By Sensei Serge Sognonvi and Carmen Sognonvi Originally published at http://www.urbandojo.com/blog
Next time you’re looking for a movie to watch with your kids, why not make it a martial arts movie? There are so many great movies about martial arts that have positive messages for kids. Here are 5 of our favorites:
1. Kung Fu Panda
Why We Like It: Because we can all relate to Po!
Recommended For: Kids aged 6 and up
Official Synopsis: Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po works in his family’s noodle shop while daydreaming about becoming a Kung Fu master.
His dreams soon become reality when he is unexpectedly chosen to join the world of Kung Fu and study alongside his idols-the legendary fighters Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey-under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu.
But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu hero into reality? Po puts his heart and his girth into the task, and ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.
2. Shaolin Soccer
Why We Like It: Because who knew soccer and kung fu would be such a fun combination?
Recommended For: Kids aged 8 and up
Official Synopsis: With tons of action, eye-popping special effects, and nonstop laughs, here’s a hilarious martial arts comedy about a team of misfits who take their best shot at winning a championship!
Sing is a skilled Shaolin kung fu devotee whose amazing “leg of steel” catches the eye of a soccer coach! Together they assemble a squad of Sing’s former Shaolin brothers inspired by the big-money prize in a national soccer competition!
Using an unlikely mix of martial arts and newfound soccer skills, it seems an unbeatable combination … until they must face the dreaded Team Evil in the ultimate battle for the title!
3. Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
Why We Like It: Because it’s fun to see Wendy go from prissy prom queen to kung fu master!
Recommended For: Kids aged 8 and up
Official Synopsis: Wendy Wu has only one thing on her mind: winning the crown as this year’s homecoming queen. But the arrival of a mysterious young Chinese monk named Shen flips her whole world upside down.
As if juggling homework, a hottie boyfriend, and fierce competition for homecoming queen isn’t enough, now she’s got to seriously train her mind, body, and spirit in all things Kung Fu! Will Wendy discover her own inner warrior and learn what’s really important in life? (Big surprise: It’s not all about shopping.)
4. The Karate Kid (1984)
Why We Like It: Because it’s an oldie but goodie!
Recommended For: Kids aged 12 and up
Official Synopsis: A fatherless teenager faces his moment of truth in The Karate Kid. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends.
However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra leader’s ex-girlfriend. Eager to fight back and impress his new girlfriend but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Miyagi (Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita), whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate.
Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery over the self, mind, and body and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi’s guidance, Daniel develops not only physical skills but also the faith and self-confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life in the exciting finale to this entertaining film.
5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Why We Like It: Because it’s beautifully shot, and has strong female characters who are martial arts masters in their own right.
Recommended For: Kids aged 12 and up
Official Synopsis: An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Pind (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment.
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