Staff Master Rates 7 Spear And Staff Fights In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

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  • Опубліковано 31 жов 2022
  • Kung Fu champion Zak Song rates seven spear and staff fight scenes in movies, such as "Ip Man," for realism.
    Song discusses the accuracy of spear and staff scenes in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000), featuring Michelle Yeoh; "Ip Man" (2008), starring Donnie Yen; and "Fearless" (2006), with Jet Li. He also comments on the acrobatic and striking techniques in "Pacific Rim" (2013) and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (2021), starring Simu Liu. Song analyzes the tactics displayed in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999) and "Hand of Death" (1976).
    Song is a champion martial artist and has been teaching kung fu and wushu for over 26 years. Song won a gold medal at the 2003 Chinese National Kung-Fu/Wushu/Sanda Competition. He also won the Oceania Kung-Fu Wushu Championships in the modern wushu forms and weapons categories in 2014 as well as winning the New Zealand Kung-Fu Wushu Championships in both traditional kung fu (hand forms) and modern wushu (short weapons) categories in 2012.
    You can follow Zak Song here:
    / mastersongkungfu
    / mastersongkungfu
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    Staff Master Rates 7 Spear And Staff Fights In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 881

  • @MasterSongKungFu
    @MasterSongKungFu Рік тому +4544

    I'm Zak Song. thanks for the lovely comments everyone 🥰

    • @Archer957
      @Archer957 Рік тому +82

      This was a fantastic review. I love that you didn't let the movie magic get in the way either and even Incorporated it into your analysis

    • @jakechecolinski5929
      @jakechecolinski5929 Рік тому +26

      I always wanted to hear from the spear side about spear versus sword. That's an argument that many people make. That sword always beats spear.

    • @MasterSongKungFu
      @MasterSongKungFu Рік тому +20

      @@Archer957 Thanks. I can break the moves 😀😀

    • @MasterSongKungFu
      @MasterSongKungFu Рік тому +67

      @@jakechecolinski5929 it is not the weapon, its really depends on who is using the weapon.

    • @antonellocastangia543
      @antonellocastangia543 Рік тому +7

      I'm your subscriber. You are good Shifu🙇‍♂️

  • @Lydia-dd9bo
    @Lydia-dd9bo Рік тому +2244

    "I move it around and you get confused and then I STAB AT YOU!" Lmaooo I love him

    • @phunk8607
      @phunk8607 Рік тому +22

      Thats what he said

    • @Nick-dx2pt
      @Nick-dx2pt Рік тому +1

      @@phunk8607 disgusting 🤮🤮🤮

    • @adriantorres7315
      @adriantorres7315 Рік тому +9

      I do like the way he said it too!

    • @aidenwallin3523
      @aidenwallin3523 Рік тому +6

      It's too bad the captions missed that part. With his accent, his "at" sounds more like "a", which you can hear, but the captions didn't quite catch. He'll say "... then I stab at you", and the captions get "...then I stab you", which luckily has basically the same meaning. His English really is very good, and his enthusiasm is contagious so you don't really need the almost perfect captions to understand what he's saying.

  • @bryanjames7528
    @bryanjames7528 Рік тому +2148

    I give his reaction 10/10. Very realistic

  • @shuang7877
    @shuang7877 Рік тому +830

    He's been teaching for 26 years. Apparently picking up wushu makes one immortal as he looks 21

    • @RoxasLov3r4Ev3r
      @RoxasLov3r4Ev3r Рік тому +51

      Lol what?? He barely looks 26 himself 😂😂😂😂 I thought they found some college kid enthusiast....

    • @Namyag2357
      @Namyag2357 Рік тому +97

      Clearly he picked up wushu when he was -5 years old.

    • @jackdorseysdisappointedfather
      @jackdorseysdisappointedfather Рік тому +8

      My defense mechanisms refuse to allow me to believe you.😥

    • @lucianestridge7964
      @lucianestridge7964 Рік тому

      Kenny parez

    • @QYXP
      @QYXP Рік тому +28

      He actually has been teaching for 226, he missed out the 200 to not give the game away

  • @dpslfg
    @dpslfg Рік тому +773

    This man is so positive and generous with his ratings. We all need someone in our corner like him. 10/10 guy.

    • @obi-wan-jacobi840
      @obi-wan-jacobi840 Рік тому +22

      It makes sense that a lot of these would be rated high since they’re often real martial artists doing their own choreography.

