(distant siren)
(ominous music)
(door latch)
(door slams)
You're the new guy.
We're the welcome wagon!
Smoke!
Hi, Joe.
Are you OK?
Never better.
You're getting out tomorrow, right?
Nice haircut.
Lice.
Hmm.
You gotta do the right thing, Smoke.
Establishing our dominance
is the right thing.
It doesn't have to be this way.
Ain't no need for you to get involved,
put your release at risk.
Leave the fish alone.
You've been in here 5 years now.
I respect how you done your time.
Always treated everyone fairly.
Never lost your cool.
Props to you, Joe.
You better let the fish
find his own way.
-Just like you did me.
-He ain't you!
You get in our way,
you gonna get hurt.
Everyone's gonna get hurt.
Everybody knows
you're a stand-up guy.
Stand on the other side
this one time.
Not my style, Smoke,
you know that.
You do realize there's three of us.
Wanna get some more guys?
c*ck as ever.
(suspenseful music)
(grunts)
You made that look easy, brother.
(grunting and moaning)
Not bad.
Little jumpy there.
(Smoke exclaims)
Nice.
Come on.
(alarm)
Go!
Break it up!
(grunting and moaning)
If I don't get out in time,
it was nice getting to know you.
-You too.
-Keep your nose clean.
(door shuts)
(shouting in background)
You couldn't help yourself,
could you, Joe?
This is your last day,
for Christ's sake.
It's my last day, Frank,
but it's that fish's first day.
Look, I gotta put you
in the hole for a bit.
Cool you off.
I'm cool.
You can't protect everyone, Joe.
Ain't that the truth.
(ratcheting sound)
(boom)
(lock releasing)
(gate stops)
Good luck, Joe.
(traffic noise)
Don't take it the wrong way, but...
I never wanna see you again.
(car horn)
(takes a deep breath)
(industrial noise)
(rolling thunder)
(pensive music)
(clock ticking)
KATE:
Believe me now?
I never said I didn't believe you, Kate.
I'm due in 3 months.
Why haven't you
visited me before now?
I have lots to do, Joe.
You left me high and dry.
I took the fall for you, Kate.
We gotta focus on the now.
Babies are expensive,
and I won't be able to work.
You gotta sign over
all your bank accounts to me.
KATE: That's the only way
this is gonna work.
Hey, Kate.
It's Joe.
As I said, when I called last time,
I'm out.
I got a job.
A place to live.
I'm settled.
I just wanted to talk to you about
setting up a custody plan for Wyatt.
Once I get my first pay check
I will start child support payments.
Please call me as soon as you can.
Listen, I...
I know it's over between us,
but I'm dying to see Wyatt.
So we can get to know each other.
It's hard to believe
he's almost 4 years old already.
So please call me back.
Thanks.
4 years...
(grunting and moaning)
So we have
all the classic equipment here.
Really old-school.
Our gym is for people
who really like to train.
And of course
we have a fighting area.
You have everything I need.
Everything you need
for your martial arts journey.
-How long have you been training?
-Almost 10 years,
but I still have to learn a lot.
Why don't I leave you for a bit to hit
the bags and get a feel for the place.
-I'll be back soon, OK?
-Thank you.
OK.
Having fun?
-You bet. This place is great.
-Yeah.
We also have a number
of great instructors here.
For instance Darius being one,
if you're in for a sparring session.
-Why not?
-OK.
Hey, Darius!
Could you do
a couple of rounds with Joe here?
He's interested in joining.
Come on!
Hey, Joe. Come in.
OK. Thanks.
We go light. Have some fun.
Yeah.
DARIUS:
Hey.
DARIUS:
Woohey! (chuckles)
(grunting and moaning)
-So, what do you think?
-That was fun.
-Wanna join the gym?
-Heck yeah!
It's a 500 Dollar monthly fee.
With a 600 Dollar
one-time initiation fee.
(plaintive music)
I can get the paperwork together
while you shower.
You can check out the gear we sell.
You might want to get some new stuff.
Listen, I just got into the area.
I know I can't afford that much.
Do you have maybe any other plans?
How much could you afford, Joe?
