martial arts
Karate Kid Legends Unites Two Miyagi-verse Icons- Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio
Uniting legacy and nostalgia, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ brings together two iconic figures from the beloved Miyagi-verse. Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, this martial arts drama promises to bridge generations through its powerful blend of tradition and discipline. With Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio sharing the screen, anticipation runs high. Let’s explore what makes this cinematic reunion so momentous.
Karate Kid 2025: Plot and Team Behind the Screen
Penned by Rob Lieber, this martial arts movie flourishes with the directorial debut of Jonathan Entwistle in the feature film.
Set three years after the events of the television series ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018-2025), the story picks up where the saga left off. Serving as the sixth installment in the Miyagi universe, it follows the legacy revived by its predecessor in 2010.
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan return to their respective iconic roles from previous movies. Joining them is Ben Wang, embodying the main lead alongside Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, and Sadie Stanley.
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The storyline centres on kung fu prodigy Li Fong, who, after moving to New York City, finds himself targeted by a fierce local karate champion. With guidance from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he sets out to prove himself in the ultimate karate showdown.
Bankrolled by Columbia Pictures, the drama film makes its way to theatres courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing.
From TV Series to Cinematic Spotlight
After more than a decade, the iconic franchise reclaims its spot in theatres. But releasing it right after Cobra Kai’s emotional finale adds an extra weight that fans will instantly feel. That final season tied up many beloved character arcs. It makes the movie’s continuation feel like the next natural step in a saga that spans generations.
Entwistle steps into feature filmmaking after a successful television career. While it's his debut on the silver screen, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a property cherished by a fiercely loyal global fanbase, Entwistle brings not just technical skill but a fan’s heart. He understands the world he’s building on because he grew up inside it, just like the audience he’s speaking to.
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Questions around continuity have been put to rest. The upcoming release respects the foundation laid by ‘Cobra Kai’, treating it as canon and picking up only a few years after its events. Writer Rob Lieber, alongside the creative team, has clearly worked to preserve the franchise's spirit. The result is a new chapter that honours its roots while inviting in new energy.
While the film holds its own ground with a fresh story, it doesn’t lose sight of its ancestry. The Legends moves forward while staying deeply stitched into the saga that shaped it.
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan: Two Legends in One Production Set
Coming back to cinemas with decades of legacy, Macchio remains a name long intertwined with The Karate Kid since 1984. He first stepped into the role of Daniel LaRusso, a timid high schooler. The character was transformed into a resilient fighter under the guidance of the wise Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by the late Pat Morita. Macchio’s portrayal extended through Part II (1986) and Part III (1989). It elevates him to international stardom and solidifies Daniel as a pop culture icon. His presence in ‘Cobra Kai’ only deepened fans' connection to the character.
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Meanwhile, Chan brought a fresh dynamic to the Miyagi-verse with the 2010 reboot, playing the quietly powerful Mr. Han. His return to the franchise marks the first-ever crossover between the original continuity and the rebooted world.
This convergence introduces Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy under the dual mentorship of LaRusso and Mr. Han. Through them, he will navigate two distinct martial philosophies, kung fu and karate, each with its discipline and depth. As two martial arts legacies merge on-screen, Legends quickly rises as one of the year’s most anticipated cinematic events.
Even in brief glimpses from the trailer, Chan’s Mr. Han appears more reflective, no longer just grieving but quietly evolving. For director Entwistle, collaborating with a star like Chan presented both a challenge and a thrill. It opened the door to honouring both traditions with sincerity, fusing them into a story that feels both nostalgic and remarkably new.
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Visualizing Two Disciplines of Martial Arts
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ bridges two martial arts traditions, kung fu and karate, into a story that's as visually dynamic as it is thematically rich. What initially seemed like a creative hurdle soon turned into one of the film’s defining strengths.
This fusion took shape when a veteran Hong Kong wirework team joined the production. They bring a cinematic style rooted in authenticity and fluid motion. Chan’s deep ties to that tradition helped unlock a clear vision.
What results is full-body, in-camera martial arts choreography—raw, physical, and immersive. It’s not just a stylistic choice; it’s one of the film’s boldest promises.
