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Despite what the naysayers falsely predicted, The Karate Kid remake can be summed up in one word, “Triumphant.”

Shocked by the racist comments I have read on discussion boards and very unfounded comments about how this film is an insult to China and Kung Fu, I can only say those who wrote those words are simply blinded by their own ignorance.

The Truth is that most movie-goers watching this film will will find it next to impossible to NOT be moved by the depth of emotion shown by its characters and the beauty and intensity of what they see on screen.

Kung Fu lives here!

I won't bother to dive too deeply into the story. However, I will tell you that Kung Fu is given great respect and a place to shine in this film. A way of life steeped in tradition, Kung Fu is portrayed as a lifestyle and not just as a fighting art. Also, despite what you will read on other sites and discussion boards the film does not confuse Kung Fu and Karate, it makes it clear that both are different.

Jaden Smith gives a great performance that made kids in the audience cry out, “hey leave him alone!”as he was being beaten by some very scary bullies portrayed by believable young Asian Actors, especially the main bully, Cheng played by Wang Zhenwei. This just sums up the reality of what this film is, a really good film that makes you feel.

Notable Bits:

• Bruce Lee is mentioned in the film.

• Jackie Chan gives a powerful performance that shows why he truly is an iconic figure in the world of Martial Arts.

• Karate and Kung Fu are clearly distinguished.

• Origins of Kung Fu are explored and Westerners are given a peek into a vastly different world.

• Jaden Smith gives a noteworthy performance as an intelligent and fun loving kid who ends up in a difficult situation.

• The scenery is stunning and well worth seeing.

• Original Fans of the original Karate Kid will love this version too if they give it a chance and even better it has enough originality to feel like a completely new movie.

• Unlike what some people claim (probably didn't watch the film with open eyes) China and its culture are honored and respected.
• Not sure if it's intentional or not but Jackie Chan's character "Mr. Han" brings back memories of Enter The Dragon, starring Bruce Lee in which Jackie also was a stunt man. In addition, the Bruce Lee mention in the film has a related item in it. You'll have to watch and see for yourself.
• This is a family film :-)

Richard Bailey

In a bold move, a long-time electrifying and inspiring favorite in the Martial Arts industry, Ernie Reyes Jr. has launched Smasher Martial Arts.

It's purpose is to train Martial Arts and Action Film stars of the future.

To kick-off this launch, Ernie is hosting an open house event: An Afternoon of Martial Arts For The Movies. With Muay Thai, Escrima, Stunt Fighting demonstrations and a seminar…Free and open to all ages of martial arts, movie and action film enthusiasts! 

WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2010 
TIME: 11:00AM – 3:00PM
WHERE:
3400 IRVINE AVE.   SUITE 202
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
www.SmasherMan.com 

Mr. Reyes made his film debut when he appeared (around the age of 12) in the Motown-Tri Star production, The Last Dragon, and later went on to co-star with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Red Sonja. Shortly thereafter, the Hollywood prodigy landed his very own TV series, Sidekicks on ABC. Ernie’s leap to stardom came as the role of “Donatello” in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and again, as “Keno” in TMNT 2 – Secret of the Ooze.

Most recently, Ernie had a major appearance in the film The Rundown. His memorable fight scene with the “Rock” earned him the Taurus Award for Best Fight Scene.

Ernie is also co-executive producer and star of the soon to be released martial arts film, The Red Canvas produced in association with Smasher Entertainment. 

Ernie has more recently worked behind the scenes in the stunt department for such box office hits as  James Cameron’s Avatar, Indiana Jones:  Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and is credited as Tweedle Dee’s stunt double in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Ernie credits martial arts superstar Bruce Lee, “Bruce Lee is my hero. When I was a kid, my dream was to do martial arts in the movies. That dream became a reality. Our goal at Smasher Martial Arts is to develop the next generation of martial arts action stars! Smasher Martial Arts is martial arts for the movies!”

Smasher Martial Arts offers exclusive one-on-one personal training and semi-private classes with Ernie Reyes Jr.

For anyone looking to forward their careers with some of the best fight choreography training and know-how available, Ernie Reyes Jr.'s Smasher Martial Arts  is worth checking out. 

Contact: 

Lisa Reyes
Smasher Martial Arts
Phone: 310-447-4111
blissforlife@me.com
www.SmasherMan.com

When prospects are looking for your martial arts school they'd better find it here! 

We are proud to introduce the launch of Martial Arts Local (www.MartialArtsLocal.com) a powerful and fast local-search-based martial arts business directory to the industry.

School owners can search the database to find their schools, check their listings for accuracy and then enhance and add to their existing business profile or add their school, pro-shop, supply stores to the system.

