Old school Kung Fu movie names such as Liu Chia Liang, Bruce Lee, Gordon Liu, Ti Lung, and Lo Mang bring a sense of nostalgia and awe for old school Kung Fu movie heads. We think of their fight scenes, facial expressions, fighting stances, kiai’s ( yells) as well as their best movies. We debate among ourselves and occasionally with others about the best scene in our favorite movies, who would beat whom in a real fight, who did their own stunts, etc. We even talk about how these new guys couldn’t hold a candle to our beloved stars of the Classical Kung Fu Era. While I still debate these things, there’s a list of new martial arts movie actors that are up and coming ( some are already mega stars) who carry on the torch pretty well. The good part is that many cite the old school Kung Fu stars as inspirations for their love of martial arts and their love and perfection of their craft. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of modern martial arts actors who continue the tradition of kicking a** and taking names.
Iko Uwais
Iko Uwais is a Silat practitioner who has taken the Martial Arts and Action film genre by storm. His roles in Merentau, The Raid, and the recent hit The Raid: Berendal have made him a favorite among fans who like hard hitting and diverse martial arts action. We look forward to more hits ( and kicks) from him in the future.
Scott Adkins
Scott Adkins star has been rising and we can see why. Adkins can kick it with the best and is always at his best in his fight scenes. He has worked in the UK, Hong Kong, and Hollywood. He and director Issac Florentine have created modern classics such as Ninja and Ninja: Shadow of a Tear, and Undisputed 2 and 3. Scott continues to climb and get roles in higher profile movies such as The Legend Of Hercules. Scott Adkins vs Chuck Norris anyone?
Wu Jing
Wushu standout Wu Jing is already a veteran in the eyes of many fans. He has graced the screen in Shaolin (2011), SPL, Legendary Assassin, and a host of other movies. He is an amazing martial artist who is scheduled to appear in Wolf War with Scott Adkins. Wu Jing has had on screen fights with the best including Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung. Wu Jing still has the gas to make even more great martial arts movies and we look to see more from him in the near future.
Come on, there has to be more, right? There’s plenty more! Stay tuned for part 2 of New School Up and Comers…