Xtreme Martial Arts

[47MartialMan]

OMG...a special on Discovery channel about the martial arts and the announcer stating how these point sparers have the killer instinct...among other stuff on there....P_L_E_A_S_E....anyone else has anything to add?

[mj-hi-yah]

OMG...a special on Discovery channel about the martial arts and the announcer stating how these point sparers have the killer instinct...among other stuff on there....P_L_E_A_S_E....anyone else has anything to add? :lol: Ha ha ha ha ha, well from an announcer's point of view, in an effort to sensationalize, there must have been a tendency to exaggerate I think. If it's the same show that I'm thinking of I saw it awhile ago and actually thought some of it was interesting (like when they showed the muscles used in certain fighting situations), but your point on the point sparers is well taken.

[47MartialMan]

:lol: Ha ha ha ha ha, well from an announcer's point of view, in an effort to sensationalize, there must have been a tendency to exaggerate I think. If it's the same show that I'm thinking of I saw it awhile ago and actually thought some of it was interesting (like when they showed the muscles used in certain fighting situations), but your point on the point sparers is well taken.
yeah the special body FZ was interesting for the beginner or enteratinament aspect of it

[mj-hi-yah]

yeah the special body FZ was interesting for the beginner or enteratinament aspect of itI just remember that part was kewl to watch.:cool: Did I read a post of yours somewhere that you have 40 years of experience in martial arts? I'll be old by that time LOL so maybe I'll always be a bit of a beginner, and so to me it was entertaining. I was curious about the people who compete in the elaborate forms competitions. It's very different from what I learn, and very acrobatic - I did wonder who really fights like that?, but it was fun to watch their demos. See how nervous the one guy they featured got?

[47MartialMan]

Yes close to 40 years....my name 47MartialMan reflects my age...a year ago...I am now 48 and have been training since 9-1/2. I have went through 8 styles/systems and had about 11 instructors. Many are gone...moved or deceased. Only a few remain.

I am no longer-hardly intriqued by the "entertainment" of it...

Many experiences would have me change certain things has i hind sight or a way to do it over. But, the way of it, I am still a martial artist.

[terryl965]

Nobody fights like that they woulg be hurt or killed by someone with the experience of a real fighter. Try and do a 540 roundhouse see how fast someone would put you on the floor. Whats next baby's that are killing machines like the one in Baby Genous.

[47MartialMan]

Well, speaking of the program, it was produced to have entertainment in mind...

[Simon Curran]

It may of entertained some, but I was hoping there might actually be something of value in it, instead all it did was "p" me off, don't get me started, I get wound up just thinking about it...

[47MartialMan]

It may of entertained some, but I was hoping there might actually be something of value in it, instead all it did was "p" me off, don't get me started, I get wound up just thinking about it...
But I WANT (not shouting-emphasizing) to get you started..."fire away"...

[Adept]

I dunno, I quite enjoy watching shows like this. Just like I enjoy watching the acrobatics when the olympics is on. It's a display of athletic excellence, if not self defense or fighting skills.

[Simon Curran]

Agreed, Adept, it is a show of athletic skill, but nothing more, I love to watch the gymnastics in the olympics, the things they can do with the human body are incredible, but I wouldn't expect them to necessarily be able to fight just because they can jump around in the air / stand on their hands etc.

Martial man, the thing about it that really gets my goat is that it just serves to perpetuate the public myths about martial arts, by that I mean a lot of people already believe that martial arts is nothing more than they saw in the latest Jackie Chan movie or The Matrix or whatever.
This is why there are people who walk around thinking they are an expert on the composition of the martial arts because they have seen TV shows or films like this, and thereby formulate the opinion that "all that kung fu stuff doesn't really work" or "you would never be able to do that" etc (I'm sure you know what I mean)
One of the parts of that show I really "love" is the demonstration of Mike Chat's fantastic hard body techniques, sorry but anybody who has ever trained with any amount of contact knows full well that when struck they should exhale and tense their muscles, if they didn't know it to start with they will figure it out soon enough...
As regards the SFX I thought it was quite interesting to see science applied to the martial arts with reference to muscle structure etc. but again, anyone who has ever trained knows how it FEELS for themselves, they don't need to see a computer generated image telling them what they are doing.
I also tought that the Wu-Shu styled 2 man weapons sets were beautiful to watch, and I am one of the supporters of sets / forms etc, but it is still just a drill, and not real life application.
Another favourite of mine is the guy doing the XMA Katana form, yeah it does look impressive that a guy can throw a Katana up in the air and catch it after doing a triple tucked back somersault or whatever, but I am pretty sure that were he ever to be in a sword fight (as unlikely as it is in this day and age...) somebody would be hacking him to pieces whilst he didn't have his sword in his hand to defend himself, I could probably think of a whole lot more to criticise about the show, but I havn't seen it for a while (thankfully:rolleyes: ), and I know that it is easy to criticise that with which we are unfamiliar, but that is just not what martial arts are about to me, everyone gets into the martial arts for their own reasons, and that is their choice, but the media does nothing to represent the other side of the martial arts, because that doesn't sell, and they are, after all businesses...

