Self-made and self-taught, the story of Martial Club - a YouTube channel created in 2012 by Daniel Mah and the brothers Andy Le and Brian Le - is truly inspiring. As kids obsessed with kung fu movies, they would copy the moves, create their own short films and upload them to the internet, purely as a way of expressing their passion for the martial arts. As their filmmaking and on-screen talent progressed - Brian, Andy and Daniel are all incredible performers, combining their martial arts skills with tricking, breakdancing, gymnastics and more - as did their following, and pretty soon, Hollywood came calling. The last few years have been a whirlwind for the Le brothers, including work as fight choreographers on the multi award-winning 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', which involved going toe-to-toe on-screen with the queen of kung fu cinema, Michelle Yeoh; then there was a TV commercial with Jackie Chan, work on the Marvel blockbuster, 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', plus TV work in 'Into the Badlands' (Brian doubled the actor Nick Frost) and 'The Brothers Sun' (again with Michelle Yeoh). Their success is built on over a decades' worth of hard work and dedication to the craft of martial arts filmmaking; they have quite literally put their blood, sweat, and tears into producing some of the most exciting kung fu action you will find on the internet. Their latest short film, 'Shaolin Avengers', is a love-letter to the genre they cherish and its their most ambitious project yet. It shows them at the top of their game - creative, comedic, and highly charged. With plans to turn it into a feature film, it seems the inspirational story of Martial Club is far from over.

LINKS

Martial Club on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/martialclub

Martial Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martialclubofficial/

Andy Le on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyle_official/

Brian Le on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianle_official/

'Shaolin Avengers' by Martial Club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1K8OtHQuas

'Ip Man - The Intercepting Fist' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/08akhqwjBwc?si=8KcRpZheGa-JWcfr

'Supreme Art of War' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/-dzt7vski64?si=YKPt2dINl76qUhjO

'A Kung Fu Vampire Story' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/y3PVTrVQvH0?si=mDFXfG8HDdfAgdUl

'Working with Jackie Chan' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/JvV_Sa4Tnso?si=owF4jXmmfPsudzRf

'Luc Van Tien: Kung Fu Warrior' (2017) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/LucVanTien2017

'The Paper Tigers' (2020) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ThePaperTigersKFMG

'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings' (2021) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ShangChiKFMG

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/EEAAO2022

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' fanny pack fight scene: https://youtu.be/1UQ7yvfctOU?si=ijp8o4U7gmnzvfwr

'Everything Everywhere All at Once' trophy fight scene: https://youtu.be/O-gplbWy__Q?si=QFjLeMmIcBN7kPup

'Urban Ninja' clip on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D2kJZOfq7zk?si=kbebwtc4mkIUJ63G

'Turn Down for What' by DJ Snake and Lil Jon, directed by Daniels: https://youtu.be/HMUDVMiITOU?si=7Q5vJDld7k-3GF0d

Donate to the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on PayPal: https://paypal.me/kungfumovieguide

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second of our four live podcasts - co-hosted by the 'Life of Action' author, Mike Fury - we welcome back the British stunt coordinator and former Hong Kong stuntman, Jude Poyer. Jude's first appearance was on Episode 48 back in 2019. Now, in 2025, he is the action director behind Xavier Gens' violent French brawler, 'Farang' (aka 'Mayhem!'), and Gareth Evans' lauded co-collaborator, having worked with 'The Raid' director on his landmark UK crime series, 'Gangs of London', and the eagerly-awaited Netflix production, 'Havoc', starring Tom Hardy. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jude unveils his secret to coordinating a great action sequence, what it feels like to be kicked in the face by Yuen Biao, the difference between working in Hong Kong and the UK, and why he thinks Gareth Evans might be one of the best action filmmakers working in the industry today.

This episode was recorded live at the Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford, UK, on 12 November 2024, following a screening of the crazy Hong Kong superhero film, 'The Heroic Trio' (1993), directed by Johnnie To, produced by Tony Ching Siu-tung, and starring Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui and Maggie Cheung. Screening as part of the British Film Institute's Art of Action season - in association with the Independent Cinema Office and Film Hub South East - we also discuss the film and its impact, as well as sharing our thoughts on the lasting legacy of the 'golden age' of Hong Kong action cinema.

