on our picks and if you think a different movie should be on this list, leave us a comment letting us know which one and why.
When the year 2011 and martial arts movies come up together in conversation, there are very few titles that come to one's mind. This past year wasn't the best for movies in general. It took us sometime to brainstorm and a few coffees, but here is our list of the top 5 martial arts movies of 2011.
One of our top goals at KarateMart.com is to keep our loyal customers up to date on the changes we have made and the changes that are to come. This past year has been huge for KarateMart.com and our customers as well as staff. There have been many changes and additions made. We will take a minute to look back at the events of 2011 that have changed us. Then we will look forward to 2012 and the things to come.
Thanks to the amazingly talented, Ninja Turtles super-geek, Dave Rapoza, the world can now feast their eyes upon some simply breathtaking renditions of their favorite Heroes-in-Halfshells, and friends.
How real-looking are these? Let's just say this writers dream's are now haunted both by a gorgeous April O'neil and a terrifying Baxter Stockman.
A chap by the name of Olivier Trudeau had the kind heart (and good sense) to spend an unknown amount of time in putting together this amazing little stop-motion video featuring dueling ninjas. As you well know, we're huge fans of ninjas around here. And now, we're also huge fans of Mister Trudeau!
Halloween is where it's at. I dare you to name one other time when you can dress as foolish as you like and be rewarded for it. (And no, Mardi Gras doesn't count smarty-pants)
In case you couldn't tell, we love Halloween at KarateMart.com. So much so that we put our best guys on developing these four totally unique, one-of-a-kind, KarateMart.com exclusive, ninja costumes. Want to stand out from the zillion other ninjas that'll be prowling the rooftops on Halloween night? Give one of these a try. But be warned. These costumes are pretty extreme. Only the hardest of hardcore-ninja fans need read on further.
This week marks the point in which thousands of Mortal Kombat fans got to shout a resounding 'YES!' as it was announced that New Line Cinema has approached Mortal Kombat: Rebirth and Legacy director Kevin Tancharoen to head a possible feature length Mortal Kombat film re=boot. Read on for more details.
A while ago we told you about the new fan trailer-turned-fan film starring the infamous Ninja Turtles vigilante, Casey Jones. Those of you that paid attention were rewarded this Saturday previous with the full length (35 minute) short film about the hockey masked avenger and friend to pizza-loving amphibians everywhere.
Those of you that forgot that the launch day was this Saturday passed because it's an odd day to launch any kind of movie, then you can head on over to CaseyJonesthemovie.com and watch what could be the only live-action turtle action TMNT fans are going to get for a very long time.
Blair Butler of G4's 'Attack of the Show' may have gotten her start as televisions uber-fan of all things comic related, but this November she's taking her love to the ink. Read on to learn more about how the host of Fresh Ink! is hoping to bring MMA to the comic book world.
So it's been a little while since we gave you a closer look at some of our newer items to hit the store. Now if you're taking advantage our out 'New Items' button to see the newest products we've added, then great! But we wanted to slow things down for a second and highlight some of the more interesting items that just arrived here at KarateMart.com. Continue reading to see which items are bound to shoot to the top of your wish list.
If this week's Ninja Turtle comic just wasn't enough for you (I'm right there with ya buddy), then check out the latest news regarding the highly anticipated fan film devoted almost entirely to Casey Jones. If you don't remember who Casey Jones is, shame on you. Continue reading to learn more about this ambitious fan project.
Ever wondered how such an amazing place like KarateMart.com came to be? Now you may behold the (sort of) true story of how our store got its start, brought to life in brilliant 2-D Flash. This marks the first of many episodes that will hopefully give our customers a little more insight into their favorite martial arts supplies store.
Check out Episode 1 right now for answers to all of your questions and more. Much more.
'What questions might I have?', you ask?
How about: 'What happens to my order after I make my purchase?', 'Who exactly runs this site?', and 'Can a crazy old man really take on an army ninjas?'
In an effort to bring the foursome of teenage amphibians back to their original roots, IDW Publishing is launching an all new series of 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' comics. Continue reading to learn more about the debut issue and why this should be at the top of your Summer reading list.
As martial arts students ourselves, we always recommend going the route of the dojo whenever possible. While more expensive, the benefits of having one-on-one instruction, peers to learn with, and a group support system to answer any question you will have, greatly outweigh the additional cost.
With that said, we also know that there are plenty people out there that simply don't have the luxury of adding class fees into their budgets. It would be a shame to let an aspiring martial artists dreams dissipate simply for monetary reasons. It is with these martial arts enthusiasts in mind that we present this article.
