Failed G.I. Joe Audition for Snake Eyes

In honor of the upcoming release of the new GI JOE movie, I have decided to post a video of my friend's failed audition tape for the role of Snake Eyes. The role ended up going to veteran action actor Ray Park. I still think they should have picked my buddy Mehdi....

Underappreciated/Underrated Kick Flicks: "Drive"

Everyone and their mom has seen Rush Hour. It's the film that shot Jackie Chan into American superstardom. I am a fan of the film, especially because I was a kid just beginning martial arts at the time of it's release. It's got this super-original idea.... 2 ethnic buddy cops that talk fast and get into lots of trouble. One is a martial arts master and the other has the fighting skills equavalent to an otter.

Wait a second... I just recently saw a similar movie, but the movie I saw was made a year before Rush Hour *gasp*. This movie is called "Drive" and it is in my opinion one of the most underappreciated martial arts flicks out there. Heck, I didn't even know about it until I had the pleasure of working with the director of it, Steve Wang, on Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. The writer of Drive, Scott Phillips, also happens to be one of the writers of Kamen Rider. The star of the film is Marc Dacascos, one of the most underrated action stars in martial arts cinema (and a super nice guy)... and.. wait for it... an upcoming star of... you guessed it... Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. Excuse me while I pick up all the names I dropped on the floor.

This movie is awesome. Great action, really funny, and even has Brittany Murphy in it. I wonder if the producers of Rush Hour saw this movie.... Coincidence? I think not.

Rent it on Netflix, or even better: Buy it! http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Mark-Dacascos/dp/B0000ZG040

Worst Martial Arts Fight Scenes of all Time...

William Shatner Vs. Alien Thing

Star Trek

So I'm sure most of you have already seen this, but this one is SO bad...that's it's actually entertaining so watch it again! The Shat-man must have done some serious martial arts training to prepare for this lightning fast choreography. Could that lizard move ANY slower? And really, I've had 3 year old students of mine do better round kicks than Shatner's. Did a boulder really just bounce off the alien?? I can't believe this aired on TV, even if it was the 19th century...

Memorable Fight Scenes of Martial Arts Cinema #1

Bruce Lee vs. Kareem Abdul Jabbar (of NBA fame)

in "Game of Death"

This following fight scene is definitely "memorable". I wouldn't describe it as amazing because watching Kareem Abdul Jabbar move is kind of like watching a bunch of popsicle sticks doing their best impression of a transformer (what!?? i dunno..).

Anyways, I can't come down too hard on Kareem because he actually moves very well for a guy that's like 10 feet tall. His kicks and punches need a lot of work but hey, no one's got perfect technique (except Chuck Norris of course....). Besides, he's one of the all time NBA greats, and he was Bruce Lee's buddy so we'll give the benefit of the doubt.

This fight scene reminds me of every single sparring match I've ever had in my life. Smaller asian guy versus non asian guy twice my size. But just like Bruce, I'd end up the victor..... well at least 12% of the time.

Try turning off the sound and creating your own voice dub of this fight.... here's how mine would go...

Bruce: Whoa! You're big... and you're in my attic!!

Kareem: Yup. And you're wearing my yellow pajamas.

Bruce: So!? They fit me better anyways. I've come to sit in that chair behind you.

Kareem: Oh yeah? Well I'm sitting in it now.

Bruce: WAAAYAAAAA!!!! (kicked in chest) Ouch.

Okay that's enough of that. Just watch the fight!

Dojo Haiku

"tranquil under siege

the ninja knows no limits...

drinks lots of boba."

Wow guys, sorry for the lack of frequent postings.... Lot's of irons in the fire so to speak. Reminds me of this famous John Lennon quote:

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

But I got some cool things in the works, and one of them is a little video project I'm shooting tomorrow... hopefully will be up soon!

Gratitude

Gratitude~ The state of being thankful.

I have found recently that when you are in a state of gratitude, everyone around you is more receptive to you. When you're not, they're not. I know everyone goes through tough times, but focusing on the things you are grateful for instead of focusing on what is wrong will be what eventually helps you get back on track.