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In a Nutshell
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ unites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, bridging generations in a franchise that has evolved across four decades. With Jonathan Entwistle stepping confidently into feature filmmaking, the plot moves ahead from the final moments of ‘Cobra Kai.’ Honouring its roots while expanding its reach, the upcoming release blends heartfelt mentorship with thrilling action. By showcasing both kung fu and karate in visually compelling ways, it offers a fresh yet faithful chapter in the enduring Miyagi-verse.
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7 months ago
Martial Arts Training for Women in Dhaka: Top Places to Learn Self-Defense
With the rising incidents of violence against young girls to aged women, learning self-defense has become essential. Dhaka hosts several martial arts training centers where girls and women can learn practical techniques of judo, karate, kung fu, etc. These disciplines are effectively aligned with real-life self-defense scenarios. Let’s take a closer look at the leading institutes that provide a supportive environment for women to learn essential safety skills.
Top 10 Martial Arts Training Centers for Women in Dhaka
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KO Fight Studio
The Bangladesh branch of the world-renowned Karate Organization, ShinKyokushinKai, operates under the name of this institute. The training center prioritizes mastering the Japanese Kyokushin Karate style. Shihan Abdullah Mohammad Hossain, a 4th Dan black belt (4th degree black belt holder), is the organization’s executive director and head instructor.
KO Fight Studio’s curriculum includes master striking, escape techniques, and de-escalation skills, all of which are crucial for real-life situations.
The sessions span a minimum of 8 weeks, consisting of 16 classes, each lasting 2 hours. The admission fee is BDT 2,000, with a monthly fee of BDT 4,000.
Address: Level-4, Building No. 19-20, Road-113/A, Gulshan (next to Shahabuddin Medical)
Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/KOFSDhaka/
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Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School
This school focuses on the traditional Chinese martial arts of Wushu and Kung Fu, with an emphasis on modern adaptations such as Sanda, Taolu, and Wing Chun. The school was founded by Master Abdullah Al Monsur, a highly skilled martial artist.
Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School offers training in striking, grappling, weaponry, and hybrid martial arts. Students are taught techniques from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, Kenpo, judo, Aikido, Sumo, and wrestling, alongside weapons training in Kendo, fencing, and Iaido. The courses emphasize physical strength, mental health, focus, and discipline.
An online option for Kung Fu classes is also available for students participating from home.
Main Branches: Bhaban-58, Road-5, Block-F, Aftabnagar, Badda. Additional branches are located in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Bashundhara, and Uttara.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wushubd
Sobhan Karate Academy
Catering to trainees aged 5 to 65, this academy boasts a membership where over 80% are women. The training features the globally recognized Shotokan Karate style.
The admission fee is BDT 5,000 for all, while the monthly fee is BDT 3,000 for students and BDT 4,000 for professionals.
Sobhan Karate Academy features a specialized 9-month defensive tactics course, which costs BDT 40,000, including the admission fee. The initial month’s fee is BDT 10,000 for students and BDT 11,000 for professionals.
Address: Russian Cultural Center, House No. 510, Road 7, Dhanmondi
Website Link: https://www.sobhankarateacademy.com/
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Martial Art BD
This training institute is led by internationally certified experts, including Sensei Nazmun Sahadath. He is a 4th Dan and national karate judge affiliated with the Bangladesh Karate Federation.
Martial Art BD offers programs in general karate and bodybuilding, promoting long-term health. Updated details about course schedules and fees are available on its website.
Website Link: https://martialartbd.com/
Address: 15/G Jigatola, Dhanmondi, (Sundarban Courier Building). Additional branches are located in Lalmatia and Shonir Akhra.
HORDE MMA & Martial Arts Academy
Founded by 4th Dan Black Belt holder Sensei Kim Yanez, HORDE MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) & Martial Arts Academy specializes in combining karate with kickboxing. It incorporates the world-famous No-Gi Submission Grappling technique to overcome the opponent.
Classes are offered from 9 AM to 8 PM, and course details can be obtained through their Facebook page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/HordeMMA/Main Branch Address: House-34, Sonarganj Janpath, Sector-11, Uttara, (Opposite Zamzam Tower)
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Martial Arts Stars Academy
Established in 1992, Martial Arts Stars Academy focuses on Judo, Karate, and Jiu-Jitsu, with defensive weapons training as part of the curriculum. Head coach Shamsher Alam, a national referee, is affiliated with both the Bangladesh Judo and Karate Federations.
