PERFORMANCE - TEACHING - EXCELLENCE

The Kung Fu Heroes in Paris

THE HEROES OF MODERN TIME

By Florian Fournier (Translated from French)

Published: June, 2013 by Karate Bushido Magazine

 

Martial arts techniques, outstanding physical performances, spectacular shows - this is what you get from the Kung Fu Heroes. This year in Bercy, the martial arts troupe from California brought a taste of their world to the French public.

 

In Bercy, they gave a performance representing the five natural elements (water, fire, wind, earth, and man). But in reality, the Kung Fu Heroes are an international group established in 2010 by Philip Sahagun, they are very passionate about martial arts and their strengths are diverse, with Kung Fu, Wushu, Kenpo Karate, Kickboxing and other styles mixed into their shows. 

 

“We are constantly working to bring a fresh take on the image of martial arts. Much of our inspiration comes from traditional themes.”

 

In developing this dynamic group, Philip Sahagun reached out to his friend Thevada Dek, a native of France and fellow contestant on “Jackie Chan’s Disciple” in 2008. Thevada is also an established Champion of Kung Fu, having earned gold medals in dao shu and gun shu (broadsword and staff) at a national level.  “We have everything we need to be heroes.”

 

An aficionado of American Culture and one of the original pioneers of the Kung Fu Heroes Team, D.Y. Sao brings his unique personality and distinctly "American" Martial Arts style to the general public a fusion of tradition and innovation that is becoming synonymous for the Kung Fu Heroes.

 

We are working together to express our passion for martial arts

 

Los Angeles based Martial arts teacher Philip Sahagun, founded the group, with the objective of bringing together like minded people to better transmit the message of martial arts. “I felt a need to express our passion for the martial arts and the philosophy we have with others.” 

 

It is with this idea, that one can better illuminate the purpose of their physicality, together with their leader, their performance have accents of both traditional and sport forms of the art. “I wanted to create a group that reflected the individual benefits of having a martial spirit.”

 

In choosing to create their show for Paris, the group developed a performance that brought the audience closer to martial arts films.

 

Like the Harlem Globetrotters in Basketball, the Kung Fu Heroes want to make you aware of their, “art” through their extreme athletic feats and are open to all, whether one is passionate or not, everyone can find appreciation for what they do. 

 

On top of performing, the team also organizes classes and seminars while on tour where students can learn or perfect the art of Kung Fu. It is through their ambition to help others that these heroes, whose ages range from 18 to 30, have gained a universal appeal while remaining close to the public and their martial values. 

 

America’s Got Talent in Bercy

 

Before you can go around the world, you have to gain some notoriety. So in today’s world with many ways to go about it, the group decided their road would start on, “America’s Got Talent.” As quarter finalists on NBC’s the hit TV show, the Kung Fu Heroes were able to make their first impression to the public a big one. For Philip, this was an important step, “most people become acquainted with the martial arts through movies and television, so it was a great way to share our performances with the public.” 

 

Following their debut, the group began to develop their style while touring outside of america. In 2011 they engaged in their first European Tour and became headliners for the “Summer Cultural Festival” in Saudi Arabia. In 2012, the doors opened to other countries, television and film. Making use of his notoriety, Philip has been able to simultaneously develop his own projects and the team, Kung Fu Heroes.

 

Ambitious to create a new show for the public, the team contacted Karate Bushido to participate in the Festival of Martial Arts (March 23rd) at Bercy Stadium and began working on a presentation titled, “The Elements.”

 

It’s a dream to take part

 

To perform for the first time in Paris, what can be better for a martial arts group than to take participate in the Festival of Martial Arts? Between excitement, panic and proudness, they gave their very best to a very satisfied public and organizing committee.

 

“The show in Bercy was an incredible experience. It was a real joy to see artists and champions coming from all corners of the world to show and share their love for this art. We all felt an energy of family during our journey.”

 

To prepare for the show, the US based team practiced through video with Thevada (who was in France) to create a four minute routine specifically for the occasion. Very impressed by the event, Thevada and the group were honored to take part. 

 

“The Festival was a dream come true, once on the mat, we didn’t want to leave! To make my debut with the Kung Fu Heroes as a top billing act, I was very touched.”

 

Besides individual or group performances, their ability to maintain artistic presentation despite changing scenarios and difficult circumstances shows that the Kung Fu Heroes are true professionals.

 

The Adventure Continues

 

On road to accession, the Kung Fu Heroes are gaining more projects. At the moment they have completed work on a music video with an R&B singer that is expected to circulate on MTV this summer and for their online followers, the team is releasing more videos from their European Tours.

 

Concerning the individual group members, Philip Sahagun continues to teach at his school, “South Coast Martial Arts” in California while organizing shows and events around the world. Most recently he was asked to help organize the first ever Shaolin Temple Cultural Festival in North America, which was held on October 12 & 13 in the LA convention Center and is expected to debut in London in 2014.

 

Kung Fu Heroes also has been a launching point for projects for DY Sao, who recently launched a new production company, “USURP Productions” to assist the teams role in film making. In November of 2014 D.Y. is slated to play the lead in a feature film shooting in Cambodia.

 

Following his shocking but acclaimed short film, “La Bifle,” Thevada Dek is also appearing on the second season of his French reality show, “Apprentice of Shaolin.” 

 

Besides the spectacular demonstrations and imagery, Kung Fu Heroes has the ability to combine tradition with modern presentation and in terms of their goals, the team has already succeeded in achieving what they set out to do - share their passion for the martial arts. It is undoubtable that more projects will come to the team, and with their structure and professionalism, the Kung Fu Heroes will not disappoint anyone that gives them the opportunity.