I would say the same for MAKO I’ve been seeing him in films since I started watching movies In the 60s. He has a distinction of fighting Bruce Lee in the green hornet and Jackie Chan in the big brawl not to mention the host of other martial arts films he may have even started the truck film
That punch in the bar you said was too fast was actually three. Kenpo uses a lot of circles and figure-8 motions. it was a right "slap" to the face, a left knife hand to the other side, then a right back-fist, all in a tight circle. The idea behind it was to hit as many places as possible, with low power to create an opening for a powerful finishing move. Kenpo does spin a lot, but kicks are rarely above waist high. We had a seminar with the actor from this movie where he said kicking someone in the head is like headbutting their foot. If you want to kick someone in the head, kick them in the groin or stomach, to bring the head down to the right height. The main boss here is James Hong, a Chinese actor with hundreds of film credits starting in the 60's. He was in Chinatown and Wayne's World 2. He was a staple of 70's and 80's crime shows. If you needed a villain/wise old man, you cast him. The big guy is Professor Toru Tanaka. He's been the heavy in movies from the 70's on, and has been beaten up by everyone from Chuck Norris to the Three Ninjas. For a while, he was a professional wrestler. He wasn't in a lot of films, but he was the same character in every film he was in. Not long before this movie came out, there was a Michael Douglas movie called Yakuza. it put the word into American minds, so they probably used it here because it was well known. To those of us with a little more knowledge on the subject, Yakuza are strictly Japanese organized crime. Tongs are Chinese. I don't think I've ever heard the name for one in Korean. Another thing you'll see in American action movies is the trend in weapons. This one actually didn't follow it, but it's surprising how much the rest did. Starting in the early 80's if there was a knife, it was a butterfly knife (Balisong). This lasted about 10 years. In the 90's, Desert Eagle handguns were everywhere. Starting in the mid-2000's EVERY character who could fight but wasn't played by an actual martial artist studied Krav Magha (the Israeli commando training). If you haven't already done it, Rapid Fire with Brandon Lee would be a great addition to your channel. it stars Bruce Lee's son is his only true martial arts film, and the final villain uses a style not often seen in US movies. it also has some great action sequences. The apartment fight and the one with AL Leong are amazing for different reasons.
Sorry to correct, but he actually said it was "not that fast" which I believe he was referring to the sound effect playing the hits seemingly faster than the actual hits connecting although It may have just been out of sync. Still, nice break down of the attack ^_^
@@bewarethegreyghost I thought he was mentioned in part 1. He's also Aku in Samurai Jack. Mako being in a borderline movie was often the reason I chose to see it.
The way he enters the building is Ninjitsu. The way he uses the fire extinguisher as a "smoke bomb" is Ninjitsu. I've played Tenchu: Stealth Assassins.
For those who don't know that actor who played Adam in this movie played Virgil in Best of the Best. His name was John Dye and he passed away in 2011 at the age of 47
This dude is always the boss. He's the boss is so many movies. Everytime they need a yakuza or triad or korean boss, basically far Eastern mafia boss, it's him!
In the '90's the Yakuza started to get popular. For a time you'd see it in nearly every movie that involved Asian organized crime. It seems like Hollywood used it as kind of an umbrella term. To be fair I also saw a lot of "Triad" working its way into action films too, but mostly when specifically dealing with the Chinese. The first time I heard the term Yakuza was in the movie "Showdown in Little Tokyo" a movie starring Dolph Lungren and Brandon Lee. An AWESOME film, I would LOVE to see Yusuke react to!
@@cmdrdredd Exactly, I think the Yakuza were mentioned to show how he has international connections, and thus stronger than the ( I assume) strictly local crime bosses.
James Hong the "head boss" was my friend Harry's godfather. Unfortunately Harry just recently passed away by covid. He was an incredible martial artist.
Yusuke, could you do "Barry Gordy's" The Last Dragon?? A WONDERFUL martial arts film, and one of my all-time favorites! I would love to hear your thoughts!
The kid is Dante Basco, a great Filipino American actor. He was in movies with Robin Williams and Pam Grier. He was in a terrific movie called "The Debut". Not a martial arts movie but you should watch it.
He's also did a movie called Blood and Bone starred Michael Jai White also legit martial artist and black belt degree holder of different 8 martial arts such as Kyokushin, Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Jujitsu, Kobudo, Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, and Wushu.
I don't remember as much as I should from my younger years, but what I do remember is: American Kenpo is loosely based off of Kosho-ryu Kenpo. Kenpo emphasizes economy of movement and speed. It primarily teaches a no-block principle which teaches that to avoid being struck by a punch or kick, you should move your body out of harm's way. There are some minor blocking techniques, but they are only used as a means position for a move or strike.
I grew up with this movie. The Perfect Weapon. Still got my copy on VHS which my friends and I watched a million times. Jeff Speakman should have been a martial arts star back in the day.
The big guy walking like a tree trunk, is Professor. Another few martial arts movie to check are Rapid fire (1992), Lionheart (1990), Hard To Kill (1990), Above The Law (1988), IP Man series (2008, 2010, 2015, 2019), also the Ong-Bak series (2003, 2008, 2010).