    • @cielo_ciel_
      @cielo_ciel_ Рік тому +5

      Well most of the choreography seen here were done by even better martial artists so of course

    • @juanduenas1943
      @juanduenas1943 Рік тому

      Lol If he doesn't the CCP will start taking his rights away. Look up what happens to Chinese who are critical of Chinese martial arts. 😬👍

    • @silveryfeather208
      @silveryfeather208 4 місяці тому

      Why don't we have this for other things :( like movies get medical stuff wrong...@@cielo_ciel_

  • @pauljmn9135
    @pauljmn9135 Рік тому +1392

    Funny how he keeps his focus on the issue at hand and does not let the movie magic get in the way. Very good job

    • @Dev.L
      @Dev.L Рік тому +31

      I agree with OP. He's very fluent in English and I can definitely understand him, but speaking in his native tongue definetly allows him to elaborate and articulate much more.
      I'm guessing either he chose to speak English for convenience for the viewers, or he speaks an obscure dialect that was hard to find a translator for, though I'm sure he'd still know Mandarin very well which is why I'd lean towards the former than the latter.

    • @nastang87xx
      @nastang87xx Рік тому +25

      He may have insisted on speaking English too. These practitioners in their culture are a very honorable but also proud people and don't back down from a challenge to accommodate. Their foundations of life itself are service to others and dedication to craft.

    • @solfeo8905
      @solfeo8905 Рік тому +16

      For sure even for something as fantastical as the duel from ‘The phantom menace’-it’s handy for perspective now to picture Maul as having used a staff instead of a sword against the two jedi

  • @scipioafricanus2649
    @scipioafricanus2649 Рік тому +380

    I just love seeing all the people making fun of the guy saying, "its very realistic" to every scene without understanding that the vast majority of the movies picked for this video are classic Chinese kungfu movies with excellent choreography with actors and actresses that have trained extensively in multiple wushu styles, masters in their own rights.

    • @porkcutlet3920
      @porkcutlet3920 Рік тому +36

      He's also saying they're realistic as in doable in real life, but not practical in a fight.

    • @bostonrailfan2427
      @bostonrailfan2427 Рік тому +4

      and in the ones that are not actually martial arts movies he’s harsher…ironically he criticizes his colleague Ray Park who has trained in the sport for as long as him 🤣

    • @christopherwilson88
      @christopherwilson88 7 місяців тому +5

      Jet Li was a national wushu champion in China, and iirc Donnie Yen's mother, who trained him, is also a recognized kung fu master. Zhang Ziyi also underwent rigorous training for her many wuxia cinema roles, but Michelle Yeoh had no formal martial arts training, relying on her dance training to get the choreography right in CTHD (she also spoke no Chinese, and had to memorize her lines phonetically). Tony Leung trained for four years with wing chun masters to prepare for The Grandmaster, but Simu Liu had only minimal training before Shang Chi.

    • @guinie1181
      @guinie1181 28 днів тому +1

      @@bostonrailfan2427 i dont think you understand the extent and difference in training.

  • @RaidenWarbound
    @RaidenWarbound Рік тому +617

    This is my Shifu here in Christchurch, New Zealand! Haha! This is awesome! I’m still learning my forms constantly and at times, he’ll get me to teach the kids the basic forms which is a great opportunity for me to see how far I’ve gone and how precise my movements are! He really is the real deal peeps and is EXACTLY how he is in real life: kind, energetic, caring, spiritual, philosophical and loves Kung Fu movies like we all do! His favourite is Scorpion Warrior/ Operation Scorpion!

    • @JesssL
      @JesssL Рік тому +1

      Thanks for sharing, really nice to hear 🤗

    • @m.l.b.2908
      @m.l.b.2908 Рік тому +4

      Christchurch? No way! I lived there for a decade or so, mostly South Brighton and P-Town but started out in St Albans. I moved back to the North Island just before the September quake.
      I loved his reviews. If his energy is like this all the time he must be an epic teacher.

    • @hajjabubba2293
      @hajjabubba2293 Рік тому

      shud do maurakau.

    • @fernlibra9737
      @fernlibra9737 11 місяців тому

      I'm a Kiwi, that was surprising to see. He has such a chill nature and he's got great vibes it's no surprise he has a New Zealander aura about him. I honestly haven't met many enthusiastic Chinese men who capture you with their spirit alone. A teacher who people actually enjoy learning from, so awesome

    • @Qwuiet
      @Qwuiet 10 місяців тому

      Lucky you!!

  • @ProsperoIN
    @ProsperoIN Рік тому +731

    Man like a superhero himself. Whatever movie magic you throw at him, it’s all possible and doable for him

    • @1ch0
      @1ch0 Рік тому +9

      :D

    • @reelgesh51
      @reelgesh51 Рік тому +25

      lmao - Honestly loved him

    • @ladbible_p
      @ladbible_p Рік тому +1

      Hahaha

    • @joaopc94
      @joaopc94 Рік тому +11

      Train for 26 years like he did and just maybe it will be possible for you too :)

    • @adibrahman3321
      @adibrahman3321 Рік тому +2

      26 years if constant training is no joke

  • @trefoli1658
    @trefoli1658 Рік тому +544

    I'm only halfway through the vid but I have to say, I adore his energy and how clearly he manages to get these points about spear combat across (speaking as a layman)! I didn't think I'd be smiling so much at a fight scene breakdown like this, I love this so much

  • @kevinellis3081
    @kevinellis3081 Рік тому +415

    I love how his ratings apply to his art. The physical, spiritual, and traditional aspects. It seems more focused on the realism of the movies to training as opposed to actual street fights.

