8. Jeet Kune Do in Enter the Dragon (1973)
You probably already know about Bruce Lee and his iconic martial arts films, including 1972’sThe Way of the Dragonand 1973’sEnter the Dragon. But you may not know that he conceived, developed, and taught a new martial arts style calledJeet Kune Do.
Said to be based on Lee’s real-life combat experience, he formulated a style that adapts to whatever situation he’s in.
The bookTao of Jeet Kune Dowas published after Lee’s death, consisting of his “core writings” about the Jeet Kune Do philosophy, which were written during times when he was resting due to injury.
One of the main principles of Jeet Kune Do is the iconic phrase, “Be like water.” It teaches one to be flexible and adaptable in every situation, preventing you from becoming stuck in a single mindset, goal, or style.
7. Drunken Fist in Drunken Master (1978)
Drunken Fistis a collection of martial arts styles that imitate drunkenness. From its unstable movements to unpredictable punches and kicks, this style is very unique and is often used for comedy, as seen in Jackie Chan’s iconic filmDrunken Master.
There are many forms and styles to this art, including the Daoist style, which was featured in Chan’s film as the “Eight Drunken Immortals” style. The basic hand gesture resembles one holding a cup, with the wrists used for striking and the fingers for grabbing.
Another element that makes the Drunken Fist seemingly arbitrary is how the torso bends and twists in almost all directions with sudden changes in momentum, making it a good stance for evading attacks.
Related:The funniest martial arts comedy movies
6. Aikido in Belly of the Beast (2003)
Aikidois a martial arts style that redirects an opponent’s force back at them, which is known to be a very effective form of self-defense. Aikido involves catching an attacker’s punches or kicks, adding or changing the attack’s momentum, then putting the attacker to the ground.
In a scene from 2003’sBelly of the Beast, Steven Seagal—an actor who has a 7th-dan black belt in Aikido in real-life—catches his opponent’s attack and sends them spinning mid-air before falling to the ground.
5. Kenjutsu in Rurouni Kenshin (2012)
Kenjutsupertains to Japanese sword techniques that originated way back in feudal Japan from the samurai class. Today, practitioners observe safety when practicing and performing kenjutsu (e.g. in kendo, practitioners wear body armor and use bamboo swords).
There are many films that feature kenjutsu, such asRurouni Kenshinand its sequels in which Takeru Satoh plays the role of Himura Kenshin. There are also fight scenes in the filmKill Billwhich include kenjutsu.
4. Wing Chun in Ip Man (2008)
Wing Chunis a martial arts style that focuses on self-defense and requires fast arm movements and strong legs.
Wing Chun is founded on a set of principles that include “softness” and “relaxation,” in which practitioners deliver hard and destructive blows that come from a soft and relaxed stance.
In theIp Manfilms, Donnie Yen plays the titular character who was the master of Wing Chun. Bruce Lee was also a practitioner of Wing Chun when he was a student, back when he trained under Ip Man.
3. Muay Thai in Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
Muay Thaiis a martial arts style that originated in the country of Thailand and is widely known as Thai boxing. It’s sometimes also referred to as the “art of eight limbs” because this combat style doesn’t only involve the hands but also the elbows, knees, and shins.
Muay Thai involves kicks, punches, grapples, and clinches with direct force and violent strikes. It’s now popularly used in combat sports like kickboxing and mixed martial arts (but with padded gloves).
What separates Muay Thai from other forms of kickboxing is its scoring system. Whereas kickboxing has a four-point striking system, Muay Thai has an eight-point system that includes knees and elbows.
The filmOng-Bak: The Thai Warriorstars the real-life Thai martial artist Tony Jaa, who portrays an ancient form of Muay Thai called Muay Boran. Jaa performed his own stunts without props' assistance, which made the action and the violence look incredibly real.
2. Kung Fu in Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Kung Fuis probably the most popular and widely used name for martial arts in film, not only because it delivers elegant and appealing choreography, but also because it has a rich history.
There’s a long list of Kung Fu substyles, like the animal-themed stances of Shaolin Kung Fu (like the Tiger Claw) to the not-so-ordinary styles of the Drunken Fist and the popular Wing Chun.
Kung Fu has been featured in many movies, but one of the most iconic films remains 1991’sOnce Upon a Time in Chinain which Jet Li plays the role of martial artist Wong Fei-hung.
1. Capoeira in Undisputed 3: Redemption (2010)
Capoeirais a martial arts style that was developed and practiced by African slaves in the 16th century as a way to survive against armed and mounted enemies. It originated from ritual combat and involves acrobatic skills, kicks, and leg sweeps.
You’ve probably seen capoeira fight scenes in movies. It’s visually distinct because it looks like street breakdancing as it incorporates flips, somersaults, cartwheels, and more. Unlike most martial arts, capoeira is extremely freestyle with no fixed stances or positions.
Not many films have centered on the art of capoeira, but several movies have included capoeira in their fight scenes as contrast against their protagonists' own martial arts styles.
Notable scenes include the match-up between Muay Thai and Capoeira in 2005’sThe Protectorwhere Tony Jaa fights Lateef Crowder. Crowder makes another capoeira appearance in 2010’sUndisputed 3: Redemptionas a prison fighter character.
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