We’re up to our eyeballs with the day job, though happy to report that last night’s moderate alcohol consumption helped us overcome a serious creative block. This afternoon’s all about moving the narrative forward and avoiding mixed metaphors; in our absence, please enjoy what is inarguably Stan Bush‘s finest work. Not safe for the squeamish, though—kumite apparently encourages gory leg-breaking maneuvers.
scottstev // Oct 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Probably the most interesting aspect of “Bloodsport” is the apparent fraud of the author Frank Dux.
Brendan I. Koerner // Oct 9, 2009 at 8:27 am
@scottstev: Wow, thank you. That was one of the most entertaining pieces I’ve read in ages. So many great lines re: Dux’s mendacity. But this one is a true doozy:
“Dux’s trophy from the Bahamas event was at least partially made in the San Fernando Valley, the trophy maker said. The ceremonial sword he won in the fights was sold, Dux said, in a failed attempt to buy freedom for the Philippine orphans.”
Still a good movie, tho. Chong Li is a villain for the ages.
scottstev // Oct 9, 2009 at 11:14 am
Agreed, awesome movie and fantastic villain. Nowhere else would a pec jiggle take on such sinister connotations.
One benefit of the rise of MMA (which is an excellent spectator sport if you look past the ugly shirts and ill-advised tattoos), is a demystification of hand-to-hand combat. There is no secret style, or killer move. Just a lot of hard work.
Brendan I. Koerner // Oct 9, 2009 at 2:08 pm
@scottstev: If you’ll forgive the slight tangent, what interests me about MMA is the fact that other elite athletes have found it such a tough nut to crack. Witness ex-NFLer Johnnie Morton’s sad attempt to enter the octagon (okay, it was a ring, but still):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BC-5rbryHw
scottstev // Oct 9, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Hey tangents are what we’re all about here at Microkahn HQ. I’m no more surprised at NFL’ers and other high-caliber athletes difficulties in MMA than I would be if they tried high-level tennis. Unfortunately, big names get promoted ahead of their time, and generally make poor public showings.
It’s a grinders sport, and there is always someone willing to sacrifice and put in more time. Being a highly skilled athlete will flatten the learning curve somewhat, but there’s no substitute for 10k hours in the gym.
Jordan // Oct 9, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I always thought Penny Arcade had a pretty good summation of MMA:
http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/7/15/
Brendan I. Koerner // Oct 10, 2009 at 11:25 am
@Jordan: +1 for the expertly rendered, super-cheesy tribal tattoos.