Tag: martial arts videos

Video Tribute: Looking Back at the Defining Moments in the Film (and Tennis) Career of Martial Arts Pioneer Jim Kelly


(Two legends in their primes, filming the greatest martial arts movie ever made.)

With surprisingly little reaction from the MMA blogosphere, martial arts pioneer Jim Kelly passed away over the weekend at the age of sixty-seven years old. Odds are pretty good that you recognize Kelly as Williams from Enter The Dragon, but his legacy is far greater than just that one role. Armed with his signature afro, one-liners and arsenal of kicks, Kelly broke the color-barrier for black actors in martial arts films at a time when the genre was almost exclusively reserved for Asian martial artists.

Aside from being one of the most instantly recognizable martial artists on the planet, Kelly also found the time to become a professional tennis player, an enthusiastic MMA fan, and a popular draw at conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con International. So in memory of Kelly, we’ve compiled videos of some of his greatest fights, interviews, and even some footage of him playing tennis. Enjoy.

Kelly and Lee working on fight scenes for Enter the Dragon.


(Two legends in their primes, filming the greatest martial arts movie ever made.)

With surprisingly little reaction from the MMA blogosphere, martial arts pioneer Jim Kelly passed away over the weekend at the age of sixty-seven years old. Odds are pretty good that you recognize Kelly as Williams from Enter The Dragon, but his legacy is far greater than just that one role. Armed with his signature afro, one-liners and arsenal of kicks, Kelly broke the color-barrier for black actors in martial arts films at a time when the genre was almost exclusively reserved for Asian martial artists.

Aside from being one of the most instantly recognizable martial artists on the planet, Kelly also found the time to become a professional tennis player, an enthusiastic MMA fan, and a popular draw at conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con International. So in memory of Kelly, we’ve compiled videos of some of his greatest fights, interviews, and even some footage of him playing tennis. Enjoy.


Kelly and Lee working on fight scenes for Enter the Dragon.


“Please understand, if I missed anyone, it’s been a big day. I’m a little tired.”


Arguably the most famous line of his career. Don’t even dream about pulling this line off as effortlessly as Kelly.


Highlights from Black Belt Jones, a blaxploitation staple.


Since we’re still on Black Belt Jones, we might as well include this scene.


If we ever do a “Greatest Fight Scene” Roundtable, this gem from Three the Hard Way already has my vote locked up.


The Tattoo Connection, in its entirety.


Same thing for One Down, Two To Go.


Included for scenes and facts about his tennis career.


Kelly makes a special contribution to a Lebron James Nike commercial in 2004.


Kelly on Fedor and Strikeforce back in 2010. For more of Kelly talking about the Gracies and the UFC in 2010, check out this and this.


One last interview with the legendary grandmaster, at a time when Shamrock/Toney actually seemed like a thing that would happen.

@SethFalvo

Video: 200-Pound Judo Player Destroys Group of Hopeless Fat-Bodies in Sumo Tournament

(Props: NYCulturalPhysician via RedditMMA)

The athletic gaijin in the video above is Pavel Bojar (aka Takanoyama Shuntaro), a Czech sumo wrestler who has worked his way into Japan’s top Makuuchi division, despite being one of the lightest competitors in modern sumo history. At 6’1″ and just 200 pounds, Bojar relies on his judo background to make up for the tremendous weight disadvantages he generally faces, employing a slick arsenal of throws and trips, rather than just bull-rushing his opponents out of the ring. Watch the above video to see how far a little bit of actual grappling talent can get you in this weird sport. Look, I’m not trying to crack on the rich history of Japanese sumo wrestling, but for God’s sake, check out the tits on the guy at the 1:52 mark, who had just finished falling out of the ring like a moron. This is an athlete? Ronda Rousey would ruin half of these guys.


(Props: NYCulturalPhysician via RedditMMA)

The athletic gaijin in the video above is Pavel Bojar (aka Takanoyama Shuntaro), a Czech sumo wrestler who has worked his way into Japan’s top Makuuchi division, despite being one of the lightest competitors in modern sumo history. At 6’1″ and just 200 pounds, Bojar relies on his judo background to make up for the tremendous weight disadvantages he generally faces, employing a slick arsenal of throws and trips, rather than just bull-rushing his opponents out of the ring. Watch the above video to see how far a little bit of actual grappling talent can get you in this weird sport. Look, I’m not trying to crack on the rich history of Japanese sumo wrestling, but for God’s sake, check out the tits on the guy at the 1:52 mark, who had just finished falling out of the ring like a moron. This is an athlete? Ronda Rousey would ruin half of these guys.

‘WTF’ Video of the Day: Angry Wife-Style Kung Fu

Crazy Martial Arts Demo – Watch more Funny Videos

The long skirts, the nonsensical shrieking — all these dudes need is a rolling pin to shake at the camera, and this would basically be what greets me at the door when I come home drunk every Saturday night. Props to HolyTaco for the find.


Crazy Martial Arts Demo – Watch more Funny Videos

The long skirts, the nonsensical shrieking — all these dudes need is a rolling pin to shake at the camera, and this would basically be what greets me at the door when I come home drunk every Saturday night. Props to HolyTaco for the find.