61 Martial Arts Documentaries to Explore

Filmmaker Alexander Sebastien Lee's documentary follows four martial arts students from different backgrounds as they travel to China to train at the famous Shaolin Temple, aiming to become kung fu masters. While they undergo rigorous training at Shaolin schools, their…

This documentary chronicles Bruce Lee's pursuit of an acting career in the United States, his eventual return to Hong Kong, where he achieved international fame, and his untimely death at the age of 32.

This documentary explores the life of Bruce Lee and the physical and mental training he used to achieve worldwide fame as a martial arts icon. Featuring footage of Lee practicing and teaching Jeet Kune Do, alongside interviews with those who…

This BBC documentary charts the development of Hong Kong martial arts cinema. It explores the genre's transformation over time.

This documentary follows a single mother who moonlights as an amateur cage fighter. Her rapid ascent in the MMA world creates a buzz, and she makes the difficult decision to pursue a chance at professional stardom, risking everything she has.

A documentary follows a talented young soccer team that also practices Shaolin kung fu. Filmmaker Tian Dong spends time with the team's members at their sports school, discussing their daily lives and aspirations. Through these conversations, he reveals a troubling…

Experience a collection of original trailers from the golden age of kung fu cinema. Featuring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Chuck Norris, and others, this compilation showcases action-packed Hong Kong classics. The trailers highlight stories of masters, mobsters, vengeance,…

This documentary examines Bruce Lee's lasting impact by following a television reporter as they speak with fighters and promoters who knew him. The film builds towards a tournament seeking the "Successor to the Bruce Lee Legacy," weaving together classic footage…

This film follows the everyday lives of mixed martial arts fighters, from various levels of experience, throughout a single year.

"Films of Fury" chronicles the evolution of Kung Fu cinema, tracing its roots from Peking Opera to modern superhero stories. The film explores the genre's most iconic warriors, examining the legends, stories, and eccentric aspects of Kung Fu films, presented…

This is the story of the Gracie family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the birth of Mixed Martial Arts events. It details how a significant 20th-century movement from Brazil spread worldwide, illustrating the family's martial arts beliefs, values, and life philosophy.

Bruce Lee expert John Little journeys to the real locations of Bruce Lee’s most famous action sequences. Many of these places are remarkably preserved from nearly fifty years ago. From monasteries to ice factories and city streets, Little explores the…

Muhammad Ali is a universally recognized icon of the 20th century, celebrated for his impact on sports, politics, and religion. Photographer William Klein had unprecedented access to the events that defined Ali's life. In 1964, the young Cassius Clay shocked…

Young Bruce Lee, also known as Bruce Li, has dedicated his life to the philosophy and practice of kung fu. His girlfriend worries he's consumed by fighting, pleading with him to change. After a painful loss, Bruce resolves to never…

This film chronicles the life of Mark Kerr from 1999 to 2001, a highly skilled and emotionally exposed athlete widely regarded as the top ultimate fighter globally. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr consistently overpowered his rivals, earning the moniker "The…

Bruce Lee is considered the key figure who transformed martial arts films into an art form. This documentary explores why his influence remains powerful decades after his death. Leading figures in today's entertainment industry – including martial artists, actors, directors,…

From the makers of 'Bowling for Columbine,' 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' and 'Generation Iron' comes 'The Hurt Business,' a film exploring the growth of mixed martial arts through the experiences of today's leading athletes.

This documentary chronicles Ali's journey to becoming a champion, starting with his early career as Cassius Clay in Louisville.

Judd Reid's path to competing in the 100-man fight. An inspirational story about bravery and dedication.

This documentary explores martial arts – their artistry, fighting capabilities, history, and current relevance. It examines how rising crime and violence have made self-defense skills increasingly important for people, particularly women, in today's world. The film features fifteen of the…

This documentary offers an intimate look at Jackie Chan's life as a world-famous action star. It follows him on film sets in Hollywood and Beijing, showing how he combines impressive martial arts with his unique comedic style, often performing dangerous…

"Budo: The Art of Killing" is a 1978 Japanese martial arts documentary, produced by Hisao Masuda and financed by The Arthur Davis Company. A cult classic, the film features demonstrations of various Japanese martial arts by renowned instructors like Gozo…

In 1974, at 32, Muhammad Ali challenges the reigning heavyweight champion George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle," a highly anticipated fight with a $5 million purse for each boxer. Promoter Don King arranges the match, securing funding from…

A decade before the UFC's launch, Bill Viola and Frank Caliguri conceived a unique fighting competition in 1979. They envisioned pitting everyday fighters – from bouncers to boxers – against wrestlers, promising a no-holds-barred spectacle. The fights proved incredibly popular,…

Known as "The Iceman" for his cold and destructive fighting style, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell has intimidated opponents with his powerful knockout strikes for nearly ten years. This is the story of his rise from an up-and-coming fighter…

This is the story of Fumio Demura, widely considered the most skilled karate practitioner of his time.

"The Real Bruce Lee" is a documentary about the martial arts legend. It opens with a short biography of Bruce Lee, followed by clips from four of his early films – "Bad Boy," "Orphan Sam," "Kid Cheung," and "The Carnival"…

This 85-minute film provides practical self-defense techniques against individuals who pose a danger due to knife-related offenses.

Edward Barton-Wright was among the first Europeans to study Ju-Jitsu in Japan. Returning to London, he established a club where he taught self-defense to wealthy clientele. He blended the most effective martial arts of the era – including cane fighting,…

This film follows the life and career of John Wayne Parr, a celebrated Australian Muay Thai fighter and seven-time World Champion.

Bruce Lee revolutionized martial arts by reviving an ancient fighting style. Jackie Chan has since become a global sensation with his spectacular, acrobatic action films, establishing himself as a unique force. This action-packed film explores the question: what would happen…

Death by Misadventure: The Mysterious Life of Bruce Lee examines the circumstances surrounding Bruce Lee's death and the subsequent efforts to conceal what happened.