Would you like to review the movie „Black Belt“ (with Tatsuya Naka Sensei acting in it)? That would be wonderful. And thanks so much for your great work. I have no clue about Karate. I have started my Judo journey 3 years ago at the age of 39. But I am really adoring the art of Karate and the Japanese culture.
Old ATM machines used to work via vacuum or pneumatic tube. There was usually also an envelope where you put your money in. That went into the canister that then went into the tube. It went to a cashier that was at that window you see to the left, who gave you a receipt back. Man, ATM's used to be really complicated. No wonder people would normally choose to just go inside.
Jeff and Ed Parker mention that the night club scene was their favorite. Fighting underneath a strobe light when there's barely light. And responding too sensitivity and reacting to your opponent. Main point was to showcase Kenpo principles in a territorial environment with minimal space.
At the time this movie was made American audiences were just learning about Yakuza. And while a few might know the difference between Korean, Chinese, Japanese. So we'd muddle Yakuza, Ninjas, Karate, Kung Fu, Samurai as all one thing. We had very few Asian roles and even fewer Asian actors, so every Asian actor was in every martial arts movie we made. This was one of my favorite movies as a kid and I never noticed it was filmed in a Korea town. The script was probably written about Japanese Yakuza, but the studio had to film in Korea town so some elements of the script were changed, and American audiences at the time would not notice.
That scene with the guy that was going to punch Jeff speakman in back of the head that is Professor Tanaka. Professor Tanaka was a wrestler, judo, and Danzan-ryu Jujitsu practitioner. He was Sub Zero Gladiator in the movie called The Running Man.
I am James F JR... I am Back for Part 2. I failed to mention James Hong... He portrayed Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China, he was in Kung Fu the Series with David Carradine . He was in so many movies he should run Hollywood. You will be surprised How long this man has been around. Portraying Villians and asian Mob Bosses. What do I think of Speakman's Performance. I am Impressed. Speaking of Best of the Best...Philip and Simon Rhee. You cannot forget these Men.
Jeff Speakmans Kenpo teacher was Ed Parker who passed away.Bruce Lee use to do demoes at Ed Parkers karate tournaments.Ed also taught Elvis.You can watch Jeff teach,demo and watch his movies on RUclips.
Window tint laws vary from state to state here. I am in Florida. Here in Florida, front Side windows must allow more than 28% of light in. Back windows must allow more than 15% of light in. Basically, dark in back lighter in front. I just had my windows tinted in my new Nissan.
American Kenpo is famous for integrating other styles into the system. Ed Parker was a big fan of using the knife and sticks in upper belt katas. Different schools have different katas and it depends on the lineage of the school you are from.
Barry Gordy's The Last Dragon is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies! Probably in the top 3 "most '80's" movies ever made! Julius Carry is one of the GREATEST villains EVER in that film!!
Thanks for doing Part 2 so soon. As far as yakuza, I've only ever heard it used to refer to the Japanese Mafia in the US but maybe some people do use it as a general term for any Asian crime organization. Geez, you have pointed out so many mistakes in regards to martial arts and Asian cultures in theses movies it's easy to see why so many people who grew up with these were so misinformed. It's like they just took the Japanese parts they thought were cool and applied them to the Koreans.
You're exactly right. They also show yakuza, even today, as being ever-violent. They don't go into the fact that Japanese law makes yazuka organizations/families legal, the public services they perform (providing rescue and supplies in disasters, for example), and how they prefer getting into the boardrooms of companies than doing street level threatening anymore. They don't talk about how they originated from the disenfranchised 'untouchable' class. Yakuza are dangerous, but they've evolved so much. Gotten smarter in how to operate without getting the wrath of the law on them. Their being yakuza is enough to be fear-inspiring on its own, after all. But I'd honestly rather live in a yakuza territory than most other organized crime areas. Maybe Italian mafia next.
Love seeing you watch these old movies from my childhood. If you ever watch a Steven Seagal movie, Above The Law is a good one. There’s a traditional Aikido scene at the beginning if I remember correctly.
In American Kenpo we wear our knots on the side in class unless you are the ranking person. When teaching class as the ranking instructor if MY instructor walks in, I move my knot to the side. Also girls wear theirs on one side and boys on the other. The block set at the beginning is “star block” it’s just the first of many patterns used to teach blocks. We’re not concerned with the hike-te creating opposing force to create power. If you would like to know our thoughts on power look up “21 basic concepts and principles of Kenpo” I enjoy your channel, I’ll definitely subscribe! Keep it up! Or Ossu as it were 👍
The bad guy at the end is named "The Professor" hes been in movies since way back. He did a James bond movie where he had a boller hat with a razor brim. I never learned much about his past though.
That's the late, great Charles Kalani Jr., aka "Professor Toru Tanaka" as Yung's henchman Tanaka (1930-2000, who also appeared in Revenge of the Ninja / The Running Man / Black Rain / Darkman / 3 Ninjas / Last Action Hero). The Bond film you're thinking of is Goldfinger, and Oddjob - hence the title villain's henchman - is portrayed by the also-late Harold Sakata (1920-1982); who was also a Hawaiian wrestler before Tanaka was even a thing. RIP to both!
