Exit the dragons: What is the future of kung fu films?

Jackie Chan may have earned some down time doing family friendly fare, but
who will take over where he left off? Golden Harvest Jackie Chan has made over 100 films and broken pretty much
every bone in his body. "Every independent producer, studio executive and wannabe movie mogul in Hong
Kong was scouring the sidewalks for martial artists who looked, talked, acted
or fought like the Dragon - hunting for the next Bruce Lee. ... When we
gathered in the evenings to drink and talk, the conversation always ended up
turning the same way: What did Lee have that we didn't?"
In the trailer for Jackie Chan's new film, The Spy Next Door, which arrives
in theatres tomorrow, a voiceover gravely informs us: "Secret Agent Bob Ho
has taken down dictators, terrorists and evil empires, but he is about to
face his toughest assignment yet: babysitting."
As I watch Chan in the preview burning his hands on a muffin rack, I think of
his classic movie, Police Story. During the 1985 film's final fight scene in
a mall, he slid down a 70-foot pole wrapped in Christmas lights, bulbs
exploding around him, and he burned the skin off of his hands.
The man is 55. He has appeared in more than 100 movies, broken just about
every bone there is and suffered brain injuries. He has earned some time
doing family comedies.
But still, the stunt makes me yearn for the old Chan, and logically, the next
Chan. Who will follow the acrobatic and comedic Chan and the skilful and now
-retired Jet Li? Who will continue the legacy of the legendary Bruce Lee?
Chinese martial arts superstars came in two generations: Chan and actor Sammo
Hung practised back flips, splits and hand stands at the same opera school in
Hong Kong in the '60s; then performers such as Li and actor Donnie Yen
studied wushu in mainland China in the '70s. They were catapulted to fame in
Hong Kong, which had one of the largest movie industries in the world.
But the industry has since deflated; kung fu films fell out of fashion and
stunt job opportunities (where Lee and Chan got their start) declined.
"The martial arts film is similar to the Western: its heyday is long over,
but there will be small cycles of films from time to time when someone finds
a fresh spin," says Leon Hunt, who teaches film studies at Brunel University
in the U.K. "There hasn't been any fresh blood since the '90s in terms of
‘proper' kung fu stars."
Chan himself recognized the need for new talent, and in 2007 he launched a
reality TV competition called The Disciple. Sixteen finalists braved
gruelling training, car stunts and high-altitude wire suspension in hopes of
becoming the next big action movie star. The winner, Jack Tu, who was born in
Taiwan but grew up in Canada and the U.S., has been shadowing Chan to learn
the trade and was on set for the filming of The Spy Next Door. Other than his
participation as an extra, though, he has yet to break out as a major figure.
But when - and if - he does, he may find that the demand is no longer there.
Our culture of celebrity means that star power drives action films today. No
one cares if Ben Affleck wields a cane with all the dexterity and attitude of
a grandmother. CGI will fix that.
The real stuff is no longer practical. Why spend months choreographing an
action sequence, risking injury to the actors, when tighter editing, short
cuts and computers will produce the same result?
Hong Kong filmmakers are now co-producing movies with China and creating
blockbuster-style films. "Recent action films such as Red Cliff are big
budget, and post-production special effects along the lines of Lord of the
Rings generate panoramic, breathtaking scenes that real-life stunts and
action sometimes cannot match," says Kay Li of the Canadian Foundation for
Asian Culture.
Besides, viewers in the West have regressed 20 years in their understanding
of martial arts, according to Mark Pollard, Kungfucinema.com's founder and
senior editor. He notes that the upcoming Karate Kid remake starring Chan and
Will Smith's son Jaden actually features kung fu. (Karate is Japanese; kung
fu is Chinese.) The Karate Kid is due out in theatres later this year.
Those in the industry, however, continue to search for new blood in the hopes
that audiences will tire of CGI.
"There's a shift back towards the real thing," says Bey Logan, a Hong Kong
film producer and former vice-president for Asian acquisitions at Weinstein
Brothers.
He says there are possible candidates lurking in the wings, citing Hong Kong
actor and martial artist Wu Jing. There is even a future for the 46-year-old
Jet Li contemporary Donnie Yen, who Logan suggests "has just come into his
own."
Pollard, though, is not holding his breath.
"In the old days, you had a whole string of actors and you knew someone was
going to follow in their footsteps," Pollard says. "But I'm thinking there is
nobody else."read the story in http://www.nationalpost.com/arts/story.html?id=2438007

Gaza Champ In Kung Fu

What is Parkour?