Continue reading to learn about some alternatives to martial arts classes that may be a suitable substitute, at least until the day that live instruction becomes an option.
If someone in your family is a martial artist, then you may feel that at times it would be easier to shop for Bill Gates than to try and find them a unique gift that they'll actually enjoy. Well hopefully this offers some relief to those of you that have been absolutely stuck for martial arts gifts ideas. The ideas listed here have been carefully selected for their uniqueness, thereby minimizing the chance that the recipient has already obtained said items. Read on to alleviate your stress the next time you're invited to a self-defense celebration.
This week's Survival Series is going to be focusing on the different approaches behind situational awareness and how to leverage them as best you can to both avoid an attack and add to your options should you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Continue reading to learn what you can do to minimize your chances of becoming the victim of an attack.
According to our reliable friends at High-Def Digest, the highly touted and well received web-series, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, will make the entire first season available on Blu-Ray this November. For fans of the series this will be a great opportunity to own every episode in glorious HD. For people that have no idea what the web-series is, this will be your chance to redeem yourself.
Of course, if you're too impatient to wait until November (but not so impatient that you can wait for some load times), you can always check out the entire series that we have made available on our blog. Read on to learn what more you can expect from the Blu-Ray release. Hint: Interesting bonus features.
With the world-famous martial artist making yet another splash in the headlines with the Bruce Lee memorabilia auction this past weekend, we thought now would be a good time to look to the master himself for a little sage advice. Bruce Lee's quotes spoke to a way of thinking so elegantly simple that even today there is wisdom to be found in his words.
As with any great martial-arts philosophy, its views are by no means limited to only martial arts applications. Anybody can take something away from Bruce Lee's words and find a way to apply them to their daily life. The following quotes have been selected for their simplicity, wisdom, and their ability to clarify a troubled outlook. Enjoy.
In his book, Mind Fist, Dr. Haha Lung takes a completely new look at both the physical and psychological disciplines that go into being a true ninja. Filled with loads of information you've probably never seen before, Mind Fist is a must-read for anyone involved in the martial arts. One way in which Dr. Lung makes his book stand out from the traditional 'ninja books' is by stressing the importance of mental exercises. Of course, you don't have to be an aspiring shadow warrior to benefit from an occasional mental 're-focus'.
Martial artists may understand better than most the value of mental preparation, but they aren't alone. Anybody from a white-belt karate student to a blue-collar construction worker would do well to take some time out of their busy schedules and mentally prepare for their day, week, or month.
Even if you don't totally buy into the the whole 'centering one's energy through Mudra' techniques, it's hard not to see the value in just taking a few minutes out of the day to rest one's mind. Continue reading to learn these 4 techniques.
Sometimes all it takes to brighten your day is a Street Fighter fan with a couple of action figures, a Nikon D5100 digital camera, and a lot of free time (like a month's worth).
Remember last week when we told you about the amazing Bruce Lee memorabilia auction full of stuff that you'd love but probably wouldn't be able to afford? The auction went on as planned this Saturday, however with one pleasantly unexpected turnout. Read on to find out just how much the auction sold for (and what item stole the show).
Nearly every weapon in the martial arts began as some kind of everyday item, from which a more lethal version was created. The same understanding that went into making an improvised weapon from farm equipment can be applied to nearly any modern-day scenario in which you may find yourself defending against an attacker.
It is the goal of this article to show you (by example of that improvisational weapon artiste, Jason Bourne) how the items you carry everyday can be looked to as weapons should you ever find yourself in the nightmare scenario of actually needing them. Continue reading to find out what all you ever wanted to know about improvised weapons.
Every martial artist recognizes them instantly. They represent the obscure and the exotic. These downright impractical weapons would quite possibly do more harm than good in a real brawl, yet the urge to own such awesomeness is simply much too overpowering.
The martial arts enthusiast should have absolutely no shame in owning such weaponry. On the contrary, anyone who possesses such wild weaponry is one to be feared and respected. For one thing is certain, in the event that these weapons are used, even an inept martial artist will be able to reign an embarrassing amount of lethality upon his opponents.
This list is dedicated to the most exotic martial arts weapons out there. Continue reading to see which weapons of madness made this exclusive list.
The Shaolin shown in this trailer really does look great and I must admit I think I have a new-found excitement for Jackie Chan again. Something I haven't had since Rush Hour 2 or 3.
