The Forbidden Kingdom (功夫之王)

I know that I mentioned I would have a little more on the storyline of this movie....but since it is coming out on friday, I figured you can just see the movie yourself. Below is a brief description of the movie taken from the Internet Movie Database:

"An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary Staff of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself traveling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King."

Olympic Boycott???

The recent protest in Tibet, an Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, have sparked a variety of concerns around the Olympic Games (to be held this summer in the Chinese capitol of Beijing). Primarily, the suggestion of a boycott. Not a boycott of the entire games, but of the Opening Ceremony. I am very glad that President Bush has chosen not to politicize the games by boycotting the Ceremony. Not because I support China's efforts in Tibet.....In fact, I believe that there is no reason why China needs to be there at all, Tibet should be independent.......but because of the fact that many might possibly try that same approach on the U.S., should Chicago win the 2016 Olympic Games. I strongly believe that the President's decision was a very wise step for our country. At the same time, another leader I like, French President Nikolas Sarkozy, is considering a Boycott of the ceremony. I don't believe that the Olympics should be stuck with Politics. We'll see in the coming months what becomes of this possible problem. Any thoughts?

The Forbidden Kingdom, April 18th (功夫之王, 4月18日）

Please forgive me for the break in posts.....Taking a small break, and stocking up on Posting Ideas... :) I know that the last two movies I posted about didn't have much to do with my blog's "theme", however, this one does. I wanted to let everyone know that this movie, "The Forbidden Kingdom", will be coming to Theaters on April 18, 2009......JK, 2008.....sorry couldn't resist. It will also star two hugely popular Martial Arts Actors, Jet Li & Jackie Chan! All I will say about the plot right now is that an American Boy goes miraculously to China is trained in Kung-Fu by J & J, to defeat a ruthless warlord. I will be posting @ a later date with some more of the storyline. Right now I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of this movie's debut date. Check in later. Below is a Trailer for the Movie. Enjoy!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Yes, there will be another Starwars movie coming to the Big Screen in August. This time coming in very nice CG animation. All I can say is "I'm...so...happy (sniff)"

Chicago 2016 Apparel

I just want to let everyone know that @ www.Chicago2016.org , they have just opened up a online e-store where you can purchase different shirts, hats, and jackets with the Logo for Chicago 2016 Bid. It is the only place online where you can get the Olympic Bid Merchandise. So Stock up on your gear, whether you are from Chicago or not......no, really, I mean it.....

Happy Chinese New Year!!! 恭喜发财!!!

I just want to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!!(Congratulations and be Prosperous!)

I was able to go with my dad to the Chinese New Year Parade here in Chicago, more specifically Chinatown. It was absolutely freezing, but we both had fun, watched the parade, ate dinner, and shopped around. I had shrimp with lobster sauce, and my dad had roasted duck. Also in the Parade were the Beijing 2008 and Chicago 2016 Olympic floats!! (just mentioning it :) ) Take Care: )
恭喜发财!!

Martial Art Profile: Shaolin Kung-Fu (少林功夫)

One of my favorite Chinese Martial Arts is Shaolin Kung-Fu. It shows great strength yet quick movements. Shaolin Kung-Fu gets it's name from the place of it's origin, the Shaolin Temple, in China. The Monks in the Temple developed a Martial Art for self-defense, but primarily, for self-improvement. When attacked by Robbers in the Mountains, the would be able to defend themselves with their skill. Once, Shaolin Warrior Monks fought off Pirates terrorizing the area, killing over 100 of them, while only losing 4 Monks. I my self am very interested in possibly learning Shaolin, as it is a new challenge that is very different than my own Martial Art, Tae Kwon Do. Maybe in the Future. Sometimes Martial Artist roam the world demonstrating Shaolin Kung-Fu, however sometimes they are not truly representing it, but sometimes they are really from the actual Shaolin Temple, which is still in China. Below, is a quick video of Monks demonstrating their Skill at a University in America. Please Enjoy! : )

U.S. President Endorses Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid

"I can't think of a better city to represent the United States than Chicago," ~President Bush


U.S. President George W. Bush came to Chicago on January 7th, wanting to be briefed on Chicago's proposed plans for the 2016 Olympic games. Mayor Daley, as well as City and Chicago 2016 Officials, were glad to oblige. The endorsement of a head of state really helps tremendously in a Applicant City's credentials. As was Former Prime Minister Tony Blair with London 2012, and President Vladimir Putin with Sochi 2014. With the Statement, "This country supports the bid, strongly" , President Bush gave Chicago's Bid another wonderful boost, as did the greatly successful hosting of the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships. The Head of the AIBA, C.K. Wu also voiced his confidence in Chicago's bid, as well as claiming the 2007's Boxing Championship as the best ever. Although in his last year as President, and leaving office 9 months from the time the IOC choose the Host City, President Bush promised to do all that he could to help the Bid.

Thanks President Bush!....a great President just got better :)

Happy Holidays!!

Sorry for being a little late for this but I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and also I hope everyone has a safe, Happy New Year! I have decided to give up posting until the year 2008.... ; )

Martial Art Profile: Hap Ki Do (합기도)

Hap Ki Do is a Korean Martial Art that shares many characteristics to the Japanese Martial Art, Aikido. The essence of Hap ki do is countering. It is a "Soft" Martial Art, in that you use your opponents energy or power against himself (in contrast, Tae Kwon Do & Karate are "Hard" Martial Arts, in that they both match your power & energy against your opponents power & energy). Through joint-locks, manipulation of your opponent, grappling, and sparse kicking, Hap ki do practitioners seek to control their opponent's own fighting moves (Punch, kick, grab, etc.). It is very effective when practiced well, as students of this art practice on countering a wide range of both Martial Art attacks and "un-skilled" attacks.

My school also teaches the art of Hap Ki Do, so I know how painful and effective it is from first hand experiance :) My master is I beleive a 5th or 6th Dan(단, Degree) Black Belt in Hap Ki Do. The Video I have Included shows a few of hundreds (maybe thousands!) of Hap ki do techniques. Enjoy!