15 Common Mistakes in Martial Arts Films
At least 15 common mistakes in martial arts films are easy for anyone to pick out. Indeed, these movies are still considered significant, but the horrendous mistakes still leave many people laughing.
Fighters don’t keep their hands up
The idea that you can walk into a fight and not get struck while your hands are down is silly. You’re not Steven Seagal; you’re going to get hit if you don’t protect yourself.
They talk too much
It’s a movie, so of course, there needs to be dialogue. But some of the most incredible fight scenes in movies don’t have any talking.
Punches and kicks hurt
In the movies, you often see people tanking a heavy hit or kick. You can see that in real life, too, but it’s rare.
Getting hit or kicked will leave a mark
One great thing about older movies is that when people were hit or kicked, they left a mark. It was cheesy makeup often, but it was evidence that they’d been struck.
Some hits will incapacitate anyone
In all honesty, movies are getting better at this since they will depict the effect of some hits realistically. If you get hit hard enough in certain areas, you will drop like a stone.
Adrenaline only carries a person so far
If you’ve ever been doped up on adrenaline then you’ll know, the crash is horrible. In the movies this isn’t shown that often, since a hero or villain that can’t be stopped is more cinematic.
Catching a blade is not as possible as it looks
In the movies a lot of people know how to handle a blade, be it a knife, a sword, or something in-between. In real life, catching a blade usually means you’ve just been stabbed or cut, and need medical attention.
Catching an arrow is even less possible
Think about the speed that an arrow is traveling, and how quick your reaction time really isn’t. It’s an impressive feat in the movies, and it’s theoretically possible to dodge an arrow. But it’s not something that you should try in real life.
Guys like Steven Seagal give martial arts movies a bad name
It’s smart to give him credit for the work he’s done. But thinking that Aikido is the best martial art around is beyond ridiculous. Not only that, but thinking that Seagal is the epitome of a martial arts master isn’t even close to the truth.
Grabbing someone in a fight is not a good idea
Let’s back up a step on that and say that if you know BJJ then grab away and do what you can. But otherwise, there’s a good chance that you’ll get hit, or worse.
Sometimes, it’s obvious that no one is being struck
Obviously, most people in the movies aren’t hitting each other with murderous force. But there are times when the editing isn’t that great and the punches and kicks are less than impressive once you see how far away from each other the combatants are.
The mob will always win
It’s fun to watch a hero or even a villain take on a mob of people and knock them all back, right? The unfortunate truth is that the mob usually won’t come at you one by one, and will beat you to a pulp.
Master vs. master is a good idea in theory, but in the movies, it’s not realistic
In real life, a master of a martial art will not engage another master simply out of pride or a need to defend their honor. If it happened in the past, it served as a warning to the people of today that such a thing is not wise, or mature.
Fighting blindly does not work
Your other senses do not get better if you lose your sight. Blindfighting is something that people can learn how to do, but it’s not something you should rely on.
Armor is practical but not always cinematic
Some movies have opted to show realism by using armor in certain fights, and this is impressive. But those movies that show fight scenes without armor are often guilty of showing a scenario that’s not realistic in the least bit.
