Martial Arts DVDs: Your Comprehensive Training Guide

For martial arts enthusiasts, DVDs can be an invaluable tool for learning and improving techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, a well-produced instructional DVD can offer detailed guidance and insights into various martial arts styles.

This guide explores a range of martial arts DVDs, covering different styles, training levels, and weaponry.

How to Pick a Martial Art | For Beginners

Shuri-ryu Karate-do Training Guides

The Martial Arts Center encourages all students to attain the proper reference materials necessary for their at home practice.

These DVDs are designed to assist students in their training, offering structured lessons in various aspects of Shuri-ryu Karate-do.

Karate Kata

Basic Level DVD Training Guide

Our Basic Level DVD Training Guide is meant to assist the student in learning the "Beginning Fundamentals" of Shuri-ryu Karate-do. This DVD is great for the "New Student" or the "Seasoned Student who has never trained in the style of Shuri-ryu".

Read also: Individual Martial Arts Instruction

The following categories can be found on this training guide: Blocks, Punches, Kicks, Stances, Kata (3 Punch, Tai Ichi & Taikyoku Ichi), Ippons 1-2, Taezus 1-2 and Self Defenses (Front hair Grab 1-3, Front Choke 1-3, Side Head Lock 1-3).

Intermediate Level DVD Training Guide

Our Intermediate Level DVD Training Guide is meant to assist the student in their pursuit of higher learning in the art of Shuri-ryu Karate-do. This DVD compliments the Basic Level Training Guide as it follows the same format, as well as offers continued instruction in the same categories.

The following categories can be found on this training guide: Blocks, Kicks, Stances, Kata (Wunsu & Anaku), Ippons 3-6, Taezus 3-6, Kihons 1-3, Weapons (Bo Theory & Tonfa Theory) and Self Defenses (Bear Hug 1-3, Full Nelson 1-3, Clench 1-3, Straight Punch 1-3, Side Kick 1-3, Rear Forearm Choke 1-3).

Intermediate II DVD Training Guide

Our Intermediate II DVD Training Guide is meant to assist the student in their pursuit of higher learning in the art of Shuri-ryu Karate-do. This DVD compliments the Intermediate Level Training Guide as it follows the same format, as well as offers continued instruction in the same categories.

The following categories can be found on this training guide: Blocks, Kicks, Stances, Kata (Naihanchi Sho, Empi Sho & Sanchin), Ippons 7-10, Taezus 7-10, Kihons 4-10, Weapons (Bo ~ Tsue Sho Kata & Tonfa ~ Matsuhiga No Tonfa Kata) and Self Defenses (Front Kick 1-3, Round Kick 1-3, Double Lapel Grab 1-3, Rear Hair Grab 1-2, Hook Punch 1-3).

Read also: The Jade Fortress Martial Arts System

Advance Level DVD Training Guide

Our Advance Level DVD Training Guide is meant to assist the student in their pursuit of higher learning in the art of Shuri-ryu Karate-do. This DVD compliments the Intermediate II Level Training Guide as it follows the same format, as well as offers continued instruction in the same categories.

The following categories can be found on this training guide: Blocks, Stances, Kata (Basai Dai, Gopei Sho, Dann Enn Sho), Ippons 11-15, Taezu 10, Kihons 11-15, and Self Defenses (High Roundhouse Kick 1-2, Reverse Headlock 1-2, High Charge 1-2, Low Charge 1-2).

Okinawan Kobudo Training DVD

Our Okinawan Kobudo Training DVD is meant to assist the Intermediate / Advanced student in their pursuit of higher learning in the art of Martial Art Weaponry. The traditional weapons of Okinawa are taught and demonstrated in the form of Kata.

The three weapons that are used in this DVD are the Bo Staff, Tonfa and Sai. The Kata(s) taught and performed are: (Bo Staff) Chatanyara No Kon & Sakugawa No Kon Dai, (Tonfa) Matsuhiga No Tonfa & Hamahiga No Tonfa, (Sai) Hamahiga No Sai & Tegatana No Sai.

Ground Work DVD Training Guides

Our Ground Work DVD Training Guides are meant to assist the student in learning the "Fundamentals" of Ground Work. This DVD focuses on the "Mount" position with specific attention on "Finishing Techniques". There are 11 Mount Finishes taught / demonstrated using all 4 angles for your learning.