WARNING:There is a fair amount of violence in trailer and no drop-down age filter with which to prevent younger viewers from watching. Hopefully you are old enough to watch such things.
If you've been looking to own a genuine piece of Bruce Lee history then this Saturday may be your chance. This weekend, 13 pieces of Bruce Lee memorabilia are set to be auctioned off in what is the largest gathering of Bruce Lee items that have gone on sale at the same time since the Lee family auction in 1993. Continue reading to learn what items are expected to make an appearance.
I think it's pretty safe to assume everyone has heard about "kung fu" before. But do you know how many branches of kung fu there are? Do you know which styles emphasize hand work, animal forms, or sport fighting? If you practice kung fu and you're familiar with its history, you might be able to answer questions like that. If you can't, you're not alone. In all honesty, the history of a fighting style and philosophy as ancient as kung fu is too much for any one person to know, but here's a look at the basics of five popular styles.
The following article marks the first in the 'Survival' series slated for four parts, which focuses on the nitty-gritty of real-world fighting. No showy moves will be found here, just good old-fashioned martial arts moves that are designed with only one goal in mind: survive. In a real world encounter against an attacker, there are no medals or trophies for second place, and the wrong decision at the last second could leave you seriously injured or worse.
Do you consider your martial arts IQ to be well above average? Do you take pride in knowing every martial arts weapon known to man? Well consider this a challenge good sir. All you have to do is write down the 5 weapons that you think will appear on our list of modern day ninja weapons, then read on to see if you're right.
No clicking ahead for the answers either! We'll know if you do... we're watching...
Just when you thought your Mortal Kombat webseries viewing was at an end, this video hits the internets. Ok, so it's not really a webseries, but who knows? So what's it about? Hint: It answers the question 'What would Mortal Kombat look like as a cheesy Eighties sitcom?'
A "martial art" is known typically as a fighting style that emphasizes certain techniques, training methods, and philosophies. That means that there are a lot of different types of martial arts in the world, since virtually every country has developed at least one form of combat throughout history. Some martial arts are thousands of years old, and others were created in many of our lifetimes. Here's a short list of fighting styles that aren't as well known as karate or boxing, but are worth knowing just as much. Whether you're just getting into martial arts or been at it for years, it's good to brush up on all the styles out there.
The final episode to Kevin Tancharoen's hit web series set in the Mortal Kombat universe has finally hit the internets and delivers as promised. While fans of the series have been having to wait for nearly two months to see the conclusion to the loyal retelling of their favorite Mortal Kombatants, the final episode was released during last week's San Diego Comic-Con. You can watch the final episode here on the KarateMart.com Blog. You can also view our past posts to watch the series from the very beginning.
We are well into Summer and we know that means it's getting harder and harder for a ninja to find a shadow or two to hide in. Always wanting to give aide to the sneakiest of warriors, KarateMart.com has added some new items geared specifically towards these super assassins. Read on for more about our new nuggets of ninja naughtiness.
Friday is here, and you deserve a quick break from your long week, right? Well then click-on my friend and enjoy these hilarious videos of of martial artists whose hearts are greater than their skills. Some of these can be difficult to search or on your own (and by difficult I mean taking the time to search on YouTube). So, with your time in mind, we've gathered some of the funniest compilations all in one convenient place! Enjoy!
Stuck for a way to add some martial arts flair to that empty wall? Say no more. KarateMart.com has decided to scale up (pun intended) some of our more popular martial arts car decals to life-size proportions. You'll be able to find these bad boys under our brand-spankin' new Wall Decals section in our Accessories. Read on to check out the newest designs now available to you.
According to UK based news-source the Huncknall Dispatch, there's a new Karate Champion in town, and he's barely in middle-school. Joel Barker Klein, 11, has just recently taken two medals while competing at the Ozawa World Championships in Las Vegas during the Easter weekend.
If last weeks post regarding the newest Shinobi installment on the 3DS did little to impress you, perhaps that's because you're part of the Ninja Gaiden Fan-base. How do you know you are? Well apart from having a hefty appetite for super-human acrobatics and visceral violence, you also have a teeny masochistic streak in you because you don't mind tackling levels and bosses that only cyborgs were meant to triumph over. If these screenshots found at the Joystiq Blog are any indication, you will definitely be having your work cut out for you come next year.
***WARNING*** We've also included a 'Mature' teaser trailer that was released during this year's Game Developer's Conference to whet your appetite. Only those of the appropriate age will able to view it.
