The essence of fighting

 

Daniel's nightmare

 

Kung Fu Panda 4 - Official Trailer

New Shogun mini-series coming in 2024

(movieweb.com)

Amidst the blockbuster TV shows set to release in 2024 – like Prime Video's Fallout and Netflix's live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender – lies the potential sleeper hit of the year in FX's Shōgun miniseries. If the name sounds familiar, FX's new 10-episode series shares its name and its source material with a short-lived series from 1980 starring Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune, which has gone on to be considered a cult classic.

FX officially announced the series way back in 2018, however, multiple delays, including shooting being halted due to the COVID pandemic, pushed the release date back by half a decade to 2024. Shōgun finished shooting in June 2022 and has since been in post-production, with the series set to hit Hulu in 2024, although a specific date has yet to be unconfirmed. But what is Shogun about? And why could this story of a Western samurai be the sleeper hit of 2024?

Written by Australian/British writer James Clavell, Shōgun is a 1000+ page epic first published in 1975. Filled with murder, romance, war, and intrigue, Shōgun tells the story of British sailor John Blackthorne, whose shipwrecks off the coast of Japan. After being taken captive by a local lord, Blackthorne, fearing for his life in an unknown foreign country, works his way to the right-hand side of the local Daimyo (lord) Yoshii Toranaga. Meanwhile, Toranaga finds himself outnumbered by his rivals at Osaka castle and uses Blackthorne as a pawn to secure his courtly power. Sprawling well over a thousand pages, Shōgun's story slowly unravels as dozens of new characters, threats, romances, and rivals play their part in one of the best-written historical political thrillers.

Alongside its impossible-to-put-down story, Shōgun was also heavily praised for its accurate depictions of Japanese culture during the 1600s. Author of the companion academic journal Learning from Shōgun: Japanese History and Western Fantasy, Henry Smith, said, "In sheer quantity, Shōgun has probably conveyed more information about Japan to more people than all the combined writings of scholars, journalists, and novelists since the Pacific War."

What makes Shōgun's story even more incredible is that it is actually loosely based on a true story. In 1600, English navigator William Adams was recorded as the first English person to sail to Japan and became closely involved with the Shōgun, becoming the first Western Samurai.

Providing FX do right by the source material – which is never a guarantee with adaptations of any kind – 2024's Shōgun has the potential to be one of the best modern samurai stories ever told. Alongside the true story of William Adams, the novel has identifiable influences from the works of Akira Kurosawa, especially in the novel's sprawling battles, and to see these brought to life with 21st-century filmmaking technology would be breathtaking. It is vital that FX's Shōgun nails the action design, as the novel is filled with incredible fights, both large-scale battles and one-on-one duels, and a lazy reliance on CGI would remove the sense of spectacle found in classic Japanese action cinema.

As previously mentioned, Shōgun was previously adapted into a TV show in 1980, which ran for five episodes before being canceled. Although that series has received renewed popularity with modern audiences as a cult classic, it is far from a perfect adaptation. The biggest criticism the show received was its reluctance to explore the Japanese characters' perspectives, one of the most intriguing and important aspects of the book. Instead, the 1980 series honed in on John Blackthorne as the show's sole protagonist, with everyone else relegated to supporting characters.

FX's Shōgun has the opportunity to make things right and live up to the educating presence the novel has had on Western audiences since publication. At its soul, Shōgun is a story of cultural exploration, where members of two sharply contrasting societies collide and grow from each other. The novel dove head first into exploring and breaking the stereotypes the two cultures had formed of each other, not just from a Western perspective, but also dissecting how the Japanese viewed Westerners at the time – through the influence of both the sailors that shipwrecked, and the various Christian missionaries sprawled across Japan during the time period.

The incredible source material isn't the only reason FX's Shōgun has the potential to be one of 2024's best series. The show also boasts an incredible creative team and cast. The new series has been developed by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks (Top Gun: Maverick), with Marks acting as Showrunner. James Clavell's daughter, Michaela Clavell, will serve as an Executive producer on the show. The series will star Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick 4), Cosmo Jarvis (Lady Macbeth), Anna Sawai (F9: The Fast Saga), and Tadanobu Asano (Thor) in front of the camera.

