The Prophet of Martial Arts- Grandmaster Henry Cook.


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When it rains, it pours. My spirit was heartbroken due to the news of my grandmaster recently passed. For years, I always heard many extraordinary stories about him with my sifu. I knew he was great because he taught my instructor. How can a small frail man be so powerful and skill? the truth skill has absolutely NOTHING to do with size and strength. It’s in the spirit of the individual. The warrior spirit has no discrimination; therefore, he was epitome of that!

cookGrandmaster Henry Cook was (always will be) one of the patriarchs of the martial arts/science community in Louisville. The martial arts community is molded by his knowledge, integrity, and skill. The 7 Wind Flying Fist System was founded on June 29, 1973 by Grandmaster Henry Cook, who is well versed in the field of martial arts. His knowledge of both Martial Science and combat were outstanding.

The grandmaster and myself (along with my son) several years ago.

The grandmaster and myself (along with my son) several years ago.

Grandmaster Cook was all about the life of budo (the martial way)! There was never a moment how love of the art did not express him.  Despite his heavy training  He gave significantly back to community increase awareness for women to protect themselves in domestic violence, rape, etc. During the 70s and 80s, he created the Nightwatch, an organization whose target goal was to protect the people in their neighborhood. Throughout the years, he has achieved many awards and build a great rapport throughout the region. A fighter who lived 25 years after the doctors told him he was not going to make. He managed to inspire many more people (including myself) through the course of those years. As your spirit resonate through many of us, you and your teachings will never be forgotten.

Drunkin’ Master


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Old Skool Kung Fu films.. They don’t make them like they use to! I must admit the dubbing was quite cheesy and the sound effects were a tad bit late. However, those elements is what made it great! It was the epitome of an imperfectly perfect product. I love how they use to make reference of how prospective students would relentlessly ask a master to be their students. Their relentless behavior is not like what it is now. No one wants to be a student. They want the easy way out. A black belt or mastering a style is so much more! It’s a right of passage of one’s skill. How things have changed.. Gotta love nostalgia

Simply Gorgeous


In my opinion, this is probably one of the best fighting scenes during the late 90s. Jackie Chan is widely known for his spectacular and unique martial arts choreography throughout his career. Through the influences of the late comedic actor Buster Keaton and Chinese Opera combat and acrobatics, Jackie has created something martial artists and non-martial artist would enjoy filled humor and finesse! Majority of his main scenes provide a particular message. In this scene from the romantic film, Gorgeous, Jackie was an out of shape business defeated from an outdoor boxing match from the opponent (Bradley James Allen) shown in the video. Due to his defeat, he seek to train more frequently (not for competition, but for himself). His dedication for training showed us how much we need to always sharpen our skills so we can ready at all times.

The opponent offers him a rematch which he accepts. The choreography displayed beautiful striking and aerial kicking while complimented the individual fighting styles. Eventually, Jackie recognized he must alter his fighting style to overcome his opponent. Naturally, the alternate style was more fluid and “bespoken” to him. Sometimes, it takes a few hits for us to wake up and change our current position to outweigh those particular outcomes.  I love the contrast on the stylish minimal black and white ensembles as it reflect the yin-yang concept throughout the match! This is one of my favorite fighting scenes ever!

Fist of Fury: Dojo Fight


I am not gonna lie back in the day, Me and my little brother always wanted to go to other people’s martial arts schools imitating from this scene.  That was a childish yet arrogant stage, but who doesn’t live moment they see in the movies lol! Bruce Lee took care of business with the karate school in Shanghai in Fist of Fury. Talk about a one man army! By the way, were those real people he was swinging? Comedy I tell ya!

 

 

 

“Iron Will”

Jackie Chan Vs Benny the Jet


THis is a classic fighting scene from Meals on Wheels! Old school Jackie is always the best in my opinion!! The beauty of the fight was not from the choreography. It was more from Jackie realizing the only way he can conquer his fight is to doing what he does best! In life, we should look at all of our confrontations as such!

