Strength, power and stamina required now on BBC2 for those who seek to become the Masters of Combat.
Since the dawn of time, mortals have gathered in the gateless kingdom seeking the enlightenment of victory.
Only then will they truly become Masters of Combat.
Welcome to Masters of Combat.
We are truly honoured. For the first time in history, outsiders have been invited in to witness the Masters of Combat tournament.
A secret, ancient competition in which some of the world's finest martial artists compete for honour, wisdom and outright victory.
Two teams face each other but only one will survive and we will be with the warriors every step of the way.
But first it looks as though the tournament is about to begin so let's join the Supreme Master for his words of wisdom in the ceremony of welcome.
Two warrior clans meet this day at this hour.
Here in the gateless kingdom, they take the first steps towards enlightenment.
Only one will complete the journey.
Welcome them both as you would welcome your shadows return after the darkest night.
I'm here with the kickboxing team, the lightning strikers and this is the team captain, the legendary Chris McNeish.
The name of Chris McNeish strikes fear into many hearts, a former world champion who hails from the far east of London.
Introduce me to your lightning strikers.
This here is Gololo Fulu, the troublemaker of the team.
Gololo, 19 years old and a man of few words, born under the African sun and trained under Chris.
This is Deborah, my wife. We call her the tiger in the family.
Debbie, married to team captain Chris and the proud mother of three who always go to bed when they're told.
And this here is Sam Solomon, raving.
Sam started competing at the age of 12. He conquered Australia and now seeks to conquer the gateless kingdom.
Let us now welcome those that have issue with the nightling strikers for in any journey, someone must arrive first.
Right, today I have got the death squad and their style is freestyle.
This is Sean, the captain. I'm fine, thank you.
Sean respected, feared multiple world freestyle champion, his philosophy to be strong in mind.
I will let everyone else introduce themselves.
Phil, the team's motivator and former European champion, big man, big voice, big fun.
Jason.
Jason, a brooding giant of the British kung fu scene. He's from Wales, trained in Bristol and studies in Birmingham.
Hello, I'm Sharon.
Sharon started training at the age of seven. Today she is reigning world champion. She wipe on and wipe off to pay the bills.
So tell me a little bit about freestyle.
Well, freestyle, our style is lagar kung fu, which is a traditional style of kung fu. And also we do kickboxing, which is like a semi-contact, light contact sparring.
Fantastic, and you have not stopped nodding because you know you're going to win.
Ah, yes, but knowledge can be a blunt sword against ignorance. Two clans then with one aim to climb the eight steps of enlightenment. Each victory will take them one step closer and the masters, they watch, judge and show the way.
Masters such as Tao, who is the way and all the paths that lead there.
Fu Xuan, the tiger's fist with mind as sharp as claw.
Kali, princess of the sword, guardian of enlightenment.
Yang Yi, the outsider who is strong of spirit.
Satsao, of the deadly hand and lively soul.
These five and others as noble, guard the ultimate prize, the sword of enlightenment.
The single oak that stands for 500 years is mightier than all the predators who have prowled its trunk. In great stillness is great strength. This is the way of the oaks.
Ah, yes, Supreme Master, the rings of steel, an ancient Shaolin discipline testing strength and inner focus. Each warrior must bear the weight of the rings as long as possible. 14 rings each weighing half a kilo. He who weakens first will lose.
Okay, the rings of steel is the first challenge chosen by the Supreme Master. What do you need for a challenge like this?
Well, I think you need good concentration, good shoulders, good leg and mind, a good, good mind.
Well, it's quite a hard exercise, very traditional, hard on the arms and particularly the legs. Whoever's going to get chosen to do it, they're going to have to really, really focus. I've been training it myself. Whether it's going to be me who gets picked, I don't know, but I'm up for it.
So it's very, it's mental and strength, really.
Yeah, absolutely.
Okay, well, hang on. The name? Challenger. It's Phil. You're the man, Phil. How are you feeling? Sam, Sam, the Supreme Master has chosen you for this challenge. Are you up for it?
I feel so. I think I've seen my other opponent, big boy, looks good, looks strong and I'm going to be up for a good challenge, but I feel I'm up to the task.
Okay, good luck. Confident, whatever, you throw it at me. I'm confident. We'll do it. We'll do it.
You can do it. You can do it. Go on, Phil.