Parkour is an art of movement in which you train the body and mind to overcome obstacles. A parkour practitioner, called a traceur (male) or traceuse (female), uses their surroundings to improve their ability to move in space. By interacting with obstacles, be they urban architecture or the natural environment, the practitioner becomes more comfortable controlling his body and navigating any terrain.
The meat of parkour is the discipline of daily training, physical and technical, to heighten the body’s natural movement elements such as strength, speed, balance, coordination, precision, power, and endurance.
The application of parkour is efficient traversal when circumstance necessitates it, such as being chased, or needing to reach a destination. While this is the practical application of the training, one could do parkour their entire lives and not ever have to use it in this way, similar to a martial artist never getting into a fight. Though it may never have to be utilized in this way, the benefits of parkour are far reaching. Being that parkour is made up of a lot of movements that are natural to the human animal, the body is strengthened evenly and synergistically, meaning all the parts of the body learn to work together. This helps to balance the body and improve all movement in general.
Aside from the physical benefits, many people find training parkour develops mental clarity, confidence, self-discipline, the ability to deal with fear, and many other mental gains.
for more information visit this sitehttp://www.americanparkour.com/content/view/221/325/

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Self Development Through the Martial Arts

By Hwaa Irfan - Islamonline

Al-jihad al-akbar – the greater jihad, is the inner battle; the invisible war towards self development and unity of mind, body and soul. Many Islamic scholars view this as the prime ambition in Islam, for without this inner jihad, man’s will over his personal and public life is meaningless as man’s physical tendencies and weaknesses can not be overcome. The modern exterior of life created by man has added ugliness where the signs of Allah (swt) through nature once added beauty, meditation and reflection.
The Qur’an states “…Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition…” (Surat ul Ra’d 13:11). However, before the external changes (political and social) can take place, the internal must transpire first, otherwise it is all short lived.
In the past for Chinese Muslims, the martial arts were a means to bring the inner jihad into a tangible method of self development. Many reports have shown that the proper learning of martial arts has helped troubled youths claim and earn self-respect and understanding. The enemy within is tamed and understood.
Ali ibn Abi Talib said, “A man’s enemies can be of more benefit to him than his brothers, for they draw attention to his faults from which he can then turn away (Haeri p.112).”
Mind-Body-Spirit Union

Martial arts is seemingly a physical art form that has undergone many transformations along the years making it appear to focus on defense and attack. Yet in its truest form, as in Islam, it uses the physical world of man to understand the non-physical world to create a mind-body-spirit union.
Christian educator and theosophist Rudolph Steiner (1861-) once pointed out that a great debt was owed by western natural science to the spiritual stream of what he called ‘Arabism’. He argued that Western natural science was the product of the Christian Crusades and Muslim Holy War in a martial age (Boardman p.1).
It was during the battle for Christendom in Northern Spain that the works of ibn Sina and others’ overwhelming belief in the transcendence of Allah (swt) affected and influenced such prominent Christian scientists of the times such as Roger Bacon. Crusaders witnessed Muslims as having a spiritual power and sense of unity that moved them with elemental force (Boardman p.2).
Kung fu is part of our long history as Muslims in seeking to learn and develop within ourselves. Kung fu actually means the ‘mastery of a difficult task to a standard of excellence’ (Lohan p.1). It is the origin of most of the Asiatic martial arts, but focuses on the development of the complete person mentally and physically (Lohan p.1).
The art of energy management, however, is not confined to Chinese martial arts forms which Muslims have helped to develop and even originate as some might claim!
Energy as in the life force directed through the human energy field in Chinese is called chi and shan. In Islam it is nafas and ruh (Geocities p.2). Used in spiritual cultivation, the direction of the life force plays a different role – the inner jihad.
Islam and the Martial Arts

Muslims in Malaysia and Indonesia practice Muslim forms of martial arts like Silat. In China, where the Muslim place of worship is called Qing Zhen Si (Temples of Purity and Truth), Muslims have contibuted to the development of chi kung and kung fu (Geocities p.3).
Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was the founder of the famous Ming Dynasty, and although he never proclaimed to be a Muslim, his six most trusted commanders were. They were Chang Yuchan, Hu Dahai, Mu Ying, Lan Yu, Feng Sheng and Ding Dexing (Coral web p.1). They were all wushu (Chinese for martial arts) masters. As commanders they defeated rebellious activities including that of the Mongols. A significant number of Muslims died between 1644 –1911 AD in the attempt to restore the Ming Dynasty, which was instituted to bring harmony and fellowship amongst all the different groups of China (Kabiling p.2).
The leaders of the Hui, a Muslim minority of five million, called on the people to learn wushu as a “holy practice in the struggle for survival and self-improvement.” During the Lesser Bairam (Eid ul Fitr) and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) birthday, the Hui local mosques held wushu contests or exhibitions (Coralweb p.1).
The Chinese martial arts technique called Tan Lui (spring leg) was actually developed by a Hui Muslim named Chamir from Xingjiang during the Ming Dynasty (1368 –1644 AD) (Stark p.1).
Cha Kungfu is a Muslim technique from Northern Shaolin also named after a Muslim Kung Fu master - Cha Mi Er. Another Muslim master was Cheong Ho, an admiral of the Ming Dynasty (geocities p.3).
The Baijiquan (8 extreme fists – rake hand) was first practiced by Wu Zhong, a Chinese Muslim from the Mong village in Kang country (Zheng p.2). In 1936, Zheng Wen Guang, a Muslim, attended the 11th Olympic Games as a specially invited member on the Chinese Wushu team (Xianding p.2).
This is a glimpse at what once was. Last August, China’s military completed a large-scale ‘exercise’ in the Muslim region of Xingjiang (McGregor p.1).
Not acknowledging our religion and the wealth that has been offered to us is a reflection of our inability to bring into focus the inner jihad, as we seek to develop understanding and further control over our lives.