The novel is also the first book in a much larger series known as the Asia Saga. This means that if FX's Shōgun is a success, there is the potential to see the entirety of James Clavell's acclaimed series brought to life. The brand-new trailer for Shōgun can be found below. The series will air on FX and stream on Hulu when it releases in February 2024.

https://movieweb.com/shogun-samurai-series-based-on-novel/

The Cobras working hard after their run-in with Mr. Miyagi

 

Ralph Macchio is in his 60's. Can you believe it?

 

Oh my, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan announce a new Karate Kid movie!

(from the hollywoodreporter.com)

Call it the Karate Kid Cinematic Universe.

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, both of whom starred in Karate Kid movies decades apart, are set to reprise their popular characters in Sony Pictures’ latest installment of the iconic coming-of-age martial arts franchise.

Jonathan Entwistle, best known for his well-regarded and award-winning teen television dramas I’m Not Okay with This and The End of the World, is directing the untitled feature that the studio is positioning as the fusing and continuing the mythology of the original franchise.

A global search for an actor to play the erstwhile title character launched today, with Chan and Macchio kicking things off with an introductory video, seen below.

Rob Lieber, whose credits include Sony’s Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day, wrote the script. The plot line is hiding in the back of the dojo.

However, it is known that the latest iteration will bring the story to the East Coast and focus on a teen from China who finds strength and direction via martial arts and a tough but wise mentor.

Karen Rosenfelt is producing the feature, which Sony has penciled in for a Dec. 13, 2024, release date. A spring shoot is being eyed.

The Karate Kid launched in 1984, with the original movie being an unexpected hit. It starred Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, a Brooklyn kid who moves to California and finds himself an unlikely karate champion under the tutelage of Mr. Miyagi, an apartment handyman who is quite proficient in karate. Miyagi was played by the late Pat Morita, who earned a best supporting actor Oscar nomination his work.

The movie spawned three sequels — Macchio appeared in two of them, while Hilary Swank took on the titular mantle in a 1994 outing — with the franchise seeing a resurgence in the past several years thanks to Cobra Kai. The series became a tornado kick hit for YouTube and Netflix, bringing back many of the original characters, including LaRusso, as it introduced a new generation of butt-kicking teens. Fans have dubbed these stories the Miyagi-verse after Morita’s character; Morita passed away in 2011.

Sony revived the title in 2010 with a remake that updated the story for more modern and global times, focusing on an American kid, played by Jaden Smith, who moves to Beijing and is mentored by a handyman/martial arts master played by Chan, already a beloved international star at that point. The movie turned out be another unexpected hit, grossing $359 million on a budget of $40 million, and scored positive reviews.

In addition to his Karate Kid work, Machhio made hearts flutter with his breakout role in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders. He also starred in 1992 comedy My Cousin Vinny, and more recently, HBO series The Deuce.

Chan, a multihyphenate who also directs and produces, became an action star in his native China with movies such as Drunken Master and franchises Police Story and Project A, where his acrobatic stuntwork dazzled audiences. After his American breakthrough in 1995 with Rumble in the Bronx, he went on to star in the Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon action comedies. He has played a key voice part in the Kung Fu Panda movies and most recently voiced Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. In 2016, Chan became the first Chinese actor to be honored with an Academy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the film industry. 

Dutch running Tommy through some dills before the All Valley

 "We're going to kill that Larusso punk."

New DVD from "the Dojo" - New Budo Martial Arts lesson is now available

I've been following Mr. Norcross and his channel, "The Dojo", on YouTube for a few years now. 

I like his videos, they are fun to watch and you can tell he has dedicated his life to his dojo and the art of ninjutsu. 

Onitama - an elegant and simple game of martial tactics

 

Carved into the crags of the mist-shrouded mountains of ancient Japan lies the Shrine of Onitama. It is a place of enlightenment and skill, a site dedicated to the spirits that guide the Schools of Martial Arts across the land. Masters of these schools hazard the journey to Onitama with their most promising disciples to meet within its hallowed walls and to prove their superiority in battle against the others.