You're not wrong about the belt. I'm sure it was a cinema thing, cuz it looks cool. I used to get yelled at about my belt not being centered in my American Kenpo school. I also liked it just off center. It just looks cooler. But off center is not a thing. Just for guys that thought it looked cool. Great video. It's been years and finally someone is impressed that he punched the kick!
Jeff speakman is a Master in kenpo very famous in this martial art and he made few movies and very active and giving siminars and he hold the 10th degrees of black belt which is the highest
The enormous bodyguard Tanaka is played by Professor Toru Tanaka, real name Charles Kalani. He was a pro wrestler before getting into acting and almost always played the villain because of his imposing looks. In real life, however he was known to be a gentle giant.
Over here, Yakuza is an umbrella term for Japanese mafia operating in the US. It is popularly believed that most Japanese organized gangs are loosely affiliated. The term Triad is used similarly for Chinese mafia. A lesser-known term, Jopak refers to the Korean mafia, while Kangpae refers to the less-organized Korean gangs.
Jeff Speakman is a black belt in American Kenpo and also in Japanese Goju-ryu getting to 9th degree in both! He is now 63 years old and runs his former schools called AKKS ( American Kenpo Karate Systems ) and changed it to Kenpo 5.0 because of something he had discussed with his former master and wanted to integrate ground defence into his style! He currently has around 50 schools.
I think back in the days they made these movies they mixed and matched a lot of Asian terms mistakingly because they sounded cool and were common enough to be recognized, but not really know the difference, that's why a lot of the Korean and Japanese stuff is getting used interchangeably. Back then it was kind of a "good enough" mentality as opposed to today when information is easier to come by, that's why these days many of these details are researched more when putting a movie together. Also in America at least "Karate" is used as a cover all term for many martial arts, to include styles like traditional Karate, Kenpo, Tang Soo Do etc. are all advertised as Karate
09:38 Hmm well, this movie was 1991. My first hearing the term Yakuza was from the 1989 movie 'Black Rain' with Michael Douglas, not so much a martial arts film but crime drama set in Japan. You should check it out.
When you see James Hong, the actor who plays Yung, you know it's about to get really good! I hope you do a reaction to the movie "Big Trouble in Little China." It was a huge influence for many martial arts movies and video games. You'll see similarities from there with Mortal Kombat.
The big Asian henchman is Charles J Kalani Jr. also known as Professor Toru Tanaka, born in Hawaii. He ran a Judo and Danzan-ryu Jujitsu academy in the '60s in California. He performed as a professional wrestler, Kalani played the stereotypical Japanese villain in the matches. I saw him many times at Madison Square Garden in the late 60s and early 70s. Kalani's most famous tag team partner was Harry Fujiwara (better known as Mr. Fuji), whom he knew from high school in Hawaii. Yes we know professional wrestling is fake but, it's definitely sports entertainment, I loved it as a kid and I loved to hate professor Tanaka and Mr. Fuji!
In the club scene when he has hitting the first guy it was chops and slaps and yes he was that fast in the joint lock throw yes you can throw someone like that it is a takedown.
Not sure what the mobster Korean's are called but I have heard them being called the "Jo-Pok" I know for other Asians in films is "The Syndicate" for Chinese and "Yakuza" for Japanese. And the rest are "The Mafia" for Italians and Latinos is "The Cartels".
Korean Mafia in NYC are referred to as Japok, Chinese as Traiad or by gang name( white dragons). Yakuza is definitely Japanese mafia. I believe there was a Japanese element of organized crime in Korea town( in the movies plot). It’s just like Sicilian Mafia may operate in other parts of Italy.
Yusuke can you please 🙏🏾 review "The Last Dragon", "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story", and "Fist of the North Star" movies next . Absolutely awesome movies!!! On another note, I know your focused primarily on the cultural aspects, which I greatly appreciate. But I personally would like for you to have fun, let loose, enjoy and critique the characters as well as the storylines a bit more. Much like you did in the "Cobra Kai" series. 😊 Thanks.
Most of the Asian actor were Chinese and Japanese.I believe the young kid is Filipino. The big guy at the club that he does that fast tech to the neck is Native American. Now a days I am sure if this movie would have been done they would have consulted Korean speakers.
If you are going back to the oldies. Have you watched the classic ones from Chuck Norris? Good Guys Wear Black and the Octagon? Those were big back in the day.
Tong is Chinese Mafia, Yakuza is Japan, Jopok is Korean. As someone below posted, Triad is sometimes used. But Hollywood, especially way back, didn't spend too much time in American films, telling anyone the difference. So they just became interchangeable. I don't think nowadays they'd get away with it.
Awesome reviews of the grat martial arts classic. Lionheart and Kickboxer with Van Damme are really cool , Ong Bak and Fist of Legend and of course the GOAT Bruce Lee , Way of the Dragon when he fights Karate Champion Chuck Norris.
That is because 80s and 90s had real martial artists with legit blackbelts doing there fights, no need for camera angles, fight doubles, fast cuts and CGi.
