The Shaw Brothers revolutionized martial arts cinema with jaw-dropping choreography and unforgettable action. Here are seven fights that every martial artist needs to watch:

1. The 3-Section Staff Fight – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

After facing multiple losses, Gordon Liu's character San Te creates a new weapon to use in his fight - the three-section staff. With his creation in hand, he quickly dominates in this weapon vs weapon fight scene.

2. Five Styles Showdown – The Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

In the final fight, the five face off in an acrobatic showcase that is—literally—off the walls. It’s pure creative choreography at its best.

3. Fighting the Inn Crowd– Come Drink with Me (1966)

Cheng Pei-pei’s Golden Swallow showcases her agility and grace in this fight against bandits early in the film.

4. Temple Brawl – The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

Gordon Liu again delivers a raw and emotional performance as a monk battling for survival with devastating pole techniques. This fight is as intense as it is iconic.

5. A Bad-Ass Entrance – The Kid with the Golden Arm (1979)

Short yet sweet, Lo Mang's character of Golden Arm bursts onto the scene and deftly takes on multiple deadly weapons—with only his bare hands.

6. Defeating the Long-Armed Devil – The One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

The clash between Jimmy Wang Yu’s one-armed hero and his adversary is a study in determination and ingenuity.

7. Final Fight – Crippled Avengers (1978)

The quartet of fighters with differing attributes square off against their tormentor in a sequence that turns limitations into strengths.

These scenes are more than fights—they’re cinematic legends that continue to inspire martial artists worldwide.

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