Never wanting to miss an opportunity to provide a great martial arts deal, KarateMart.com has unleashed a new weapon in the battle for savings. The Daily Price Cut is a brand new feature that appeared last week on KarateMart.com. From now on, each day a random item will be selected to receive a thorough price beat-down which any savvy shopper can take immediate advantage of. In some cases the savings can add up to more than fifty-percent off!
The eighth episode of the highly praised martial arts webseries has finally presented us with the second part of the epic showdown between the ninja assassins, Scorpion and Sub-Zero. The good: This is one of the best episodes yet of the series. The bad: The series is only 9 episodes long.
If you're a fan of the awesome amphibian antics of Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo, then you are in good company. You're also in luck, because the heroes-in-a-halfshell are finally making their way into some brand new adventures, comic-book style, this August.
Read on to find out more details about the upcoming project and take a trip down memory lane with YouTube, the internet tour-guide of all things retro.
It's been quite some time since the ninja Musashi graced us with his presence in a video game. Almost ten years in fact. Well this time around the shurikens will be a-flyin' in 3 dimensions as Shinobi makes its debut on the Nintendo 3DS. Check out the trailer if the thought of ninja acrobatics and high-flying sword play isn't too intense for you.
This stuff just keeps pouring in, so you're gonna keep hearing about it. There really are some interesting things here though. Some of it you may have seen before but I can guarantee you've never seen it here, in all its glory, on the KarateMart.com Blog. This episode is dedicated to all of the new training supplies that have recently been made available. If you're looking to increase your overall martial arts I.Q., do yourself a favor and read on.
It Mortal Kombat Tuesday again and you're definitely going to want to watch this one. If you are at all a fan of a certain yellow (or blue for that matter) clad ninja assassin, then stop everything and give this a gander. You won't regret it.
The funny thing about ninja gear is that it's always showing up in at the craziest times, blind-siding you when you least expect it. Take the following items for example. They just appeared this past weekend. We don't know where they came from, we don't know how they got here. One thing's for sure though: the Butterfly Comb is awesome.
It's been a little while since we got a chance to showcase any new MMA Gear at the store. So for today's post we're going to go over some of the new pieces of MMA Equipment that just arrived this week. Hopefully it'll be just what you've been looking for to supplement some of those super-intense training and sparring sessions. As always, we want to make sure we are providing all of you martial artists with what you're looking for. So if there's anything you'd like to see on KarateMart's virtual shelves, please feel free to hit us up on Facebook or Twitter or even directly through email. We're always looking for new and interesting products to make available to our loyal visitors.
Finally! This episode brings back the dark, somber tone set in the original Mortal Kombat 'trailer' from Kevin Tancharoen. Oh, and did I call it in last week's Blog post or what? So it would probably be a good idea to check out this post even if you haven't the faintest idea what Mortal Kombat is. You never know what predictions I'll make that will come true...
**Warning** This is another one of those 'violent' episodes that some parents might not want their kids to be watching. You have been warned.
'13 Assassins' marks director Takashi Miike's latest cinematic foray and it's an ambitions one to be certain. If you've been hungering for some martial arts ultra-violence but have wanted a little more substance than the most recent sword-slashing fare (Ninja Assassin you know you're guilty here) then you need to drop what you're doing and check out this movie. Drawing inspiration from many films, Miike's '13 Assassins' manages to stand on its own as a true samurai classic. Read on to learn a little more about what makes this film so great.
So even though I've been following this season of The Ultimate Fighter since it started, there just hasn't really been too much to talk about. Sure, there have been some interesting moments, but nothing has really grabbed me. Until now that is. With the arrival of the quarterfinals, it looks like things are finally about to get good.
I don't know about you but we got tired of seeing the same old martial arts car decals pop up over and over again on our daily drive to work. So, because we're winners, we decided to learn the mysterious ways of custom vinyl decal creation. And now my dear friend, you may reap the rewards of our rigorous trials. Please, read on to discover what wondrous window clings await you.
It's been over a week since our last blog post and we've been kicking ourselves all day for it. Get it? Kicking? ...Martial arts? Man, I'm rusty.
At any rate, we wanted to make a peace offering for being so neglectful of you, our loyal audience. What's that you ask? Does our offering come in the form of riches? Sort of... Especially if you measure wealth in the internet currency of embedded video featuring live-action webisodes based on hyper-violent, ultra-popular fighting games.
In that case, I have made you a very, very wealthy man (or woman). Whatever. You may thank me at your leisure. Enjoy the show!