Though you can get listed for free, a side benefit of getting an enhanced listing is greater visibility in search engines (Google, Bing and Yahoo! and others) as well as direct searches performed at Martial Arts Local. As we promote Martial Arts Local -- your business will benefit even more.

The system is localized and optimized to deliver local search results to USA consumers nationwide. All styles are represented: Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, Hapkido, Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga and more.

We have many new features coming and all are focused on providing martial arts business professionals greater promotion and marketing visibility for their MA or fitness products and services.

Visit MartialArtsLocal.com our local search based Martial Arts Directory to get enhanced! and start driving new traffic to your business.

Watch these recently posted vidoes of the FirstClass Booking System and how to use it. This trial, event and demo class reservations system allows your web site visitors to reserve classes online and then it provides follow-up tools to ensure they attend.

Go here to: Learn More about marketing and promoting your trial classes and events by viewing the videos.

http://www.firstclassbookingsystem.com/index.php/more-about-firstclass-booking-system  

How Bruce Lee Changed The World

If you didn't watch this recently aired and well constructed production on the History Channel, you missed a great program.

This program dives deep into Mr. Lee's impact on the martial arts, music, movies, sports, popular culture and amazingly more.

Watching it stirred up memories of my childhood as I remembered walking miles to see his films at those double and sometimes triple feature movie theaters in Bronx, New York. As an actor, he was truly one-of-a-kind, electrifying and incredible to watch as he dispatched a multitude of onscreen opponents in his inimitable way.

When Bruce Lee moved on screen, perhaps throwing a kick or sequence of punches, it would make audiences jump and scream as they pitied the recipients. You could feel each blow from your theater seat. It didn't matter what race you were or how young or old you were, if you watched a Bruce Lee movie, as a theater goer, you would leave feeling safe and unstoppable and with a feeling of commonality as if we were all part of one community. He was literally a superhero to many and he was real.

That's how I remember it and it seems that there are many others, revealed by this production, who share similar sentiments.

How Bruce Lee Changed The World has interviews with Jackie Chan, comedian Eddie Griffin, L.L. Cool J and RZA (of Wu Tang Clan) and even Marvel Comic's legend Stan Lee. Action film director John Woo and Hong Kong film producer Raymond Chow, a close friend and film mentor of Bruce Lee. Each person shares thoughts and memories on how he affected or influenced their lives and work.

Also featured are Martial Arts Superstar Donnie Yen, Sugar Ray Leonard, Dana White (of UFC), John Saxon and Bey Logan. It also includes filmmakers John Woo, Brett Ratner, Rob Cohen, Quentin Tarantino, Musician and Composer, Lalo Schifrin, Martial Artist: Ben Saunders, Jeet Kune Do's: Lewis Luk, Taky Kimura and Tommy Carruthers, Shaolin's Shi Yanming and famed acrobatic free runners:  Kerbie and EZ.

Naturally, Linda Lee Cadwell and Bruce Lee's daughter and Co-Producer of the show, Shannon Lee also appear to give further insight into the man and movement that touched so many lives.

If you get an opportunity, catch the next rebroadcast on the History Channel or look out for the DVD. It's well worth a look and it's sure to create a new surge of interest in the Martial Arts as an art and not just for fighting.

Missed How Bruce Lee Changed The World? - Buy The DVD

Martial Launch! Martial Arts Marketing, Promotion and Visibility

Client By Design is set to launch it's newest Martial launch! Service, The FirstClass Booking System (www.FirstClassBookingSystem.com) on Wednesday -  May 13th, 2009.

The FirstClass Booking System allows web site visitors to martial arts and fitness center web sites to choose, schedule and book (reserve) their own Martial Arts demo and trial classes.

A trial class is usually a school's first and only opportunity to make a good impression when a prospective student is trying to learn more about a particular martial arts or self defense school. The odd thing is that many inquiries are generated at odd hours of the night and morning when most businesses are closed. This system allows web site visitors who are thinking about taking their first class to go ahead and take necessary actions to do so right when they're considering it.

The system has a powerful contact tools including sending Outlook, Google Calendar, iPhone, Blackberry, Smartphone compatible reminders to potential guests to make sure they keep their appointments in mind. It, of course, sends contact information to school owners as well for follow-up and any special concerns or requests.

The system sports exportable appointment reports,  customizable colors, recurring classes and more.

Another nice feature is the ability for guests to invite their friends to join them for a class! And the friend(s) will get the same level of follow-up to facilitate their attendance.

Accounts are $99/Month - however, for a limited time - schools can get accounts for only $39/Month if they sign-up for a  45 day free trial.