LINKS

Jude Poyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelpowerstunts/

Jude Poyer on X: https://twitter.com/ReelPowerStunts

Jude Poyer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReelPowerStunts

Jude Poyer's website: http://www.reelpowerstunts.com/

Jude Poyer on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0694706/

Jude Poyer on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast, Episode 48: http://kungfumovieguide.com/kfmg-podcast-s04-episode-48-jude-poyer/

Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury/

Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/

'The Heroic Trio' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/the-heroic-trio/

'The Heroic Trio' trailer: https://youtu.be/zhrYrExHi2s

Buy 'The Heroic Trio' on Blu-ray: https://www.criterion.com/boxsets/7155-the-heroic-trio-executioners

Visit the Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford: https://uppcinema.com/

Learn more about the BFI's Art of Action season: https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-action

A huge thank you to Independent Cinema Office (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/) and Film Hub South East (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/film-hub-south-east/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first live episode - recorded at the wonderful Depot Cinema in Lewes, UK - we welcome back the actor and martial artist Katrina Durden, who first appeared on Episode 12 of the podcast back in 2017. From her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 'Doctor Strange' (2016) and Joey Ansah's fantastic 'Street Fighter' web series, to roles in TV's 'Strike Back', 'Heads of State' starring Idris Elba and John Cena, and the upcoming 'Red Sonja' reboot, Katrina has been kicking-ass in action movies for over a decade. In this special live episode, podcast host Ben Johnson is joined by friend of the show and author of 'Life of Action', Mike Fury, to discuss Katrina's journey from London to Hollywood, her inspirations both on-screen and off, and her experiences working in action movies.

This conversation took place after a rare screening of the 1967 Taiwanese wuxia classic, 'Dragon Inn', directed by Chinese auteur King Hu, showing as part of the BFI's Art of Action season. Ben, Katrina and Mike discuss why the film is so important in the history of martial arts and 'wuxia' cinema, and how it continues to inspire generations of filmmakers. This conversation took place on 7 November 2024 and is the first of four live shows recorded as part of the BFI's Art of Action season, organised in association with the Independent Cinema Office and Film Hub South East. A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the show and the wonderful staff at the Depot Cinema in Lewes.

LINKS

Katrina Durden on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinadurden/

Katrina Durden on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast, Episode 12: http://kungfumovieguide.com/kfmg-podcast-s02-episode-12-yolanda-lynes-david-cheung-katrina-durden/

Katrina Durden profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/profile-katrina-durden/

Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury/

Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/

'Dragon Inn' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/dragon-gate-inn/

King Hu profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/profile-king-hu/

'Dragon Inn' trailer, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment: https://youtu.be/ySSUsV_qGS8

Buy 'Dragon Inn' on Blu-ray: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/dragon-inn/

Visit the Depot Cinema in Lewes: https://lewesdepot.org/

Learn more about the BFI's Art of Action season: https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-action

A huge thank you to Independent Cinema Office (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/) and Film Hub South East (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/film-hub-south-east/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again - the annual Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast End of Year Show returns for its eighth year!

Featuring the author of Life of Action Vol. 1 and 2, Mike Fury, we unpack our martial arts movie highlights of the year, discuss the news that has been hitting the headlines, and - because it's the festive season - we also unwrap some martial arts-themed Christmas presents.

2024 has been a particularly strong year for fight-centric action films. We saw the return of many fan favourites - Po the panda returned in Kung Fu Panda 4, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine returned for Deadpool & Wolverine - and many of the legends of martial arts cinema released multiple films this year, from Jean-Claude Van Damme to Cynthia Rothrock, Jackie Chan to Scott Adkins. But which movies will make the cut in our personal top five of the year - and which film will be crowned the best of 2024?

We also read out messages from you - the loyal Fu followers - who have been submitting your opinions on your favourite fight films from the year. And if you want to play along at home, we've put together a list of martial arts movies released in the UK this year (according to IMDb), available on our website. A huge thank you for your ongoing support in 2024, and wherever you are in the world, have a very happy new year!

Read our not-very-comprehensive list of martial arts movies released in 2024: https://bit.ly/EOYShow2024

DONATE TO THE SHOW ON PAYPAL

Your donation will go towards our continued efforts to share the latest martial arts movie news, reviews and podcasts. https://paypal.me/KungFuMovieGuide

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Is Scott Adkins the natural successor to Jean-Claude Van Damme? Why did Andrew Koji almost quit acting only months before landing the lead role in the beloved kung fu series, Warrior? And can we expect a rematch between Indonesian action stars Joe Taslim and Iko Uwais? The answers to these questions and many more are revealed in Best of Actors, one of three compilation shows released simultaneously to celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, which started life back in 2016. Over three episodes, I share some of my favourite conversations recorded over the last eight years of the show. On this episode, you will hear from: Cynthia Rothrock, the undisputed queen of martial arts movies, who discusses her feelings about being a role model for women in action cinema and the martial arts; Andrew Koji, the British actor whose career has gone from strength to strength after securing the lead role in the Warrior TV show, inspired by the writings of Bruce Lee; Scott Adkins, who has made five appearances on the show since its inception, who discusses his career highlights including receiving awards in China from Jackie Chan; Michiko Nishiwaki, the Japanese bodybuilder who became an action star during the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema in the 1980s and 90s; and Joe Taslim, Indonesian judo champion and one of the biggest names in modern martial arts cinema, whose films include The Raid, The Night Comes for Us, and Mortal Kombat.