In Onitama, players will vie to capture their opponent’s Master, or, traverse their Master across the board to their opponent’s Master’s starting position to win the game.  To do this, you will be armed with a handful of special and ancient maneuvers, presented on beautiful Tarot size cards, that manipulate the field of battle to your advantage.  Will you use the Dragon to overpower your opponent, the Horse to outmaneuver them, or the Cobra to strike quickly?

These special moves are not yours alone though.  In Onitama, players will shuffle the deck of moves, dealing two moves to each player to begin a game.  In addition, a 5th will be placed face up, to the side of the board.  When it is your turn, you may choose to move any piece using your cards, however, the card you choose to use will then be exchanged with the card to the side of the board.  This means your opponent will have access to that move, after their next!  Can you out-think, out-maneuver, and out-wit your opponent?

With multiple moves to make every game unique, the speed, the grace, and the unique play style of Onitama truly makes this an Essential game for any gamer’s collection!

Beware of anyone who says they have a "no-touch knockout" technique

You see a few of these guys around on the internet.

They either hold a "15th degree" in some art, or they hold a "10th degree" in something like nine or ten different arts. 

Zen seven, ken three

"Zen seven, ken three" is a samurai saying that you hear in a martial arts dojo (training hall) even today. It means that technical ability with the sword (ken) or any other weapon is only 30 percent responsible for your success or failure.

The 70 percent factor (the Zen of the saying) in any battle—crossing swords in kendo, or solving a problem—is inside you. Inner training is devoted to cultivating that inner power.

Steven Nojiri books

 

In Praise Of Spies: Ninjutsu's Role In Shaping Japan - (2012)

Shinobi-no-jutsu played a crucial role in the history of Japan, yet its contributions have become almost completely forgotten. Based on actual shinobi manuals and intricate historical analysis, this book presents an accurate presentation of shinobi-no-jutsu and the role it played in shaping Japanese history.

"In Praise of Spies: Ninjutsu's Role in Shaping Japan" by Steven Nojiri is about Shinobi (aka Ninja) who were essentially highly trained covert agents in the feudal Japan era. The Shinobi specialized in unorthodox warfare which included the black arts of espionage, sabotage, infiltration, evasion and assassination, and overt combat in certain situations. Their covert methods of waging war contrasted the ninja with the samurai, who observed strict rules about honor and combat.

This book focuses on the "spying" aspect of the Shinobi. Espionage was the chief role of the ninja; with the aid of disguises, the Shinobi gathered information on enemy terrain, building specifications, as well as obtaining passwords and communiques, just information in general to develop plans of action. Overall intent of this book is twofold. First the author wanted to provide a reference to the effect indirect impact that Shinobi had on early Japanese history. Additionally the author has intended for this book to be a jumping-off point for the reader to investigate and delve deeper into the various topics through outside sources. Of note this book contains a significant amount of material that has never been printed in the English language. The material within this book is based on actual Shinobi manuals and intricate historical analysis presenting accurately the role played by the Shinobi in shaping Japanese history.

I highly recommend this book to anybody interested in spycraft, espionage, early Japanese history and Ninjutsu practitioners and historians. - T.A.L. Dozer

Sacred Conspiracy: A Commentary to the Fukushima Ryu Shinobi-no-Maki - (2015)

A commentary on the Fukushima Ryu Shinobi-no-Maki by Steven Nojiri. The commentary covers both the original Shinobi-no-Maki and the Annotations. Also included in this book is a brief survey of Kusunoki Ryu. This is not a strict history book. This is a book of commentary and personal opinion.