Trainings are conducted in two batches: one starting at 6 AM and the other at 4:30 PM.
Address: Bari-13, Road-14, Block-D, Section-6, Mirpur.
Practice Venue: Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium, Mirpur.
Visit their Facebook page for further information on course fees.
Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/p/Martial-Arts-Stars-Academy-100062993752856/
Jacky Martial Art Academy
The institute was initiated in 1990 by Kamal Uddin Jacky. A gold medalist from Korea and extensively trained in Japan, Jacky is now a 7th Dan Black Belt Athlete.
Jacky Martial Art Academy is renowned for its black belt course lasting two years. The curriculum includes karate, kung fu, judo, taekwondo, chain stick, and long stick training.
The monthly fee for the course is BDT 1,000. Additionally, a separate batch for girls is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon.
Address: Chandan Kotha Center, Shahid Faruk Road, Nabi Nagar, West Jatrabari, Dhaka
Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/JackyMartialArtAkademy
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Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do
Founded in 1999, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do is a prestigious karate school in the country. The head coach is sensei Abdul Shukkur Ali Shikder.
The school has a branch in Gulistan and multiple locations across Rampura and Banasree. Training at the National Sports Council Building in Gulistan is held from 7 AM to 9 AM. On the contrary, classes at the Rampura and Banasree branches are typically conducted from afternoon to evening.
More details on the curriculum, admission, and course fees are available on their official Facebook page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/bangladeshwadokaikaratedo
Contact Address: 377/1, East Rampura, D.I.T Road, Rampura.
Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh
The Korean defensive combat style Chang Moo Kwan Taekwondo is widely appreciated all over the world. Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh serves as the official representative of this discipline in the country.
The institute conducts training programs five days a week, from 4 PM to 7 PM (except Friday and Saturday). Comprehensive details on admission and courses are accessible through their official Facebook page.
Page link: https://www.facebook.com/royaltkdbangladesh
Address: House No. 77/B, 7A Dhanmondi.
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Shotokan Karate Bangladesh
Originating in Japan, Shotokan is one of the world-famous styles of self-defense. It is also widely practiced in karate clubs in Bangladesh. Approved by the National Karate Federation, Shotokan Karate Bangladesh proudly carries the spirit of Shotokan.
The center offers courses on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Morning classes are from 8 AM to 9:30 AM, and afternoon classes are held from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
Course fees and other relevant details can be found on their Facebook page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/shotokankaratebangladeshAddress: 8/C, West Chowdhury Para, Dhaka.
Summing Up
These self-defense training institutes in Dhaka, dedicated to empowering women, present a unique approach tailored to their distinct martial arts styles.
KO Fight Studio, Sobhan Karate Academy, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do, and Shotokan Karate Bangladesh emphasize traditional karate training. Chinese Kung Fu & Wushu School preserves the essence of Wushu, while Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh is dedicated to Taekwondo. Horde MMA & Martial Arts Academy blends karate with kickboxing, whereas Martial Arts Stars Academy integrates judo and karate. Jacky Martial Art Academy provides a well-rounded approach, incorporating multiple disciplines. Martial Art BD combines personal protection techniques with bodybuilding programs.
Beyond physical strength, these institutes foster mental resilience, making self-security a holistic practice for women.
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8 months ago
Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know About Their Color and Significance
Martial arts, a term encompassing various physical disciplines, are not just about physical prowess but also about mental discipline and spiritual growth. Central to many of these arts is the martial arts belt ranking system. These belts are more than colorful accessories; they signify the milestones one has achieved and the challenges that lie ahead.
Which Martial Arts Use Belt Ranking System?
Karate
This martial art is renowned for its robust strikes and powerful kicks. Karate adopts a structured belt progression system, beginning with the symbolic white belt and culminating in the prestigious black belt. As practitioners advance through various levels, each belt color marks a new stage of expertise and understanding.
Taekwondo
Characterized by its swift and dynamic kicks, Taekwondo follows a similar belt system to Karate. It encompasses a progression from white to black belts, each representing the stages of skill and personal development within the art.