    • @S308.
      @S308. Рік тому +1

      ?

    • @izukara4310
      @izukara4310 Рік тому +2

      Why would you bring staff to a streetfight? Streetfight usually happens unexpectedly

    • @sws212
      @sws212 Рік тому +18

      @@izukara4310 A staff can just be a random stick, same techniques would apply, just not as flexible or durable but still practical over nothing.

    • @izukara4310
      @izukara4310 Рік тому +2

      @@sws212 the chance of one getting a stick in random places are pretty low unless you fight near a construction site, or somewhere with outside broom, which isnt long enough either.

    • @justinwoolsey4269
      @justinwoolsey4269 Рік тому +6

      @@izukara4310 While i don't have the training to truly speak on spear or staff techniques, even the shaft of a broom can substitute for a staff in the right hands

  • @raeplaysval
    @raeplaysval Рік тому +37

    i love how kungfu and wushu is like “ if you think that’s not realistic, you’re just not good enough”

    • @Cyrribrae
      @Cyrribrae Рік тому +4

      LOL actually.. That's kinda true haha. I love how they're even a high skill application to being super-punched 20 feet away. Which.. Of course there is for martial arts movies!

  • @Say_Tin
    @Say_Tin Рік тому +508

    Wenwu: hits shang-chi 20 meters out of a building using his arms
    Zak: This is very realistic as well.

    • @KingCriticism
      @KingCriticism Рік тому +25

      best part XD

    • @oveialoka249
      @oveialoka249 Рік тому +56

      He was talking about the breakfalls.
      Or you didnt understand it or i am woooooshing your joke.

    • @KingCriticism
      @KingCriticism Рік тому +21

      @@oveialoka249 definitely wooshed

    • @oveialoka249
      @oveialoka249 Рік тому +7

      @@KingCriticism yeah,, sorry.

    • @Hybrid_Therapy
      @Hybrid_Therapy Рік тому +4

      @@oveialoka249 I honestly think he has done a breakfall over 20 metres, dudes got skills 😋

  • @sidyadav7157
    @sidyadav7157 Рік тому +158

    People in the comments are wondering why medieval european combat experts give low ratings and this martial arts master is giving high ratings.
    One reason is because in medival combat movies actors are doing acting. And in these kung-fu movies, real martial artists are doing martial arts.
    Fun fact:- while making of kung-fu panda, the animators had themselves trained in kung-fu just to get first hand experience of how the actions are performed.

    • @seedy80
      @seedy80 Рік тому

      Kung fu has no practical utility. Kung fu in movies is the most unrealistic example of fighting you will find outside of wizardry.

    • @Erideah
      @Erideah Рік тому +10

      Yeah, so much of these ratings is based on context, how much allowance you make for the theatrical and in-universe speed, strength, etc that might fundamentally not be realistic. I mostly applaud people like this who mostly immerse themselves in the scene and assume what is being done can be done and critique flaws from there
      Of course, I'm not trying to criticize, say, a historian who is invited in to look at a war for being too nitpicky or not taking the cinematic perspective into account--that's just fundamentally a rather different job with very objective flaws to point out more often

    • @mazurkian
      @mazurkian Рік тому +4

      @@Erideah yeah, he is saying stuff is really realistic about the weapons and feasibility of using them. He mentions nothing about the endurance, length of the fights, the people doing flips that are impossible and unnecessary without strings.

    • @anais4766
      @anais4766 Рік тому +14

      Yeah, true, for example, Jet Li was definitely a trained martial art athelet since childhood, and won many titles in national competition before getting into acting. It's like asking a doctor to act like a doctor.

    • @oliverz6581
      @oliverz6581 Рік тому

      The hint is in the name... Martial "Arts"

  • @tyrranicalt-rad6164
    @tyrranicalt-rad6164 Рік тому +570

    If this guy saw my skills with a broomstick he'd definitely give me a 10/10.

    • @hemangbheda
      @hemangbheda Рік тому +12

      You do household work with broomstick?

    • @Dailymineblox
      @Dailymineblox Рік тому +2

      Same

    • @reelgesh51
      @reelgesh51 Рік тому +7

      I mean it's 100% realistic mate if it wasn't how'd you be able to do them ;)

    • @xihangyang
      @xihangyang Рік тому +1

      starwars kids your back i thought you was dead.

    • @richardworaker8090
      @richardworaker8090 Рік тому +9

      Let me guess, your best move is the "sweep"🤣

  • @codealias3234
    @codealias3234 Рік тому +105

    That’s incredible. He looks 26 but he’s been TEACHING for 26 years.

