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

@Archer957

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@MasterSongKungFu

Жыл бұрын

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

@antonellocastangia543

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@phunk8607

Жыл бұрын

Thats what he said

@Nick-dx2pt

Жыл бұрын

@@phunk8607 disgusting 🤮🤮🤮

@adriantorres7315

Жыл бұрын

I do like the way he said it too!

@aidenwallin3523

Жыл бұрын

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.

I give his reaction 10/10. Very realistic

@monamodienock4405

Жыл бұрын

He is not a hater

@UnicornMeat512

Жыл бұрын

Very good choreography

@davetalbert8387

Жыл бұрын

If you know comment-fu, you can comment like this very easily. No problem at all.

@clementlee9581

Жыл бұрын

His comment is very easy to use. Very human.

@YichengLi

Жыл бұрын

Is no prablem.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

Жыл бұрын

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_

Жыл бұрын

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

@juanduenas1943

Жыл бұрын

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

4 ай бұрын

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

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

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, really nice to hear 🤗

@m.l.b.2908

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

shud do maurakau.

@fernlibra9737

11 ай бұрын

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

10 ай бұрын

Lucky you!!

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

@1ch0

Жыл бұрын

:D

@reelgesh51

Жыл бұрын

lmao - Honestly loved him

@ladbible_p

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha

@joaopc94

Жыл бұрын

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

@adibrahman3321

Жыл бұрын

26 years if constant training is no joke

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

@hao9508

Жыл бұрын

Same he lifts my spirit for some reason.

@phoenixboygaming9981

5 ай бұрын

Ikr. 10/10 guy

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

@RoxasLov3r4Ev3r

Жыл бұрын

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

@Namyag2357

Жыл бұрын

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

@jackdorseysdisappointedfather

Жыл бұрын

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

@lucianestridge7964

Жыл бұрын

Kenny parez

@QYXP

Жыл бұрын

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

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.

Жыл бұрын

?

@izukara4310

Жыл бұрын

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

@sws212

Жыл бұрын

@@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

Жыл бұрын

@@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

Жыл бұрын

@@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

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@bostonrailfan2427

Жыл бұрын

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

8 ай бұрын

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

Ай бұрын

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

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

@Cyrribrae

Жыл бұрын

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!

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

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.

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

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

@nathanwright5543

Жыл бұрын

He started doing kung fu in the womb

@atrudokht

Жыл бұрын

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

@y.o.l.o6722

Жыл бұрын

asians tend to look younger than western

@ohoangkhanh6144

Жыл бұрын

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

@isdochegal3576

Жыл бұрын

@@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 ^^

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

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.

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

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

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

@sirnicholas5542

Жыл бұрын

10/10

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

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

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

@ctakitimu

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

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

@KingCriticism

Жыл бұрын

best part XD

@oveialoka249

Жыл бұрын

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

@KingCriticism

Жыл бұрын

@@oveialoka249 definitely wooshed

@oveialoka249

Жыл бұрын

@@KingCriticism yeah,, sorry.

@Hybrid_Therapy

Жыл бұрын

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

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

@hemangbheda

Жыл бұрын

You do household work with broomstick?

@Dailymineblox

Жыл бұрын

Same

@reelgesh51

Жыл бұрын

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

@xihangyang

Жыл бұрын

starwars kids your back i thought you was dead.

@richardworaker8090

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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.

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@Erideah

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@@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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

He’s such an encouraging teacher! Love that

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

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

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

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

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

@zuriyel5368

Жыл бұрын

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

@Justanotherconsumer

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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...

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUnseenGate

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@LJP120

Жыл бұрын

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

@mrd2392

Жыл бұрын

@@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

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

@cheese-headedsailor8688

Жыл бұрын

What you mean bro ? Thats literally so real 😌 (real)

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

Жыл бұрын

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

This was fantastic, keep up the good work guys

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

@Xia-hu

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

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

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

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

Information is always great. Many new information provided. Cheers

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

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

@Ca-yr2rz

Жыл бұрын

I think the whole movie could look good in slowmo honestly

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

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

Very interesting as usual! Thanks!

this is sooo good. great commentary

More of this guy PLEASE, he's fantastic

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

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

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

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

I enjoyed this video very much. Thanks 👍

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.

more of this guy Please!

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

Жыл бұрын

Medieval fencing treatises teach A LOT of dirty tricks though.

@Salted_Fysh

Жыл бұрын

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.

Thank you for the explanation

What a nice genuine dude. 10/10

Love the opening commentary on swap and sweep!

Fabulous, thank you!

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

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

@gentlemandudley7761

Жыл бұрын

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

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

Great reviews, thank you..

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

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

This was one of the best episodes I've seen in a while

Wow i always wanted to see and meet zak song in person face to face... because I want to learn martial arts, skill, techniques and also gymnastics. Plus I want to train how to defend myself and for others. Maybe Zak song would be my teacher someday. If only I could meet him?

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

Great commentary!

I really liked how he explained everything and took his time to análize it as well

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

Thanks for your analysis 👍 It helps better understanding Chinese Kung Fu in movies.

Appreciate the realistic commentary too 😘

This was awesome!!!

This is a video of a many very excited and very happy to talk about his art.

Yoo this is the guy who teaches bo-staff techniques! Love that guy!

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" 🤗

so positive, definitely the energy we need in this world

Thank you KZread 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.

Omg I love him so much he’s so passionate it’s so good

@robertramos9988

Жыл бұрын

Cute too lol

Very nice clip!

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

His english is pretty good Dont let an accent fool u

@TaoistSwordsman

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@citizensky

Жыл бұрын

He wanted to speak in English

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.

Zak is amazing, I'd like to see more from him.

This man is adorable and totally endearing

Love this dude’s positivity.

your great martial art wushu demonstrator i like the basics when you show very impressive 👍

Great comments and insight. Thanks.

Thank you Sir for sharing your thoughts