How bout no retreat no surrender. I’d love to see a reaction to ninja assassin s There’s no ring fighting but… sho kusugi ( hope I didn’t butcher his name) his ninja movies were out during some of the best late martial arts movies. I was blown away at seeing him many years later in the epic ninja assassin. Although I’m sure u wld have seen this by now.. hope not though.
Yakuza is VERY Japanese even for Americans. Movie execs used to think people wouldn't know the difference. Too much cocaine maybe? Ninja in chinese movies fought using kungfu in the 80s, so this type of inaccuracy used to be more common.
The man who once played lo pan the ghost of the red triad gang in big trouble in little china you have to see that one the martial arts in that one is crazy
Dante Basco the kid is Filipino. James Wong aka Yung is Chinese. Mako aka Kim was Japanese. Charles J Kalani aka Tanaka was Hawaiian. Not that many Koreans in this film perhaps their characters? Also Yakuza were always mentioned or used as gangsters in American action films during the 80s-90s a long with Triad & KGB Irish American Mobs & Italian Mafia.
Can you check Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist, aside from the fantasy part, the movie seems deeply rooted in Japanese and karate philosophy. Basically half the movie is spoke in Japanese. I would love to see your overall take on it, both from a martial and a cultural standpoint.
Great video cause I remember this movie as a kid. I don't know of any but could you do a video on a movie with lots of Filipino martial arts or one martial arts movie from there? I see a lot of videos about the other styles like karate, taekwondo, Brazilian ju jitsu, MMA, mua Thai, kung Fu, but never anything on Kali or escrima.
Sensei, I would like to recommend to watch Stephen Thompson, he is in the UFC and is a masterclass in striking and his main style is karate. Maybe a highlight reel, or his fight against masvidal. He has also preached the many benefits of kata in mma. Also he is like the nicest UFC fighter ever never a bad word about his opponent.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
James Hong should really have a lifetime achievement Oscar. He is literally in everything. He's still working at 93 years young.🙏🏼
Indeed! :-)
He was featured and interviewed at CBS News.
Absolutely! Everything he is in becomes better because he is there.
At least he got a walk of fame
I would say the same for MAKO I’ve been seeing him in films since I started watching movies In the 60s. He has a distinction of fighting Bruce Lee in the green hornet and Jackie Chan in the big brawl not to mention the host of other martial arts films he may have even started the truck film
Hello 👋🏻 I am a shotokan practitioner myself, and I got my 1 Dan black belt TODAY! Your videos have been a great help. Thank you. 🥋
Yooo congrats, that's awesome.
That punch in the bar you said was too fast was actually three. Kenpo uses a lot of circles and figure-8 motions. it was a right "slap" to the face, a left knife hand to the other side, then a right back-fist, all in a tight circle. The idea behind it was to hit as many places as possible, with low power to create an opening for a powerful finishing move. Kenpo does spin a lot, but kicks are rarely above waist high. We had a seminar with the actor from this movie where he said kicking someone in the head is like headbutting their foot. If you want to kick someone in the head, kick them in the groin or stomach, to bring the head down to the right height.
The main boss here is James Hong, a Chinese actor with hundreds of film credits starting in the 60's. He was in Chinatown and Wayne's World 2. He was a staple of 70's and 80's crime shows. If you needed a villain/wise old man, you cast him.
The big guy is Professor Toru Tanaka. He's been the heavy in movies from the 70's on, and has been beaten up by everyone from Chuck Norris to the Three Ninjas. For a while, he was a professional wrestler. He wasn't in a lot of films, but he was the same character in every film he was in.
Not long before this movie came out, there was a Michael Douglas movie called Yakuza. it put the word into American minds, so they probably used it here because it was well known. To those of us with a little more knowledge on the subject, Yakuza are strictly Japanese organized crime. Tongs are Chinese. I don't think I've ever heard the name for one in Korean.
Another thing you'll see in American action movies is the trend in weapons. This one actually didn't follow it, but it's surprising how much the rest did. Starting in the early 80's if there was a knife, it was a butterfly knife (Balisong). This lasted about 10 years. In the 90's, Desert Eagle handguns were everywhere. Starting in the mid-2000's EVERY character who could fight but wasn't played by an actual martial artist studied Krav Magha (the Israeli commando training).
If you haven't already done it, Rapid Fire with Brandon Lee would be a great addition to your channel. it stars Bruce Lee's son is his only true martial arts film, and the final villain uses a style not often seen in US movies. it also has some great action sequences. The apartment fight and the one with AL Leong are amazing for different reasons.
Sorry to correct, but he actually said it was "not that fast" which I believe he was referring to the sound effect playing the hits seemingly faster than the actual hits connecting although It may have just been out of sync. Still, nice break down of the attack ^_^
Only thing you left out was Mako, everything from Conan to ninja turtles and Avatar the last airbender. He was Japanese.
@@bewarethegreyghost I thought he was mentioned in part 1. He's also Aku in Samurai Jack. Mako being in a borderline movie was often the reason I chose to see it.
The Michael Douglas movie two years before this one about the Yakuza was called Black Rain, not Yakuza.
