What do Bruce Lee, Saturday morning cartoons, bootleg VHS tapes, and the birth of hip hop all have in common?

Today on Up+Adam, we go full roundhouse into the cultural explosion that was the kung fu movie craze, and the two men who’ve written the definitive, illustrated, and absolutely jaw-dropping story behind it. Adam is joined by Grady Hendrix, bestselling author and co-founder of the New York Asian Film Festival, and Chris Poggiali, film historian and editor of the legendary Temple of Schlock, to talk about their new book: These Fists Break Bricks.

From CIA-funded karate flicks to 10th-grade Black belts starring in Hong Kong films, from Enter the Dragon to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this convo is equal parts history lesson and nostalgic joyride. Even if martial arts movies weren’t your thing growing up, trust us, this one will hit you somewhere surprising. We talk pop culture, identity, myth-making, and the hidden heroes who helped build an entire genre, one flying kick at a time.



• Grab the Book:

These Fists Break Bricks – Revised & Expanded Hardcover Edition (2025)

thesefistsbreakbricks.com

• Follow the Authors:

Grady Hendrix: @gradyhendrix 

 Chris Poggiali: Temple of Schlock Blog

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