Let me give you an example:

-NinjaNeal just got dumped by NinjaNina.

He could be focusing on how he will be all alone.

Instead, NinjaNeal is grateful he has more throwing stars for himself.

With those words of wisdom, DOJO-OUT! Be thankful!!

Kamen Rider Dragon Knight - "First Look" Fall Clip

Hey Dojo Dwellers!

This aired on the CW this morning. It's a sneak preview of new episodes of "Kamen Rider Dragon Knight" that will be airing in the fall! The show is full of wall-to-wall martial arts action. It's aimed towards kids but we're all kids at heart, aren't we!??

For more info, check out these links. You can even view all the episodes online @ http://www.4kidstv.com/kamen-rider-dragon-knight

www.kamenridertv.com

Deadliest Celebrity #2 - AFTERMATH

The FCC has instructed that I keep all details of this match confidential. Bruno won the match by submission.

Deadliest Celebrity #2

Bruno vs. Borat

Not even gonna set this one up... goin straight to the tale of the tape:

Bruno:

Style: Grappling....

Power: 2

Speed: 7

Offense: 4

Defense: 3

Stamina: 9

Intelligence: 7

Special Move: Rear-naked Choke

Borat

Style: Kazaksha-Kures (Kazakh Martial Art similar to Judo)

Power: 3

Speed: 6

Offense: 3

Defense:5

Stamina: 6

Intelligence: 5

Special Move: Open-hand slap

This one's gonna be interesting.... Comment on who you think has the edge and tune in for the results

Warrior X-Fit

Are you guys looking for a no-frills, comprehensive workout program that you can do at your convenience, at your own home, and best of all- for free!??

Check out www.warriorxfit.com

This is a program developed by Master Clark of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Check it out. Now I've tried out a bunch of the exercises but I had never done the full workout. Yesterday morning, I did my first workout and it kicked my ass. Didn't think it would be that hard, but it was and I am feeling the effects of it a day later. Add a few pull-ups in with the Iron Gym, and I have myself an awesome workout.

My goal is to make it to orange belt by next Friday. Only 9 more "wins" to go!

Rant on Brock Lesnar

So last night I saw UFC 100. Everytime I see George St. Pierre fight I am amazed at how hard he works and how good he is. Kudos to him. He pulled his groin in the 3rd of 5 rounds and still won easily. That was the highlight of the night. The lowlight? Brock Lesnar.

I am a proud graduate of the University of MN. Brock Lesnar and I share the same alma mater. This guy trains out of MN, was in the Minnesota Vikings training camp at one point, and is a golden gopher to top it off. I used to be excited about the prospects of this guy... until he showed his true colors. He is a disrespectful (very large)piece of junk. Although the UFC is seen by some as a brutal and "real" version of pro wrestling, Brock should have left that persona behind when he stopped working for Vince McMahon and the 'WWE'. This is Mixed "MARTIAL ARTS". This is STILL martial arts for crying out loud. What is the one thing that most martial arts have in common??? RESPECT. Don't flick the crowd off, don't insult your opponent, and don't showboat like an idiot.

Okay I am stopping myself, no more ranting. Someone needs to knock this fool out. GSP... if only you were much bigger and much stronger!! I guess it has finally come to a head. I am taking this opportunity to announce my entrance into the UFC as a heavyweight: Mike "the Chop Stick" Moh. Lesnar has no chance!

Is this for real!??? QiGong Master!

Watch this video. If you're in a hurry, skip to about 2 minutes in....

Ummm... crazy, huh?? Do you believe it!??

New TMNT Movie open audition!

