Some of the best martial arts movies feature an enlightened sensei with unmatched skill, which takes a struggling protagonist and helps guide them through their training and become their best self. While many of these films obviously focus on the leading role and their own journeys of self-mastery, the sensei masters are an integral component that deserves more spotlight. The sensei don’t just put them through days, months, or even years of dedicated training to learn epic finishing moves to win a single fight, but to learn the skills to transform their lives as a whole.
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Some of the most influential martial arts films, such as The Karate Kid and Kill Bill, showcase the incredible yet intense bond that forms between a master and student. The legendary Mr. Miyagi’s laid back and unassuming ‘wax on, wax off’ produced one of the best training montages of all time, or the almost sadistic Pai Mei who puts the Bride through hell in order to achieve mastery. These masters are not just another background character but one of the most critical roles of the films that often provide the heart and soul of the movie.
10 Sho’nuff – The Last Dragon (1985)
Portrayed By Julius Carry
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The Last Dragon PG-13ActionAdventureMusic
The Last Dragon follows a young martial artist seeking to attain the ultimate mastery level known as “the glow.” During his quest, he faces an evil martial arts adversary and attempts to save a singer from a relentless music promoter. Released in 1985, the film blends action and storytelling.
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*Availability in US Director Michael Schultz Release Date March 22, 1985 Cast Taimak , Vanity , Christopher Murney , Julius Carry , Faith Prince , Leo O’Brien , Mike Starr , Jim Moody , Glen Eaton , Ernie Reyes Jr. , Queen Esther Marrow , Keshia Knight Pulliam , B.J. Barie , André D. Brown , David Claudio , Kirk Taylor , Chazz Palminteri , Frank Renzulli , Thomas Ikeda , William H. Macy , Trulie MacLeod , Lou David , Captain Haggerty , Ernie Reyes Sr. , Robert Silver Runtime 109 minutes Expand
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The Last Dragon is a legitimate cult classic martial arts flick directed by Michael Schultz, which features the underrated Julius Carry as “Sho’nuff” aka The Shogun of Harlem. Sho’nuff earned his name by the repetitive agreeable chant he drills into his students and his bitter rivalry with the film’s young protagonist, Leroy Green, forms the basis for much of the film. He is a self-proclaimed martial arts master who shows his true power at the end of the film by revealing he has harnessed the power of the infamous ‘Glow’ with his hands pulsating a red aura.
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Though Sho’nuff is unique compared to every other sensei master discussed in the fact that he doesn’t actually train the main character of the film; instead, he is the enemy seeking to be defeated. His over-the-top, larger-than-life persona and look make him an unforgettable master and the main highlight of the film, with the ending fight sequence being spectacularly choreographed with wonderful effects and sound design. His charismatic behavior, intense delivery, and martial arts skills set him apart as one of the most interesting sensei masters in film.
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9 Leung Bik – The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010)
Portrayed By Ip Chun
The Legend Is Born: Ip Man is a biographical film based on the real early life of the famed Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, who has a storied legend about his martial arts skills. The film follows Ip Man as a child as he learns Wing Chun from Master Chan Was-shun, and in later years, how he meets and learns from Leung Bik, who was the son of Leung Jan, Chan Wah-shun’s teacher. Leung Bik is an instrumental figure in helping polish Ip Man’s Wing Chun skills, as he helps train him in new ways.
Ip Chun, the actor and martial artist who played Leung Bik, is one of Ip Man’s real-life sons (Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun teacher).
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Unlike many senseis in martial arts films, Bik focuses on moving away from strictly traditional practices and encourages Ip Man to modernize his techniques, his flow, and his training. Though compared to most, his screen time is relatively limited, his assured guidance and helpful wisdom help steer Ip Man onto the right path and help him become a true martial arts icon. His reserved and quiet demeanor, compared with a master like Sho’nuff, exemplifies the quietly confident, less is more approach that can be so effective.
8 Senzo Tanaka – Bloodsport (1988)
Portrayed By Roy Chiao
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Bloodsport rSportAction
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in the martial arts movie Bloodsport as a fictional version of the real-life Frank Dux, a U.S. Army officer who participated in a secret underground martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Directed by Newt Arnold, the 1988 action film helped establish Van Damme as a Hollywood star.