On Tuesday, Mortal Kombat fans around the internet were given a new Legacy episode chock full of Johnny Cage drama. Taking an interesting 'reality television' approach to most of the short narrative, it did a decent job of setting up the events leading to Johnny Cage's entry into that all-too-famous of martial arts tournaments. It was dramatic, it was filled with punches to the groin, it was ...censored?
I know, I can't really explain it myself. Why would one bother censoring a webseries based on a game whose livelihood has come from excessive, over-the-top violence? Whatever, the naughty version filled with potty-mouths is below.
WARNING: This version of Episode 3 is full of foul language that younger kids may not be allowed to hear. So ask your parents. You should probably ask your parents anyway, regardless of your age. Just to see the look on their faces.
Hopefully by now you've gotten a chance to check out one of the most recent additions to our shop, the Statues and Figurines section. Oh and you get bonus points if you found them already by checking out our New Items area!
So here's the story: Recently we came across these really great martial arts figurines. They are like the small (6 to 8 inches tall, some taller) resin statues that you can find pretty much anywhere but these really stand out. The amount of detail contained in each one is truly amazing, and we wanted to give you a chance to pick some up for yourself.
The statues featured here are, without a doubt, geared toward any enthusiast of stories filled with dramatic plot-lines, perky heroines, stubborn heroes, (sometimes) talking animals, and conflicts that are always resolved with animated, highly stylish violence and lots of yelling.
So many times throughout the day we are asked if there is someplace, anyplace, that our most loyal and dear customers might be able to gather and receive all of the latest KarateMart.com news as well as take advantage of some of the hottest deals we have going right now. Well we have heard your cries for help and you may fret no longer. KarateMart.com has long had a personal following on Facebook but today marks the first day of our official Facebook Fan Page.
Tuesday is here and this week's Mortal Kombat: Legacy is for the Johnny Cage fans out there. At this point it seems like the narrative is switching over to tell Johnny's story, which is kind of a downer because I was totally hoping to see what goes down with Kano and Sonya. I'm sure it's going to all come together though.
**As a side note: While this episode still has some profanity and violence in it, this is actually the edited version. A note on the video actually says that the unedited video should be up on Friday for you folks out there looking for a little more trash talk in your webisodes.
With Xbox's Kinect still in it's infancy, it's too early to say whether the Microsoft attempt at a controller-less future of gameplay is a success or not. With many of the Kinect's launch games aimed primarily at a younger audiences, the older audiences of hardcore gamers have been waiting to see more mature games get released for the peripheral. This is where THQ's 'UFC Trainer' comes in.
With interest in the UFC and MMA in general on the rise (not to mention the wild success of previous MMA fighting games), THQ is looking to target the older male audience that is interested in taking their interests in the MMA to the next level. Unfortunately, if the preview found at video game blog Joystiq.com is to be believed, it looks like THQ may need to be going back to the training grounds with their new title.
We here at KarateMart.com like to take pleasure in the simple things in life. So when a new section gets added to our website, like the New Items section that just appeared this week, it gets us excited.
It's a new week, so you know what that means! We are literally running out of room to keep all of the new karate stuff that keeps pouring in. Our latest round of martial arts supplies should really appeal to the kids... or those of you with kids... or those of you who have kids but are still kids at heart. Either way you slice it, you've got a really good chance of finding something here that you or someone you know will love. Martial arts novelties have never looked this fun.
Well it looks like Tuesday's will now be known as Mortal Kombat Tuesdays... Okay, I'll work on the title. In the meantime, check out the second episode of the new Mortal Kombat webseries. I have to admit, after this episode, I'm hooked. At least enough to watch again next week.
I don't want spoil anything for anyone, but keep an eye out around the halfway mark for a some super stylish violence involving Kano and Jax.
(NOTE: This one definitely drops some harsh language and is pretty violent to boot, so you'll probably have to go through the ol' YouTube age verify to watch this. Kids, get permission from parents.
Earlier last week we brought you the news of the new Mortal Kombat webseries and the circumstances behind its arrival. Well Tuesday may have taken it's sweet time getting here but, as promised, the first episode graced the internet yesterday afternoon. Not wanting any of our visitors to miss out on the martial arts madness, we've put the video up on the blog. Enjoy!
**WARNING** This may be a webseries but it is most certainly intended for mature audiences only. The little 'uns should get permission from mom and dad before watching.
It's that time again! In an effort to reward you for bookmarking our blog and checking back often we wanted to make you aware of our newest books and dvds. We've always been proud of our selection of martial arts books and training dvds and these new additions are no exception. It's said that few are actually ready for the secrets contained within these valuable tomes.