Disciples, your journey is about to begin.
Enjoy this moment, for with the first flex of a muscle, you will begin to fail. To fail least, that is your task. Let the challenge commence.
A man's stance is said to be like the roots of a tree, the foundations of a building. Set them weakly and all will topple. We will see.
The horse riding stance, as generations of Shaolin monks have done before them.
The shinobi apply the rings.
And it begins.
Phil, 39, will age, experience and greater strength carry him through to enlightenment.
Sam is younger, only 27, yet he appears focused and calm. His spirit is strong.
The strain is beginning to show.
Their arms bear the weight of almost 15 kilos. In a calm, good.
If either warrior rises up to break the ribbon of destiny or drops his shoulders, then all is lost.
Focused aggression also good.
The supreme master knows all, sees all and ultimately judges all.
This is a very good time.
I can see he's feeling the pain. Who will weaken first?
And it is done. Phil has failed for the death squad. His stance was not true, his foundation is weak.
Let us now await the supreme master's blessing.
They wait.
Ah yes, it is saw. The first step of enlightenment goes to the lightning strikers.
You can see it. I mean he just didn't look like he was feeling any pain. The other guy was shouting and screaming. He was just calm and collected.
Very good concentration.
All right, well that's the first game. We're one game up. We're on our way.
He did so well.
How do you think he'll be?
He'll be disappointed with that. He'll be disappointed.
Well done, Sam. Well done.
You did amazingly well. It's only the beginning. Not good enough. Still hungry. Still hungry. Exactly. Stay hungry. That was the start.
Did it hurt?
Did it hurt? Well I wouldn't say it hurt. I actually thought they'd be heavier than what they were.
But maybe we just mentally prepared right and they probably were as heavy as I thought they were.
Now it looked like, I mean the other guy was shouting and screaming. I thought he was trying to intimidate me. I actually thought he was trying to intimidate me.
And you know here and now I thought that was just like a psych job on me. And I tried to just ignore that and keep going with what I was doing but I must have been killing him.
Couldn't even do one. Definitely.
Beyond the gateless kingdom, combat begins where reason ends.
But in all times and all places, he who abandons reason in combat will surely be undone.
Thought and action as one. This is the way of the tiger.
You are wise, Supreme Master. Put Long, the black dragon, and Yong Yi's strength of spirit illuminate your words for all to see.
Together they must work to defeat the dark forces of the shinobi who are sent to test our masters.
Well the next challenge is way of the tiger which is male to male combat. I'm loving it.
Sean, who do you think is the best man for the job?
I feel they're going to pick me, but I mean any one of the two would be good. Phil would be strong.
Easy.
Jason, very flexible.
We're hearing the name, hang on.
Sean.
It's you.
Come on Sean.
You're the man Sean, you're the man.
Now Debbie, you of course won't be on this round. Now who do you think is the best man for the job in this?
Well there's only one person I think that could be Chris, that's my husband.
I was thinking you were going to say that, and why?
Well he's just the fastest and the strongest and the most powerful.
Hang on, hang on, Debbie we're going to find out.
Chris.
Well you got your wish, Chris. Chris, wake up.
We're about to fight. You ready for this?
What was that?
Very humble guy. Get out there Chris. Good luck.
You alright with this?
Oh yes, yes, yes.
You're going to win it, if you didn't mind.
Well I'll be back in a minute.
Yes certainly, see you in a minute.
Now that you've entered the arena, repeat to yourself.
If mastery shall come, so be it.
If defeat, so be it.
For in surrender lies victory.
Let combat commence.
This is destined to be an epic struggle.
Two champions of their respective arts, Sean, a specialist of freestyle.
Chris, a veteran of the kickboxing world.
And so it begins. Chris leads with two pump sidekicks.
Sean, feigned for his speed of hand counters.
Witness Chris's legendary kicking skills, he has the sting of a hornet.
So then, a very cautious start.
An attempted axe kick from Chris misses, but he strikes true with his sidekicks.
They are trading punch for punch, kick for kick.
Chris defends. This is magnificent, but who has the advantage?
The masters won't judge.
Sean scores with a rapid three punch combo.
The tide may have turned.
Chris attempts a sweep, he fails.
This is sensational.
Two noble warriors face to face fighting for the honor of their clan.
Sean is on the offensive. His punches are true.
In chaos there is often beauty, and this is beauty personified.