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*Availability in US Director Newt Arnold Release Date February 26, 1988 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Sheldon Lettich Cast Jean Claude Van Damme , Leah Ayres , Forest Whitaker , Donald Gibb , Roy Chiao Runtime 92minutes Expand
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Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as U.S. Army Captain Frank Dux in one of his most famous breakout roles in the popular martial arts film Bloodsport. In his youth, Dux broke into Sensei Senzo Tanaka’s home with some friends in order to steal a Katana sword. Impressed by the skills he showed when apprehending him and his honor in returning the sword, Tanaka decided to train Dux alongside his son. The film follows Dux alongside his training as he prepares to compete in a brutal underground Kumite tournament in which he has to go AWOL from the army.
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Tanaka shows a remarkable training routine, with grueling methods of both martial arts skills and physical conditioning that put Dux through hell. Van Damme is able to show his flexibility, skills, and physical abilities. The sensei shows remarkable kindness in allowing Dux to train under him, but also a ruthless touch when needed, as he sets Dux onto a path that sees him putting himself in real danger. Tanaka also arrives at the tournament just in time, as he mentors Dux – illegally blinded during a fight – to remember his training blindfolded, allowing him to grab victory from almost certain defeat.
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7 Splinter – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Voiced By Kevin Clash
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) PGActionAdventure
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) follows four mutant turtles trained in ninjitsu who emerge from the sewers to fight crime in New York City. The film features Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael as they battle the nefarious Shredder and his Foot Clan. Judith Hoag stars as reporter April O’Neil, and Elias Koteas appears as vigilante Casey Jones. This adaptation brought the beloved comic book and cartoon series to live-action cinema.
Director Steve Barron Release Date March 30, 1990 Studio(s) Golden Harvest Entertainment Company , Limelight Productions , 888 Productions Distributor(s) New Line Cinema Writers Todd W. Langen , Bobby Herbeck Cast Brian Tochi , Josh Pais , Corey Feldman , Robbie Rist , Kevin Clash , David McCharen , Michael McConnohie , James Saito , judith hoag , Elias Koteas Runtime 93 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
In the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, as well as countless other comics and series, Master Splinter is not just the turtle’s sensei and master but also their adoptive father, who took them into his loving sewer. In the film, a radioactive ooze flows down into the sewer, creating four walking, talking, crime-fighting martial artist turtles who, with the guidance of Splinter, help fight crime in New York. The plot follows the turtles as they face off against one of Splinter’s rogue former pupils, who has taken him hostage.
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Even though it’s a production mainly performed through in-suit performers, Splinter’s portrayal of a Master who trains and cares for his beloved sons turned students is incredible to watch. Splinter is everything that could be expected of an old martial arts sensei; being humble, wise, fearless, and above all, calm, never raising his voice even in anger. Master Splinter’s instruction taught the turtles all the ninjutsu and techniques they needed to face off against any villains below or above the city streets, though some of their skills seemed to be on a slightly lower level than some other expert practitioners.
6 Xian Chow – Kickboxer (1989)
Portrayed By Dennis Chan
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Jean-Claude Van Damme features in another epic, underrated martial arts film; this time, it sees JCVD play Kurt Sloane, the overshadowed younger brother of the heavyweight kickboxing world champion Eric, in the movie Kickboxer. The plot follows Kurt as he trains with Master Xian Chow as he vows revenge on an opponent called Tong Po, who paralyzed his brother in the ring after refusing to acknowledge a concession in the bout. Kurt must learn the same skills as his brother and go above and beyond his tremendous athletic ability to avenge Eric’s honor.
Xian Chow is a master who operates with many unorthodox and unusual practices, such as training in the wilderness and using spiritual guidance to aid in his abilities. He helps transform Eric from a young fighter to a competent and confident champion, capable of fighting under extreme pressure, even after the serious injuries that were dealt to his brother. Though his skills and teachings are never in question, his emotional guidance leaves some room for improvement, as he seemed to mainly focus on the craft and not the man himself.