50 bucks a month.
50 bucks a month?
For this?!
What, are you f*cking kidding me?!
(ominous music)
You're just looking to
waste my time, aren't you?
I have no time to
babysit the homeless!
Hey, that's not fair.
I had no idea
it would be that expensive.
This is the first time
anyone brought up the price.
This ain't Mighty Micks,
and you ain't Rocky.
One more round.
(Joe exclaims)
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
(Joe groans)
(Darius exclaims)
Thanks, man. I enjoyed that.
(Joe groans)
(faint, sinister music)
You're lucky you're still alive.
Get the f*ck out of here
and don't come back!
Cheap b*stard.
(car revving)
THUG 1: Grandpa, shouldn't you be
at home in bed? (laughs)
Next time you cross our street
that'll be 50 bucks
or I break your nose.
(distant siren)
(faint, ominous music)
JOE:
Hey!
You got nothing better to do?
Look, it's the homeless guy
from the gym.
I'm not a homeless...
Never mind.
Leave this poor guy alone.
Don't get involved. It's OK.
No, it's most certainly not OK.
What, you gonna take us all now?
If I have to.
(snickers)
f*ck him up!
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
(thug exclaims)
Come on!
This guy's a waste of time!
Are you OK?
My hero!
You saved me!
What?
(soft music)
I no need your help.
There's no need to fight.
They where picking on you.
Sticks and stones...
You'd think
you'd be grateful for the help.
Next time ask if help needed.
(music takes on Far Eastern flair)
Kate!
How is Wyatt?
We need to talk.
OK.
Wanna come up to my apartment?
(traffic noise)
(distant siren)
OK.
What's going on?
Wyatt's sick.
How? With what?
He needs an operation,
for a tumor in his brain.
You have to get the money for it.
It's 50,000, and you're his father.
What about the money
I gave you in prison?
That's more than enough.
That's all gone.
You have to get the money.
Wyatt's counting on you.
50,000!
I gave you
all I had in the world, Kate.
I just got out of prison.
I'm working in a steel mill
for 15 bucks an hour.
I didn't come here
to listen to excuses.
You have to
get the money for Wyatt.
How long do we have?
-Don't you have insurance?
-(Kate snickers)
I'm a single mother, Joe!
I can barely make our rent
every month!
You're a single mom by choice!
And don't think about
asking Butch to pay.
Wyatt isn't his kid.
Butch? Who is Butch?
I came here to tell you
what your son needs,
and not to be personally attacked!
No one is attacking you, Kate!
You just sprung this on me!
It's your responsibility, Joe.
And I expect you to live up to it.
The clock's ticking.
Just call me
when you have the money.
(door slams)
MEI: (Chinese)
Welcome!
This is a great store.
So many different items.
Thank you. (chuckles)
It's my dad's store. I help him run it.
Do you have this special oil?
I call it Chinese medicine.
I don't know its real name.
It's like Icy Hot.
But even stronger.
I use it for sore muscles and bruises.
Um...
It's a clear oil, if that helps at all.
MEI:
Um... Oh!
This one?
Man, that's it!
(laughs)
That's so great! Thank you!
-Uh, can I have a couple of bottles?
-Sure.
-Um...
-I found it in Hong Kong a long time ago.
Did you enjoy Hong Kong?
Oh, I loved it.
But I prefer the mainland.
WU:
Sell him many bottles.
-Ba!
-He need it.
-Get hit all the time.
-Uh...
This is you dad?
-Uh, yes.
-Don't waste time.
He's not good fighter.
No skill.
Oh, come on, that's not true!
I'm Joe.
-Mei. Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.
(Chinese)
This is the guy you told me about?
(Chinese)
The one from the other night?
(soft music)
(Chinese) Do you really think
those punks were dangerous?
MEI:
Mmm...
It was nice of you,
trying to help like that.
Um, so, it will be...
Come with me.
(Mei chuckles)
(tense music with Far Eastern flair)
Ba, don't hurt him.
Just show. No hurt.
Attack!
Come on, chicken!
I'm old man!
-Ba!
-(Joe moans)
WU:
One more time.
(grunting and moaning)
Ooh!