[The Kai]

Actually i would like to see the guy try it with a sharp blade!!

Again, why are'nt the martial arts respected as a fighting art? Watch this show

[ginshun]

I don't know, after watching that guy with the katana, I don't think I would want to try and get near him if he had one. I have no idea what kind of actual combat/self defence training he has had with it, but just the amount of control he has over the blade is quite impressive to me.

I was sitting and watching the show last night with a bunch of non-martial artists, and they were a lot more impressed with most of the stuff on it than I was. I did like it though. The two person Wu-Shu type demos and the computer FX were sweet.

[OUMoose]

I was a little disappointed in that program, figuing it would be alot more of the CG tech stuff, and alot less of the tourney fighting story.

There was a show on the Discovery Times channel called Martial Arts - The Real Story (http://dtc.discovery.com/schedule/episode.jsp?episode=0&cpi=51329&gid=0&channel=DTC) that dealt alot more with the arts themselves, and covered a broad range of styles. Unfortunately it's downfall was that they tried to cover too much ground, so they couldn't go too in-depth with the material. Still, I would recommend that show if you can catch it on a rerun.

[47MartialMan]

Actually i would like to see the guy try it with a sharp blade!!

Again, why are'nt the martial arts respected as a fighting art? Watch this show
I guess we all post like a couple of mixed-matched nuts and bolts-"cross-threading"

[Shaolinwind]

OMG...a special on Discovery channel about the martial arts and the announcer stating how these point sparers have the killer instinct...among other stuff on there....P_L_E_A_S_E....anyone else has anything to add?OMG that show was such a pile. He's doing forms and what do they show? a shot of people watching. I can react on my own thanks I don't need a guide as to how to react, lol. The editing is so abnoxious, and so hollywood. I would much rather watch an instructional video done on a VHS camera from 1989 than that glitzy crap.

[Feisty Mouse]

I want to get all of my instructors into a big comfortable TV room, and record what they say while watching. My own Mystery Science Theater 3000.

[Shaolinwind]

I want to get all of my instructors into a big comfortable TV room, and record what they say while watching. My own Mystery Science Theater 3000.Martial Science Theater 3000, awesome. I'd be interested in seeing the host segments ;)

Hai Keeba!

[47MartialMan]

I want to get all of my instructors into a big comfortable TV room, and record what they say while watching. My own Mystery Science Theater 3000.OMG...i thought i was the only insane MST fan...

[Shaolinwind]

OMG...i thought i was the only isane MST fan...
There are very few I haven't seen. Try me!

[47MartialMan]

That would be a awesomw show MMAT

Mystery Martial Art Theatre....:)..

I would tune in religiously....

[Feisty Mouse]

That would be a awesomw show MMAT

Mystery Martial Art Theatre....:)..

I would tune in religiously....
Every week, a different mix of instructors commenting on either kung-fu movies, action films, or the XMA stuff.

I miss MST3K. Joel was the best host.

[Shaolinwind]

Every week, a different mix of instructors commenting on either kung-fu movies, action films, or the XMA stuff.

I miss MST3K. Joel was the best host.
The conversation has switched from Xtreme Martial Arts to a show that was cancelled 7 years ago.. I guess the general sentiment on Xtreme MA is clear!

(Mike's better.) ;)

[47MartialMan]

yes....but were on psoeaking of a new show that will make the xtreme one xtremely funny.

[Simon Curran]

Actually i would like to see the guy try it with a sharp blade!!

Again, why are'nt the martial arts respected as a fighting art? Watch this show
Exactly...

