Despite his onscreen status as the Baryshnikov of violence, targeting enemies with choreographed, flashy perfection, Bruce Lee’s personal martial arts philosophy was all about efficiency and practical application. “There’s no mystery about my style,” he said. “Too much horsing around with unrealistic stances and classic forms and rituals is just too artificial and mechanical…a guy could get clobbered while getting into this classical mess.”
Not all styles share Lee’s edicts for truth in combat. Here’s our guide to those that have more in common with P.T. Barnum than B.J. Penn:
Bullshido Styles: » » » » »
Ball Busters
A Chinese art with roots in the 13th Century, “Iron Shirt” purports to resist attacks in specific areas by channeling the body’s natural energy. One could, in theory, sustain a full-force kick to the jewels and laugh about it afterward. You go first.