Allow visitors to schedule their own martial arts trial and demo classes even when your away from the office.

Another powerful Martial Launch! Service developed by Richard Bailey and Client By Design, LLC for Martial Arts Marketing and Promotion.

CULVER CITY, Calif., September 19, 2008 - Stephen Chow, one of Asia's most popular box-office draws as the award-winning star and director of such films as Kung Fu Hustle, CJ7, and Shaolin Soccer, will direct Seth Rogen and star opposite him as Kato in Columbia Pictures' The Green Hornet, set for release June 25, 2010, it was announced today by Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach, presidents of Columbia Pictures. The screenplay is by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, who will also executive produce. Neal H. Moritz is the producer through his Original Film production company.

In tapping Chow to helm The Green Hornet, Sony Pictures Entertainment continues a long association with the star and director. Under its local language initiative, Sony co-produced and released Chow's Kung Fu Hustle, which went on to gross over $100 million worldwide and received a Golden Globe® nomination as well as six Hong Kong Film Awards and five Taiwan Golden Horse Awards. Sony also released CJ7.

Commenting on the announcement, Tolmach said, "When Seth, Evan, and Neal said they wanted Stephen Chow to be part of The Green Hornet, it was a fantasy. Now that it's happening, it's almost too good to be true. Stephen's been a very important part of the Sony family for many years, so it's truly serendipitous for us to be moving forward with him directing the movie and starring as Kato."

Chow added, "I'm excited to be taking on The Green Hornet - obviously, I've been a huge fan of the show since I was a kid. The idea of stepping into Bruce Lee's shoes as Kato is both humbling and thrilling, and to get the chance to direct the project as my American movie debut is simply a dream come true. I'm grateful to my friends at Sony, who have shown so much faith in me for so many years. I'm looking forward to working with Seth, Evan, Neal, and the team at Sony, and I'm eager to get started."

Moritz said, "The Green Hornet is a dream project and it's come together in a dream way. Seth will be fantastic in the lead role, and Stephen was the only name on the list for Kato. The material is a perfect match for his sensibilities - Stephen in the director's chair is the best thing for the film."

See the rest of this Press Release At The Sony Pictures Web Site.

Fu Yah Magazine was recently launched by Laurel Maryland's, Willie "The Bam" Johnson, author of "The Complete Martial Artist" (ISBN: 978-0736031073)

In 1991, Johnson made history as America's first nationally-ranked Triple Crown martial arts champion. Only three years later, he had the distinction of being the first African-American to be ranked number one in kung fu forms and weapons. He is the owner and president of The Bam's Universal Martial Arts Concepts Academy in Laurel, Maryland.

In addition to these accomplishments, he has earned fifth- and seventh-degree black belts in karate and kung fu and studied several other arts such as jujitsu, thai boxing, boxing, wrestling, tai Chi, and kickboxing. Johnson received the title of Grand Master in 1995 and is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

He starred as himself on the WMAC Masters television show and the Wesley Snipes Presents "Masters of the Martial Arts" show. He is also the creator of the Predator’s Self-Defense Concepts, teaching participants how to deal with criminal predators that stalk society.

Named Instructor of the Year by the Educational Funding Corporation, Johnson is the founder and national spokesperson for the Stronger Than Drugs Foundation. He is a regional representative of the U.S. Shuai Chiao Association and the Federation of United Martial Artists Crusade Against Crime. In addition to these contributions, he serves as national spokesperson for Champions Against Drugs and grand master of the World Head of Family Sokeship Council. He is a member of the Educational Funding Corporation and the National Professional Association of Martial Artists. Johnson also is the founder and coach of the leading sports karate team known as the Better Attitude Makers and founder of the Cardio Defense Kickboxing program. Johnson resides in Columbia, Maryland.

Visit: The Bam's Kung Fu

According to Variety magazine, hollywood icon and crowd favorite Will Smith is slated to direct his son Jaden in a remake of (or film based on) the 1984 Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio classic, The Karate Kid. Scheduled to begin filming next year, this movie might have a Kung Fu twist with either Jackie Chan or Steven Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) under consideration to play the main Miyagi like character.

Like the idea of a remake or not, the original movie opened doors for the martial arts industry and helped to fill schools with new enrollees.

Martial Launch! predicts the remake will do the same for a new generation of kids if done right and school owners should look forward to this film and others like it that pop-up, now and then (i.e. The recent Kung Fu Panda and The Forbidden Kingdom with Jackie Chan and Jet Li).

If the director, Mr. Smith himself, focuses on Martial Arts Tradition, Respect and Honor this film might just make a major impact on the MA industry.