    • @nathanwright5543
      @nathanwright5543 Рік тому +10

      He started doing kung fu in the womb

    • @atrudokht
      @atrudokht Рік тому +3

      @@nathanwright5543 most chinese look 5-10 years younger than their actual ages

    • @y.o.l.o6722
      @y.o.l.o6722 Рік тому

      asians tend to look younger than western

    • @ohoangkhanh6144
      @ohoangkhanh6144 Рік тому +3

      Typical Asian. My cousin Timmy has 15-year working experience and he is 9 years old 🤣🤣🤣

    • @isdochegal3576
      @isdochegal3576 Рік тому

      @@atrudokht Of course i know what you mean. so no hate =)
      but that always sounds like asian people are not "normal" to me.
      why not say: most people, who are NOT from east asia often look about 10 years older than their actual ages? ;)
      just to switch it up, from time to time ^^

  • @taekfute
    @taekfute Рік тому +73

    Hear him differentiate between choreography and skill?
    This guy is awesome

  • @nicolasleclair5223
    @nicolasleclair5223 Рік тому +268

    I love his commentary and you can tell he enjoys what he does. It's great to see him have fun with it. Made my day

  • @chrishubbard64
    @chrishubbard64 Рік тому +24

    He seems like the sort of teacher who gets really excited when he gets into his subject. Like, "Here here here! Let me show you how this goes!" I love those types of teachers, they love their craft and are super eager to share that love with you. It helps keep everyones enthusiasm high just from how much enjoyment he radiates.

  • @momom6197
    @momom6197 Рік тому +361

    HEMA expert: "Everything is trash, their equipment is a mix of sci-fi and useless junk, movie makers have no idea what a swordfight actually looks like, they should be ashamed of calling this a historical movie. 2/10."
    Kung-fu expert: "This is exactly how we do it, they understand the holistic way we martial artists put our bodies and weapons in harmony, it's realistic without detracting from the entertainment. 10/10."

    • @mrd2392
      @mrd2392 Рік тому +40

      Hema is a really thing while kung fu recently has been leaning toward showbiz

    • @TheUnseenGate
      @TheUnseenGate Рік тому +98

      I feel like it might be because more directors think they know European fighting style just since they lived around so many medieval fantasy and games and they feel like they can just slap things together. But when it comes to Asia fighting style they’re like ok I actually just have not the slightest clue so let’s actually hire someone who know that they’re doing which causes this. Obviously I never did any research on movie teams so this is just blindly guessing

    • @insertname5371
      @insertname5371 Рік тому +19

      @@TheUnseenGate also suits of armour are expensive to do right and helmets block faces from the camera

    • @LJP120
      @LJP120 Рік тому +29

      @@mrd2392 Kung fu is also a thing. Some of these actors if not all are very talented martial artists.

    • @mrd2392
      @mrd2392 Рік тому +9

      @@LJP120 in 1975 or some year close to that. A group of Chinese traditional MA invited Muay thai fighters to prove that CMA is better than Muay. They was easily defeated and Chinese kickboxing was born and Kung fu is dead

  • @heyaaa3506
    @heyaaa3506 Рік тому +31

    I love that after all that mastery he’s super generous with the rating and not snob about it. Love his energy as well

  • @TheArtisticGamer7
    @TheArtisticGamer7 Рік тому +26

    I just love how you can *hear* the passion this man has for the martial arts in the tone of his voice. Truly a Master who understands the art as well as the martial.

  • @skorch9094
    @skorch9094 Рік тому +45

    This man's energy is infectious! He is so passionate and you can tell!

  • @hooping_hood_mike4359
    @hooping_hood_mike4359 Рік тому +169

    Such an authentic reaction , also the sound effects had me cracking 🤣🤣 loved it

  • @AndrewJohnson-oy8oj
    @AndrewJohnson-oy8oj Рік тому +31

    What he said about actors is so true. An athletic person can learn the moves very quickly, but not the spiritual/energetic part of it. That is why many of the best stunt performers study martial arts. The audience, whether they have any knowledge or not, can feel the difference.

  • @elblanco5
    @elblanco5 Рік тому +28

    I love how he almost got quiet when reviewing Jet Li's moves. "that's very good"

  • @irun_mon
    @irun_mon Рік тому +110

    He's very expressive, very fun and informative to watch

  • @TastySchu4
    @TastySchu4 Рік тому +55

    All the Asian films he rated are my top 10 movies. Love this guy, please have him back.

  • @drno3391
    @drno3391 Рік тому +55

    I want this Master to teach me ! Skilled, precise and fun at the same time.

    • @ctakitimu
      @ctakitimu Рік тому +1

      Well if you can come to Christchurch, New Zealand, you can literally sign up to his classes where he'll teach you. They're publicly available for less than $30 a month.

  • @Greenteac
    @Greenteac Рік тому +208

    Probably the highest average rating I have seen from a How real is it series 🤣

    • @zuriyel5368
      @zuriyel5368 Рік тому +22

      I agree, but most of those also do have top notch fight choreography.

    • @Justanotherconsumer
      @Justanotherconsumer Рік тому +15

      Likely if you’re going to use a weapon like a spear in a movie, it’s because the production cares a little bit about getting it right.