First of all, as explained by the author, "Sacred Conspiracy" is personal commentary concerning the legitimate historical documents of Fukushima ryu ninjutsu, as well as related subject matter. With that said, while it is not a collegiate history text book, it does indeed offer enjoyable insight into medieval Japanese warfare. Mr. Nojiri also provides his family's (the House of Nojiri) kuden (oral tradition) on this topic, in addition to just translation of historic documents. As oral tradition is not something easily corroborated by independent academia, a fact which is fully explained by Mr. Nojiri, it is up to the reader to determine its validity. I for one enjoyed the book immensely, as well as Mr. Nojiri's previous publication "In Praise of Spies", & do highly recommend reading it. - Thomas Urso

Samurai Traditions of the Tada Genji: An Introduction to Tada, Kusunoki, and Jingunden Traditions - (2023)

This book serves as an introduction to the samurai traditions of the Tada Genji. During the course of this introduction, the reader will also be introduced to the basics of the Kusunoki Tradition(s) and the various Jingunden traditions. Includes presentations of historical teachings from samurai manuals, author commentary, diagrams, and translations.

https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ASteven+Nojiri&s=relevancerank&text=Steven+Nojiri&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

Cobra Kai board game - Road to Victory!

In Netflix Cobra Kai Party Board Game, you can become the sensei! Choose your dojo, train your students and fight in the All-Valley Karate Tournament to become the greatest martial arts school!  It’s time to prove yourself! Draft cards to improve your students, roll dice in tense tournament combat, and reveal Flashbacks at key moments to achieve victory! Students participate in dice battles, with the losing student’s card being turned face down.  The last player to have any students remaining face up wins the game. Strike first, strike hard, no mercy! Netflix Cobra Kai Party Board Game is for 2-4 players, ages 13 and older.  Average play time is 30 minutes.

https://store.asmodee.com/products/cobra-kai?_pos=1&_sid=ecd1451a3&_ss=r

 

Some original Karate Kid magazine articles

Survivor - The Moment Of Truth - the forgotten Karate Kid song

An updated Keanu Reeves in 47 Ronin

 

Cobra Kai - Season 6 Cast Reunion

Set goals

 

Carry a big stick

Walk softly and carry a big stick. But not too big. Especially if you’re headed to the airport. They’ll confiscate it. I’ve surrendered enough sticks to TSA to build a small dojo.

The pause is as important as the note

Never finished

 

Ghost Dog alternative poster by Gokaiju

 https://posterspy.com/posters/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai-3/

Live for it

 

Curious City podcast - Count Dante and the Chicago Dojo Wars

Part 1

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/curious-city/id568409161?i=1000614431201

Part 2

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/curious-city/id568409161?i=1000615255015

Sakura and Samurai

(from the Samurai Art Facebook page)

"Hana wa sakuragi, hito wa bushi" (花は桜木人は武士) is a revered Japanese proverb that carries with it the profound depths of the nation's culture, especially its feudal past. Literally translated as "the [best] blossom is the cherry blossom; the [best] man is the warrior", this saying originated in Japan's medieval period and encapsulates the essence of the samurai warrior class.

The proverb can be alternatively rendered as "among blossoms the cherry blossom, among men, the warrior". This interpretation illustrates a profound comparison: just as the cherry blossom (known as sakura in Japanese) is esteemed above all other flowers, so too is the warrior (or samurai, often referred to in Japanese as bushi) considered the finest among men.

This proverb does not merely rank the samurai as supreme among men, but it also draws a poignant parallel between the warrior and the cherry blossom. The life of a samurai, though marked by glory, was susceptible to an abrupt end during military service - a fate mirrored by the cherry blossom. Known for their ephemeral beauty, cherry blossoms bloom brilliantly for a short period before their petals are shed, reflecting the potential fleetingness of a samurai's life. This enduring metaphor serves as a reminder of the samurai's commitment to live a life of honor and duty, understanding the transience and fragility of existence, akin to the beautiful but brief bloom of the cherry blossom.

Cobra Kai Season 6's Timeline Problem Is About To Get A Lot Worse

(screenrant.com 5-19-23)

Considering some recent developments in Cobra Kai's Season 6's production, the show's timeline problem is about to get worse. Although Cobra Kai has effectively revived the Karate Kid franchise by balancing its runtime between original legacy characters and new younger additions, it has not been able to avoid some noticeable character age problems. This is because while its first five seasons unfolded in a span of 5 years of real-time, only a year went by in the show's actual timeline.