It is done, and now we must await the supreme master's decision.
And it goes to the death squad.
They draw a level, one step of enlightenment each.
Yes, Sean!
Hallelujah!
Oh, Chris. Well done.
Is that the fight?
Is that the fight?
That was it?
I thought that was the demo.
No, no, no. No, this is it, Chris.
Guys, it's one-all, a long way to go, and it's still anyone's game.
He who is focused on his destination will not learn from his journey.
To know destination and journey are one.
This is the knowledge of a master.
To move lightly always, to impress but leave no impression.
This is the way of the dragon.
The Trial of the Tornado has been used to train warriors for eons.
A test of balance, second sight and coordination.
Each warrior must avoid the spinning arms.
If they fall, lose their rhythm or are struck, then they will be penalized.
Alright, Trial of the Tornado, which requires speed, agility and awareness,
of which I have none.
But the Supreme Master will not be choosing me.
We're still waiting for the...
Prepare, Galore, you.
Okay, Galore, the Supreme Master has chosen you for this challenge.
You up for it?
Definitely, why not?
Alright, good luck, Galore, get out there.
Galore, you're the man.
Throw your heart's speed with pride to represent your clan.
Be still and let all vanity drain.
An empty vessel travels most likely.
Let the challenge commence.
The Trial of the Tornado.
The Trial of the Tornado.
The Trial of the Tornado.
The Trial of the Tornado.
The Trial of the Tornado.
The Trial of the Tornado.
And it begins,
much like life when facing the Tornado,
you must know when to use your head, your heart and your feet.
Hear timing, coordination and agility are everything.
Jump, weave, drop, jump, weave, drop.
If Galore breaks the pattern or is struck by the arms of the tornado, he will be given
a penalty.
He has been struck on the legs, this is not good.
And again he failed to weave and now has nasty headache.
The arms speed up, good, he has finally found his rhythm, very impressive.
Only three penalty points, will the death squad be quite so successful?
We will see.
Sean, trail of the tornado, who do you think is going to be best for this one?
Well, I wouldn't have thought Phil, because he's a big guy, whereas Sharon is more agile,
a lot more agile, she's quick.
Death squad, prepare.
Oh, hang on, voice is coming through.
Sharon, it's you.
It is you.
How do you feel?
I'm going to go for it, 100%.
You've got to win for us.
Do it for the girls, go on, well done.
Sharon has been summoned.
She approaches the tornado, it begins, since the time of Sparta, Rome and the gladiators,
the spinning arms of the tornado have offered their deadly embrace, but Sharon is not in
the mood to be cuddled this day.
Ah, she has been penalized already, but all is not yet lost.
The law has a total of three penalty points against him.
Ah, another penalty, a third, she draws level, all is lost, but no, she plays on for admitting
defeat is the ultimate dishonor.
She finds her rhythm at last, but too late, it is done.
In her heart, she knows, but the supreme master must give his blessing.
And yes, it goes to the lightning strikers, two steps to one, they take the lead.
Nice galore, well done.
You did amazingly well, how did you find it?
Ah, tired, legs, legs are like a bit tired, too bad, just getting my rhythm, like in the
dark and dark couple too many.
Was that easy or difficult for you?
At first, it was a bit difficult, because you're trying to think of high, medium, low,
then when I went through it, I realized that it all comes in one, so eventually the movement
start coming naturally, from there I got it.
Now guys, you're one step ahead of them, we got two, they got one, we're in a fantastic
position, well done.
The panther teaches her cups not with a book, but with a tooth and a claw.
For the cup that learns through strength, through action, will triumph when she stands
alone.
This is the way of the panther.
Supreme master, it is so, see how Kali Chutus had disciples in the form, as though they
were of her own blood, knowledge and wisdom passes through the generations as water, so
that the young may survive even the darkest hour, the darkest hour of the shinobi.
Well, Sharon's just come off, she's completed an extremely difficult challenge, and she's
now got to another one, way of the panther, which is her main fight, and slightly concerned,
are you all right, are you not too exhausted?
No, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm quite physically fit, so I should be all right, I reckon.
Proper, confident talk.
We were just moments away from your first round, female combat, how are you feeling
at this point?
I'm looking forward to having a little fight.
You're looking forward to it?
Yeah.
Enjoy fighting.
You're not worried at all?