@@craigjomaia Is it possible it released under different names?
I would also like to see reviews of "Showdown in Little Tokyo" as well as "Barry Gordy's The Last Dragon". Two good movies from the 80's and 90's
Or Rapid Fire..
Yes both of those would be great movies to be reviewed.
The main cop, young guy with blonde hair, was played by John Dye. John played Virgil (the Buddhist fighter) in "Best Of The Best."
He passed away unfortunately
The way he enters the building is Ninjitsu. The way he uses the fire extinguisher as a "smoke bomb" is Ninjitsu. I've played Tenchu: Stealth Assassins.
For those who don't know that actor who played Adam in this movie played Virgil in Best of the Best. His name was John Dye and he passed away in 2011 at the age of 47
It would be interesting to see your review of the "Fighter in the wind"
This dude is always the boss. He's the boss is so many movies. Everytime they need a yakuza or triad or korean boss, basically far Eastern mafia boss, it's him!
The living legend James Hong.
Jeff speakman holds a 9th dan in American Kenpo and 9th dan in Tenshi Goju karate
In the '90's the Yakuza started to get popular. For a time you'd see it in nearly every movie that involved Asian organized crime. It seems like Hollywood used it as kind of an umbrella term. To be fair I also saw a lot of "Triad" working its way into action films too, but mostly when specifically dealing with the Chinese.
The first time I heard the term Yakuza was in the movie "Showdown in Little Tokyo" a movie starring Dolph Lungren and Brandon Lee. An AWESOME film, I would LOVE to see Yusuke react to!
To be fair the kid says Sam has Yakuza connections, not that he is Yakuza.
@@cmdrdredd Exactly, I think the Yakuza were mentioned to show how he has international connections, and thus stronger than the ( I assume) strictly local crime bosses.
Triad comes from 三合會 and is used by Westerners to refer to gangs/mafia in China (including HK, Macau, and Taiwan?).
James Hong the "head boss" was my friend Harry's godfather. Unfortunately Harry just recently passed away by covid. He was an incredible martial artist.
Yeah! Condolence and RIP Sifu Harry Mok🙏🥋😢
Yusuke, could you do "Barry Gordy's" The Last Dragon?? A WONDERFUL martial arts film, and one of my all-time favorites! I would love to hear your thoughts!
I'm talking to you Bruce leeroy! Kiss my converse ...
@@luxurybuzz3681 Who's THE BADDEST MOFO AROUND THIS TOWN?? . . . I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!
Who's the masta?! Shonuff!
The kid is Dante Basco, a great Filipino American actor. He was in movies with Robin Williams and Pam Grier. He was in a terrific movie called "The Debut". Not a martial arts movie but you should watch it.
He's also did a movie called Blood and Bone starred Michael Jai White also legit martial artist and black belt degree holder of different 8 martial arts such as Kyokushin, Shotokan, Goju Ryu, Jujitsu, Kobudo, Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, and Wushu.
His brother was in The Brady Bunch Movie 1995.
Perfect Weapon is one of my favorites with Jeff Speakman. If you can, check out Rapid Fire with Brandon Lee???? Awesome fighting!
Yes. I loved the fight scene near the end when Brandon uses muk jong wooden dummy movements.
Korean Oyabun Mafia Yakuza. Must be from a mixed marriage.
He dedicated his life to teaching, instead of the movies.
There's. Many videos on RUclips of him doing this.
I don't remember as much as I should from my younger years, but what I do remember is: American Kenpo is loosely based off of Kosho-ryu Kenpo. Kenpo emphasizes economy of movement and speed. It primarily teaches a no-block principle which teaches that to avoid being struck by a punch or kick, you should move your body out of harm's way. There are some minor blocking techniques, but they are only used as a means position for a move or strike.
Great video, I remember when that film first came out, I think it was the first film where the hero used Ed Parkers Kempo.
Correction Ed Parker's Kenpo
I grew up with this movie. The Perfect Weapon. Still got my copy on VHS which my friends and I watched a million times.
Jeff Speakman should have been a martial arts star back in the day.
Enjoyed part 1! Thank you for sharing! Nice to see a young sensei, growing outside of their specialty! Train hard and be safe!💮🙏
I would definitely recommend the Street Fighter series with Sonny Chiba and a movie called Ricki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
R.i.p Grandmaster Shinichi Chiba
The big guy walking like a tree trunk, is Professor. Another few martial arts movie to check are Rapid fire (1992), Lionheart (1990), Hard To Kill (1990), Above The Law (1988), IP Man series (2008, 2010, 2015, 2019), also the Ong-Bak series (2003, 2008, 2010).
Would you like to review the movie „Black Belt“ (with Tatsuya Naka Sensei acting in it)? That would be wonderful.
And thanks so much for your great work. I have no clue about Karate. I have started my Judo journey 3 years ago at the age of 39. But I am really adoring the art of Karate and the Japanese culture.
Old ATM machines used to work via vacuum or pneumatic tube. There was usually also an envelope where you put your money in. That went into the canister that then went into the tube. It went to a cashier that was at that window you see to the left, who gave you a receipt back. Man, ATM's used to be really complicated. No wonder people would normally choose to just go inside.
