9 Most Badass Elder Masters In Martial Arts Movies

When someone becomes a recognized authority in any line of work, they often choose to pass on the skills and abilities acquired through long years of trials and errors. Rinsing and repeating until accomplishing perfection, and then teaching others to do the same thing. Ideally, that's what a good master is supposed to do. In the violent world of martial arts movies, though, not all masters are cut from the same cloth. These are the biggest and meanest dogs of the... martial arts dog park. Or something cool like that.

Sure, you might say, just about any aspiring martial arts pupil can learn a few tricks and techniques. But it's not until a real master comes along that they can understand the nature of conflict and combat; and thus, they are able to unlock their true potential as warriors and protectors. In this specific genre, the connection between master and student usually changes both characters for the better, adding depth to their intertwined narratives.

Old and wise instructors are not scarce in the realm of film; some have even gained legendary status in the annals of pop-culture history. Nevertheless, only a handful of them has created lasting memories in various generations of spectators, all based on the enduring (and endearing) bonds established with their hard-headed disciples.

It's not easy to deal with the bad guys and the antics of young students, but these nine badass martial arts masters make it look like a walk in the park.

What to do when those with outstanding power abuse their might? Well, that's when decent and righteous people show up to save the day. At least that's what happens in the movies, right?

In Bei Pai Shi Men (aka 3 Evil Masters), the titular evil kung-fu experts regularly wreak havoc in a small and peaceful village. They have their hands on every dirty deal that takes place in town, from opium trafficking to prostitution. It's up to Jin Tuan Yun, an honorable master, to stand in their way and put an end to their merciless shenanigans. 3 vs 1, you do the math: Jin gets his butt handed to him. However, there's still hope for redemption as Jin is slowly nursed back to health by his new pupil Ko.

Jin makes a full recovery and teaches Ko all his secret techniques, including the devastating short-ranged Extreme Fist. The master is eventually slain down by the evil trio of antagonists, but that cruel victory is short-lived when Ko embraces his teachings and seeks vengeance in the name of the fallen. This film ends with a spectacularly choreographed showdown you must see to believe.