The Buddhist Fist A.K.A. Secret of the Buddhist Fist • 佛掌羅漢拳 (1980)

The Buddhist Fist (1980), also released as Secret of the Buddhist Fist, Fo Zhang Luo Han Quan (佛掌羅漢拳), and Fat Jeung Lo Hon Kuen, is a Hong Kong martial arts comedy directed by legendary action filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping, with Tsui Siu-ming serving as uncredited co-director. The film stars Tsui Siu-ming, Chan Siu-pang, Yuen Shun-yi, Fan Mei-sheng, Simon Yuen (Yuen Siu-tin), and Lee Hoi-sang. Produced by Peace Film Production and distributed by Golden Harvest, this entertaining kung fu adventure blends traditional Shaolin training, comedy, and inventive fight choreography into one of Yuen Woo-ping's finest early films. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Raised together inside a Shaolin temple, two orphaned boys spend years mastering the powerful Luohan (Arhat) Buddhist Fist style under the guidance of respected monks. As adults, their lives take different paths when one leaves the monastery to experience the outside world while the other remains devoted to the teachings and discipline of temple life. Although separated by circumstance, the lifelong friends remain bound by loyalty and the values instilled in them by their masters.

Their paths cross once again after a respected elder mysteriously disappears and an innocent man is falsely accused of murder. Forced to uncover the truth, the pair confront ruthless assassins, corrupt officials, and powerful martial artists determined to keep their conspiracy hidden. As danger closes in from every direction, they must rely on their Shaolin training, unwavering friendship, and the deadly techniques of the Buddhist Fist to restore justice before more innocent lives are lost.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Buddhist Fist showcases the creativity that made Yuen Woo-ping one of the most influential martial arts directors in cinema history. Fast-paced hand-to-hand combat, imaginative Luohan-style techniques, acrobatic choreography, clever comedy, and energetic training sequences combine to create a memorable kung fu adventure. The film also features outstanding performances from members of the famous Yuen Clan, whose athletic abilities helped shape the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors value The Buddhist Fist as one of Yuen Woo-ping's finest early directing efforts before he achieved worldwide recognition. The combination of Simon Yuen, Yuen Shun-yi, Tsui Siu-ming, and an outstanding supporting cast gives the film lasting appeal for fans of classic kung fu. Its entertaining mix of Shaolin tradition, comedy, imaginative fight choreography, and memorable villains has earned it a respected place among overlooked Golden Harvest-era martial arts classics.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released during the height of Hong Kong's martial arts boom, The Buddhist Fist captures Yuen Woo-ping refining the directing style that would later influence generations of action filmmakers around the world. The film preserves the talents of the legendary Yuen Clan while showcasing traditional Shaolin-inspired martial arts at a time when Hong Kong cinema was producing some of its most innovative and influential kung fu films.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Buddhist Fist – English theatrical and home video title
  • Secret of the Buddhist Fist – Alternate English home video title
  • Fo Zhang Luo Han Quan – Mandarin romanization
  • Fat Jeung Lo Hon Kuen – Cantonese romanization
  • 佛掌羅漢拳 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 佛掌罗汉拳 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Yuen Woo-ping
• Co-Director: Tsui Siu-ming (uncredited)
• Starring: Tsui Siu-ming, Chan Siu-pang, Yuen Shun-yi, Fan Mei-sheng, Simon Yuen (Yuen Siu-tin), Lee Hoi-sang
• Studio: Peace Film Production
• Distributor: Golden Harvest
• Format: DVD
• Language: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
• Running Time: 87 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1980

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.