Jeff and Ed Parker mention that the night club scene was their favorite. Fighting underneath a strobe light when there's barely light. And responding too sensitivity and reacting to your opponent. Main point was to showcase Kenpo principles in a territorial environment with minimal space.
Pray for Death and Revenge of the Ninja 2. Both starring Sho Kosugi
At the time this movie was made American audiences were just learning about Yakuza. And while a few might know the difference between Korean, Chinese, Japanese. So we'd muddle Yakuza, Ninjas, Karate, Kung Fu, Samurai as all one thing. We had very few Asian roles and even fewer Asian actors, so every Asian actor was in every martial arts movie we made. This was one of my favorite movies as a kid and I never noticed it was filmed in a Korea town. The script was probably written about Japanese Yakuza, but the studio had to film in Korea town so some elements of the script were changed, and American audiences at the time would not notice.
That scene with the guy that was going to punch Jeff speakman in back of the head that is Professor Tanaka. Professor Tanaka was a wrestler, judo, and Danzan-ryu Jujitsu practitioner. He was Sub Zero Gladiator in the movie called The Running Man.
That big guy was in three ninjas lol
I am James F JR... I am Back for Part 2. I failed to mention James Hong... He portrayed Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China, he was in Kung Fu the Series with David Carradine . He was in so many movies he should run Hollywood. You will be surprised How long this man has been around. Portraying Villians and asian Mob Bosses. What do I think of Speakman's Performance. I am Impressed. Speaking of Best of the Best...Philip and Simon Rhee. You cannot forget these Men.
Jeff Speakmans Kenpo teacher was Ed Parker who passed away.Bruce Lee use to do demoes at Ed Parkers karate tournaments.Ed also taught Elvis.You can watch Jeff teach,demo and watch his movies on RUclips.
That’s one of my favorite movies growing up and love it still🍿 👏🏼I hope you enjoy the movie….
Window tint laws vary from state to state here. I am in Florida. Here in Florida, front Side windows must allow more than 28% of light in. Back windows must allow more than 15% of light in. Basically, dark in back lighter in front. I just had my windows tinted in my new Nissan.
You gotta watch Sidekicks or the Martial Arts kid
American Kenpo is famous for integrating other styles into the system. Ed Parker was a big fan of using the knife and sticks in upper belt katas. Different schools have different katas and it depends on the lineage of the school you are from.
waiting for this one! you should review no retreat no surrender, the last dragon, and american ninja!
Barry Gordy's The Last Dragon is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies! Probably in the top 3 "most '80's" movies ever made! Julius Carry is one of the GREATEST villains EVER in that film!!
American Samurai with David Bradley is good too another 80s movie
Kenpo 5.0 also has judo and brazilian jujitsu integrated into its style, its not for show, not for tournaments its for defending yourself
Thanks for doing Part 2 so soon. As far as yakuza, I've only ever heard it used to refer to the Japanese Mafia in the US but maybe some people do use it as a general term for any Asian crime organization. Geez, you have pointed out so many mistakes in regards to martial arts and Asian cultures in theses movies it's easy to see why so many people who grew up with these were so misinformed. It's like they just took the Japanese parts they thought were cool and applied them to the Koreans.
You're exactly right. They also show yakuza, even today, as being ever-violent. They don't go into the fact that Japanese law makes yazuka organizations/families legal, the public services they perform (providing rescue and supplies in disasters, for example), and how they prefer getting into the boardrooms of companies than doing street level threatening anymore. They don't talk about how they originated from the disenfranchised 'untouchable' class.
Yakuza are dangerous, but they've evolved so much. Gotten smarter in how to operate without getting the wrath of the law on them. Their being yakuza is enough to be fear-inspiring on its own, after all. But I'd honestly rather live in a yakuza territory than most other organized crime areas. Maybe Italian mafia next.
Love seeing you watch these old movies from my childhood. If you ever watch a Steven Seagal movie, Above The Law is a good one. There’s a traditional Aikido scene at the beginning if I remember correctly.
Aikido demonstration by Steven Seagal Shihan at intro scene and he also did a Japanese translation.
Hey, today Segal is twice the man that was in ABOVE THE LAW.
Thanks for hearing your RUclips viewers, most only pay attention to their Patrion.
Fighter in the Wind next please. Kyokushin Karate at it's best.
YES!!! Great movie.
In American Kenpo we wear our knots on the side in class unless you are the ranking person. When teaching class as the ranking instructor if MY instructor walks in, I move my knot to the side. Also girls wear theirs on one side and boys on the other.
The block set at the beginning is “star block” it’s just the first of many patterns used to teach blocks. We’re not concerned with the hike-te creating opposing force to create power. If you would like to know our thoughts on power look up “21 basic concepts and principles of Kenpo”
I enjoy your channel, I’ll definitely subscribe!
Keep it up! Or Ossu as it were 👍
The bad guy at the end is named "The Professor" hes been in movies since way back. He did a James bond movie where he had a boller hat with a razor brim. I never learned much about his past though.