(Joe moans)
OK, I see that you didn't need help.
So why didn't you fight back?
No need.
No danger.
Don't fight when you don't have to.
(Joe moans)
Man... (moans)
What you did was really impressive.
Can you teach me?
No. No teacher.
-(Joe moans)
-(Mei chuckles)
(both chuckle)
Didn't he teach you?
When I was young.
I'm sorry.
-He really doesn't like strangers.
-I'm hardly a stranger,
having been dumped on my a*s
3 times in a row.
(Mei laughs)
No, let me apologize for him.
In fact,
how about I make it up to you.
Home-cooked dinner
tomorrow night?
-That would be great.
-(Mei chuckles)
-He gonna be there?
-I mean it's his house. (laughs)
We live about 15 Minutes
away from here, in the woods.
It's not hard to find.
Phone?
Of course.
Oh, thank you.
Here you go.
OK.
So let him know I will win him over.
(chuckles)
I'm sure you will.
So, let's see you tomorrow then,
around 6:30?
-OK?
-OK.
(Mei chuckles)
-Bye.
-Bye!
(pensive music)
-MEI: Good evening.
-JOE: Hey.
-Thanks for having me over.
-Hm.
Oh... (chuckles)
-Where is your dad?
-Oh, he is going to join us later.
Uh, can I bring you
something to drink?
-Water or juice is fine.
-Sure.
Then please,
make yourself comfortable.
(soft music)
It's hard work, but I'm enjoying it.
I've never been inside a steel mill.
Would you show me around one day?
Sure, it would be a pleasure.
And what did you do before the mill?
I was in prison.
Prison? Really?
Yeah, but it's not what you think.
It's complicated.
My girlfriend at the time
was looking at serious jail time, so...
I said the drugs were mine.
She's still struggling with drugs.
And she only asks me for money.
Money for what?
For Wyatt, my son.
But I'm not sure that's
what the money is being used for.
She just asked me for 50,000
for an operation
that he has to have.
50,000... (chuckles)
That's a lot of money.
And I won't be able to raise that
working at the steel mill.
So, if you have any ideas,
I'm all ears.
You know, there's a tournament
coming up in town.
Full contact, all styles.
And the first prize
is 100,000 Dollars.
-Really?
-Hm.
Yeah, but I... just got my head
handed to me by an old man.
-(Mei laughs)
-No offense.
Also there is an entry fee
to keep out the riffraff.
5,000.
Oh man.
JOE: Ah!
(Joe chuckles)
Where did you train, Wu?
(pensive music with Far Eastern flair)
I grew up in Hunan Province.
Study Wushu in middle school.
I had, um...
Potential?
So I go to Shaolin Temple.
The Shaolin Temple?
Wow! I would love to see it.
How was it?
So much history.
Great opportunity.
Dad told me about one hall
that had footsteps
worn into the stone from
centuries of monks training there.
Pilu Dian - main hall.
(chuckles)
Right. Pilu Dian.
-And you never went?
-No.
This was all before Dad met... Mom.
So how long
did you stay at the temple?
10 years.
I...
part of a competition team,
competing worldwide.
And how did you do?
He was nearly
China's champion of combat.
-(Mei chuckles)
-Time to clean up!
You go now.
Ba!
No, no, it's OK.
Thank you for having me over.
I'm sorry, he's very direct.
It's all good.
Let me see you out.
Thanks.
I'm sorry.
I don't get out much anymore.
I'll ask him about the training.
It's good that you had a chance
to talk with him. (chuckles)
-Let me know what he says.
-Uh-huh.
-I had a really nice time.
-(softly) Me too.
WU: (Chinese)
Mei? Come on now!
MEI:
Hm.
-Talk to you tomorrow.
-Sounds good, Joe.
(Mei chuckles)
-(Mei chuckles)
-WU: Mei!
(Chinese)
I'm coming!
(rings doorbell)
Yeah?
-I wanna see Kate and Wyatt.
-Who are you?
I'm Joe. Wyatt's father.
Kate! Someone's here for you!
-Thanks, babe.
-I'm just inside if you need me.
What are you doing here?