Read also: Deep Dive into Court Martial Films

Systema DVDs

Systema DVDs greatly impress because they are long, have excellent content, and teach so much - amazing quality for cost! The first one I watched was Systema Breathing. Everything was explained well, and the concepts made so much sense that they were almost intuitive.

More importantly, I could see the difference it made for the demonstrators in the video. I started doing some breathing exercises and paying attention to my breathing, when I hold my breath, how my breathing changes during different situations, and how I can recover by using breathing. I’ve noticed definite changes in how I feel and perform, and especially how I train.

It took me about a week and a half to watch all the DVDs, and each one showed me things I had never thought were possible. It blew my mind every time I watched a demonstration by you or by Colonel Ryabko, seeing the two of you do the incredible things you do without any preparation, against any attack, from any position, against multiple opponents, and without ever being hit. After watching the Wrestling DVD and seeing how Colonel Ryabko dramatically improved the two demonstrators in such a short time, I knew I had to learn this art.

Kai-Shin Jeet Kune Do (JKD) DVDs

Intro to Kai-Shin JKD. Vol. This 2-DVD Box Set (approx. 4-hours) is an excellent introduction and overview for understanding Kai-Shin Jeet Kune Do, and defines what separates it from other approaches to learning JKD. In this video Guro/Sifu T. Kent Nelson takes you through a step by step breakdown of each area, and then shows you how to combine them all together into an effective flow.

This is the first time he has ever presented his unique curriculum arrangement on video for others to view. This video is actioned packed, as well as full of technique breakdown for both the novice and the veteran martial artist alike.

Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) DVDs

A variety of DVDs featuring Guro T. Kent Nelson, covering various aspects of Filipino Martial Arts.

Weapons Camp Series

  • Weapons Camp 2019: This video documents the Weapons Camp of 2019. Guro T. Kent Nelson takes you through expert instruction in different aspects of Armas-Kali / Filipino Martial Arts. This is a great camp with a ton of material on it!
  • Weapons Camp 2015: This 2-disc box set documents the Weapons Camp of 2015. Guro T. Kent Nelson takes you through expert instruction in Single Stick, Double Stick, Knife Reflex Drills and Cutting Combinations, and introduces the Armas-Kali Palm Stick curriculum for the first time publicly. Including special rank promotions for both students and instructors.
  • Weapons Camp 2014: This video documents the Weapons Camp of 2014. Guro T. Kent Nelson takes you through expert instruction in offensive combinations, footwork, flow drills, defense, disarms, counter disarms and trapping with weapons. Single stick, double stick, knife vs. empty hand, and knife vs. knife are all covered in this info packed 4-Hour box set.
  • Weapons Camp 2012: This video documents the Weapons Camp of 2012. Guro T. Kent Nelson takes you through expert instruction in cycle drills, flow drills, disarms, knife tapping & counter tapping, tie-ups & captures, trapping with the weapon and more. Single & double stick, knife, sword and Espada Y Daga are all covered in this jam packed box set. Featuring nearly 5 hours of instruction plus all the extra fun like the shooting ranges, the projectile throwing games, and highlights of training next to the bonfire by a live drum circle.
  • Weapons Camp 2011: This video documents the Weapons Camp of 2011. Guro T. Kent Nelson takes you through expert instruction in combat stick entries, disarms, knife tapping & counter tapping, details on the Sumbrada flow and intro to the Armas-Kali Sword method. Single & double stick, knife, sword, Espada Y Daga, and staff are all covered in this 3-volume box set. Plus all the extra fun like the shooting ranges, the knife throwing competition, and highlights of the Drum Clinic.
  • F.M.A. / Armas-Kali Camp 2010: This video documents the F.M.A. / Armas-Kali Camp of 2010. Guro T. Kent Nelson takes you through expert instruction of several weapons used in various forms of the Filipino Martial Arts, and how they are trained and approached in the Armas-Kali curriculum. Covered in this 3-volume box set: 1. Single & Double Stick 2. Knife 3. Sword 4. Espada Y Daga 5. Staff Basics & Advanced Techniques, Flow Drills, Disarms, Knife Throwing, and full coverage of the Weapons tournament.

