The Black Kungfu Experience

Thanks to the popular 1970s TV series starring David Carradine, and martial arts movies featuring stars such as Bruce Lee, kung fu attracted attention and gained followers in the United States. Some of these kung fu pioneers would emerge in the African American community, including Ron Van Clief (known as the "black dragon"), who turned to martial arts as a way to escape racism while also asserting black pride. Martha Burr and Mei-Juin Chen's PBS-aired documentary highlights black kung fu figures from that early era, including Dennis Brown, Tayari Casel, and Don Hamby. One man recalls slipping into theaters in his city's Chinatown section in the 1960s, which was then one of the few places to see kung fu films. Becoming an expert meant seeking out Asian fighters as far away as Hong Kong, and pursuing self-education by reading texts on the subject, not an easy task since many of the books weren't translated into English. Some practitioners, such as Van Clief, eventually starred in low-budget action films made in two weeks, films that dovetailed with other popular blaxploitation movies of the time (one flick boasts "big mothers are his specialty!"). Kung fu is part fighting and part choreography, and requires discipline, proper breath control, and correct stance, while the more afro-centric form adds drums, dance, and ritual. Many of the early black kung fu pioneers have gone on to become trainers, mentors, and role models, a reminder that kung fu isn't just something you learn, but more of a way of life. Intertwining interview clips with archival footage, this entertaining documentary should have wide appeal. DVD extras include bonus kung fu footage. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)