This video celebrates martial arts icon Bruce Lee. It explores his beginnings in Hong Kong, his move to Hollywood, his work as Kato on "The Green Hornet," and his time teaching martial arts to famous people. The film details Lee's…

"Jackie Chan - From Stuntman to Superstar" is a documentary about Jackie Chan.

This documentary explores the lives of young "Little Warrior Monks" at the renowned Shaolin Temple, where they train in martial arts. The children, aged 6 to 12, live a secluded life marked by strict discipline: rigorous training, prayer, and a…

Samuel L. Jackson hosts this documentary, providing a detailed look at the history of martial arts films. The film explores the genre's origins and evolution into today's spectacular action. Jackson highlights key moments from 100 movies, including *Charlie's Angels* and…

This documentary explores the life and legacy of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, centering on the creation of his final film, *Game of Death*. Through interviews and archival footage, Bruce Lee expert John Little offers a comprehensive look at the…

Anderson Silva, the longest-reigning UFC Champion and widely considered the most feared fighter in mixed martial arts, is explored in "Like Water." The film follows Silva as he trains with Lyoto Machida, Junior Dos Santos, and Antonio Nogueira for his…

This documentary explores how the film *Enter the Dragon* impacted British perceptions of Kung Fu. It examines the newfound awareness and fascination with the martial art that swept through British society following the movie's release.

Featuring the most intense hand-to-hand fight scenes ever captured on film, this program offers an electrifying look at the art of martial arts. It explores the weapons, Eastern philosophies, and extraordinary skills behind the genre's global popularity.

Renzo Gracie: Legacy is a 2008 documentary film directed by Gethin Aldous and written by Aldous, Steve Allen and Adrian Miller. Filmed over ten years, it chronicles the history of Mixed Martial Arts, from its early bare-knuckle roots to its…

This documentary explores Bruce Lee's connection to prominent Asian families. It examines how his background shaped his life and career. The film features insights from those who knew him, revealing the influence of these families on his journey to becoming…

CHOKE plunges into the intense world of freestyle fighting, a rapidly expanding competition popular in the U.S., Brazil, and Japan. The film follows Rickson Gracie, the reigning World Freestyle Fighting Champion, as he trains for a grueling, single-night tournament. The…

This special celebrates martial arts masters, featuring appearances by actors and musicians. The program includes live demonstrations, competitions, and tributes to Jackie Chan, Bennie "The Jet" Urquidez, Cynthia Rothrock, Billy Blanks, Ernie Reyes Sr., and Shaka Zulu.

This film examines Bruce Lee's widespread influence on popular culture – from fitness and film to music, sports, dance, video games, and philosophy. Shannon Lee travels to the United States, Asia, and Europe to explore her father's origins in Hong…

The story unfolds through the perspectives of two friends: Mark Mathews, a professional big-wave surfer, and Richie 'Vas' Vaculik, an MMA fighter.

This film explores the history and demanding physical requirements of Shaolin Kung Fu, widely regarded as the foundation of all kung fu. It showcases skilled Shaolin monks performing the complex techniques of this fighting style. The film is suitable for…

This documentary offers a comprehensive look at Bruce Lee's life. It features numerous clips from his early career as an actor in China, alongside footage from his films and his funeral. The film also includes a wealth of photographs, notably…

This film explores the history of martial arts, tracing its origins from 6th century China with the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma to its global influence today. Featuring interviews with actors and historians, alongside a review of the genre's most significant films…

This 1993 documentary uses personal stories and memories from those who knew him to explore the life of Bruce Lee. The film examines Lee’s fighting methods, his beliefs, and how he changed the entertainment business. Interviews with his students, co-stars,…

FIGHTVILLE explores the world of fighting as both an art and a sport. It's a small-scale reflection of life itself, a physical representation of the harsh struggle for success known as the American Dream.

Experience legendary fighting styles like never before. When young martial artists Mike Chaturantabut and Matt Mullins compete in a major tournament, Eastern and Western martial arts collide. The film reveals the biomechanical secrets behind these disciplines through groundbreaking visual technology,…

This documentary recounts the true story of Frank Dux, a globally recognized martial artist.

This documentary is a must-see for martial arts fans and those who enjoy films starring Jet Li, Yang Ching, and Wang Chun. It explores the history of Chinese martial arts, the legendary Shaolin Monastery, and modern kung fu. The film…

Ten of Muhammad Ali's past opponents share their memories and honor the legendary three-time world heavyweight champion.

Dragon Girls follows three young Chinese girls as they train to be Kung Fu fighters at China's largest Kung Fu school, separated from their families. Part of a group of 26,000 children, they face relentless pressure to fit in. The…

In Hong Kong, Australian stuntman Grant Page searches for Bruce Lee's replacement, examining the growing popularity of Asian martial arts in Western cinema. He interviews actors like Angela Mao, Stuart Whitman, and George Lazenby, all working in Hong Kong during…

In 1983, Walt Missingham, the first non-Chinese person to study Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple, presents a comprehensive look at martial arts history and the profound influence Bruce Lee had on the world of Kung Fu. The program features…

"Top Fighter" returns, highlighting the evolving role of women in martial arts films. The story traces their journey from supporting characters to leading stars. Starring Angela Mao, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, and others, the sequel explores this shift in the…

This documentary explores the life and work of Kung Fu icon Bruce Lee through interviews with his friends and colleagues. It features archival footage, including appearances on 'The Milton Berle Show'.

This documentary chronicles the life of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, from his birth in 1940 to his death in 1973. Featuring interviews with his colleagues and family, the film is a tribute to his son, Brandon.