    • @anais4766
      @anais4766 Рік тому +5

      Probably because, most of those Chinese Kung Fu movies were starred and choreographed by professional martial art artists/athlets... take Jet Li for example, he was trained in martial art since childhood, and won many national martial art championships before became an actor...

  • @excelmesoftly
    @excelmesoftly Рік тому +66

    How he kept high note and energy while explaining was remarkable.

  • @fanzhou2078
    @fanzhou2078 Рік тому +70

    the red stuff at the end of the spear also prevents the blood of your enemies from sliding down the shaft and making it too slippery for you to hold

    • @dexterchoy7756
      @dexterchoy7756 Рік тому +9

      Another fun fact is, the tassel (hair) was originally black or white depending on which horse hair they used. Due to too much blood spilling, the tassel slowly became red.

    • @emissarygw2264
      @emissarygw2264 Рік тому +1

      @@dexterchoy7756 blood doesn't stay bright red when it dries though

  • @friendlybane
    @friendlybane Рік тому +81

    Thanos: *snaps half the population into dust*
    Zak Song: "This is very realistic. 10/10."

  • @yny13xx
    @yny13xx Рік тому +77

    I've been watching kungfu/wuxia dramas since I was 5. But I've never really understand what I saw till I watch this clip.
    Mr. Zak Song is a really good teacher. He explains everything clearly and makes it easy even for a kungfu dummy like me.

  • @JustGrowingUp84
    @JustGrowingUp84 Рік тому +103

    I like him, he's very entertaining!
    Please bring him again, Insider!

  • @donovancho6515
    @donovancho6515 Рік тому +184

    Love that he talks about not following rules in a real fight, a lot of other people are always talking about medieval treatises lol

    • @wojciechjaworski9304
      @wojciechjaworski9304 Рік тому +32

      Medieval fencing treatises teach A LOT of dirty tricks though.

    • @Salted_Fysh
      @Salted_Fysh Рік тому +25

      Medieval treatises are not about following the rules either though?
      They are just instruction manuals on how to do achieve certain goals with certain weapons.
      Since they are often incomplete or lack proper context, they need interpreting according to basic martial arts principles. That's where HEMA comes in and tries to reconstruct the way to use certain weapons.
      Treatises were (mostly) written for real world use so they don't represent a ruleset but a guideline for training.

  • @holohulolo
    @holohulolo Рік тому +33

    Even with just a few explanation to certain movie scenes, hes changed the way I'll ever see martial arts again. I think it was pretty insightful, especially the part with the light saber fight. Some of the movement didnt really have energy to it and weirdly I knew what he meant by that after he said it, and it makes so much sense what hes seeing when he can tell if it's a real move or not. I wish there are scenes from Hero though, the one with donnie yen and jet li. I think it's the most beautifully choreographed martial arts scenes in any martial arts movies or series ever.

    • @CornyBum
      @CornyBum Рік тому +1

      YES, I WAS HOPING THAT EXACT FIGHT WOULD BE COVERED HERE!

  • @teruphoto
    @teruphoto Рік тому +437

    Not a criticism on Master Song, but you should record these with people speaking in their native language. I'd gladly read subtitles if it means the speaker is presenting in a more natural relaxed way. You've done it before when interviewing a Japanese sushi chef.

    • @zuriyel5368
      @zuriyel5368 Рік тому +48

      I agree with that. Whether it's in interviews, movies etc. when ppl speak in their native language, they're so much more comfortable and eloquent.

    • @Hana-ue8xw
      @Hana-ue8xw Рік тому +52

      His english is pretty good
      Dont let an accent fool u

    • @TaoistSwordsman
      @TaoistSwordsman Рік тому +35

      Another comment says master song is based in and teaches in new zealand so it sounds like he’s very confident in his English.
      Tbh I thought his English was so good he probably volunteered to do English instead of Chinese for the primarily English audience

    • @Xia-hu
      @Xia-hu Рік тому +39

      this is like an insult to people who speak English as a second language (myself included). He expressed himself pretty well.

    • @citizensky
      @citizensky Рік тому +14

      He wanted to speak in English

  • @Turnabout
    @Turnabout Рік тому +14

    Did I hear that right? This guy's been a pro for 26 years? Guy looks like he's college age. That's awesome!

  • @Ganiscol
    @Ganiscol Рік тому +57

    That was delightful to watch! Such an enthusiastic personality! I especially enjoyed how he repeatedly spoke to the 'break point' and using the flexibility of your staff/spear weapon to your advantage - basically charging it with kinetic energy and maximizing the force of impact with minimal input from you. Its not magic, its the science of physical combat - great stuff!
    I needed the subtitles, though. Not because his wording or grammar was bad (quite the opposite), but he has a thick accent and I am not good with that no matter who is speaking. 😅

    • @zuriyel5368
      @zuriyel5368 Рік тому +1

      I liked his input, but I also needed to use the subs as well.

