Lau Kar Leung
Since the early 1970’s Kung Fu films have created fascination, excitement, and joy for the fans of the martial arts film genre. Directors like Lau Kar Leung, Zhang Zhe, and Lee Tso Nam ( just to name a few)thrilled fans with their unique and individual brand of storytelling. Kung fu stars such as Lau Kar Fai, Chi Kuan Chun, and Wang Tao (just to name a few) have inspired and exhilarated movie watchers for decades.
On June 25, 2013 kung fu filmmaking lost one of its great innovators and pioneers when Lau Kar Leung passed away after a long bout with lukemia. Four days later, on June 29, 2013, the world mourned the loss of another martial hero when Jim Kelly lost his battle with cancer.
Both of these men left a profound positive impact on the martial arts movie industry and millions of fans. Although I did not have the honor of meeting Lau Kar Leung, his movies left me with a tremendous amount of respect not only for Hung Ga but the art of fight scene choreography as well as artistic film making.
I did, however, get the chance to meet Master Jim Kelly at the Motor City Comic Con in suburban Detroit. I was able to tell Master Kelly how much I respected and admired him, saw him as a role model as a man and martial artist.
When I read about the transitions, I felt not only a sense of loss, but feelings of nostalgia. As I get older I realize that my kung fu movie idols are getting older! I have opened the Film Fan Dojo as a way to pay homage to the kung fu film stars, writers, and directors of yesteryear.
Join me in celebrating the skillful, brave, and brilliant pioneers of the genre of film that we love: Welcome to the Film Fan Dojo! Leave your shoes at the door and ENJOY!
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