So it is with great care (and some reluctance) that we make them available to you. Please, use the information you glean from these these lessons with great care. Should you seek to do harm with your new-found knowledge, we will have no choice but to banish these secrets to the four corners of the earth from whence them came, and mark them as 'Out of Stock' on our site.
The popular game-centered, online video channel, Machinima.com, will be debuting a brand new web series based on the Mortal Kombat video games. Rumored to be 8-10 episodes, the first episode of the new Mortal Kombat Webseries will debut on April 12th, following a 4-hour, live-stream broadcast celebrating the upcoming release of the new Mortal Kombat video game. During the event, various actors from the show and director Kevin Tancharoen will be playing the video game while talking about their new series. The Mortal Kombat Machinima event is scheduled to begin streaming at 12pm PST on April 12th, with the first episode debuting immediately after the festivities at 4pm PST. Call me nostalgic, but I'm actually excited about the series and the game.
As many of our returning customers have already found out, Karatemart.com's shelves are constantly growing with new products. We take pride in the fact that, many times, our visitors won't be visiting the exact same store twice. Whether it's a simply a few new throwing stars or a slew of martial arts themed toys, we want to make sure our customers have a steady variety of new and interesting items to peruse. It's what makes us different.
To say that 'some' controversy surrounds the Boxing vs MMA popularity debate would be like saying Manny Pacquiao is a 'little bit' popular in the Philippines. Strong opinions from die hard fans of both sports can be found on all arenas of the internet. So how does one go about determining once and for all who the real winner is between the two? Well we think we've finally found a way to settle once and for all who comes out on top in the popularity contest between the sweet science and the mixed martial arts.
Will boxing fans leave the fight with a nice helping of smug satisfaction? Maybe. Will MMA fans finally get the tap out they've been looking for? Perhaps. Will the fighting metaphors keep coming like a relentless series of rabbit punches? Yes. Yes they will.
Everyone enters the martial arts for a variety of reasons. Some are attracted to the physical and mental discipline they require while others are determined to test themselves in the ultimate face-off against a living opponent.
What all of these martial artists share is the realization that one day they may have no choice but to put their skills to the test. All we can hope for is that when that day comes, someone will have the good sense to record it and upload it to the internet. Well that day is here, and luckily we've taken taken care of all the hard work and compiled a list of the Top 5. So pull up a chair, kick back, and prepare to kill some minutes. That's what the internet does best right?
WARNING The videos below depict real people in real situations. They contain graphic violence, language, or some combination of the two. They should not be viewed by children without express permission from a parent or guardian.
Sparring with a live opponent can be the ultimate test for a martial artist. There are some things you need to consider first before rushing into an intense sparring session. Do you have the right equipment, for example? Before you decide on any martial arts sparring gear be sure to ask your instructor what he or she recommends. They will be able to tell you precisely what equipment you will need for your sparring time and training. Some schools will be even be able to recommend the size you will need as well as explain how the equipment should correctly fit.
Advancing up in the martial arts belts ranks takes dedication, discipline, and a lot of hard work. It's no wonder you would want to start showing off your belts. It's a great way to honor the martial arts style you've chosen to study. Not only that, but you get to show-case the accomplishments and skill you've worked so hard to achieve. Having the belts on display will also motivate you to see them filled with the next martial arts belts you earn.
Of the nearly countless forms of martial arts styles practiced today, perhaps none invoke more imagery than the legendary Kung Fu. To even hear the two words together brings to mind a flood of classic images. Hundreds of orange-robed monks training in synchronized harmony in the lush grounds of a Chinese monastery. A yellow jumpsuit-clad Bruce Lee unleashing a flurry of fists and feet too fast for your eye to even follow. David “Grasshopper” Carradine snatching a pebble from an open hand. No other fighting style in the past century has captured the public eye like Kung Fu. It is one of the most recognized and romanticized styles ever known. It is also the style that people know almost nothing about.
Your child has been in the martial arts for a couple of years and now they have requested a karate theme birthday party, but what are the best martial arts party supplies to include to have a fun party for all? There are a few basics every party needs in order to be a success.
Are you stumped on what to get the budding martial artists in your life? No worries! Here are 10 great martial arts gifts your future Bruce Lee will love.
