Killing Time Until the Next Big Martial Arts Blockbuster Is Released: A Guide

While waiting for the next big blockbuster movie to hit theaters, you can immerse yourself in the martial arts world in various ways. Here are some ideas to keep you entertained and engaged with the martial arts genre:

1. Catch Up on Classics

Revisit some classic martial arts films that have shaped the genre:

• Bruce Lee’s Filmography: Movies like Enter the Dragon and The Way of the Dragon are timeless.
• Jackie Chan’s Early Works: Films like Drunken Master and Police Story showcase his unique blend of action and comedy.
• Jet Li’s Masterpieces: Watch Once Upon a Time in China and Hero for intense action and historical drama.

2. Explore Modern Hits

Modern martial arts films have pushed the genre in new directions:

• The Raid Series: Known for its intense and brutal fight scenes.
• John Wick Series: While primarily an action series, it incorporates martial arts choreography.
• Ip Man Series: Chronicling the life of Bruce Lee’s legendary mentor.

3. Dive into Martial Arts TV Shows

There are several TV shows that offer a steady stream of martial arts action:

• Into the Badlands: A post-apocalyptic series with stunning martial arts choreography.
• Warrior: Based on the writings of Bruce Lee, it combines historical drama with high-octane action.
• Cobra Kai: A continuation of the Karate Kid saga, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling.

4. Read Martial Arts Literature

Books and comics can provide deep insights into martial arts philosophy and history:

• The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi: A classic text on strategy and tactics.
• Bruce Lee’s Tao of Jeet Kune Do: Lee’s thoughts on martial arts and his own philosophy.
• Graphic Novels: Titles like The Legend of Bruce Lee and Shang-Chi offer visual and narrative excitement.

5. Watch Documentaries

Learn more about the real-life heroes and history of martial arts:

• Bruce Lee: A Warrior’s Journey: An in-depth look at Bruce Lee’s life and career.
• Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks: A documentary on the global impact of kung fu cinema.
• The Art of Action: A YouTube series by Scott Adkins featuring interviews with martial arts stars.

6. Try Martial Arts Training

Nothing beats experiencing martial arts firsthand:

• Join a Local Dojo or Gym: Many places offer classes in various disciplines such as karate, judo, taekwondo, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
• Online Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube have countless instructional videos from beginners to advanced techniques.
• Virtual Classes: Many dojos now offer virtual classes, allowing you to train from home.

7. Play Martial Arts Video Games

Get your martial arts fix through interactive entertainment:

• Mortal Kombat Series: Known for its intense combat and iconic characters.
• Street Fighter Series: A classic fighting game with a global roster of martial artists.
• Yakuza Series: Combines storytelling with martial arts combat in an open-world setting.

8. Attend Martial Arts Events

Check out local or virtual events to see live action:

• Tournaments and Competitions: Local karate or taekwondo tournaments can be exciting and inspiring.
• Martial Arts Expos: These events often feature demonstrations, workshops, and meet-and-greets with martial arts celebrities.
• Film Festivals: Some festivals focus on action and martial arts films, showcasing new talent and classic films.

9. Create a Martial Arts Film Marathon

Plan a themed movie night with friends or family:

• Pick a Theme: Focus on a specific actor, like Jackie Chan or Donnie Yen, or a particular style, like wuxia or modern action.
• Snacks and Decor: Prepare themed snacks and decorate your space to match the films you’re watching.
• Discussion: After each film, discuss the choreography, storyline, and your favorite moments.

10. Join Online Communities

Engage with other martial arts enthusiasts:

• Forums and Subreddits: Places like r/martialarts or r/movies have active discussions about martial arts films and training.
• Social Media Groups: Facebook and Instagram have groups dedicated to martial arts fans.
• Discord Servers: Join servers that focus on martial arts movies and discussions.

By immersing yourself in these activities, you can stay connected to the martial arts world and make the wait for the next big blockbuster an enjoyable journey.