Oh, I get a bit nervous, you know, always before a fight, but it's good to have a bit
of adrenaline flowing.
OK, girl, you ready, yeah?
We're going to do it, we're two-one down, you're going to bring it back to we cause,
yeah?
Let's go, let's go, let's go, all the way girl, all the way.
Sharon, one of Britain's true martial arts champions, her arsenal of moves and reputation
are legendary.
Debbie has the advantage of height, weight, reach and power.
Will she be able to answer the questions in her opponent's heart?
Now you have reached the gateless kingdom.
Nine-tenths of your climb to enlightenment is done, but no one is remembered for nearing
a peak.
You must conquer it.
Fight.
Combat.
Commence.
The Death Squad need this victory to draw a level.
It begins.
Sharon explodes into action, a great sidekick from the reigning world champion.
Sharon's speed is sensational.
The reverse punch powers in.
That's it, Sharon.
You stop there.
That's it, Sharon.
She's like the sparrow who flies at the eagle.
A magnificent slap-axe kick, but Debbie is fooled into the counterpunch.
All is not lost, Debbie's greater reach may still decide it.
What Sharon should do is just keep, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
Sharon's superiority is on the ascendance.
The eagle is no longer quite so graceful.
She comes to earth, a final worthy attack in the dying moments, and it is done.
We await the Supreme Master's decision.
As I thought, the Death Squad win and level the conflict.
Oh, no.
Yes, Sharon.
Excellent.
Well done, Debbie.
Well done.
Well done.
Yes.
Here we go.
Here we go.
Here we go, Sharon.
Yes.
We knew you'd do it.
We knew you'd do it.
Debbie, what happened out there?
She's fast, isn't it?
Smaller than me.
Faster than me.
Yeah.
You brought us back to 2-0.
Well done.
How are you feeling?
Good.
It's all right.
Fantastic.
Fantastic.
The man who thinks of the weapon as a tool to be mastered will never excel.
As venom is part of the snake, so the weapon is but an extension of the master.
This is the way of the Cobra.
Supreme Master, it is a truth that the enemy at any distance is still an enemy.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, and don't try this at home.
The way of the Cobra, personified this day by the crossbow, in turn the warriors must
fire upon each of the three targets, a steady hand, steady eye, and the highest score will
triumph.
Chris, who do you think would be up for this challenge?
I think at present I'm thinking about myself, really, so I've got good steady arms, and
well, what do you think, team?
Lightning strikes.
Hang on a second.
Hang on a second.
Prepare.
Chris, you have been summoned.
You only ran for it.
The Supreme Master has chosen you, Chris.
Now, I don't want to put any pressure on you, but it's too old.
It would be nice to have this point before you go into the final round, OK?
All right, good luck.
The Supreme Master.
Jason.
Jason.
It's you.
Difficult and pressure.
How do you feel?
I feel focused.
I've been focused all day.
We need this event to take the lead, and I believe I can do it.
Let's go, Chris.
It is said that you may find your own character at the moment of shooting, which is well,
for both warriors have three boats in which to find themselves.
If you fear failure now, my disciples, that is natural.
If your mind cannot tame fear now, you are already finished.
Let the challenge commence.
It begins.
The crossbow is loaded.
And Chris sets his sights on a victory.
It is read two points for the lightning strikers.
Now Jason takes his turn for the death squad.
Read also two points.
So we move to the second target, and Chris steps up to take his next shot.
Two more points.
Like the coiled power contained in the body of the Cobra, the bow releases the bite of
its bolt.
Jason needs read for two points to stay level.
This is not good.
It is black, and the death squad trail by one point.
The lightning strikers need yellow and three points for outright victory.
It is black and only one point, and the door has been left open for the death squad as
though they were a welcome neighbor.
Now for three points will clinch victory for the death squad.
And it's red.
They are level.
Under the rules of engagement here in the gateless kingdom, the challenge will be decided
by the nearest bolt to the center of any one target.
And even to the untrained eye, the decision seems clear, but the supreme master will make
his own judgment.
Ah yes, it's gone to the lightning strikers.
And they lead three steps to two.
All right, Chris, all right, Mr. Bullseye.
How was that?
I mean, to us, it looked easy.
It's all point and shoot, but how difficult was it?
The last one was nerves.
The longer you stay, the worse it gets.
You did amazingly well, but you're not happy, are you?