That's the late, great Charles Kalani Jr., aka "Professor Toru Tanaka" as Yung's henchman Tanaka (1930-2000, who also appeared in Revenge of the Ninja / The Running Man / Black Rain / Darkman / 3 Ninjas / Last Action Hero).
The Bond film you're thinking of is Goldfinger, and Oddjob - hence the title villain's henchman - is portrayed by the also-late Harold Sakata (1920-1982); who was also a Hawaiian wrestler before Tanaka was even a thing. RIP to both!
This movie is loved by many it’s fun watching it with you being it’s your first time 👍
You're not wrong about the belt. I'm sure it was a cinema thing, cuz it looks cool.
I used to get yelled at about my belt not being centered in my American Kenpo school.
I also liked it just off center. It just looks cooler.
But off center is not a thing. Just for guys that thought it looked cool. Great video.
It's been years and finally someone is impressed that he punched the kick!
Jeff speakman is a Master in kenpo very famous in this martial art and he made few movies and very active and giving siminars and he hold the 10th degrees of black belt which is the highest
The enormous bodyguard Tanaka is played by Professor Toru Tanaka, real name Charles Kalani. He was a pro wrestler before getting into acting and almost always played the villain because of his imposing looks. In real life, however he was known to be a gentle giant.
Over here, Yakuza is an umbrella term for Japanese mafia operating in the US. It is popularly believed that most Japanese organized gangs are loosely affiliated. The term Triad is used similarly for Chinese mafia. A lesser-known term, Jopak refers to the Korean mafia, while Kangpae refers to the less-organized Korean gangs.
Love your commentary on these movies - well done
Love all your content.... Keep up the great work
Kenpo is relaxed smooth movements tensing at the moment of impact I love its flow
Jeff Speakman is a black belt in American Kenpo and also in Japanese Goju-ryu getting to 9th degree in both!
He is now 63 years old and runs his former schools called AKKS ( American Kenpo Karate Systems ) and changed it to Kenpo 5.0 because of something he had discussed with his former master and wanted to integrate ground defence into his style! He currently has around 50 schools.
Jeff Speakman is one badass dude
I think back in the days they made these movies they mixed and matched a lot of Asian terms mistakingly because they sounded cool and were common enough to be recognized, but not really know the difference, that's why a lot of the Korean and Japanese stuff is getting used interchangeably. Back then it was kind of a "good enough" mentality as opposed to today when information is easier to come by, that's why these days many of these details are researched more when putting a movie together. Also in America at least "Karate" is used as a cover all term for many martial arts, to include styles like traditional Karate, Kenpo, Tang Soo Do etc. are all advertised as Karate
Did you know, James Hong also played as the sorcerer David Lo Pan in Big trouble in Little China?
09:38 Hmm well, this movie was 1991. My first hearing the term Yakuza was from the 1989 movie 'Black Rain' with Michael Douglas, not so much a martial arts film but crime drama set in Japan. You should check it out.
When you see James Hong, the actor who plays Yung, you know it's about to get really good! I hope you do a reaction to the movie "Big Trouble in Little China." It was a huge influence for many martial arts movies and video games. You'll see similarities from there with Mortal Kombat.
"Shang Tsung" is also in The Perfect Weapon.
@@Quach7 oh man, I never even put 2 and 2 together! Don't forget that Veronica Vaughn from Billy Madison is Sonya Blade HAHA!!
The big Asian henchman is Charles J Kalani Jr. also known as Professor Toru Tanaka, born in Hawaii. He ran a Judo and Danzan-ryu Jujitsu academy in the '60s in California. He performed as a professional wrestler, Kalani played the stereotypical Japanese villain in the matches. I saw him many times at Madison Square Garden in the late 60s and early 70s. Kalani's most famous tag team partner was Harry Fujiwara (better known as Mr. Fuji), whom he knew from high school in Hawaii. Yes we know professional wrestling is fake but, it's definitely sports entertainment, I loved it as a kid and I loved to hate professor Tanaka and Mr. Fuji!
9:50 I think what they were implying is that an American branch of the Japanese Yakuza was giving him protection.
Your skills are VERY impressive in the opening clip. 😮
🥋 ***bow***
In the club scene when he has hitting the first guy it was chops and slaps and yes he was that fast in the joint lock throw yes you can throw someone like that it is a takedown.
Not sure what the mobster Korean's are called but I have heard them being called the "Jo-Pok" I know for other Asians in films is "The Syndicate" for Chinese and "Yakuza" for Japanese. And the rest are "The Mafia" for Italians and Latinos is "The Cartels".
Jeff Speakman is a former diving champion and great athlete!!
14:55 This actor has a look on his face I like to call "Discount James Spader".
the actor that played as the brother Adam also played as Virgil in Best of the Best... he unfortunately committed suicide
A Chinese playing a Korean using Americanized Japanese terminology. We have come full circle. 🤣😂
Korean Mafia in NYC are referred to as Japok, Chinese as Traiad or by gang name( white dragons). Yakuza is definitely Japanese mafia. I believe there was a Japanese element of organized crime in Korea town( in the movies plot).
