The season to be jolly, and happy holidays, are nigh upon us – it’s nearly Christmas! Time to dust down that red santa suit and the family Christmas cake recipe for a season of goodwill, merriment, joy and celebration. Let’s not forget everyone’s favourite part: the giving and receiving presents colourfully wrapped and carefully placed under the Christmas tree awaiting for the big opening…
If shopping for the martial arts warrior in your life is proving to be a bit of a challenge, then fear not as Kung Fu Kingdom have some great, glistening ideas that will hit the target!
From insightful reads to action-packed classic films full of exciting extra features, and training equipment guaranteed to pack a punch and stretch abilities to new heights, we offer a guide for gift suggestions that will leave you spoilt for choice but not stuck for ideas.
So without further ado let’s kick around the xmas tree and get into these Top 10 Martial Arts Xmas Gift Ideas for 2021!
1. How Squats Can Change Your Life — Keep Fit Kingdom
If there’s one thing the global Covid 19 pandemic has brought to light is the need for better health and vitality. From supple muscles and strong bones, to an enduring cardiovascular system there has never been as pressing a need as now to make wiser, long-lasting health choices.
This comprehensive book will show you that squats can do more than just give you strong legs. Whether you prefer working out at home or in the gym, “How Squats Can Change Your Life” guides the fitness / martial arts fan in your life through over 40 practical exercises whether they be professional athletes or fitness beginners.
The guide focuses on the viability of squats in conjunction with proper breathing techniques, flexibility exercises and proper nutrition, condensed into a 10-minute daily routine that will fundamentally change your life for the better.
It also includes a foreword by WWE hardcore legend Rob Van Dam talking about stretching and flexibility keeping him injury free in a sport known for its crippling injuries.
“How Squats Can Change Your Life” is a must have insight and reference into one of the simplest, yet most effective exercises as a means to create new habits that will help you live long, and prosper despite all the Covid craziness!
So what are you waiting for? Supercharge your energy, health, strength and happiness through squats in just 10-minutes-a-day! Out now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, Scribd and other good stockists!
2. Sparbar Pro 4.0
With martial arts classes opening back up all over the world no doubt many are keen to retrain their sparring skills. What better way than the training apparatus everyone is still talking about: the Sparbar. It’s the training equipment of choice of legendary fighters including Anthony Joshua, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Conor McGregor, Cung Le, and Anderson ‘Spider’ Silva. It is available to order from Sparbar and Amazon.
This freestanding punching bag made up of a durable leather speedball and reflex bar provide the ultimate sparring partner at home to sharpen your defensive reflexes and counter-offensive targeting.
The reflex bar spins 360 degrees but at such a speed that it will hit you if you forget to duck. The interactive, and at times, unpredictable aspect of this equipment can make training fun and varied, moving away from the sometimes monotonous and repetitive aspect of bag work helping to develop both speed as well as power.
Check out action star Scott Adkins giving a full demonstration (above) of how the Sparbar keeps him at the top of his game as action cinema’s most complete fighter.
3. Breathe: A Life in Flow — Rickson Gracie
From legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA master, Rickson Gracie comes a riveting, insightful memoir that weaves together the story of Gracie’s stunning career with the larger history of the Gracie family dynasty, showing how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring.
For the first time, Rickson shares the full story of how his family developed their Jiu-Jitsu system, what it was like to grow up in a clan of world-renowned fighters, and the8 principles and skills that guided him to his undefeated record.
“Breathe” is THE book to adorn bookcases of serious martial artists hellbent on learning what it takes to succeed. Here, Rickson shares his life journey from learning to defend himself on the streets of Rio De Janeiro to gaining fame and honour in Japan and emerging through heartbreaking tragedy, overcoming challenges, extolling universal virtues and showing readers how pride and ego are the enemies of success.
Featuring never-before-seen photos and profound insights into the sport and way of life that only an accomplished legend can share, “Breathe” is available to buy from all good book stockists courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers.
4. Life of Action Vol II — Mike Fury
Not content with putting together just one large volume of interviews featuring action cinema’s most exciting performers and creatives, author Mike Fury, presents “Life of Action Volume II”.
Once again, Mike brings to life on these pages the exciting and insightful stories from veritable legends of action cinema that include Vic Armstong, Cung Le, Amy Johnston, and gracing the cover is stuntwoman Zoe Bell in a scene from her starring film “Raze”.
Published at a time when the world faced the gruelling challenge of the global Covid 19 pandemic it is rightfully dedicated “to those who persevere in the face of adversity”.
Packed with incredible stories of successes through incredible odds brought to life with each turn of the page, this is certain to inspire and enlighten the martial artists, and/or action aficionado in your life.
Published by Bench Press Publishers “Life of Action Volume II” is available in hard and paperback from Amazon and also at MikeFury.net where you can also request special autographed editions.
5. Born to Be Bad (Volumes I & II) — Timon Singh
Bristol author Timon Singh set out on a mission to talk to the actors behind the greatest iconic villains of action cinema.
Through extensive interviews he uncovered the stories behind their infamous roles, the impact they had on their career and, most importantly, learned whether bad guys really do have all the fun.
