Shaolin Chamber 36

The Shaw Brothers Stars Collection – Covers

Brother Mahsingyi has been so gracious by sending me another batch of alternative DVD covers in his series, ‘The Shaw Brothers Stars Collection’. As you can tell from the name, all the covers are based on movies that feature Shaw Brothers film veterans. If you do not have any of these movies, now would be a good time to go on the hunt and track them down …

8 New Alternative Covers Update

It has been quite some time since I’ve done a covers update. For those of you who can appreciate the Alternative Covers section, than I have a very nice treat for you. Thanks to my long time friend and collaborator from my previous site, ShaolinChamber.com, my brother Mahsingyi has just sent me a total of 8 covers to add to the 1,000+ covers …

‘Invincible Armour’ T-Shirt Sold Out

I want to thank everyone who have already purchased a 36 Styles T-Shirt thus far, I hope you are enjoying them and wear them with pride. Your support of the shirts enables me to produce new designs and keep things moving forward. I must announce that I have just sold the last of the ‘Invincible Armour’ design to once lucky person in Canada …

Fist of the Philippines

I had an entire article planned for this month. I was almost done with the research when I confirmed, once again, the almost 300 year old thoughts of Robert Burns: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” (I am making reference to one of the oft quoted poems in the last three centuries because, frankly, that’s about all the “culture” …

‘Master of the Flying Guillotine’ T-Shirt Now Available

An all new 36 Styles t-shirt has arrived! As you must already noticed, the new design is based on the 1976 ultra-classic film, ‘Master of the Flying Guillotine’. I truly want to thank those of you who showed your support for the first 4 designs by making a purchase of 1 or more of the available shirts. I have received nothing but positive feedback and comments …

Top 5 ‘Monkey Style’ Films

Thanks to brother Jay Lee for reminding me that this survey of the top 5 films featuring ‘monkey style’ kung fu films is due to come to a close. I must thank ALL of you who submitted your top 5 list. Without your participation, I could have not compiled this list. To be honest, I am in no way surprised as to which film received the most votes on this particular list …

Relearning The Genre

Last year, around this time, I was watching Tang Chia’s first film, Shaolin Prince, when I came to a halting realization: I wasn’t really enjoying it. The film, Tang’s directorial debut after two-and-a-half decade’s worth of action choreography and stunt work, boasts quite a reputation among genre fans. Its witch’s brew plot and style combines

Swords Versus The Undead

On one side is the vampire hunter: quiet, determined… he stands with the naked blade of his samurai sword waiting for blood. His own mother fell victim to vampirism and his hatred has fueled a terrible need for vengeance. His sword has sent many men, dead and undead, to their final rest. On the other side, of course, is his prey. He doesn’t think he is prey …

East Meets West

As discussed last time, the real seeds for western/martial arts cross-overs were sewn by samurai films. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, while westerns were still wildly popular, Japanese films appeared in art house cinemas all over the world and during those decades nine Japanese films were nominated for Academy Awards (three won) …

Contributors Monthly Prize Winner – August 2011

August 2011, was a very special month here at the Chamber. It was the month in which the clothing brand dedicated to kung fu movies fans was launched, that being of course 36 Styles! It only made sense that I make the prize of the month, which would be awarded to a random contributor of the site, a official 36 Styles t-shirt. The prize made available for the month …