It’s just like Sicilian Mafia may operate in other parts of Italy.
He said the Yeung had connections to the Yakuza, not that he was Yakuza. We know all about the Yakuza, we love the video games. :P
Chuck Norris needs to be on here. I recommend The Octagon and Lone Wolf McQuade. Classics, especially Lone Wolf McQuade.
Yusuke can you please 🙏🏾 review "The Last Dragon", "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story", and "Fist of the North Star" movies next . Absolutely awesome movies!!! On another note, I know your focused primarily on the cultural aspects, which I greatly appreciate. But I personally would like for you to have fun, let loose, enjoy and critique the characters as well as the storylines a bit more. Much like you did in the "Cobra Kai" series. 😊 Thanks.
The actor that played preferred weapon is still training has schools in New Jersey
Most of the Asian actor were Chinese and Japanese.I believe the young kid is Filipino. The big guy at the club that he does that fast tech to the neck is Native American. Now a days I am sure if this movie would have been done they would have consulted Korean speakers.
If you are going back to the oldies. Have you watched the classic ones from Chuck Norris? Good Guys Wear Black and the Octagon? Those were big back in the day.
Tong is Chinese Mafia, Yakuza is Japan, Jopok is Korean. As someone below posted, Triad is sometimes used. But Hollywood, especially way back, didn't spend too much time in American films, telling anyone the difference. So they just became interchangeable. I don't think nowadays they'd get away with it.
"Professor" Toru Tanaka. Pro-Wrestler, American football player, legitimate boxer, judoka, etc. Not someone to mess with.
Awesome reviews of the grat martial arts classic. Lionheart and Kickboxer with Van Damme are really cool , Ong Bak and Fist of Legend and of course the GOAT Bruce Lee , Way of the Dragon when he fights Karate Champion Chuck Norris.
That is because 80s and 90s had real martial artists with legit blackbelts doing there fights, no need for camera angles, fight doubles, fast cuts and CGi.
How About Lethal Weapon 4? Jet Li was awesome in that movie
I don't know why my suggestions can never, ever give me a part 1.
This thirteen year old karate guy should comment on “A Fistful of Yen” One of the best martial arts casts ever
How bout no retreat no surrender. I’d love to see a reaction to ninja assassin s There’s no ring fighting but… sho kusugi ( hope I didn’t butcher his name) his ninja movies were out during some of the best late martial arts movies. I was blown away at seeing him many years later in the epic ninja assassin. Although I’m sure u wld have seen this by now.. hope not though.
+1 for no retreat no surrender, with bad guy jean claude van dame
Yakuza is VERY Japanese even for Americans. Movie execs used to think people wouldn't know the difference. Too much cocaine maybe?
Ninja in chinese movies fought using kungfu in the 80s, so this type of inaccuracy used to be more common.
Yes Jeff Speakman Punch is that fast. He holds a punch record for pouches thrown with different styles
Big trouble in little china worth a review - james hong also the kingpin villain
The man who once played lo pan the ghost of the red triad gang in big trouble in little china you have to see that one the martial arts in that one is crazy
Can you react to the 3 Ninjas Kick Back movie?
Dante Basco the kid is Filipino. James Wong aka Yung is Chinese. Mako aka Kim was Japanese. Charles J Kalani aka Tanaka was Hawaiian.
Not that many Koreans in this film perhaps their characters?
Also Yakuza were always mentioned or used as gangsters in American action films during the 80s-90s a long with Triad & KGB
Irish American Mobs & Italian Mafia.
I've seen people denigrate American Kenpo by calling it "Hawaiian Slap Party".
Ouch.
7:56 the great Jeff Imada-san!!!
Nagano-sama, Itsumo douga arigatou gozaimasu.
Haven't seen this in a long time
Movie fire extinguishers are always empty….lol
That word is also used by Koreans but more of a slang term than a actual word like in Japanese.
Can you check Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist, aside from the fantasy part, the movie seems deeply rooted in Japanese and karate philosophy. Basically half the movie is spoke in Japanese. I would love to see your overall take on it, both from a martial and a cultural standpoint.
Great video cause I remember this movie as a kid. I don't know of any but could you do a video on a movie with lots of Filipino martial arts or one martial arts movie from there? I see a lot of videos about the other styles like karate, taekwondo, Brazilian ju jitsu, MMA, mua Thai, kung Fu, but never anything on Kali or escrima.
Sensei, I would like to recommend to watch Stephen Thompson, he is in the UFC and is a masterclass in striking and his main style is karate. Maybe a highlight reel, or his fight against masvidal. He has also preached the many benefits of kata in mma. Also he is like the nicest UFC fighter ever never a bad word about his opponent.
Looks like a Double Dragon videogame!
It's Combinations of two forms in kenpo
Big guy played "Oddjob" in Bond films
That's incorrect. Oddjob was played by actor Harold Sakata. The "big guy" in The Perfect Weapon is Professor Toru Tanaka.
I’m surprised he didn’t notice that Adam was in Best of the Best.
Hello Yusuke , you don’t have to push the back of the head in order to perform a choke, actually is better if you don’t . Keep up the good work