-I wanna see Wyatt.
-I don't want to confuse him.
Butch is his father figure now.
(soft, tense music)
Get the money, and we can talk
about you seeing Wyatt.
I'm his father, Kate.
-I deserve to see my son.
-Get the money, Joe!
(takes a deep breath)
(footsteps)
JOE:
Looking good!
MEI:
I know. (chuckles)
Come on, let's go.
When did you move here?
I was about 15.
My dad used to be
a well-known Shifu in China.
He lived for his school.
But when my mom died
he lost his passion for it.
We moved here and...
he hasn't taught since.
-Sorry about your mom.
-Hm.
But your dad still trains?
Every day.
I think it's his way
of dealing with everything.
(soft music)
How about you?
(chuckles)
I'm not as serious as he is,
but I can take care of myself.
-I bet you can.
-(Mei chuckles)
Let me show you an exercise
my dad taught me.
Sticking hands.
Put the back of your hands on mine.
-Like this?
-Yes.
Now close your eyes
and follow my hands.
Relax!
Feel my energy while I move.
Now I'm going to attack.
-Ha! Oof!
-(Mei laughs)
Not bad, you got potential!
That was fun.
Painful but fun.
(both laugh)
I got you!
MEI: First! Loser!
(laughs)
-(Mei laughs)
-Thanks for the run.
-(both out of breath)
-And the sticking hands lesson.
-I gotta get to work now.
-Yeah.
How about
I cook you guys dinner tonight?
Pay you back for the other night.
Do you want me to bring my dad?
-I gotta win him over somehow.
-(Mei chuckles)
Do I need your father's permission
to kiss you?
See you tonight!
I'll text you the address!
(industrial noise)
(clattering and hissing noises)
(ominous music)
Don't ever just show up
at our place again!
Kate is done with you!
No problem.
I apologize for that.
You come around like that again,
I'm gonna kick your a*s!
Kate is with me!
And I only want
what's best for Kate.
But I need to have
a relationship with my son.
Ha!
Wyatt calls me... Dad!
(Butch harrumphs)
I made a traditional potato salad.
MEI:
Oh! (chuckles) Ooh!
JOE:
Hope you like it.
It's my German grandma's recipe.
It looks good.
-Thank you.
-(Mei chuckles)
Doesn't it look good, Ba?
(Chinese)
A hodgepodge?
Please...
(rapping at the door)
Sorry,
I don't know who that could be.
Just a minute.
(Kate raps on the door)
-KATE: What do you think you're doing?
-What do you mean?
You come after Butch!
What are you talking about?
He was waiting for me outside the mill!
Focus on what's important!
Your son needs that operation and
you're having a f*cking dinner party!
(Chinese) Dad, can you
at least show a little respect?
(Chinese)
German potato salad?
(Chinese) So what? Is it really that
hard for you to be a little nicer to him?
(Chinese)
I told you, you should help him.
(Chinese) Ever since Mom passed away
you've completely stopped teaching.
(Chinese) Now you finally have
a chance to do something good,
something that
actually means something!
(Chinese)
That's enough!
(Chinese) You couldn't save Mom
back then, but you can help him!
(Chinese)
What can I do?
Train him! Give him a chance!
-Can we talk about that later?
-No.
I don't wanna hear any excuses.
And stay away from us
until you have the money!
I know you don't believe me.
So here!
(door shuts)
(footsteps)
Well, that was awkward.
I'm sorry.
Don't worry.
Relationships, even...
ones that are over, are complicated.
Yeah.
Start tomorrow, 5 a.m.
One minute late and we stop.
(joyful reaction)
Really?
Don't let me down.
I won't.
(Chinese)
Thank you.
WU:
Eat now.
-It's good.
-(Mei laughs)
(birds chirping)
Good morning, Shifu.
Call me Wu.
This is for you.
Wear in basement.
In Shaolin...
are training secret technique.
Very effective.
(soft music)
If you work hard, I teach you.
You have chance
to win the tournament.
-I will train hard. I have to...
-No talk!
Train.
-Fighting stance.
-(Joe sighs)
Root feet. Draw power.