One of the most exciting things about the martial arts is all of the exotic weapons used by different styles. The interesting thing about martial arts weapons is that many originated as farming tools. During the 17th century, farmers were banned from carrying weapons, so they improvised farming tools so as to always have a weapon available at their disposal. Here is a look at three of the most popular weapons that begin as farming equipment.
If you are new to KarateMart.com, you may not be familiar with the mystic ninja who stealthily hides in the shadows of random products throughout the website. In case you haven't yet stumbled upon his lair, here is one of his newest videos:
Most martial arts teach students in terms of a continuing journey. As such, obtaining rank through a ceremonial belt is often achieved as the student reaches certain milestones. Not all ranking systems in martial arts are carried out through belts. In Kung Fu, it is customary to rank progress through sashes. The ultimate symbol of status for many remains the "black belt." Yet, achieving this highly sought after icon is not a cut and dried process.
Have you ever wondered why a judo uniform differs from other martial arts uniforms? Knowing the history and objective of judo will help explain the uniform's heavy, durable construction.
In his early twenties, Jigoro Kano founded judo, officially named Kodokan judo. This demanding sport came about when Kano studied the dated Japanese martial art called Jujutsu. He implemented what he believed were the best techniques of Jujutsu to create his own activity. Kano named his sport, Kodokan judo, which breaks down into ko (lecture, study, method), do (way or path), and kan (hall or place), meaning "a place to study the way." Judo means "the gentle way". The foundation of judo rests on the aims of physical education, competition proficiency and mental training.
With Halloween quickly approaching, we decided to make a list of the top 10 martial arts costumes you can purchase at KarateMart.com. Whether you are looking to dress up like a ninja, samurai, kung fu master, or karate kid, we've got just the costume for you! Without further adieu, here are the top 10 martial arts Halloween costumes available at KarateMart.com:
There are lots of factors to keep in mind when looking for a martial arts studio. Consider these tips and determine which ones are most important to you. Martial arts training should improve your lifestyle by complimenting it. Gather a list of studios in your area through an online search and follow these guidelines.
There are plenty of memorable martial arts movie scenes. Some of them are so inspirational, they need to be pulled out of the archives and put on display. In no particular order, this is our list of the 10 best martial arts movie moments of all time:
Take a look at your shelf of classic movies. Depending on your taste and your definition of the word classic, you probably own a film with at least one of these intimidating martial artists in it. With so many martial artists out there, how do you decide which ones are the most intimidating? Movies and martial arts books were little help, and the web offers few reliable resources. So, we came up with a simple test to decide who made the cut. Ask yourself this question:
"How would you feel if you were trapped on a desert island with one of these martial artists?"
After mulling over dozens of terrifying tough guys, we decided on these martial arts mavens:
Jump kicks are one of the most popular techniques in the martial arts. Undoubtedly, if you have ever attended a Taekwondo tournament or watched a martial arts movie, you've witnessed some spectacular jump kicks you wish you could perform yourself. While many martial artists have developed strong jump kicking techniques, few have developed a high enough vertical leap to bring the kick to its full potential.
Jumping higher is not rocket science, but you need the right plan in place if you want to be successful. Here is a plan you can follow to help increase your vertical leap and greatly improve your aerial kicks. Please consult a doctor before performing any of these exercises.
If you are a regular patron of the KarateMart website, you may have noticed a strange character hanging around some of the products lately. Last month, we were contacted by an authentic ninja from a small village in an obscure country who offered to review some of his favorite items on our website. We were hesitant at first and actually a little surprised that a ninja would be willing to enter into the public spotlight, but we decided to give him a chance. So far, we are noticing that his reviews are a little extreme to say the least, but they are pretty fun to watch. Here is an example of one of his reviews:
In order to get the most benefit from the martial arts, you need to choose the style that best fits your goals. Because there are so many great martial arts to choose from, finding the right one can be a daunting decision.
The first thing to consider when choosing a martial art is what you expect to gain from your time in class. Are you trying to learn self-defense, or are you joining a martial arts school for aerobic exercise purposes? If you are looking at the martial arts as a way to increase your fighting abilities, what type of strikes, throws, or defensive techniques do you want to learn? Let’s take a look at some of the more popular martial arts to help you get an idea of which style is best for you.
In general, the martial arts are a very serious activity. But, every once in a while, it is a good idea to take a step back and laugh at some hilarious martial arts videos that have been filmed over the years. I spent some time this morning scouring the internet for the funniest karate videos of all time. If you are aware of any other really funny martial arts videos, please let us know...because we love to laugh. Now, sit back and enjoy these funny karate movies!