If you enjoyed this 'best of' compilation episode, remember to check out Best of Directors and Best of Stunts, which have also dropped at the same time as this episode. Listen to the full conversations with all my guests who have appeared on this show via the website, kungfumovieguide.com, and everywhere you get podcasts.

LINKS

'Best of Directors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfDirectors

'Best of Stunts': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfStunts

Cynthia Rothrock on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodCynthiaRothrock

Andrew Koji on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEpisode37

Scott Adkins on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodScottAdkins

Michiko Nishiwaki on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodMichikoNishiwaki

Joe Taslim on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJoeTaslim

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a stunt performer is both exhilarating and dangerous, spectacular yet physically and mentally demanding. Stunt performers put their lives on the line every day for our viewing pleasure, yet are seemingly ostracised from the film world, especially in Hollywood where there is still no Academy Award for their service to the industry. Since this podcast was launched in 2016, I have had the pleasure of speaking to many of the leading voices in the stunt world, from stunt doubles and performers to fight trainers who work with huge movie stars to make them look awesome for the big screen, and stunt coordinators whose job it is to keep everybody safe. In this 'best of' episode - one of three compilation shows which have been released simultaneously - my guests include: Jonathan Eusebio, the legendary fight coordinator who helped to create the fighting styles for both Jason Bourne and John Wick, revolutionising Hollywood action cinema in the process; Jwaundace Candece, founder of stuntpoc.com, who is working tirelessly for better representation for stunt performers of colour in the industry; Olivia Jackson, whose life was transformed forever when a stunt went horribly wrong while doubling Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter; Rocky Taylor, Britian's oldest stunt performer, still going strong at nearly 80 years old; and Heidi Moneymaker, stunt coordinator and performer best known for doubling Scarlett Johansson as the Marvel superhero, Black Widow.

If you enjoyed this 'best of' compilation episode, then remember to check out Best of Directors and Best of Actors, which have also dropped at the same time as this episode. Listen to the full conversations with all my guests who have appeared on this show over the last eight years via the website, kungfumovieguide.com, and everywhere you get podcasts.

LINKS

'Best of Directors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfDirectors

'Best of Actors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfActors

Jonathan Eusebio on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJonathanEusebio

Jwaundace Candece on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEpisode58

Olivia Jackson on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodOliviaJackson

Rocky Taylor on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodRockyTaylor

Heidi Moneymaker on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodHeidiMoneymaker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With financing and shooting schedules shrinking, how hard is it to make a decent action movie on a low budget? How can you make your lead actor look like an action hero if they refuse to train? And is there scope in the martial arts genre for tackling more challenging topics, like homophobia and racism? In 'Best of Directors' - one of three compilation shows available now - I share some of my favourite conversations with directors who have appeared on the podcast since its inception in 2016. This includes: Hollywood stunt legend J.J. Perry, who made his directorial debut in 2022 with the vampire action comedy, Day Shift, starring Jamie Foxx; the actor and filmmaker Diana Lee Inosanto, best known for playing Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, who discusses her 2008 martial arts indie, The Sensei; Jesse V. Johnson, known for his work with UK action star Scott Adkins in films including Triple Threat, Accident Man, and Avengement; Gareth Evans, visionary director of The Raid series; and Isaac Florentine, responsible for some of the best martial arts movies of the 2000s, including the Undisputed films and Ninja series.

If you enjoyed this 'best of' compilation episode, then remember to check out Best of Stunts and Best of Actors, which have dropped simultaneously with this episode. Listen to the full conversations with all my guests who have appeared on this show over the last eight years via the website, kungfumovieguide.com, and everywhere you get podcasts.

LINKS

'Best of Stunts': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfStunts

'Best of Actors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfActors

J.J. Perry on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJJPerry

Diana Lee Inosanto on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodDianaLeeInosanto

Jesse V. Johnson on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJesseVJohnson

Gareth Evans on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/GarethEvansKFMGPod

Isaac Florentine on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/Episode67KFMGPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of our annual End of Year Show - featuring the author of 'Life of Action' Vol 1 and 2, the action movie expert Mike Fury - we discuss our favourite fight-centric action films of 2023. Which film will be crowned our favourite of the year? We also read out comments from Fu followers around the world who have been telling us their favourite martial arts movies of the year over email and social media. We also discuss some of the films that we disliked in 2023 and look ahead to the martial arts movies we are most looking forward to in 2024. A huge thank you to all the Fu followers around the world for all your support in 2023. See you in 2024!

LISTEN TO PART ONE

https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEOYShow2023PartOne

LINKS

Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/

Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury

Mike Fury on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMikeFury

Kung Fu Movie Guide website: https://bit.ly/KFMGhome

Kung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: https://bit.ly/KFMGInstagram

Kung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: https://bit.ly/KFMGFacebook

Kung Fu Movie Guide on X (formerly Twitter): https://bit.ly/KFMGTwitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.