Fatherly Advice: Raising the Rebellious

Editors Note: Some parents may feel at a loss this Ramadan and some parents might have given up a long time ago. Growing up in the city is not as easy as it seems and it doesn’t get easier with streetwise adolescent boys who stopped listening to their parents a long time ago and Ramadan is just something that is done once a year around the dinner table.
The Ramadan football match has become the release of energy for the young after iftar, but “The art of energy management is no stranger to Islam. In the past for Chinese Muslims, the martial arts were a means to bring the inner jihad into a tangible method of self development. Many reports have shown that the proper learning of martial arts has helped troubled youths claim and earn self-respect and understanding. The enemy within is tamed and understood. … The leaders of the Hui, a Muslim minority of five million, called on the people to learn wushu as a ‘holy practice in the struggle for survival and self-improvement.’ During the `Eid Al-Fitr and the Prophet’s birthday, the Hui local mosques held wushu contests or exhibitions” (Self Development Through the Martial Arts).
Of course Ramadan is the month of blessings: the rewards are doubled, the devils are chained, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed. But for today’s young, such concepts lack excitement and distraction, so the martial arts of energy management can be a useful medium to develop the mind of a rebel without a cause.
People study martial arts for various reasons, including competition, fitness, self-defense, self-cultivation (meditation), and self-confidence. Martial arts in Ramadan is a practical tool for the young to grab hold of in Ramadan; afterward the subtle level of martial arts can be used to enhance the level of self-awareness and self-reflection that are a natural part of Ramadan.
As a trainer, I prefer the hour before iftar; when there is a real desire to eat, training can heighten one’s level of awareness. Yet training can be as beneficial after Tarawih when the opportunity to train follows a satisfied hunger.
Martial arts not only serve one’s physical fitness. They make one more healthy, more self-confident, and keep one away from bad habits like alcohol and smoking. Martial arts increase self-understanding and make one stronger, bringing one closer to Allah.