The inconsistencies in Cobra Kai's condensed timeline were not so evident in the second season since a whole year of the characters' lives had passed by the time it reached its conclusion. However, it became visible in recent seasons when seasons 3, 4, and 5's storyline progressed within a timeframe of a few months, making the age of the characters incoherent with that of the cast members playing them. The growing gap between character ages and their respective actors was already a problem, but Cobra Kai's writers' room shut down due to the WGA strike has made this issue even more concerning.

Cobra Kai season 6 was initially set to enter production in May 2023, but the strike will further push it back. The more the production gets delayed, the greater will be the age gap between Cobra Kai's characters and actors. As a result, the high school dynamics and comic-of-age narratives central to Cobra Kai's overarching storyline will seem a lot less plausible since its actors will be visibly several years older than the teenage characters they are playing.

To put this in better perspective, the actor who plays Robby, Tanner Buchanan, is 24 as of May 2023. Meanwhile, his co-stars Xolo Maridueña (Miguel), Peyton List (Tory), Mary Mouser (Sam), and Jacob Bertrand (Eli) are 21, 25, 27, and 23, respectively. Given how there is already a significant difference between the ages of the actors and the characters they portray in Cobra Kai, season 6's production postponements could make it increasingly difficult for the show's creators to sustain the intended continuity in its timeline without stretching the viewers' suspension of disbelief a little too far.

Introducing a time jump in Cobra Kai season 6 could resolve these age discrepancies. However, given how season 5 has already set the stage for an imminent Sekai Taikai tournament, it is impossible for season 6 to jump too far ahead in the future. Cobra Kai's creator John Hurwitz also confirmed that season 6 begins "roughly a year" after season 2's finale, which seems to skew the show's timeline to an even greater degree. Since Cobra Kaiseason 6 has no choice but to move forward with its character age problems, audiences will have to suspend their disbelief and accept that the characters are still high-schoolers even when they do not look the part.

Cobra Kai Season 6 Has Officially STOPPED! (BREAKING NEWS)

An updated Cobra Kai logo - artwork by Hugo Rebaza

 https://www.behance.net/collection/185924719/Cobra-Kai

Fumio Demura - America's Karate Sensei

Sensei Fumio Demura

from the Century Martial Arts Facebook page

We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Sensei Fumio Demura.. 

Fumio was known as “The Real Miyagi”. He was an inspiration for the character in Karate Kid, and even served as Pat Morita’s stunt double in the films. He was also well-versed in Japanese karate. In the 60’s, Fumio moved to America and became one of the first true teachers of Shito-Ryu karate and Okianawan kobudo. His legacy will continue to live on and inspire martial artists all over the world.

Rest in Peace, Fumio Demura. 

‘More Than Miyagi’ Docu Tells the Incredible Story of the Late ‘Karate Kid’ Star Pat Morita

 

(by Scott Fishman tvinsider.com)

Netflix’s smash hit Cobra Kai has some familiar faces from The Karate Kid — the decades-old film franchise on which the spinoff series is based — including former teen champ Daniel LaRusso and his rival Johnny Lawrence.

But one notable absence: sensei Mr. Miyagi, played by Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, who played the mentor and moral compass for “Daniel-san,” and who passed away in 2005.

But an upcoming documentary is here to fill the “wax on/wax off” void. More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story, from director Kevin Derek, aims to give a complete look at the life of the actor, whose wide-ranging credits also included Happy Days and Mulan.

Among those who give interviews and chat about the Oscar-nominated star: His Karate Kid costars Macchio and Zabka, plus Henry Winkler, James Hong, Marion Ross, Don Most, and many others. (Hilary Swank, who starred in The Next Karate Kid, “wanted to do it but didn’t have the time,” reveals Derek.)

The most revealing interview, however, comes courtesy of Morita’s widow, Evelyn Guerrero, who opens up about her husband’s struggles with alcoholism.

“The one thing I didn’t know was the amount he drank. I didn’t know how severe it was,” says Derek, who adds that it began to affect the actor in his later years.