  • @aljosacebokli
    @aljosacebokli Рік тому +22

    His presentation in the video was like verbal kung-fu!

  • @V-stur
    @V-stur Рік тому +63

    As a Chinese American, i recognize the language barrier he's trying to work through to explain his position, and yeah, the part where he explains the red tassel on the end of the spear is... Rough. 😂
    The basic idea isn't that he's trying to say there's a basic list of things you can do as a process of winning the fight... He's trying to lay out how the eye is often fooled, and the tassel, staff flexibility, and core movements all play a part in fooling the opponent to commit to a stance you can take advantage of. The Chinese style spears are flexible which rewards whiplash style strikes, and the tassel hides the body of the spear in relation to the opponents line of sight. This makes it harder for the opponent to gauge how much stored momentum is in the staff based on how it's bent, because the laws of momentum dictate that the big fuzzy tassel is usually hiding it.
    In a contest of skills where fractions of a second determine the success of a strike, denying this real time information, especially against an opponent that has never encountered it before, can result in a huge swing in outcomes.

    • @holohulolo
      @holohulolo Рік тому

      The part where he says the tassel is to confuse you I think that really is just it because he says then stab. I'm not sure if you have actually knowledge or inferred from what he said but your explanation makes a lot of sense too, but gauging the strength of the bend would be useful it it was trying to use that whiplash energy not when you intend to stab them. If you are then the tassel and the swirling movement really is just to confuse the opponent so they cant tell where your spear is going next.

    • @V-stur
      @V-stur Рік тому +2

      @@holohulolo yeah there's a lot more advanced stuff to the tassel work than simply what he and I covered. You can also spin the spear as you thrust, to perhaps get him to believe you're committing to a follow-up side strike, or thrust and recede in rapid succession to attack 'through' the tassel and make it harder to judge exactly where the spear point would be aiming...
      The techniques you have available are truly underrated nowadays, but that's likely part of what really allows it to succeed in the first place. 🤔

    • @atrudokht
      @atrudokht Рік тому

      At least he’s bilingual

    • @thesaviorofsouls5210
      @thesaviorofsouls5210 Рік тому +1

      @@atrudokht he never said anthing negative about his english

  • @lawrencemajor7176
    @lawrencemajor7176 Рік тому +12

    I love these type of reviews and the guests as well. Great Content 💪💯

  • @ll7868
    @ll7868 Рік тому +8

    When Gambit joins the MCU this guy should train the actor. Gambit's main weapon is a staff, his power is essentially chi, he charges objects with potential energy and they explode with kinetic energy on contact with any solid object.

  • @sheltongolden4394
    @sheltongolden4394 Рік тому +87

    *Sees a dog running with a big stick*
    "The staff technique is very realistic. 9/10"

  • @odelia1225
    @odelia1225 Рік тому +35

    I love him, so positive, everything is possible and realistic

    • @Xia-hu
      @Xia-hu Рік тому +8

      that's because like 95% of these movies were coreographed by people who themselves know kungfu/wushu. :) even though it's all enhanced by camera movements and slowmo and whatnot, the basic movements are realistic.

  • @nicoleguo6351
    @nicoleguo6351 Рік тому +13

    He’s such an encouraging teacher! Love that

  • @AP-lw5im
    @AP-lw5im Рік тому +28

    I want a series of Zak Song just loving everything put in front of him.

  • @jimmay1988
    @jimmay1988 Рік тому +10

    Thank you for not having another video of a European trainer reviewing Chinese Martial Arts.

  • @zdog058
    @zdog058 Рік тому +10

    This guy's energy is so infectious, I love it!

  • @sandycolin8727
    @sandycolin8727 Рік тому +12

    I love him, he seems like a really nice person to be around. Please bring him again!

  • @elquienelquien1890
    @elquienelquien1890 Рік тому +9

    Damn. The Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon scene looks so good in slo motion!

    • @Ca-yr2rz
      @Ca-yr2rz Рік тому +1

      I think the whole movie could look good in slowmo honestly

  • @roflcopterannoysme
    @roflcopterannoysme Рік тому +5

    My takeaway: A lot of directors seem to put effort into spear scenes to make em well choreographed. Probably because theyre already going out to pick spear, that's a good indicator of wanting an interesting fight scene.

  • @MoonsaultMadLad
    @MoonsaultMadLad Рік тому +8

    I love your insight Master Song. I am not a weapons expert but a mixed martial arts fighter. I have little grasp on spear technique, and so your insight is so valuable. To my untrained eye I might see these movies and think they are unrealistic, but you have taught me that these moves are real and that the choreography is based on very advanced techniques.

    • @dexterchoy7756
      @dexterchoy7756 Рік тому +3

      Because Asian martial arts way of handling spear is far different from European martial arts. And we believe that a weapon with multiple functions is what makes it more lethal. Similar to MMA, a person who can punch, kick, grapple, lock and others is more dangerous than a person who just know how to punch.

