Mind, Body and Kick Ass Moves was aired by the BBC in 2004
and thankfully a suitable presenter was chosen in Chris Crudelli. While
regular journalists and television presenters can often patronize their
more informed audience, by selecting a martial arts expert as host, the
series carries a greater authority behind it. Each episode is split
into segments ranging from thirty seconds to four or five minutes.
While the episodes aren't too taxing and are easy to watch,
occasionally they don't always do justice to the topic. Crudelli meets
some genuine masters and while what is covered is often very
interesting, a lot more could have been included or expanded upon.
The format of the show is made up of alternating segments of Crudelli's
travels around Asia with footage of Crudelli interacting with the
British public. Crudelli demonstrates various self defense techniques
and chi harnessing methods, often leaving the volunteers amazed at both
what Crudelli does and what they achieve themselves. While these
portions of show are educational and fun, there is a sort of David
Blaine/Derren Brown feel to these segments which may cast doubt over
the tricks Crudelli performs. Some martial artists may also scoff at
the use of martial arts and its theory as performance and entertainment
and feel that Crudelli is misrepresenting the arts. That said, as a
non-practitioner myself I can say that I enjoyed these scenes and they
only increased my interest. As an open-minded and inquisitive
individual I am happy to give Crudelli and others the benefit of the
doubt, though I'm aware esoteric concepts will always draw skeptics who
may want to steer clear of this series.