Chinese Kung Fu: The Philosophical Art of Self-Defense

The basic structure of Kung Fu is based on the theory of Yin and Yang, a pair of mutually complementary forces that act continuously and without end in this universe.
This Chinese way of life can be applied to anything, but in this article we are interested in its relationship to the art of Kung Fu.
The black part of the circle is called Yin. Yin can represent anything in the universe, such as the negative, passiveness, gentleness, darkness, etc. The other, complementary, part of the circle is Yang, which represents the positive, activeness, firmness, brightness, etc.
A common mistake people make is to identify this Yin-Yang symbol as dualistic, that is, identifying Yang and Yin as the opposites of each other. Actually, all things have their complementary parts; it is only in the human mind and perception that matter is separated into opposites. As long as we separate this "oneness" into two, we will not achieve realization.
The sun is not the opposite of the moon, as they complement and are independent of each other, and we cannot survive without either of them. Similarly, the "oneness" of Yin-Yang is necessary in life.
A person riding a bicycle can not push both pedals at the same time, nor can one progress without pedaling at all. In order to move forward, one has to push one pedal, releasing the other. So the movement of going forward requires "oneness" of pushing and releasing, each being the cause of the other.
In the Yin-Yang symbol, there is a white spot on the black part and a black spot on the white part. This illustrates the balance in life, due to which nothing can survive for long by going to either extreme, be it negative or positive.
According to the principle of "oneness," firmness must be concealed in gentleness, and gentleness in firmness. This is why a Kung Fu fighter must be as pliable as a spring. Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo will bend with the wind. So in Kung Fu or any other system, one must be gentle without giving away completely; be firm, yet not hard. Even if one is strong, as a Kung Fu fighter, one must guard one's strength with softness and tenderness. Without softness in one's firmness, a Kung Fu fighter cannot be considered strong. Yet if the fighter has firmness concealed in softness, no one can break through the fighter's defense.
YIN-YANG = Moderation and Balance
The principle of moderation provides the best means of preserving oneself. If we accept the oneness of Yin-Yang in everything and do not treat things dualistically, we attain tranquility by remaining detached and not inclining to either extreme. Even if we do incline to one extreme, be it negative or positive, we will flow with it in order to control it.
For example, when one works to the extreme one becomes tired and rests; after resting, one can work again. Flowing with the extreme, without clinging to it, is in fact the true way to get rid of the extreme.
When the movements in Yin-Yang flow into extremes, reaction sets in. When Yang goes to the extreme, it changes to Yin; when Yin activated by Yang goes to the extreme, it returns back to Yang. That is why each one is the result and cause of the other.
The application of the theory of Yin-Yang in Kung Fu is known as the law of harmony, according to which one should be in harmony with, and not against, the force of the opponent.
Simplicity Is the Secret
When a Kung Fu fighter finally understands the theory of Yin-Yang, there is no need to fuss with so-called gentleness or firmness; one simply does what the moment requires. In fact, all conventional forms and techniques disappear, and the movements of the Kung Fu fighter are like everyday movements. Kung Fu practitioners do not have to justify themselves, like so many other masters have, by claiming their spirit or internal power. Cultivation of martial art in the long run will return the practitioner to simplicity; only people with half-way cultivation justify and brag about themselves.
Kung Fu principles and techniques have pervaded and influenced different arts of oriental self-defense, yet Kung Fu has been shrouded under a veil of utmost secrecy. Its history spans four thousand years.
In antiquity, Kung Fu was simply a no-holds-barred type of martial art. Yet as the centuries went by, countless generations of Kung Fu practitioners gradually perfected the art, smoothing out the rough spots, polishing the techniques, until it began to emerge as something definitely superior.
Later on, the studies of anatomy, religion, and psychology were all included in the art, and Kung Fu advanced one more step to a highly scientific and philosophical type of self-defense. This transformation occurred around two or three thousand years ago. Kung Fu has since been used for the promotion of health, cultivation of mind, and self-protection.
The techniques of Kung Fu do not emphasize power, but the conservation of energy and moderation without inclination to either extreme. Thus, true Kung Fu fighters never oppose a force that will create a reaction, nor do they give way completely. They are simply pliable as a spring, seeking to merge harmoniously with the oncoming force of the opponent, to complement and not to oppose.
The techniques of a superior system of Kung Fu are based on simplicity. It is only the half-cultivated systems that are full of unnecessary and wasted motions. Simplicity is the natural result of profound and long study of the way of movements, and a good Kung Fu fighter is a simplifier.
Tips on Practicing Self-Defense
Every movement of Kung Fu has a continuity that flows without dislocation. As soon as one movement is completed, it begins to flow into another one. Because of this, the movements in Kung Fu are faster than other ordinary methods.
Kung Fu is a mind exercise. The combined application of mind and body is especially important in the higher stages of Kung Fu. Try to use the imagination (mental movement) to influence every physical movement.
Cooperate with your opponents. Do not resist or interrupt their flow of movement. Instead of stopping their force, complete it by following them. In other words, you should help others to destroy themselves. Remember this: What you will do depends on your opponent; that is why we say, complement and do not oppose the opponent's force.
The waist is very important in the art of Kung Fu, as it plays a major part in both striking and dissolving away the opponent's force. The practitioner is required to dissolve away the opponent's force by side-stepping only after turning the waist first.
It is better to learn to endure than to learn how to fight. However, if you are compelled to oppose, make use of force.
Waist Is Power
The waist plays a vital role in the art of Kung Fu. You can try the following exercises to extend the range of your motion and to make the waist flexible.
Bend forward till palms are touching the ground, keeping legs straight at all times.
Bend forward and grasp both ankles, touching the head to the knees. Later on, with practice, the head should touch the shin or, even better, the instep.
Turn your body to the left and bend down without moving the lower trunk. Touch palms on the ground, and come up and repeat the same to the right side.
Leg Training
The kick is the best means of attack; however, one must be aware of the danger of using it recklessly. The legs are much more powerful and have a longer reach than the hands, but we must also consider that when we lift one leg and kick, our whole balance is involved and may be lost.
In training kick as high as you can, but in combat kick as fast as you can. If you use sandbags to kick as practice, your legs will have power and will be strong.
Conclusion
With Kung Fu and self-defense you will be more self-confident, healthy, and firm, and you will possess other positive traits that you will discover during practice. Kung Fu can thus be enjoyed as a Chinese view of life, an interesting art, and self-defense at the same time.