The Beijinger Blog - Martial Arts

Kung Fu Goes Virginal in The Sword Identity

thebeijinger — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0800

For those who tire of the formulaic martial arts aesthetic that dominates in everything from Chinese epics to the likes of Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes franchise, this indie film with a purist attitude will be a breath of fresh air. (And a very nerdy one, at that.) Xu Haofeng, whose credentials include martial arts training, a major in film directing and several successful novels under his belt, released his directorial debut, The Sword Identity, last year. (He's also the scriptwriter for Wong Karwai's highly-anticipated Ip Man biopic, The Grandmasters.)

In this film, the story unfolds around a fighter trying to open a new martial arts school to keep his master's legacy alive, but who faces resistance from the old guard because they mistake his weapon for a Japanese katana – a big no-no in that day. The film was praised for its directorial precision, character development and no-nonsense aesthetic after its showing at the Toronto International Film Festival, and now BC MOMA's hooking us up with a Beijing premiere (tonight, Feb 10) and followup screening Feb 18. But first, we chat with the director to plumb the depths of his martial arts cred ...

Art Attack: Two Kuai Movies for Chunjie!

thebeijinger — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0800

Sticking around for chunjie can go two ways: You either relish the quiet (before the fireworks, anyway) and use the time to finish those projects you’ve been putting off, or you just get bitter thinking about your friends sunning on the beach in Thailand. This should help push you toward the former: the Beijing Municipal Government has launched a program of 2 kuai movies over the holiday! There are some great flicks on offer at theaters all throughout the city, so read on for all the info, handily translated and organized for you all right here.

Playdate: Jun Trinh, Capoeirista

thebeijinger — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0800

He staggers forward, dances back and then, sweeping his arms all the while, slides under his opponent’s legs and whips out a measured kick from the other side.

The movements are haunting and entrancing to watch. There is a certain elegance that defines capoeiristas – the official term for those committed to this Afro-Brazilian form of martial arts – and chef and TV personality Jun Trinh is no exception.

Win Tickets to the Art of War!!

thebeijinger — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0800

The Art of War Fighting Championship is China's first professional freestyle kung fu tournament, with fighters utilizing almost every style of martial arts. We have three pairs of tickets to giveaway to the tournament this Saturday, November 28 at the Olympic Sports Center.