Budo: The Art Of Killing

[Scott H]

So, I'm flicking through cable last night and came across a documentary called "Budo:The Art of Killing". Of course, I'm gonna watch something with that title. You guys seen this? Probably a good few of you have.

Anyway, it was sort of amusing in how dated it was. Made in the early 80s when martial arts was still cloaked in a bit of mystery to westerners. The narration keeps alluding to mystic qualities and such. Was kind of funny in a way.

Always good to see footage of quality martial arts in action though. The kendo part was relatively short, but the naginata bit was rather cool. Check out the somewhat over-the-top intro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJND1O2coXg

[rfoxmich]

Oh there's a film I've not seen in a great many years....a great many years.

[Ariel]

Nice find!

[Maro]

It's aged a bit badly but there are some cracking scenes in it.

I particularly like the sumo section

[Josh Reyer]

Just a note -- they say the two gentlemen with the live swords in the beginning are doing "Shinkage ryu", but it is not Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. I don't know if it's a shinken version of a Jikishinkage-ryu kata.

[Scott H]

I particularly like the sumo section

Oh man, the sumo part was good indeed. That scene where they are pushing that poor bastard's head to the floor while he's trying to do the splits? And then he cries out in massive pain? Ouchie, ouchie, ouchie.