A few days ago, I was reading an article in Blackbelt magazine that discussed different styles of martial arts in cinema and suggested movies that represented them well. While the article was intriguing, it didn’t offer much variation in the styles discussed, so I decided to put together my own list, running alphabetically from A-Z.
As this article will be too long for a single entry, I’ve decided to split it into two parts (A-L) and (M-Z). The latter of which will follow in a later post. Keep in mind, I’m not saying these are necessarily the best representations of each style, but rather some of my favorites, that hopefully others can enjoy too!
A=Aikido
Marked for Death (1990)
Of course, no list of martial arts movies would be complete without Steven Seagal. His repertoire of movies ranges from great to downright bizarre, but usually features attackers with guns inexplicably engaging him in hand-to-hand combat. However, before Seagal became a living caricature of himself, his martial prowess was indeed impressive. “Marked for Death” perfectly showcases some of his Aikido skills in its many action-packed sequences.
B=Boxing
Creed (2015)
This reboot of the original Rocky series follows Rocky Balboa (Stallone) training Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis (Michael B. Jordan). “Creed” was widely praised for its choreography, realism and creative camerawork, all aided by the intense boxing training regimen Jordan undertook for the role. As a result, it delivers great examples of accurate boxing action, with an added touch of cinematic flair, and should be seen by all combat sport movie fans.
C=Capoeira
The Protector (2005)
The Protector (also known as Tom-Yum-Goong or Warrior King) stars Tony Jaa as a descendant of the Thai Royal Guard whose pet elephant is stolen by wildlife poachers. While the movie is known for its incredible Muay Thai, one standout fight scene pits Jaa against Capoeira master Lateef Crowder dos Santos in a flooded and burning Buddhist temple. The athleticism on display from both men is incredible and offers a thrilling look at Capoeira’s fluid and acrobatic style, contrasted perfectly against the straight, powerful moves of Jaa’s Muay Thai.
D=Dragon Style
Dragon Fist (1979)
Dragon Fist marks Jackie Chan’s move away from comedic roles to more serious martial arts films. While it loosely represents the Southern Dragon Style of Kung Fu, it also features the unique blend of acrobatics and stunt work that Chan is famous for around the world. The final fight in particular, during which Chan uses the ‘Dragon Fist’ style is particularly worth a watch, if not for the fighting itself, then for the rare glimpse of Chan in a serious early role.
E=Escrima
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Escrima (also known as Kali) is a martial art from the Philippines that features open-handed fighting, but is more often associated with sticks, knives and short blades. In The Bourne Identity, Jason Bourne utilizes various martial arts throughout the movie, but in close-range, bladed fights, he predominantly employs Escrima tactics. The most recognizable fight is the film’s infamous pen vs. knife battle, which perfectly highlights the gritty, realistic style of the film series and serves to demonstrate the high-quality choreography and training standards of the actors.
F=Fencing
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Shanghai Knights is a buddy comedy starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, but don’t let that fool you—the choreography is spot-on. While the plot is bizarre and somewhat stupid at times, there are many excellent fight scenes, especially one that features Donnie Yen as a secondary villain fighting against Chan. However, this climactic East-vs-West showdown, that pits Chan’s character against a saber dueling champion and minor royal played by Aidan Gillen (better known to many as ‘Littlefinger’ in Game of Thrones) is certainly a highlight of the movie.
G=Goju-Ryu Karate
Kuro Obi (2007)
While Kuro Obi (meaning Blackbelt) doesn’t strictly feature Goju-Ryu, the main character is played by a seventh degree black belt of the style, who often displays his powerful, simple strikes and stances. Set in 1932 during the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, three karate students must decide who will inherit their master’s black belt (i.e. his dojo). The film is known for its realistic fight scenes and beautiful cinematography, which can be seen throughout.
H=Hung Ga
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
While Kung Fu Hustle is primarily a comedy, I solidly maintain that it is one of the best martial arts films ever made. While this is in part due to its ability to poke fun at itself, the movie also features legitimate representations of many traditional martial arts. One particularly strong aspect is Chiu Chi-ling, a real-life Hung Gar master and movie industry legend, who plays a character known only as “The Tailor”. Though the movie has a fantastical tone, Chiu’s performance as a true martial arts master, gives it an authentic touch.
I=Iaido
Zatoichi (2003)
The Zatoichi series, particularly the 2003 remake, is famous for its portrayal of Iaido—the art of quick-draw swordsmanship. Takeshi ‘Beat’ Kitano’s depiction of the blind swordsman Zatoichi is both stylish and faithful to the roots of this Japanese martial art. The movie clearly demonstrates Iaido principles, such as drawing the sword only when intending to cut with it and doing so quickly, cleanly and with deadly accuracy. The film is brutal, bloody and vicious, as one would expect from classic Japanese ‘Samurai’ Cinema.
J=Judo/Jujitsu
Flashpoint (2007)
Before Donnie Yen became Ip Man, he made Flashpoint, a movie that mostly slipped under the radar of western audiences, despite being one of the best martial arts films of recent years. Donnie Yen’s abilities and willingness to grow both as a fighter, actor and action director are highlighted perfectly in this film, for which he studied Judo and Jujitsu intensively. Alongside his incredible striking and speed, Yen incorporated grappling, throws, and submissions into the fight choreography. The movie hovers perfectly between realistic martial arts and the cinematic energy of a modern action flick, making for an incredible demonstration of what I consider to be the first ‘good’ MMA movie.
K=Kalaripayattu
Baaghi (2016)
Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest martial arts originating in India, is prominently featured in Baaghi, a Bollywood action film starring Tiger Shroff. Shroff, who trained extensively in this style, showcases Kalaripayattu’s weapons, acrobatic movements, and striking/grappling techniques throughout the movie. While Baaghi mixes various martial arts styles, creating a blend that feels like a cross between action films like The Raid and classic Jackie Chan movies such as Drunken Master (sometimes even copying scenes exactly), its portrayal of Kalaripayattu stands out as one of the highlights.
L=Lethwei
Born Warriors (2016)
Lethwei is a centuries-old Burmese art of bare-knuckle fighting. Born Warriors is the only non-fiction entry on this list, because it offers a raw, unfiltered view of a combat sport which serves as a way of life and means of providing for many fighters. The style is incredibly brutal, featuring elbows and knees like Muay Thai, but also headbutts. It also allows fighters to be knocked out, then gives them two minutes to recover before continuing, making it incredibly dangerous for participants. Born Warriors won a number of awards, including “Best Documentary’ at the LA Film festival, thanks to its focus on following the human stories of fighters.
Feel free to comment or share your suggestions if you have any other ideas for a martial arts style represented in movies. Otherwise, stay tuned for part two coming soon, where we’ll continue from M-Z!