Martial arts films have mastered the art of the training montage—a cinematic sequence that showcases the protagonist’s journey from novice to expert. Here are 10 of the best training montages in martial arts movie history:

1. “Rocky” (1976): While not strictly a martial arts movie, Rocky Balboa’s iconic training culminating in his run up the Philadelphia Museum steps has become synonymous with workout montages.

2. “The Karate Kid” (1984): Daniel LaRusso learning karate from Mr. Miyagi is one of the most memorable sequences ever, with the “wax on, wax off” philosophy becoming part of pop culture lexicon.

3. “Kill Bill: Volume 2” (2004): The Bride’s grueling training under Pai Mei, where she punches through wood and performs one-inch punches, is as visually arresting as it is inspiring.

4. “Bloodsport” (1988): Frank Dux’s intense regimen to prepare for the Kumite tournament captures the spirit of dedication central to martial arts.

5. “Kickboxer” (1989): Kurt Sloane, played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, trains with Xian Chow in Thailand, enduring brutal conditioning methods including leg stretching and tree-kicking routines.

6. “Enter the Dragon” (1973): Bruce Lee’s Lee character trains on board a ship heading towards Han’s tournament, showcasing his unparalleled speed and precision.

7. “Mulan” (1998): The animated film’s musical montage set to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” expertly combines humor with Mulan’s progression in combat skills alongside her peers.

8. “Drunken Master II” (1994): Wong Fei-hung perfects his legendary Drunken Boxing style through comical yet demanding sequences that highlight Jackie Chan’s physical comedy genius.

9. “Never Back Down” (2008): Jake Tyler hones his mixed martial arts skills under Jean Roqua’s tough tutelage, reflecting modern MMA’s increasing popularity.

10. “Undisputed III: Redemption” (2010): Yuri Boyka’s rehabilitation and training in prison showcase a gritty determination with creative use of minimal resources.

These training montages not only inspire audiences but also capture the essence of dedication that martial arts represent.