Watch The Black Kungfu Experience

The Black Kungfu Experience is an action-packed documentary film that tells the story of black martial arts in America. The movie is co-directed by Martha Burr and Mei-Juin Chen and features Ron Van Clief and Dennis Brown as the main subjects. The film documents the evolution of black martial arts in America and explores the cultural significance of this movement.

The movie opens with a montage of interviews with prominent figures in the world of martial arts, discussing the history of the sport and the role it has played in black culture. From there, the film delves into the life and career of Ron Van Clief, a legendary martial artist who became the first black man to win a world championship title in karate. We see footage of Van Clief training, fighting in tournaments, and working as an instructor in his own martial arts studio.

As the film progresses, we meet other black martial artists who have made significant contributions to the sport. One of these figures is Dennis Brown, a talented fighter who trained under Van Clief and went on to become a champion in his own right. Brown's story is particularly interesting, as he discusses the challenges that he faced as a black martial artist in a predominantly white sport.

Throughout the film, we see how black martial arts evolved in America and how it became a cultural phenomenon. The movie features interviews with a wide range of people, including historians, martial arts experts, and cultural commentators. The film explores the role that black martial arts played in the civil rights movement and how it became a way for black people to express themselves and assert their cultural identity.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores the significance of black martial arts in popular culture. We see how the sport influenced the development of black cinema, with movies like Shaft and Enter the Dragon featuring black characters who were trained in martial arts. Additionally, the film looks at how black martial artists have been depicted in popular culture over the years, from the blaxploitation era of the 1970s to modern-day action movies.

Overall, The Black Kungfu Experience is a fascinating and engaging documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of American culture. The movie is beautifully shot and edited, with an excellent soundtrack that complements the action on screen. Whether you're a fan of martial arts or simply interested in exploring the cultural history of America, this film is definitely worth checking out.

The Black Kungfu Experience is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.