Over four years and two book volumes Timon has uncovered a collection of insightful, humourous, and shocking stories from a rogues’ gallery of memorable villains that include Sven Ole Thorensen (“Conan The Barbarian”, “Lethal Weapon”), Bob Wall (“Way of the Dragon“, “Enter The Dragon“), everyone’s favourite henchman Al Leong, Vernon Wells (“Commando”) Mohammed Qissi (Tong Po “Kickboxer“) and KFK Hall of Famers; Matthias Hues, Scott Adkins, and Roger Yuan.
These books are a must have for anyone who grew up on a cinematic diet featuring the baddest, most low down black hats of celluloid history. The real life stories are as riveting as the villains these actors portrayed and with forewords by two of action cinema’s most revered writers; Steven E. de Souza (“Die Hard”, Street Fighter) and Graham Yost (“Speed”, “Broken Arrow”) – “Born to be Bad Volumes I & II” is an entertaining literary hive of scum and villainy packed with stories that will have the reader revisiting them over and over.
6. “Notorious Nick” — DVD
One of the most inspirational stories in MMA history has been turned into a feel good biopic courtesy of the producer of “Bloodsport” and “Kickboxer” Mark DiSalle. Director Aaron Leong helms Cody Christian in the role of “Notorious” Nick Newell, the real life ‘one armed boxer’ whose professional MMA career saw him win 16 of his 20 fights, 2 by knockout and 13 by submission.
The film boasts an impressive lead in Cody Christian embodying the real life battles of Nick Newell, both in and out of the Octagon, in true tear-jerking ‘Rocky’ fashion.
If the MMA athlete or action film fan in your life loves a feel good inspirational tale of underdogs overcoming impossible odds then this deserves a prominent place on your DVD shelf.
7. Duel to the Death (Blu-ray) — Eureka Entertainment
In the quest for restoring and re-releasing classic kung fu flicks to Blu-ray there is another seeker on the path – Eureka Entertainment. Amongst their restored library of epic action films is this Golden Harvest gem directed by the legendary ‘Tony’ Ching Siu-tung. “Duel to the Death” is a supernatural wuxia tale of international rivalries, family dramas, swordplay and aerial ninjas interwoven with political power plays that make this one of the most sought-after titles.
This revered classic is now available on Blu-ray thanks to Eureka Entertainment, via Amazon as a 2K restoration packed with a host of extras including limited artwork, archival interviews, and an exclusive limited edition collector’s booklet.
The film’s high-flying action, gripping story and stunning cinematography will delight the wuxia lover in your life and turn their kung fu collection into a vintage library.
8. EverStretch — Leg Stretcher
Flexibility is a key component of good martial arts training; from the devastating kicks of Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace that made him king of the kickboxing ring, the iconic box splits of Jean Claude Van Damme, to Cynthia Rothrock’s lethal ‘Scorpion sting’ kick. So that the martial aspirant in your life can kick high like their idols, the EverStretch leg stretcher is the ideal tool to help them reach new heights in their training.
This durable yet lightweight apparatus is flexible and mobile making it easy to set up just about anywhere be it at home or on the road – all you need is a door.
Handling tension levels of up to 300Ibs, the EverStretch improves flexibility, balance and range of motion whilst maintaining a natural body posture. Simply put the anchor over any sturdy door post, close the door and pull the strap. The strap is made of 150g pure cotton making it sturdy and strong, with foam padding to protect the door.
Order yours from Amazon and watch your budding martial warrior stretch toward their maximum potential this Christmas!
9. Jayefo Tommie Kids Grappling Dummy
If the pandemic and the lockdowns that ensued has made grappling something of a challenge for the young ground warriors in your life, then this durable grappling dummy could be the solution.
Help your BJJ or wrestling offspring get to grips with grappling using this solid figure made from ground breaking EMX canvas (patent pending). The dummy comes unfilled and can be weighted up to 80Ibs, ideally with recycled textile cuttings.
The patented canvas not only makes this tough, and durable but also flexible. Your MMA warriors in the making can train with an existence-like body target that can take an overwhelming amount of toss punches, straight shots, point punches, snares, uppercuts, kicks, knee strikes and more. The Jayefo grappling dummy can handle all tossing, take-down and ground-and-pound preparations.
10. Armour of God (Deluxe Collector’s Edition) — 88 Films
Those cool cats at ‘88 Films’ continue their glorious mission of bringing back action cinema classics, restoring them to the highest digital quality and packing them with extras.
For their latest release ‘88 Films’ have chosen a Golden Harvest classic from, unquestionably, the most popular martial arts actor of his generation – Jackie Chan. “Armour of God” is the star and director’s own take on Indiana Jones mixing Hollywood thrills with Hong Kong-style action.
Though heavily inspired by Spielberg’s classic matinee flick “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Armour of God” is packed with action and stunts sequences all delivered with the star’s custom brand of slapstick comedy and physical prowess.
Restored in stunning 4K resolution the Jackie fan in your life can enjoy this classic actioner along with a host of extras including vintage trailers, and commentaries by some of the leading names in Hong Kong cinema including Frank Djeng, Phil Gillon, and Mike Leeder.
A must have for Hong Kong action and Jackie fans “Armour of God” – Deluxe Collector’s Edition will be released from 13th December, but like all things in hot demand, is available via Amazon to pre-order!