One of the most frequent questions our customer service team hears is “What supplies do I need for my first martial arts class?” I’d like to begin by stating that it is always best to discuss this question with your instructor prior to purchasing anything, but we will cover some of the more common beginner supplies.
With the release of the new Karate Kid movie last week, many parents are wondering if they should enroll their child in a martial arts class. If you or your child has never attended a martial arts school before, it can be a scary decision that comes with many questions.
The biggest concern amongst most parents is whether or not their child will be safe when practicing with other students. That is a very valid concern, because many of the martial arts require some contact with other students when practicing self-defense techniques, throws, or sparring. However, most instructors request help from assistant instructors during kids classes to try to prevent accidents from occurring. In addition, most schools enforce a minimum age requirement for sparring and other techniques that require contact between students. The best advice I can give you would be to watch your child take at least one introductory class prior to joining any martial arts school. You will be able to tell very quickly whether your child is comfortable in the dojo by his or her body language when interacting with other students and the instructors. In most towns, there are multiple schools to choose from, so you will probably want to visit a few prior to joining any dojo.
When we first opened shop in the 1970’s, there was not a huge variety of martial arts supplies for us to carry. We sold a small assortment of Karate uniforms, traditional weapons, books, and training equipment, but very little protective equipment or accessories. During the 80’s and 90’s, as the martial arts grew in popularity, we saw a huge increase in new items we were able to offer our customers. Over the last 10 years however, it has become increasingly more difficult to find new and unique martial arts supplies. Don’t get me wrong, variations of existing products are developed regularly. Everyday it seems like I come across a supplier selling a new color of sparring gear or a kick-shield with a slightly different design, but I am always on the lookout for something “completely” different from the norm.
On August 18, 1995, “Mortal Kombat” was released in theatres throughout the United States. The movie was a film adaptation of the popular and controversial video game known for its intense game-play and gory fatalities. As a martial artist and video game fanatic, I was a huge fan of the video game series and was really looking forward to the film's release.
On opening night, I sat shoulder to shoulder with other “Mortal Kombat” fans in one of the most crowded and energized movie releases I’ve ever experienced. As the movie began and the techno-sounding theme song started playing, the crowd around me literally erupted into a roar of excitement. One hour and 40 minutes later, the movie ended and I found myself wishing for more.
One of my favorite things about working for KarateMart.com is all the interesting people I get to meet. Over the years, while attending tournaments and talking with customers on the phone, I’ve been lucky enough to meet thousands of martial arts students and instructors; many of whom have become very close friends. Now, with all the great social networking websites available online, we are hoping to develop a more personal relationship with all of our customers.
If you are a regular visitor of our website, you’ve probably noticed all the new items we’ve been adding lately. In an effort to keep our website fresh, we made a resolution a while back to continuously add new products to our website each week. Lately, we’ve been focusing mostly on our weapons and uniforms, but soon we will be concentrating on our boxing equipment, MMA gear, books, and videos.
In 1984, "The Karate Kid" movie was released in theatres throughout the country. Martial arts schools all over the United States saw an immediate increase in student enrollment, and children everywhere wanted to dress up like Daniel Larusso for Halloween. The martial arts industry would never be the same.
Choosing the right martial arts school for your child can be a very tough decision. Most parents are very protective of their children and want to make sure they choose a nurturing environment which will be beneficial to their child's wellbeing. As a father and martial artist, I wanted to give a little bit of advice about this subject to help other parents in their quest for the perfect school.
Recently, KarateMart.com began carrying some new lines of high quality Jiu Jitsu uniforms. We had always carried Judo uniforms in the past, but had never really considered carrying Jiu Jitsu gi because they are so similar and we didn't get many requests for them. Since adding them to KarateMart.com, one of the most common questions our customer service team answers is "What is the difference between a Jiu Jitsu uniform and a Judo Gi?". So, I figured this would be a great topic to discuss on our blog.
About six months ago, the KarateMart company sat down as a whole and began discussing the direction we wanted to take the company. While we have worked extremely hard over the past 30 years to build a wonderful company, we knew it was time to make some changes that would help us to grow into a more mature business.
We began by making a list of some of the things that made us popular with our loyal customers, like our quality products, low prices, and strong product knowledge. After listing our strengths, we started brainstorming our weaknesses. Among them, our most serious shortcomings were our outdated website, limited knowledge of the internet, and an antiquated logistics system that made our shipping process slower than it could be. It very quickly became apparent that if we were going to be able to move in the direction we wanted, we were going to have to bring in some new talent.
