Product Details

• Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 076700745X
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,781 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #74 in

  Video > Sports > Martial Arts

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For centuries, the secrets were closely guarded, and only a chosen few learned the ancient ways. Today, millions worldwide from Washington lawyers to African villagers practice the martial arts. But few know the history of the disciplines they study. This action-packed program crosses the Orient to uncover THE MYSTIC ORIGINS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS. Top masters of karate, judo and lesser-known methods like kyudo and hapkido demonstrate their stunning skills. Explore the many facets of the varied disciplines, including their rich spiritual heritage. And get an extremely rare look inside China's Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of martial arts. In these ancient walls, the monks demonstrate their unique style of kung-fu, and perform astonishing feats through a 3,000 year old practice they call "qigong." Get a black belt in history with THE MYSTIC ORIGINS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A supreme success, May 5, 1999

By	Mikal Hauser (Norrth Carolina) - See all my reviews

This video represents the highest in production quality and content that such videos have to offer. It is a fascinating glimpse into the martial arts for those who have never studied and a challenge to improve for those who have. The Shaolin monks in particular have stunning technique. There is a short demonstration of chi (ki) power as well which is the foundation of hand-healing and of the highest levels of the Asian martial arts. This in itself is worth the price of the video (I would have bought it for fifty or sixty bucks without a second thought). Hand healers are rare and amazing people, whether they come from a healing perspective, a martial one, or both. At this level, there is very little difference.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best I've seen., March 30, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is one of the best documentaries on martial arts, I've seen. And it's not SHORT. Most videos run 60 minutes or less, this is 100 minutes. It shows many of the styles, and history. Gives a good overview for anyone who is interested in taking up a style. Buy this video.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed learning the history of the martial arts., April 4, 1999

By A Customer

A very well done video indeed.I liked the part about the hwarangdo warriors and the ninjas.It made me want to learn more and more about ninjitsu and other martial arts.