Karate Chop!

Karate, like Jackie Chan, is an import. After WWII, the U.S. military jacked it from the island of Okinawa and opened karate schools stateside, and the high-kickin’ martial art quickly swept into civilian life. Today, it’s as American as minivans and the NRA. While the cultural phenomenon seems perplexing, it...

By Penn Bullock

November 15, 2007

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Karate, like Jackie Chan, is an import. After WWII, the U.S. military jacked it from the island of Okinawa and opened karate schools stateside, and the high-kickin’ martial art quickly swept into civilian life. Today, it’s as American as minivans and the NRA. While the cultural phenomenon seems perplexing, it can be attributed to karate’s ideals: While instilling discipline, restraint, and courtesy along with a repertoire of kicks, chops, and punches – it also appeals to our American need to amass large numbers of accessories (i.e. multi-colored belts). The black belt, of course, is the most coveted. Tonight, the World Class Demo Team of LaVallee’s Black Belt Champions flaunts its prowess at the Parker Playhouse (707 NE Eighth St. Fort Lauderdale).

In the show, a troupe of black-belted karatekas simulates Mixed and Extreme Martial Arts to loud, pulsating music. Their firecracker synchronization and mean HAY-YAHS! will wring out your adrenaline glands. Search YouTube for their prior shows. Tickets cost up to $12. Call 954-462-0222, or visit www.parkerplayhouse.com.
Sat., Nov. 17, 2007

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