Martial Arts Experts – Open Casting Call Auditions – Martial Artist Wanted for New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Motion Picture
Date:	July 18, 2009
Starts:	10:00 am
Ends:	1:00 pm
Location:	Hollywood & Highland - 6801 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028
Description:	The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in association with Mirage Studios, 4Kids Entertainment and TMNT Productions will host an open casting call for martial arts experts to audition for the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, hitting theatres in 2011. We will select the best from the auditions to be a part of the stealth TMNT nemesis, the Foot Clan. The casting call is part of the 25th Anniversary Shell-ebration of the “Heroes on a Half Shell” in 2009, and a great way to bring together all schools of martial arts to become part of the new generation of TMNT. We’re reaching out to ask for your participation in spreading the word to your associates, friends and family within the martial arts community. Details of the event are below, and final rules/regulations will be posted shortly. When: Saturday, July 18, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Where: Hollywood & Highland 6801 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028 *At Grand Staircase Who: Judges to include actor and martial arts expert Ernie Reyes, Jr., Jason Morgan from the American Taekwondo Association, and 2011 TMNT movie producers Scott Mednick and Galen Walker. Audition: 30-Second Martial Arts Demo (Single Person Only) No metal, sharp or bladed weapons of any kind allowed Photo and updated resume with contact information Fourteen years or older (under 18 must have adult permission for audition)

http://www.tmnt25.com/road_trip/schedule/50.html

Mini Sampler

Here's a mini-sampler I put together for my website. I gotta make a new one this is pretty old footage!

Daily Dojo Deal Find

Check this out. Buy it! $19.99 for all 3 movies! I already have it, but I don't think for as good a price as this. I don't really count the 3rd one as awesome, but just think of it as a bonus. awesomeness.

http://www.amazon.com/Karate-Kid-Collection-Four-Film/dp/B0006OBPTA

Follow-through

In any martial art, follow-through is important. When punching, for example, you don't want to punch or kick to the target, but rather through the target... 6-8 inches to be exact.

In any aspect of life, following through is important. When going grocery shopping, for example, you don't want to load up your cart and then skip the line and walk out the door (unless you're a ninja, or have no moral compass).

Think of all those crazy ideas you have in your head. God knows I have too many... If you just took the time and effort to follow through on just ONE of those, imagine how it could make your life even just a little better. So go ahead.... follow-through!

Dojo Haiku

~Way of the ninja

Go undetected through space

Roundhouse in yo' face~

Think about this one. Let it simmer in your soul...

Exclusive Sneak Preview: Dojo Drama

So one day I decided I wanted to make a short tribute film to the 80's styled Martial Arts flicks. So I wrote a little screenplay in less than an hour and then called some friends up and we made this in 5 hours flat.

It's not yet finished as the sounds still needs work and we are still waiting on the background music track. Lots of work yet to be done! Check it out:

Dojo Wisdom

Once upon a time I was teaching a class at Excel Martial Arts in Minnesota and I noticed something on the ground. Looked like a small little rolled up piece of clay. So I picked it up and rolled it in my fingers as I inspected it. Turns out it wasn't clay... ewwww

Dojo Challenge: Push-ups

So the Dojo Challenge is back again. In our last challenge, the winner was Jay "King of Fighters" G. Even though he was the only one that shared his results with me, he managed an impressive score of Jean Claude Van-Damme on the Horse Stance Challenge. He wins this awesome mention and some electronic props. Nice work buddy.

This time, the challenge is an oldie but a goodie: PUSH UPS. There is no time limit. However, you must maintain proper form and once you break form or rest you are DONE. Ladies are allowed to do modified push-ups (AKA Girl Push ups- I don't like to call it that because truthfully i've seen many girls do push-ups better than a lot of guys- my wife being one of them) Below is a video of me showing what is acceptable and what is not acceptable:

WHITE BELT :0-5 reps. If your arms were food, they'd be linguine
YELLOW BELT:6-10 reps. If your arms were an animal, they'd be a ferrett
GREEN BELT: 11-20 reps. Ok.
BLUE BELT: 21-30 reps. Alright.
BROWN BELT: 21-40 reps. Muscle Milk.
RED BELT: 41-50 reps. HGH?
BLACK BELT: 51-60 reps. You must work out.
JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME BELT: 60-75 reps. Muscles from Brussels
CHUCK NORRIS BELT: 76+ reps: Do you know karate? Cuz your body is Kickin'!