The Way of the Warrior

The 1960s and 1970s were the "Bruce Lee" age for traditional martial arts. An age when these arts became incredibly popular worldwide, and in the process deteriorated greatly as they spread, oftentimes losing their historical context and what they used to stand for. The presentation of martial arts in the West, was usually amateurish at best, and at its worst was a real misrepresentation of the arts to the degree that people thought them to be something which they never were. The movies and media were thus to blame for both the successful widespread of the arts as a cultural phenomenon, and the demise of many of them.

Out of this chaos emerged this FANTASTIC documentary series in the early 1980s. It did not look like anything else that has ever been put on video for the English-speaking market. One could argue that as I am writing this (February 2011), no other documentary series on the subject of martial arts have managed to replicate the quality of this original production.

This series is truly exceptional. A remarkable piece of cinematic excellence. One could try criticizing in vein the various inaccuracies often spoken by the narrator, who was certainly no expert on the subject of martial arts. Still, the series was aimed at familiarizing the average Joe with this subject - and in that department the series just continually delivered the goods.

The series touches on the very essence of traditional martial arts from around the world, and in so doing documents history itself in the making. It catches martial traditions right in one of their most pivotal historical points - of transitioning into the new brave new world humanity had created towards the 21st century. It shall forever stand as a monument to the heart and soul of martial arts in this historical period. The heart of the series are the various teachers featured in it - each a unique and fully developed individual, and all very interesting to listen to. They teach the viewer no less than they do their students, and we are really fortunate to have them speak and demonstrate so openly in front of a camera.

One could only wish this series would have lasted 1000 hours and more. I find myself watching every episode in joy even when seeing it for the 30th time. I wish they would have made more like this one. Do find the time to watch this masterpiece - whoever you are, you won't be disappointed!!

Jonathan Bluestein, February 2012.