When we think about top-tier fights in Shonen, Naruto being on the list is no overstatement. This is because of the impeccable and flawless battle choreography. There’s Naruto versus Sasuke, and then there’s Kakashi versus Obito; we asked for it, and Pierrot delivered it.
The moves, be they kicks and punches, are perfected to a T. We have to salute the animators behind this fluidity in motion and maneuvers. But there is an underrated fight that deserves a special mention for using a unique combat style.
Sasuke and Naruto spar with each other | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Most specifically, the animator used Wing Chun in one of the fight scenes, which added an oomph factor to it. The scene is significant in most aspects as it racks up action elements, but also in the sense that it highlights Bruce Lee’s legacy and impact. How so? Let’s explore this.
Wing Chun and its significance in Naruto
Naruto is cinematic gold in its execution of action sequences that are seamlessly done by Pierrot. To this date, the series is lauded for its action scenes, featured both in Part 1 and Shippuden. It’s because the battle choreography in the series panders to several elements.
There’s impact, emotional build-up, and immersiveness that makes it so great. Take Naruto and Sasuke’s final battle, for example. Both are evenly matched, neither of them backs down, and in one such moment, Pierrot references their duel from Part 1.
The spar between Indra and Ashura might look ordinary, but it isn’t when it comes to the moves that hold greater significance. It is a reference to Wing Chun, a superior martial art form that deserves its due mention.
The style was originated in China as a self-defense technique rather than an offense by a Shaolin Buddhist nun, Ng Mui. In the scene, Indra uses the key movements Man Sao, Bang Sao, Gaun Sao, and Chi Sao against Asura. But what made it so brilliant is the precision and structure of the moves.
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Its relevance was revealed by Chengxi Huang, the animator behind it, in an interview. He said:
I wanted to make the fights looks reasonable, I can’t just implement it randomly. I had been waiting for the appropriate chance. This fight was totally original to the anime, so without the limits of the manga and since this all happened in an ancient age, the fight should have historical element to which Chinese martial arts would be a good choice.
Indeed, the fight is spectacular, and the animator did a great job in incorporating the cultural elements. Ng Mui and her impact are evident in that one scene, but she played a major role in inspiring Bruce Lee as well. This is mirrored in Masashi Kishimoto’s manga.
Bruce Lee’s legacy in Masashi Kishimoto’s series
Almost every Shonen has given their tributes and odes to the legendary Bruce Lee, and Masashi Kishimoto is no exception. His way of doing so was by naming a whole character after the legend in Naruto. Yes, we’re talking about Rock Lee, who is a fan-favorite for many reasons.
Rock Lee in his fighting stance | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Hard work, persistence, and resilience are qualities that Rock Lee personifies. But his character also renders the famous fighting style, Jeet Kune Do. His movements, including the punches and the kicks, are reminiscent of the artist and his philosophy.
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On the whole, the scene is pure art in terms of its context, concept, and placement in the anime. The animator deserves all the praise and appreciation for bringing his finesse and knowledge to the anime-only scene.
Naruto: Shippuden is available on Crunchyroll. The manga is available on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
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