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5 Pai Cheng-tien – Snake In The Eagle’s Shadow (1978)
Portrayed By Yuen Siu-Tien
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Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow PGActionComedy
Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow is a 1978 martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping. Starring Jackie Chan as Chien Fu, the story follows a mistreated janitor who learns the art of Snake Kung Fu from an old master. This newfound skill empowers him to stand up against bullies and defend his school from its enemies. The film is notable for its combination of action and humor, establishing Chan’s trademark style.
Director Yuen Woo-ping Release Date March 1, 1978 Studio(s) Seasonal Film Corporation Distributor(s) Cinematic , Seasonal Film Corporation Writers Ng See-yuen , Choi Gai-gwong , Tsai Chi-kuang Cast Jackie Chan , Yuen Siu-tien , Hwang Jang-lee , Dean Shek , Fung Hak-on , Tino Wong , Peter Chan Runtime 90 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow is an action comedy directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who impresses in his directorial debut, that stars Jackie Chan as an orphan adopted by a martial arts school who is overworked and underappreciated. Chien befriends a lowly old beggar by offering him a free meal and a place to stay, but it’s soon revealed the beggar is actually Pai Cheng-Tien, one of the last surviving practitioners of the Snake-style of kung fu. Pai is hiding from the evil Eagle Claw clan, which is finding and killing anybody associated with the rival Snake-style martial art.
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|
Sensei Master – Martial Arts Film They Appear In: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
Sho’nuff – The Last Dragon (1985) |
6.8/10 |
|
Leung Bik, – The Legend Is Born (2010) |
7.0/10 |
|
Senzo Tanaka – Bloodsport (1988) |
6.8/10 |
|
Splinter – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) |
6.8/10 |
|
Xian Chow – Kickboxer (1989) |
6.4/10 |
|
Pai Cheng-tien – Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978) |
7.3/10 |
|
Beggar So – Drunken Master (1978) |
7.4/10 |
|
Master Shifu – Kung Fu Panda (2008) |
7.6/10 |
|
Pai Mei – Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) |
8.0/10 |
|
Mr. Miyagi – The Karate Kid (1984) |
7.3/10 |
Pai Cheng-Tien helps Chien when he is at his lowest, being abused and beaten by those in his school, and sees his kindness and potential shine through. Pai’s teaching is intricate and, at times, comical as he ruthlessly trains his young protégé but humbly insists on never being called “sifu” (“master”). Pai Cheng-Tien’s skill is at an incredible level, and he helps Chien defeat his enemies but also encourages him to add unique and various techniques to the Snake-style art to create a new style he calls the titular Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow.
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4 Beggar So – Drunken Master (1978)
Portrayed By Yuen Siu-Tien
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10/10 Drunken Master PG-13ActionComedyMartial Arts
Drunken Master is a martial arts film featuring Jackie Chan as a mischievous young man who is sent to train under a rigorously unorthodox old beggar. Released in 1978, it follows his journey to mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style amidst comedic and action-packed encounters.
Director Yuen Woo-ping Release Date October 5, 1978 Studio(s) Golden Harvest Company , Seasonal Film Corporation Distributor(s) New World Pictures Writers Siao Lung , Ng See-yuen Cast Jackie Chan , Yuen Siu-tien , Hwang Jang-lee , Dean Shek , Lam Kau , Fung King-man Runtime 110 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Drunken Master sees director Yuen Woo-ping collaborate again with Jackie Chan and other cast and crew to create another beloved martial arts classic. The film sees Chan and Yuen Siu-tien portray a fictionalized depiction of real-life martial artists Wong Fei-hung and Beggar So in a story that sees a disrespectful young man forced to train under a brutal master. At the start, Wong is terrified of Beggar So and his reputation for crippling his students who step out of line, but he soon comes to respect and revere the stern master.
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Beggar So’s drunken fighting style is both hilarious and effective, as the flailing and unpredictable motions provide a unique and unexpected base for both offense and evasion. He adds humor and comedic timing to all his sessions, but his methods are still grueling and long-lasting, and he turns Wong from an insolent young man to a respected, capable martial artist. Though the drunken fighting system may not work for all occasions, Wong uses it to relentless success, and it’s in no small part to the wise and eccentric ideas of Beggar So’s mastery.
