James Cagney goes UFC

[Whirlysplat]

This is from an old movie called Blood on the Sun.
The techniques are much more authentic than in many modern movies from the first throw (seoi-nage).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMJixq-LbgI

Gene LeBell talked about this fight scene in his biography, said it was the best display of Judo in a film and one of the best fight scenes ever onscreen. I wouldn't go that far but considering when it was made and Cagneys skill level (a suprising treat), it will make you smile I hope. The music is hilarious for a fight scene.

- Whirly

 

[JLBats]

I love Cagney, but that was the most surreal thing I've ever seen.

 

[bored]

Odd place to find a fight scene like that, but pretty cool nonetheless.

 

[Whirlysplat]

I love Cagney, but that was the most surreal thing I've ever seen.

According to this site Cagney was a first Dan

http://www.judoinfo.com/announce.htm

- Whirly

 

[C.F. Kane]

and this is the same guy who did Yankee Doodle Dandy. A judo master and a great showman

 

[ShadowBoxing]

Not sure if this is what is going on here. But in my fitness pursuits I have come across many a martial arts studio, and met a few celebrity fitness/fight trainers. In Hollywood they teach "theatrical martial arts" (Most admit very little of whats on screen today has practical app....this doesn't appear to be quiet the same from what I have seen). However Pro Westlers (of which I know a few--not very famous ones however, one of the I think was Stacy Kibbler...she came in our gym once), and actors learn basically a very pronounced and exaggerated style of fighting. Much more sweeping motions, much more fluid (and actually interesting fact again, in todays film world most fight scenes are filmed with the fighting going in slow motion and then sped up on film--watch Tomb Raider special features some day) basically its really cool to look at....but enough rambling, that was pretty neat.