Other FMA DVDs

  • 100% Espada Y Daga (Stick & Dagger)! This 2-disc Blu-Ray set features over 3-hours of Guro T. Kent Nelson teaching the largest amount of Stick & Dagger techniques ever assembled on a single video series. A Truly amazing body of work. Everyone from beginner to veteran martial artist can benefit from the teachings on this video set. Each technique is broken down and separated into its own chapter to make it even easier to learn from.
  • Armas-Kali Boston Seminar 2017: This video documents the Armas-Kali Boston seminar of 2017, taught by KSK Martial Arts founder, Guro T. Kent Nelson. Featuring the very first promotion of an Affiliate Group Leader to the title of GURO in Armas-Kali.... plus all the crazy stuff that comes along with the Boston group. DOUBLE STICK: Circle Series, Abaniko-54, Basic & Adv. Take your Kali game to a new level with footwork drills, Single Stick, Double Stick, Knife flow drills, Karambit & Flexible weapons... Plus all the fun that comes with our crazy Boston Affiliate crew! This box set is a must for any serious practitioner of the Filipino Martial Arts.
  • Boston Seminar 2015: This 3-hour jam packed (2-Disc Box Set) documents the Boston Seminar of 2015. Follow along with Guro T. Kent Nelson as he guides our Boston Affiliate Training Group through aspects of the Single Stick, Double Stick, Hand Trapping, a ton of Knife material, and an incredible session with the Karambit. You'll learn flow drills, Trapping, hand-speed drills, takedowns, Knife Tapping and combinations. You're gonna love this video!
  • Boston Seminar 2014: This video documents the Boston Seminar of 2014. Follow along with Guro T. Kent Nelson as he guides our Boston Affiliate Training Group through aspects of the Single Stick, Double Stick, Hand Trapping, and Stick & Dagger (Espada Y Daga). You'll learn flow drills, disarms, tie-ups, hand-speed drills and more! PLUS... special behind the scenes bonus footage like roof top training and other fun moments of his visit.
  • Weapons Camp 2011 - Stick, Sword, and Staff: This video takes you through the crucial teaching sequences covered at the WEAPONS CAMP of 2011, showing how closely connected the Stick, Sword and Staff really are. You’ll be amazed at what you see. Follow Guro T. Kent Nelson as he takes the group through the essential details on the right hand template of the Box Sumbrada, which are missed by most practitioners of the art. These details will improve your Targeting, Footwork, Range and Angle Recognition, as well the transition between weapons. This video also documents the very first introduction to the Armas-Kali Sword Curriculum, featuring the entire first section of Redirects. This video is perfect for both beginners as well as seasoned students of the Filipino Martial Arts.
  • Weapons Camp 2011 - Knife Material: This video takes you through ALL of the knife material covered at the WEAPONS CAMP of 2011. Follow Guro T. Kent Nelson as he takes the group through the entire Angle #1 series (intercepting the slash), and Angle #5 series (intercepting the thrust). He also introduces you to the basics of Knife Tapping & Passing, as well getting you started on Counter Tapping. Also included are sections on how to use these techniques to develop continuous flow and mix them in with Hubad/Hubud. This video is perfect for both beginners as well as seasoned students of the Filipino Martial Arts.

Classic Kung Fu Films on DVD and Blu-Ray

During the 70s and 80s, Kung Fu films became a major sensation in pop culture. The movie audiences were enthralled by the new Asian heroes and heroines performing amazing fight moves and acrobatic stunts on the silver screen. Since those days, the Martial Arts genre has come to be an integral part of action cinema.

Bruce Lee

As part of our expanding catalog, we've put together this starter listing of classic kung fu films on DVD and Blu Ray (with many more titles to come).

Choosing the Right DVD

When selecting a martial arts DVD, consider the following factors:

  • Your skill level: Ensure the DVD is appropriate for your current level of experience.
  • The style of martial arts: Choose a DVD that focuses on the specific style you are interested in learning or improving.
  • The instructor's credentials: Look for instructors with a proven track record and recognized expertise in their field.
  • The DVD's content: Review the topics covered to ensure they align with your training goals.

Summary Table

Here's a summary table of the different martial arts DVDs discussed:

Martial Art Level Focus Weapons
Shuri-ryu Karate-do Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Fundamentals, Kata, Self-Defense Bo, Tonfa, Sai
Systema All Levels Breathing, Wrestling, General Techniques None Specified
Kai-Shin JKD All Levels Introduction to JKD Principles None Specified
Filipino Martial Arts All Levels Stick, Knife, Sword, Espada Y Daga Stick, Knife, Sword, Staff

tags: #martial #arts #dvds