The doc also delves into Morita’s childhood in California, where he spent nine years, starting at age 2, in hospitals with spinal tuberculosis. The condition meant being stuck in a full-body cast from shoulders to knees until the youngster survived an experimental procedure to walk again. He overcame this miraculous hurdle in the midst of World War II. But the Japanese-American was then transferred to an internment camp.

“He endured a lot and been through so much and rose above it and took on one of the most iconic roles in cinema history. It’s unbelievable,” Derek added.

The director has somewhat of a personal connection to Morita. “I’ve studied karate my entire life,” says Derek. His longtime instructor was Fumio Demura, Morita’s stunt double in the Karate Kid movies and the subject of Derek’s 2015 Netflix doc The Real Miyagi. He met Morita “before he had done any Karate Kid films. He seemed like such a genuine person.”

The meeting left an indelible impression on Derek, who hopes audiences walk away from More Than Miyagi knowing that Morita was…well more than Miyagi. He was a survivor, a family man and a pioneer for Asian Americans in Hollywood.

https://www.tvinsider.com/985885/more-than-miyagi-docu-karate-kid-star-pat-morita/

Johnny doing the Crane Technique - it was inevitable

Ok, this is getting a little out of hand

Today at Target I spotted this in the toy section, a Daniel Larusso Power Ranger action figure.

Have we officially "jumped the shark" now?

Samurai artwork by Lucius Romero

 

Enemies?

"When you reach real ability you will be able to become one with the enemy. Entering his heart you will see that he is not your enemy after all." - Tsuji (1650−1730), sword master

Give me that trophy

 Who deserves it more, Daniel or Johnny?

Season 6 artwork by Letsbewater

 

Joaquin Buckley shatters his opponent with the coldest KO in UFC history

The advantages of a fit physique

(from Master Z's Facebook page)

I love the quote that has a photo of an iceberg sticking up and 70% of it under the water. A lot of people think that those as myself that have been lean and fit all our lives are somehow fortunate. Yes, I would agree, but as in acceptance of sacrifice and discipline. I had to work my butt off and continue to do so. A belief is a powerful thing that gets deeply entrenched in your mind and emotions. I totally believe and have believed since I was a kid… that a martial arts teacher must be lean, fit and skilled. Bruce Lee was always my inspiration so it was perfectly clear to me to take on the fight and stick with it lifelong... as all martial artist should do. Our life is an expression of self-discipline and self-control. We lead by our personal example as all good leaders.

With all the sacrifice that goes along in being lean and fit year round comes so many benefits. Being skilled is highly important, and more so than the latter. But looking the part makes your job simpler and more effective. It would be challenging for me if I was overweight and out of shape to speak about self-discipline, self-control, and commitment. Sure, I’ve written about this in the past and heard back all kinds of excuses as to why it’s tough for some to get lean and fit. Honestly, excuses should not be a part of a martial artists language. We live and teach about excellence and how to achieve that with sacrifice. Learning to accept, and actually enjoy the sacrifice is the only way. We’ve all seen videos of people with incredible handicaps achieving amazing things. Let’s keep that in mind when the disease of excusitis hits you. 

Being lean and fit places you in a position of advantage in many ways. As soon as you walk into a room people notice you. Most people will admire your commitment and self-discipline. The other ones will envy you for it. It’s easier for them to believe what you do for a living by your appearance. People will listen more attentively when you speak about anything related to fitness, nutrition, health… discipline and like it or not, martial arts as well. Looking strong and fit is a look of power and that has an advantage of intimidating trouble makers. You will not look like a victim and will look much harder to deal with. But a big factor is the level of confidence that looking the part will have on you. Being lean and fit is like a double barrel shotgun in personal power. Skill is more important, but is not visible by everyone else. But when you combine it all you have what I like to consider an invisible Armour, shield and sword. 

Strong & Inspired

- Master Z

Sacred training space

artwork by Logan Lee

 

Master Ken Monday

 Time to grab Monday** by the Groin!

.**This is a reference to the day of the week, not a person who is coincidentally named Monday…unless someone with that name is behaving in a threatening manner…in which case by all means…

Cobra Kai season 6 to be the last

 

Artwork by Christian Francone