Enter the Dragon!

They're remaking the 1984 martial arts / underdog /coming-of-age movie, The Karate Kid , with most of the action taking place in Beijing in the new version. Apparently, the more accurate title of The Kung Fu Kid will be used for the Asian release. Will Smith's son Jaden takes the title role (Daniel is now Dre), with Jackie Chan (nice!) as his mentor.  The trailer: And here's one of the best scenes from the original movie, in which young Daniel learns the application of his labours painting fences, waxing floors, etc. to self-defence: Release date for the new version is June 11, 2010.  Title aside, it looks promising.

Last Wednesday I had three white belts (new this year), four purple belts (our lowest tested grade), one yellow , and two orange belts.  Having a mixed-level class is great, in that many students get a chance to be junior, senior and peer, often all in the one class, but it's quite complicated.  Here's how I rotated the pairings on the night ... In the cooperative throwing section of the class: Demonstrated: leg throws 1 to 3 (see this Kawaishi method index of throws ) 2 x  pairs of purple belt (peer learning) 3 x white belt - higher belt (most experienced / beginner pairing) Demonstrated: leg throws 4 to 6 3 x white belt - purple pairs continued working on throws 1 to 3 (reinforcement) orange - yellow pair, and orange - purple pair worked on 4 to 6 (rotating through the purple belts) Demonstrated: leg throws 7 and 8 same as 4 to 6 Demonstrated: leg throws 9 and 10 same as 4 to 6 With this system of rotations: the white-belts spent most of their time on the most fundam...

I teach a two hour class once a week throughout the year, currently on Wednesday evenings. We study Jiu-jitsu , incorporating classical Judo . Who are my students? Young adults, women and men, most studying at the University (some not), recent graduates, some older guys (often with some previous martial arts experience).  They come in most shapes and sizes. Because of the hands-on nature of the class , and because most of the training is done in pairs, I can only take on so many new students at a time. Once people have been training with me for 6 to 12 months, I encourage them to pick up an extra class (or two) each week at our Honbu (headquarters).  This can be helpful in accelerating their progress through additional training hours and access to high-level instruction. You will probably like my class if your priorities include some of Self-defence Personal development Social development A discipline that challenges both mind and body Technical excellence All-round fitness ...

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu from the 1950's looks awfully like  classical judo , from which it descends. A nice old clip, featuring Carlos and Helio Gracie (Skip to the 2 minute mark if you find the introduction a bit slow): Good stuff!

For fans of the original Star Trek , here's William Shatner as captain Kirk showing young Charlie X a thing or two about judo*: Gotta love those Federation gis! Although Shatner does a reasonably good roll, the rest of his judo leaves quite a bit to be desired, in my view.  I'd certainly back legendary tough guy actor and judo black belt James Cagney  against him (click the link for an awesome clip), and similarly British judoka and Bond Girl Honor Blackman: Unfortunately I couldn't find the clip from Goldfinger of Blackman as the fabulously named "Pussy Galore" throwing Bond (Sean Connery) all over the shop.  Maybe someone can help me out? *Spotted on Sensei Strange's  aikido blog .

Last year Tans martial arts supplies organized a charity dinner / martial arts display that raised over $15,000 which was donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation .  Highlights: From 0:50 to 1:12 you can see my Federation colleagues in action, first doing the hung kuen chopper set, then a selection of throws.  I was confined to watching, applauding, and eating. It's on again this year: When: 7 pm Friday 26 March, 2010 Where: Happy Receptions, 199-203 Union Road, Ascot Vale Cost: $70 per person (includes banquet meal), tables of 10 available Attire: Neat casual RSVP: Catherine 9870 0813, 0413 006 028 Get along to support a good cause.

First class back for 2010.  Nine keen students turned up on a hot night, including one newcomer. We had a good time with a mix of throws, self-defence applications, restraint and control, and groundwork.  A bit of everything to kick off the year. With several regulars to return and the start of the Uni. year still a month away it looks like it's going to be a big, dynamic class.  I'm looking forward to it.