Tai Chi 0 – Dope trailer


I truly love the direction some of the martial arts film have been lately. It has appeared they have added an extra flair to their trailers as of late. We can talk about Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Yip Man all day, but we must look towards the future of martial arts films.

This trailer is Tai Chi 0 is the prime example of what I am trying to expressed.This film is directed by Stephen Fung and Sammo Hung. Sammo Hung has really shown his artistic level heighten with his recent films as the choreographer; it would not surprise me if he is doing the same for this film. Starring in the film are  Tony Leung Ka-Fai, Angelababy, Eddy Peng, William Feng, Yuan Biao, Jade Xu Huihui. A nice old and new school cast which has made a strong believer out of myself. However, I truly hope and pray it is one of those films which is extremely bland while all the action presented in the trailer is the only action there is!

If anyone is familiar with hip-hop music video director, Hype Williams, you would naturally think he was apart of the film! Overall, the trailer is hot! Maybe America will recognize the heightened aesthetics of the martial arts world!

The magnificent Butcher – Sammo Hung


Here’s an old school clip from one of Sammo Hung’s films, The Magnificent Butcher. You gotta love the cheesy sound effects with the dope choreography. I love the crane and snake strikes and blocks.  For a big guy, Sammo can moves. These movies are like those 2 door  Ford Escorts, they don’t make them like that anymore..

Donnie Yen – Secret Identity


Martial arts stars Donnie Yen and Vincent Zhao in an upcoming film, secret identity. The movie is currently under production which Yen will also be producing and choreographing the fighting scenes. Zhao (star of True Legend) has a foot injury and needs an operation but says he has postponed this to work with Yen.

Currently,the plot is a secret, but the actors say it will be a “stylish action film set in a metropolitan city”. Rising actress Jing Tian also joins the team for her first action film. Stay tuned for more details

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Homage friday: Fist of Fury


Apparently we do not live in a black and white world as assumed. Different nationalities were discriminated as much as the civil rights movement, etc. Fist of Fury was one of the martial arts classics which performed like so. Bruce Lee has made a huge impact in the martial arts culture. This scene is perhaps one of the classic fighting scenes ever. I’m all about peace and prosperity, but you had to feel him. if you messed my teacher up and disrespect my school, I would be mad too lol #jussaying. Anyway

Happy Bday Ho-sung Pak


Today is the bday of the martial artist/actor/stuntsman, Ho sung Pak. Many people would know him from the first 2 Mortal Kombat games as Liu Kang, national martial arts champion, starred in WMAC masters to name a few. He has influenced people to martial arts from video games to the big screen (kinda wish he was in the motion picture). Happy Birthday my martial arts brethren! here are so clips of Ho Sung from back in the day! Like Steve Ho (the asian conan) says, “Respect ya O.G.’s! osu!!

Prof.Eric “Gomani’ Jefferson’s Seminar


A great friend of mine happened to have a martial arts seminar at the downtown YMCA. The whole concept of the seminar was to develop a couple of effortless techniques to defend yourself in a hostile environment.

Sensitivity (key component in wing chun) builds brain memory to provide second natural reaction . Once you are completely confident with your block/striking, you should rarely have a fear of getting hit. However, if you never use to taking a strike, I suggest you spar more lol.  Over all the seminar was good for those seeking to learn self-defense and add something new to your arsenal.

Gomani explaining his concept

His martial arts certificate

True Story: Gomani and I were not always on the best terms. In fact, we were like rivals as teenagers. Two people from different schools, backgrounds, and strong sense of pride (in the art) can really cause friction. Ironically, for several years I wanted to squash the beef. Instead, I didn’t want to be the loser of this battle.  Sometimes the people who tend to help you at your worse moments of your life suddenly appears for support really shows who they really are. Sometimes you can’t put a price on genuine support; You have to be realistic about situations and let your pride go.

Pride can often burn bridges from reaching your true potential. We all can learn from each other. The love for the martial arts has caused a greater bond towards helping one another opposed to destroying each other. osu!