When Taekwondo Strikes A.K.A. Sting of the Dragon Masters • 跆拳震九州 (1973)

When Taekwondo Strikes (1973), Also Known As: Sting of the Dragon Masters, Taekwondo Heroes, Kickmaster, When Tae Kwon Do Strikes, brings Angela Mao and Korean taekwondo grandmaster Jhoon Rhee together in a Golden Harvest resistance drama. Directed by Huang Feng, it sets powerful kicking techniques against a dangerous mission in Japanese-occupied Korea.

The Story

When a Korean resistance fighter takes shelter in a church, Japanese forces retaliate against those who protect him. Taekwondo master Lee Chung-dong is captured, and his comrades—including a Chinese fighter played by Angela Mao and the priest's niece Mary—risk everything to free him. Their struggle leads to fierce confrontations with the occupation's most dangerous fighters.

The Martial Arts

Jhoon Rhee's sharp, high kicks are the film's signature attraction. Angela Mao and Carter Wong bring fast, forceful kung fu to the action, while Hwang In-shik and Sammo Hung make formidable opponents. Sammo also worked on the fight choreography, giving the battles an energetic Hong Kong action rhythm.

Why Collectors Pick It

Rhee's rare starring performance, Mao's commanding physical presence and the mix of Korean taekwondo with Hong Kong kung fu make this a particularly interesting Golden Harvest release. Collectors also get early appearances from performers who helped shape the decade's martial arts cinema.

Historical Significance

Released in 1973, the film brought a real-life taekwondo pioneer to the screen during the international kung fu boom. Its production joined Hong Kong and Korean martial arts talent; Angela Mao's place in Golden Harvest's early action cinema is documented by the Hong Kong Film Archive.

International & Alternate Titles

English title: When Taekwondo Strikes

Alternate release title: Sting of the Dragon Masters

Other documented titles: Taekwondo Heroes; Kickmaster; When Tae Kwon Do Strikes

Original Chinese title: 跆拳震九州

Mandarin romanization: Tai Quan Zhen Jiu Zhou

Cantonese romanization: Toi Kuen Jan Gau Chow

Korean title: 흑권

Film & DVD Details

Director: Huang Feng (Wong Fung)

Producers: Raymond Chow, Andre Morgan

Action choreography: Sammo Hung

Studio: Golden Harvest

Starring: Angela Mao, Jhoon Rhee, Carter Wong, Hwang In-shik, Anne Winton, Sammo Hung

Genre: Martial arts action, historical resistance drama

Release year: 1973

DVD Specifications

Format: DVD

Language: Mandarin

Subtitles: English

Running time: 95 minutes

Region: All Regions

Related Films & Collections

Find more 1970s kung fu DVDs and films featuring Angela Mao:

• Angela Mao Movies
• 1970s Kung Fu Movies
• Kung Fu Movies
• Classic Kung Fu Movies
• Rare Kung Fu Movies