Kickin’ it

Young Chang

The martial arts are changing. From three perfectly outfitted “angels”

who use high kicks instead of guns to the balletic movements of three

masters in an epic battle, the sport has gone from “B” movies to the A

list.

As Greg Crouse, director of United Studios of Self Defense on Baker

Street in Costa Mesa, puts it: “It’s not that nutty thing.”

Take for example Donna Thomas. The 13-year-old Costa Mesa resident

started taking lessons from Crouse in July because it seemed fun. She

wanted to feel stronger and shaolin kempo has helped her to do that.

Now a purple belt, Donna has only six more levels to go before she

reaches her goal of becoming a black belt. And the sport has an added

benefit -- it’s made her feel, well, lithe.

“It’s weird because when I became a yellow belt, I started feeling

like I could do ballet,” Donna said. “And I never did ballet.”

Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” played on the concept of

martial arts as a dance on the screen. The hit movie, starring Michelle

Yeoh, has helped the martial arts become more mainstream, especially for

women.

Of course, it’s not the only big martial arts film this season. The

“Charlie’s Angels” triple threat of Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu and Cameron

Diaz karate chopping their way through the bad guys while wearing

strapping heels also had an impact.

“I’ve noticed in my students, our women black belts have increased in

the last five years,” said Lupe White, an instructor at the Bob White

Karate Studio in Costa Mesa.

Naomi Lien, 25, started learning Shuyokan Ryu at the Aikido Federation

of California Shuyokan in Costa Mesa last year. She agrees that the

martial arts seem more fashionable for females of late, as films of the

past did not cater as much to women. Her martial arts class appeals to

her because she doesn’t have to rely on brawns over brains.

“You don’t have to be super strong,” said the petite Costa Mesa

resident. “I can still work out with men twice my size in height and

weight.”

Television shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Walker, Texas

Ranger” and movies from “Karate Kid” to “Rush Hour” have also definitely

brought people in to the dojos over the years.

“As a teacher, I see that [“Charlie’s Angels” and “Crouching Tiger”]

help better promote our martial arts industry, bring a better

understanding and bring a higher interest in our community to people who

are not practicing,” said Jin Kwon, owner of the Jin Kwon Tae Kwon Do

Center in Corona del Mar.

In Crouse’s opinion, Hollywood may now simply be portraying what’s

already happening.

“The popularity of martial arts in movies may reflect that it’s

popular in society, more than the other way around,” he said. “But [the

movies] spark an interest that people already had.”

Crouse added that many of his recent women customers have said

watching “Charlie’s Angels” and “Crouching Tiger” inspired them to

actually sign up for something they had only thought about doing.

Searra Lynch, 9, and her sister Karissa, 11, recently stopped by the

studio with their parents to ask about classes. The family had seen

“Crouching Tiger.” The children had found the fighting “far-out.”

“It’s cool that girls were being powerful,” Searra said.

But Lucinda McDermott, a psychologist and expert in spiritual health

who works with children and instructors at the Jin Kwon Tae Kwon Do

Center, said she worries that these movies may send out the wrong

message.

“For people who are connected to the antiquity of the martial arts and

[its] original essence . . . they tend to bring up some concerns for us,”

McDermott said. “It’s not about flying around or killing people, it’s

about peaceful restraint. It’s about staying powerfully grounded . . . in

a warm heart and a clean and quiet mind.”

David Dye, an instructor at the Aikido Federation of California

Shuyokan, tells his students that if they use what is taught,

maliciously, they can’t come back. His motto is: “If you’re gonna teach

martial arts, you have teach the laws.”

Movies like “Charlie’s Angels” and “Crouching Tiger” portray martial

artists as expert killers, McDermott said, instead of expert peacemakers.

“We have to spend a lot of time re-educating people about what they’re

really [here] for and what we really do,” she said.

Dennis Brookman, an instructor at United Studios of Self Defense’s

17th Street location, disagrees with McDermott’s view.

In the past, people were “overexposed to the brutal side of it -- the

ultimate fighting challenges -- but [these films] expose people to the

roots of the martial arts, the gentle, passive side too,” he said.

In “Crouching Tiger,” martial arts are intrinsic to the characters,

not just an excuse for violence. In “Charlie’s Angels,” the characters

use their skills rather than weapons.

Roberta Vanarof at the Bob White Karate Studio in Costa Mesa saw

“Crouching Tiger” twice -- once with her husband, and with seven other

women from the studio.

She said she enjoyed how Lee’s movie showed women can be just as

strong as men.

“That movie definitely proved that, but it wasn’t just physical,” the

Huntington Beach elementary school teacher said. “The reason they were

fighting wasn’t for the same reason men attack women.”

Vanarof appreciated that “Crouching Tiger” portrayed the martial arts

as more than just a physical act.

“It’s emotional, physical, spiritual. It’s way deeper than just

working out,” she said.