3 Master Shifu – Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Voiced By Dustin Hoffman
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Kung Fu Panda PGAnimationActionAdventureComedyFamily
Kung Fu Panda is an animated martial arts comedy directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. Set in ancient China, it follows Po, an overweight and clumsy panda voiced by Jack Black, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When an evil snow leopard named Tai Lung threatens the Valley of Peace, Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior.
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*Availability in US Director Mark Osborne , John Stevenson Release Date June 4, 2008 Writers Jonathan Aibel , Glenn Berger Cast Jack Black , Dustin Hoffman , Angelina Jolie , Ian McShane , Jackie Chan , Seth Rogen Runtime 95 minutes Main Genre Animation Expand
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Kung Fu Panda is an animated comedy that has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs about its titular hero, a giant panda named Po Ping (Jack Black). The film follows Po as he is accidentally prophesized as the Dragon Warrior (the kung fu master who can read the Dragon Scroll – leading to limitless power) by Master Oogway. Master Shifu begrudgingly takes on Po as a student after he beat out his ‘Furious Five’ students, who all expected to be Dragon Warrior. When the evil Tai Lung escapes from prison and plans to take revenge, it’s up to Po to stop him.
Master Shifu is the embodiment of a traditional martial arts sensei who learns to quietly respect his students. He initially subjects Po to torturous training and brutal methods in order to force him to quit, but instead instills in him a steely resolve, and is able to work out that tempting Po with food is the best way to train him to be the best martial artist. Master Shifu takes a complete novice and trains him to become one of the most feared fighters in the area, able to understand the scroll and defeat Tai Lung with ease.
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2 Pai Mei – Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
Portrayed By Gordon Liu
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Kill Bill: Vol. 2 RActionCrimeThriller
Kill Bill: Vol. 2, directed by Quentin Tarantino, continues the story of The Bride as she seeks vengeance against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. As she systematically confronts her former associates, her journey leads to an inevitable showdown with her ultimate target, Bill.
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*Availability in US Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date April 16, 2004 Writers Quentin Tarantino , Uma Thurman Cast Uma Thurman , David Carradine , Michael Madsen , Daryl Hannah , Vivica A. Fox , Ambrosia Kelley , Michael Parks , James Parks Runtime 137 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Kill Bill Vol 2, directed by Quentin Tarantino, sees the Bride (Uma Thurman) reprise her vicious revenge campaign against Bill and the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad after they attempted to kill her and her unborn daughter. After she is apprehended and buried alive, the Bride flashes back to Bill taking her to legendary Master Pai Mei for training using the techniques and mental fortitude learned under his guidance to break free from the coffin and pull herself out of certain death.
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Without doubt, Pai Mei is the most twisted and cruel out of all the sensei masters in cinematic history. He also appears to have the most deadly skill set, being an expert at the fatal Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique and also the three-inch punch, which the Bride utilizes in a situation where she needs it the most. Pai Mei’s training methods are brutal and destructive, all in the name of humbling and strengthening those brave enough to endure it, and he shows kindness and loyalty to those who gain his respect through their dedication to his methods.
1 Mr. Miyagi – The Karate Kid (1984)
Portrayed By Noriyuki “Pat” Morita
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8.6/10 The Karate Kid PGFamilyDramaActionSport
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
Director John G. Avildsen Release Date June 22, 1984 Studio(s) Delphi II Productions Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Robert Mark Kamen Cast Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , William Zabka , Martin Kove , Yuji Okumoto Runtime 126 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
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In most martial arts films, the sensei is an integral part of the protagonist’s training, but in The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita) IS the training. Mr Miyagi was working as a maintenance man at the apartment complex of bullied teen Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) and reluctantly agreed to teach him his karate skills. The lessons went far beyond the basic chops and kicks, and into deep philosophies about life, practice, patience, and mentorship.
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Mr. Miyagi became more than a martial arts sensei to Daniel; he became like a father figure who guided him through the most difficult points of his life. His unorthodox ‘wax on, wax off’, meditative, and laid-back style of training was essential to pay off only those who were willing to put the time into seemingly mindless tasks. His iconic master role inspired a generation to take up karate, and the film’s impact and his character have a depth and genuine cultural impact rarely present in a martial arts film.