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Judo
A grappling-focused martial art, Judo emphasizes throws and takedowns. It employs a belt system starting from white, advancing through different levels until brown. The highly regarded black belt is awarded at the pinnacle of mastery, symbolizing a deep understanding of Judo's principles and techniques.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Recognized for its emphasis on ground fighting techniques, Jiu-Jitsu features a belt system encompassing white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Significantly, within each belt level, practitioners may earn stripes, marking progress and skill refinement.
Others
Various other martial arts also incorporate belt ranking systems. Aikido, for instance, moves practitioners from white to black belts, symbolizing a journey of growth and learning. Kung Fu, known for its diverse styles, follows varied belt systems, each reflective of its unique philosophy and technique.
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1 year ago
Best Martial Arts for Women: Know the purposes, risks, requirements
In today's world many females feel insecure in public places, workplaces or even at home. If a woman wants to be healthier, more mobile, and wishes to look better and feel better, she can learn a martial art. Martial art is a great way of self-care and self-defense which is fundamental for every woman. Here come different forms of martial arts compatible for women. Read this article and select the most suitable one for you.
Top 10 Forms of Martial Arts for Women
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is also known as a military self-defense and fighting system which is developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli security forces.
Origin: Israel
Inventor: Imi Lichtenfeld
Specialty: Mainly focus on real-world situations and their extreme efficiency.
Purpose: The purpose is to prepare every individual for a violent, life-threatening physical altercation.
Requirement: More effective for the real world, especially for women.
Risk: small risk of injury in any physical activity but injuries from training are very rare.
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Judo
Judo is one of the most popular and widely-available martial arts on the planet.
Origin: Japan
Inventor: Kanō Jigorō
Specialty: Mainly focused on grappling and throws, using momentum to destabilize opponents and damage them by throwing them onto the ground.
Purpose: The objective of competitive judo is to throw an opponent, immobilize them with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke.
Requirement: Allows women to defend themselves in a range where striking loses all effectiveness.
Risk: Injury-usually of the knee, shoulder, and fingers, and being thrown was the most common injury mechanism.
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Taekwondo
Taekwondo, one of the most recent ones, is a Korean martial arts style.
Origin: Korea
Inventor: No single creator, initially supervised by Choi Hong Hi
Specialty: It is a great option for women’s self-defense as it is something that nobody would expect.
Purpose: The aim of creating a martial art that can deliver stronger and faster strikes than the ones available in any other art out there.
Requirement: Its “surprise element”, together with the pure strength makes it an incredible self-defense tool.
Risk: Muscle strains or joint strains.
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Karate
Karate, the most popular martial art on the planet, is a surprisingly good foundation for self-defense.
Origin: Ryukyu Kingdom (Present day Okinawa prefecture, Japan)
Inventor: Indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands, Chinese martial arts
Specialty: Although it lacks in many places its use of strong attacks by both the arms and the legs does put it in a higher spot than TKD focusing on one pair of limbs too much.
Purpose: The aim of almost all types of Karate is to prepare you for a variety of self-defense situations.
Requirement: Different types of karate provide different street-effectiveness. But almost all types of Karate will prepare you for a variety of self-defense situations, where a strong, fast strike could save your life.
Risk: Fractures (from falling), Hyperextension of the joints, Nosebleeds, Sprains.
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Jiu-Jitsu
This martial art helps you to overcome the opponent with technique in a bunch of grappling situations.
Origin: Brazil
Inventor: Kanō Jigorō, Tomita Tsunejirō, Mitsuyo Maeda
Specialty: Of course, it places higher, but there is a specific issue with the art when it comes to women.
Purpose: It provides essential survival skills, and is the first art women should train.
Requirement: It teaches incredible skills to handle the fight on your feet or is in a hold.
Risk: As it always takes the fight to the ground, it puts women at risk.
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3 years ago
Best Martial Arts For Fitness
While traditional sports like running, cycling and swimming are seen as the face of what weight loss and general fitness looks like, many unconventional sports hold their own while teaching practitioners additional skills - martial arts being one of these activities. Skipping, jumping and static exercises are just the preliminary steps before getting into the meat of your training. While all martial arts implement some form of said exercises, here are the best ones for you to maintain the best fitness.
Top martial arts for muscle-building and weightloss
Muay Thai
While many martial arts are seeing proper representation by fight companies like One FC and UFC, the sport that has everyone talking is Muay Thai. It is possibly one of the most prevalent striking martial arts in the competitive and casual scene right now and for good reason.