[Feisty Mouse]

The conversation has switched from Xtreme Martial Arts to a show that was cancelled 7 years ago.. I guess the general sentiment on Xtreme MA is clear!

(Mike's better.) ;)
sorry for the distraction!

(and clearly, you must be nuts! Joel was much more....sardonic)

[Shaolinwind]

sorry for the distraction!

(and clearly, you must be nuts! Joel was much more....sardonic)
Oh I don't mind the distraction one bit. I was just pointing out that's just how much people care about the Xtreme MA show.. Not even enough to stay on subject. I'm quite comfortable with an MST conversation. =) Sure beats arguing about abortion rights, lol.

(I don't care WHO gets to be the captive on the S.O.L., I want the show back!!)

[The Kai]

Joel all the way

[Chronuss]

this is excellent...the topic was about a show that demoed XMA...and we talk about MST3K...that's just friggin' great.

but I digress...as many before me have stated...the show was a steaming pile. the most interesting part was the WuShu lady doing the rope dart form, I would've killed myself thrice over with that thing.

on a sidenote...MST3K is on DVD. :D

[Shaolinwind]

this is excellent...the topic was about a show that demoed XMA...and we talk about MST3K...that's just friggin' great.

but I digress...as many before me have stated...the show was a steaming pile. the most interesting part was the WuShu lady doing the rope dart form, I would've killed myself thrice over with that thing.

on a sidenote...MST3K is on DVD. :D
Im still hoping that some day KTMA 1 and 2 will surface. I have b+ tapes of all the other existing KTMA episodes.

[47MartialMan]

Im still hoping that some day KTMA 1 and 2 will surface. I have b+ tapes of all the other existing KTMA episodes.
KTMA?

[Shaolinwind]

KTMA?Oh, sorry. Before they got on comedy central, they were on a Minnesota UHF channel called KTMA Channel 23 in Minneapolis. There were 21 episodes from 1988 to 1989 before they moved on to cable. There are no known recordings of the first 3 episodes. This was the time where they did in fact riff on the movie off the cuff rather than the extensive writing they did on later episodes.

[47MartialMan]

Yeah, starnge how this turened from extrem to MST3k

[Chronuss]

just goes to show that we'd rather watch a human and to animatronic actors rip on cult classic movies than watch some guy get his arse handed to him in point sparring a do a kiah that resembles the sounds of a constipated grizzly bear.

[47MartialMan]

just goes to show that we'd rather watch a human and to animatronic actors rip on cult classic movies than watch some guy get his arse handed to him in point sparring a do a kiah that resembles the sounds of a constipated grizzly bear.yes, but woe to those that have watched the extreme and believe

[achilles]

I honestly thought that the whole XMA thing was just a new advertising stunt to sell uniforms.

[The Kai]

Uniforms, weapons, patchs, backpacks, twirly sticks. Not too mention the arm and leg costing seminars. Century like to promote treends that sell tons of redundant gear

[TonyM.]

XMA causes the sort of laughter in me that heals the heart.

[Chronuss]

XMA causes the sort of laughter in me that heals the heart.
:rofl: that just healed my heart. :D

[KenpoTess]

Yeppers.. Page after page of XMA nonsense in Century.. *rolling eyes*

[Grey Eyed Bandit]

Visually impressive for the twelve year-olds, at least.

[Feisty Mouse]

I honestly thought that the whole XMA thing was just a new advertising stunt to sell uniforms.
:lol:

I guess the gold lame gi looks a lot better when someone's wearing it while twirling a staff around or ...yuck...spitting on the floor before performing.

(I was really surprised with that - that the judges wouldn't be bothered by that.)

[achilles]

Who needs manners (or for that matter, real self-defense skills) when you've got attitude, baditude, spirit and a snazzy uniform!

I think much of it is analogous to figure skating in a hockey game. Sure, its visually impressive and takes talent, but what does it have to do with hockey?

[The Kai]

kind funny, since it's being pushes as a way to sign up teenagers, show how to spit and act out thier badattide.
So, you have the catagory of people most likely to question the martial arts, teenagers, teach something as trifle as XMA and Boom Goes The Dynamite!! You've created a serious of punchlines about the martial arts.
BTW - Please don't call it a Uniform, since it has none of the functionality, refer to as 'The Costume'

[Blindside]

:lol:

I guess the gold lame gi looks a lot better when someone's wearing it while twirling a staff around or ...yuck...spitting on the floor before performing.