No, not really.
I saw I had it, actually, looking at it.
It's a three out of the two, you know, I thought I had the nearest, nearest darts.
But what actually came down to it is that, because out of the three targets, it was a
draw.
And so they had to measure the one nearest dart, which unfortunately it was from the
other camp.
What were you thinking before you pulled the trigger?
Well, I was hoping to get a Bullseye in that one.
And then I start saying maybe, no, maybe not.
And I never hold a bow strong enough.
History so far is we've been one behind, we've caught it back.
OK, we're one behind again.
Here we go.
OK, the Supreme Master's called you out for the final fight.
It's all down to this.
So do your best out there.
Debbie, you know what to do.
Chris, you the man.
Gloria, you got your bandana?
Bandana powers Sam.
Whose house?
Our house.
Go for it.
Good luck, guys.
Go out there and win it.
OK?
Well done.
Well done.
Well done.
Good luck, Sharon.
They can do it.
I know they can do it.
They can do it.
In the pack, we find strength as we enter a realm where all must fight, where each victory
will bring our team one step closer to enlightenment.
The first to climb eight steps wins the day.
We start with the lightest competitors, and the victor stays on to face a new challenger.
Enlightenment awaits.
The clan that feels no fear cannot be brave.
Overcoming fear, this is bravery.
May the gods smile on you.
Let combat commence.
It begins.
Could this be Debbie's chance for revenge, or will Sharon vacate her yet again as she
did in the way of the panther?
The winner, Sharon.
The scores are level.
Next challenger is Chris.
Tiger versus Tiger.
The winner, Chris.
The lightning strikers move into the lead.
Next challenger, Sean.
Another rematch, and perhaps a chance for Chris to settle old scores.
And Chris wins the right to fight the next challenger, Jason.
The death squad trail, the lightning strikers, three steps to five.
Jason needs our victory.
The victory is his, Galore, the next challenger.
Skill, not aggression, will always win the day here in the gateless kingdom.
The supreme master will not tolerate unfocused technique.
Jason levels it for the death squad, five steps each, Sam, the next challenger.
The tiger within is often more ferocious than that which is seen.
Never underestimate the wounded beast.
Jason is victorious.
The death squad take the lead, six five, only two steps to go.
Galore is the next challenger.
These two warriors have met before.
The tiger.
Galore levels it, six steps each.
Next challenger, Phil.
So they are level.
Both teams needing two victories to continue their journey into the semi-finals.
Galore wins.
The lightning strikers are seven steps to six ahead on the precipice of a glorious victory.
Youth stands before experience and Sean, the death squad's team captain, is fighting to
stay in the competition.
Galore could not bury the death squad's hopes.
Seven all, and so it comes to this.
Two team captains, two matches fought with one win apiece.
Who will win the day?
Who will reign victorious?
All that goes before leads to this, the eighth step awaits.
Chris will spin home kick after kick if Sean will let him.
Enlightenment is now tantalizingly close.
Chris will want to stay in the kicking range, out of reach of Sean's explosive hands, ferocious.
I cannot separate these two noble men in my own heart, magnificent.
Sean chooses to blitz forward with his punches, such honor.
All is done, we wait.
The supreme master considers both challenges.
They fight for their clan's survival, and victory goes to the death squad.
They are enlightened this day, but who will they face in the semi-finals?
What a final round right down to the wire.
Amazingly, the death squad managed to pull it back, and we will see them again in the
semi-finals.
Thankfully, if our presence hasn't upset the masses too much, we'll also be invited back
to the gateless kingdom for more martial arts action and profound wisdom next time.
Until then, respect your elders, honor your neighbours, and don't hit anyone.
It is done.
The death squad have taken another step on the path to enlightenment.
Impressed, but leave no impression.
More from the masters of combat next Friday at 6.45 on BBC Two, and if you're still in
the mood for a good battle, Robot Wars on BBC Choice shortly.
Martial arts based combat and the use of specialist weaponry is extremely dangerous.
Do not attempt to copy any part of this show unless you are qualified to do so.
If you wish to find out more about martial arts, call our hotline or log on to our website
for more information.
Nothing under heaven is softer or more yielding than water, but through time over all things,
water will prevail.
That the yielding conquers the resistant, and the soft conquers the hard is a known
fact by all men, yet utilized by none, none except the masters.