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Aside from being known for its eight limb technique (shoulders, elbows included), clinches and sparring are other tiring routines to expect in a Muay Thai class. As the entire body is constantly engaged, and having a larger selection of strikes than most other martial arts, it’s key to keep it all together with decent stamina and endurance at the very least.
While Muay Thai may be gruelling and every strike is meant to be practical and not flashy, the classes that represent the art know better than to throw newbies off the deep end when they first start - hence the appeal to newcomers. If you’re interested in getting fit fast and having fun while learning to defend yourself, there are few striking martial arts that can top Muay Thai.
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Brazillian Jiu Jitsu
Many casual martial artists tend to have varied preferences that are based on body type, style and ultimately practicality. Like Muay thai, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is the dominant art of its category, that being grappling.
When the fight happens on the ground, there are few who know exactly what to do in situations like those to defend themselves - which is where this martial art fills a void in the industry. Many classes offer a gi-based way of training that measures skill by belt colors, but more casual versions, without grading are also available.
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BJJ requires a strong core, flexibility and stamina to endure escaping locks and having strength to subdue your opponent. While cardio is important to keep going on the ground, stamina is slightly more prevalent here as your muscles will have a substantial time under tension when wrestling. If you don’t mind getting into your opponent’s face, this could be the choice for you.
Wrestling
Another grappling art that requires a lot of physical contact, wrestling has been a reliable tradition that has lasted this long due to how effective it can be when done correctly. Despite being a grapple sort, wrestling requires far more endurance than one might assume. Sussing the opponent out and finding the right opportunity for a takedown.
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Going through the motion of wide-arching swings and pinning the opponent requires big movements, involving multiple muscle groups. When doing this frequently, you can imagine how easy it is to run out of breath and strength in a matter of minutes.
Keeping up with an hour of lifting people and watching out for injuries can be daunting, however wrestling classes are safe hands that will prepare you for the art with a good mix of cardio and strength training. If you are slightly on the heavier side, this martial art could be made for you.
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Boxing
This stylish and sophisticated martial art has been around for a long time and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. To say that boxing puts up a sweat is an understatement. While boxing favours upper body strikes and tons of different ways of punching (jabs, hooks, uppercuts, etc), the feet are doing more than meets the eye.
Constantly maneuvering and bending to ensure your hips are thrusted correctly as you extend each arm for a punch can be a lot to deal with, especially when smaller movements are required for evasion of any sort. Ducks and weaves are a core buster, relying on many muscles from the hips down to the ankles. Overall, it is a well rounded striking sport that is respected for how much it keeps fighters on their feet at all times.
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Judo
Similar to wrestling, Judo does require a lot of throws and takedowns, but is slightly different from the other grapple sports. While each of these grappling techniques require the fighter to understand exactly how to safely land to avoid injury, Judo training does have a fair amount of cardio involved while also prioritising on mental wellness.
This is often a gi-focused martial art which requires a proper uniform and grading system. It may not have the same level of fame as BJJ, but many professional fighters use Judo to this day for its ability to use minimal effort to get a takedown in. Judo is slightly more passive and requires more techniques that are based on reacting, but it is still crucial to maintain a good amount of stamina while waiting for the right throw.
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Mixed Martial Arts
Of course, this is by far the most staple “fighting style” in the martial arts scene and for good reason. In the entertainment and fitness industry, many look up to the versatility and customizability of mixed martial arts (MMA) as it can always be improved on by fighting geniuses and still be considered “correct” if it works in a competitive environment.
From throwing to striking to groundwork; there are many ways to tackle your unique approach to MMA, however if you are not a risk taker, the combination of Muay Thai and BJJ will be a safe combination to try out.
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Be warned that since you are juggling multiple techniques, practicing often is good in order to ensure that you are getting the most out of the different aspects of your combination. Also, keeping fit while learning these special techniques is a must and that can’t be done without practice.
4 years ago
Traditional martial arts becomes popular in China during coronavirus battle
Following the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, those living in China have been encouraged to stay at home. This kind of isolation has shut the door on many people's daily exercise routines. For some of those, traditional martial arts can provide for their exercise needs without leaving home.
5 years ago