  • @DolchiO07
    @DolchiO07 Рік тому +26

    He's been teaching for 26 years?!?!?!?
    He doesn't even look 26 years old!

    • @gentlemandudley7761
      @gentlemandudley7761 Рік тому +4

      Proof that it's working. Practice that long, you'll stay healthy forever.

  • @ogopogo83
    @ogopogo83 Рік тому +13

    I love how he speaks. He has the flow and energy of kung fu in his words 😄

  • @joshwoida636
    @joshwoida636 Рік тому +16

    This is great! But you should really do an HR Manager reacts to The Office video. That would go off!

  • @Backtothehat
    @Backtothehat Рік тому +2

    0:47 “…you try to grab my staff… and i… SWAP IT!!!!!” Why do I feel like my whole life has been useless and I now must dedicate myself to this man’s teachings.💯

  • @TheOriginalRizk
    @TheOriginalRizk Рік тому +17

    Good job Insider for getting a hold of Sifu Song. He's great!

  • @fredraney
    @fredraney Рік тому +6

    This was fantastic, keep up the good work guys

  • @profesionalesdhd9072
    @profesionalesdhd9072 Рік тому +3

    this man reminds me of an old teacher I had, he would show me some crazy looking super difficult move (capoeira style) and then he said "you see? it's easy, no problem" 🤗

  • @bhchen3079
    @bhchen3079 Рік тому +36

    Martial Arts is not only about fists and kicks , it's also about weapons training , chinese wushu is both deadly and elegant IMO

    • @TpBrass0
      @TpBrass0 Рік тому +1

      No

    • @iafozzac
      @iafozzac Рік тому +1

      Don't bring kung fu to a fight, you'll only get hurt by anyone who actually knows how go fight
      The only people who practice kung fu that I've seen can actually fight practice other serviceable martial arts alongside it (kick boxing, thai box, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu)

    • @bhchen3079
      @bhchen3079 Рік тому +2

      @@iafozzac using a weapon is to kill and not to compete in a ring..

    • @aces92E
      @aces92E Рік тому +3

      @@iafozzac depends as much on the person as the style, look at Wonderboy in the UFC. Uses karate because that’s what he knows. He’s also a kickboxer but those styles aren’t incompatible, they’re complementary.

    • @atrudokht
      @atrudokht Рік тому

      Ultimately, the most artistic or the best martial art is highly subjective matter

  • @formulah113
    @formulah113 Рік тому +17

    he watched pacific rim for 2 seconds and was like "not kung fu too stiff and slow."

  • @EverythingFan02
    @EverythingFan02 Рік тому +6

    Thank you Zak Song, that was very interesting and informative!

  • @karynelizabeth6065
    @karynelizabeth6065 Рік тому

    This is easily one of my favorite versions of this series. Well done.

  • @sudharsh7105
    @sudharsh7105 Рік тому +1

    Information is always great. Many new information provided. Cheers

  • @yylin3266
    @yylin3266 Рік тому +11

    me: trying to pick up a piece of char siu with chopsticks
    him: you can see the flow of his wrist. fingers are flexible too. we do this in real life. I'll give him a 10.

  • @WakingDreamCurrents
    @WakingDreamCurrents Місяць тому

    I love this! Thank you for breaking it down! 💕

  • @chrisandrew7577
    @chrisandrew7577 Рік тому +14

    As a long time fan of martial arts, and a sword collector... I'd still say the staff or spear is my favorite weapon and what I'd take to battle
    Edit: Donatello all day

  • @ryankelley5160
    @ryankelley5160 Рік тому +5

    Did this man just say he's been training people in Kung Fu for 26 years? Homie got those good genes.

  • @1k1ngst0n
    @1k1ngst0n Рік тому

    this is sooo good. great commentary

  • @DDragon1226
    @DDragon1226 Рік тому +15

    The pacific rim vid, what they were doing there is stick sparring in hema. It's classified as neither polearm nor sword weapon training. The reason why we use that stick is it's at a length and weight where you can utilize techniques from several different weapon classes, allow for a more flexible style of combat. Each weapon has a striking point, using such stick eliminates the need to be conscious about where the striking point on it supposed to be, thus open it up for a versatile switching between weapon techniques. In hema we use this to practice reflex and combat flow rather than intend it to be any particular weapon training.

    • @gamesgames3318
      @gamesgames3318 Рік тому +3

      That's Cool to know different martial arts have different tools and practises

  • @JohnnyLund-lc4ez
    @JohnnyLund-lc4ez Рік тому +2

    Very interesting as usual! Thanks!