(I was really surprised with that - that the judges wouldn't be bothered by that.)

I saw an adult do the WWE Triple H spit water into the air thing before he started his form. There is a reason I refuse to judge those divisions.

Lamont

[bignick]

BTW - Please don't call it a Uniform, since it has none of the functionality, refer to as 'The Costume'
.

[Feisty Mouse]

I am just so happy to see the word "badditude" being used.

It gives me warm fuzzies. :D

[achilles]

What function does a uniform have? Judo and JiuJitsu Gi are used for gripping, but in general what functions, other social functions, do uniforms have?

On a side note, if one of my students spit on the floor, he would be given the ultimatum of cleaning it up himself and swearing to never do it again or he would be forced to leave. I don't even let people use their mouths to help attach velcro straps on equipment.

[The Kai]

how your Gi snaps is part of it, if the top stays closed without having to tug it closed, during a workout
Even Karate needs a durable Gi

[Drifter]

On a side note, if one of my students spit on the floor, he would be given the ultimatum of cleaning it up himself and swearing to never do it again or he would be forced to leave.
:roflmao:

That's one of the funniest things I've read in a while, no disrespect meant. Just the way it sounded made me bust up laughing. Thank you very much!

[TChase]

I like this thread. Maybe there is still hope for the martial arts....

[47MartialMan]

Ah yes, Xtreme Martial art programs/tv/cable, need extreme graphics, fx, and uniforms.............

[Simon Curran]

I loved those "costumes"...
Reminds me of something I saw in some 70's movie about the future and how we would al be wearing that sort of stuff in the 21st century...
So now the martial arts have gone from being the produce of the ancient orient to some 70's movie spin-off...
Now that's what I call progress.:rolleyes:

[47MartialMan]

I loved those "costumes"...
Reminds me of something I saw in some 70's movie about the future and how we would al be wearing that sort of stuff in the 21st century...
So now the martial arts have gone from being the produce of the ancient orient to some 70's movie spin-off...
Now that's what I call progress.:rolleyes:
Hmmnnn, that is where "Century" ma supplies got its name?

[Simon Curran]

Hmmnnn, that is where "Century" ma supplies got its name?
Yeah, maybe they saw too much "Buck Rogers" as well...

[Shaolinwind]

I loved those "costumes"...
Reminds me of something I saw in some 70's movie about the future and how we would al be wearing that sort of stuff in the 21st century...
So now the martial arts have gone from being the produce of the ancient orient to some 70's movie spin-off...
Now that's what I call progress.:rolleyes:
There was the one guy who I thought was wearing some southern Chinese type Kung-Fu uniform. Then it occured to me he was just dressed like Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat.

[terryl965]

There was the one guy who I thought was wearing some southern Chinese type Kung-Fu uniform. Then it occured to me he was just dressed like Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat.Today 06:56 AM



Yea they are really gearing towards marketing and trying to bring that movie image to life, that way all childern and movie goers have a clue to what they ar doing.

[Shaolinwind]

There was the one guy who I thought was wearing some southern Chinese type Kung-Fu uniform. Then it occured to me he was just dressed like Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat.Today 06:56 AM



Yea they are really gearing towards marketing and trying to bring that movie image to life, that way all childern and movie goers have a clue to what they ar doing.

Wearing uniforms that are neither functional nor traditional seems vane to me. To me, Martial Arts are about humility not vanity.

[achilles]

You guys are way off the mark. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to drive my hover car to chi ball and spirit yell contest. We fight to the death... as in the first to to touch the other with some wicked looking dipped foam sparring equipment.

Honestly, martial artists let their fantasies get in the way of their better judgement frequently.

[Simon Curran]

You guys are way off the mark. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to drive my hover car to chi ball and spirit yell contest. We fight to the death... as in the first to to touch the other with some wicked looking dipped foam sparring equipment.

Honestly, martial artists let their fantasies get in the way of their better judgement frequently.
Sad but true, and this TV show is just evidence of the fact.

[47MartialMan]

Wearing uniforms that are neither functional nor traditional seems vane to me. To me, Martial Arts are about humility not vanity.
Speaking of uniforms and vanity....:

http://www.spiritualminds.com/articles.asp?articleid=2021

[arnisador]

See also:
http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23644