  • @antoinemcduffie9022
    @antoinemcduffie9022 3 місяці тому

    Amazing analogy, I enjoyed how sifu explained the do's and don'ts. Of the staff

  • @Zer0Fighter21
    @Zer0Fighter21 Рік тому +3

    More of this guy PLEASE, he's fantastic

  • @davidjones8047
    @davidjones8047 7 місяців тому +2

    He’s been teaching for 26 years? Dude either started training straight after being born or has the elixir of immortality

  • @brookebanuelos5284
    @brookebanuelos5284 Рік тому +15

    Teaching for 26 years?!?! He doesn’t even look like he’s 26 years old to begin with

    • @Weeping-Angel
      @Weeping-Angel Рік тому +4

      I thought the same thing. He must be in his 30s or something.😂

  • @oakhurstaxe6392
    @oakhurstaxe6392 Рік тому +16

    Northern spear (Crouching Tiger, Fearless, last film) left hand is forward.
    Southern spear (Ip Man) right hand is forward.
    Northern is far more common in movies. Ip Man did Wing Chun which is southern. Wing Chun also uses a much longer pole, as he mentioned it was longer than normal and Northern wouldn't use one that long normally (in war they would)
    Guy here knows his stuff, I think he is Northern Kung-Fu teacher.
    Should have also done movie Hero. I like that spear fight the most of any of them.

  • @BlenderStudy
    @BlenderStudy Рік тому +6

    Thank you for the update, Insider..!! Hero (2002) was also a great movie to watch..!!

  • @dariusjacobi4573
    @dariusjacobi4573 Рік тому +3

    Nice video
    I kinda missed the Mandalorian scenes with the beskar spear

  • @MrCarlBackhausen
    @MrCarlBackhausen Рік тому

    I love his energy! He is so incredibly enthusiastic!
    What a lovely guy

  • @Wyrdrock
    @Wyrdrock Рік тому +11

    "hero fly away 100 feet, this advanced move, very realistic I give it 10/10"

  • @Lahng_Blackduke
    @Lahng_Blackduke Рік тому +7

    Should have included Liu Chia-Liang vs. Jackie Chan in DM2

  • @TheBongReyes
    @TheBongReyes Рік тому +4

    My sweeping skills I learned working at Costco would amazed this guy.

  • @sow_scout4989
    @sow_scout4989 Рік тому +2

    Loved how explains this in multiple ways. And you can see his passion for both the martial art and even the movies. Hope to see more of him

  • @SuperTrunkspace
    @SuperTrunkspace Рік тому

    I love how animated he gets when talking about this stuff. You can tell he's really passionate!

  • @SaltNBattery
    @SaltNBattery 7 місяців тому

    What a nice genuine dude. 10/10

  • @tastyfish1032
    @tastyfish1032 26 днів тому

    Loved the knowledge, experience and energy from Zak Song here.

  • @Krissuja
    @Krissuja Рік тому +7

    more of this guy Please!

  • @tomz5704
    @tomz5704 Рік тому +8

    Guy jumps over sword: that be very realistic

    • @reelgesh51
      @reelgesh51 Рік тому +4

      I mean I think his criteria for realistic is literally if it's possible to do
      And his argument being if you were good enough and better than your opponent then in theory you can - though I imagine you'd only want to jump over a staff cos no one dual wields like that lmao
      He may be taking the meaning of realistic a bit too literally

  • @negative_woman
    @negative_woman Рік тому +5

    Mistake in the English subtitles at 9:43: It should say "spear," not "spirit," because qiang is Mandarin for spear.
    I remember this well because qiang also means gun (aka firearm) so I, a Chinese American, got confused when I was young watching these Chinese movies with my parents and was like "Why are you talking about guns? They're fighting with spears..."

    • @karonbeilunka6845
      @karonbeilunka6845 Рік тому

      I have no doubt that this guy could attack with either spear or spirit. So the translation error doesn't change much 😉

  • @Barbarossa-heir
    @Barbarossa-heir Рік тому

    Thank you for the explanation

  • @ArcherandOliver
    @ArcherandOliver Рік тому +1

    Such a wholesome guy with great passion for Kung Fu. Would be awesome to see him more.

  • @Cyrribrae
    @Cyrribrae Рік тому +1

    Jet Li's Fearless is one of my favorites, especially the fight scene against the foreign masters. So cool to see someone who knows a lot more than me be impressed and explain why.

  • @imkayzie
    @imkayzie Рік тому +14

    It's time to get Jacky Chan to rate 10 Parkour moves in movies!

  • @mattbristerpostma3742
    @mattbristerpostma3742 Рік тому

    Love the opening commentary on swap and sweep!

  • @kuhleal
    @kuhleal Рік тому +12

    This man is adorable and totally endearing

  • @josephsalmonte4995
    @josephsalmonte4995 Рік тому

    I enjoyed this video very much. Thanks 👍

  • @mellasio3911
    @mellasio3911 Рік тому +8

    I like him....and light me some points seeing real masters doing choreography, is so fluid compared with just learning for the role....not to downgrade the work put by actors for the role ...hard work....

  • @dafreak117
    @dafreak117 Рік тому

    Thank you UA-cam algorithm. Totally worth not going to bed on time. His energy is amazing and translates to his English. I could listen to his explanations for hours.