Show me your front kick.
Not bad.
More power!
No good.
Need training.
Now me!
(music swells)
Wow!
With the right technique
you get better.
(music becomes more intense
with Far Eastern flair)
Pay attention to details.
No slop.
Yes, sir.
Oh! Ow! That's it.
Keep your leg straight.
(Joe exhales)
(Joe moans)
OK, OK!
(Joe moans)
Count 3 seconds! Go!
One, two, three!
OK, OK, that's 3 seconds!
OK.
(Joe moans)
(groans)
(Joe moans)
MEI: Where do you
see yourself in 5 years?
-Here isn't such a bad place.
-(chuckles) Come on, seriously.
I'd like to have my own school,
teaching kids to be able
to defend themselves,
have confidence.
Nice plan.
And you?
I like working with my dad
in the store.
And I know that
he can't do it without me, but...
I'd like to do something bigger.
Something more important.
I went to school for counseling,
you know?
-Really?
-Uh-huh. (chuckles)
Maybe that's why you understand
where I'm coming from.
I did take a course
in abnormal psychiatry. (laughs)
-(chuckles) OK.
-(Mei laughs)
(ominous music)
THUG 2: You again? You've got
your lady friend with you too.
We're just on our way home.
THUG 1: You're at the wrong place
at the wrong time.
(dramatic music)
(Mei exclaims)
(grunting and moaning)
(thug exclaims)
(soft, sinister music)
-Some nice moves!
-(chuckles) I had a great teacher.
They where definitely up to no good.
Drug dealing?
-Let's see where they're going.
-OK.
That's Butch!
They guy who is
living with Kate and Wyatt.
I don't believe this!
What?
The guy with them,
his name is Kang.
He ran the Wushu team
my dad used to train with in China.
He ordered my father injured
in his last tournament.
I was in the audience.
I will never forget the sound
of my dad's leg breaking.
JOE:
What's he doing here?
I heard he came to the US
and was involved with the Triads.
So they're using the gym
as a front for drug dealing.
Seems so.
(car horn)
-Let's get out of here.
-Yeah.
(soft music with Far Eastern flair)
Pushing hand.
Feel energy.
(Joe moans)
WU:
Move gently, like dancer.
Balance and strength.
(Wu exclaims)
WU:
Slowly!
WU:
Ah! No, no, no!
WU:
No.
(tuts)
WU:
Ah, ah.
Better.
WU:
10 more.
(moans) OK.
I've been thinking about
what we saw the other night.
MEI:
Me too.
We need to do something about it.
Like what?
You guys want some coffee?
-I'll go with green tea, please.
-Uh-huh.
-Make it two, please.
-Coming right up.
Thank you.
They're using the gym
as a cover for ill*gal activity.
We need to go to the police.
Don't we need proof?
We can find out exactly what they want
and get it for them.
It's not right what they are doing.
Right?
A gym, like a martial arts school,
should be a safe place.
Exactly.
We need a plan.
-There you go.
-Thank you.
Oh, and just so you know:
That has already been paid for.
I owed you one.
Thank you.
You know him?
I met him a few years ago in prison.
He's a good guy.
Seems like
he thinks the same of you.
Another reason
why we gotta expose the gym.
(bustle, phones ringing)
(indistinct police radio chatter)
Desk said this was urgent.
So, what is it
you want to see us about?
We witnessed a drug transaction
at the MMA gym on the Westside.
DET. WILLIAMS:
That's the, uh...
The No Retreat Gym, right?
That's the one.
We followed the 3 guys
after the drug deal.
They went straight to the gym
and handed the money over
to a guy named Butch.
And a man named Kang.
A guy named Butch.
How do you know this Butch?
He's with my ex.
OK, go on.
They took the money,
went into the gym,
and the 3 left.
Are you sure you're not
trying to get back at your ex?
-As for the new boyfriend?
-No!
No, I just want to make sure
that she doesn't get mixed up with
whatever this Butch is into.
She doesn't look like it,
but she's an addict.
She needs to go to rehab.
Where do you fit into this?
You know this Kang character?
My father knew Kang in China,
years ago.
I had heard
he was working with the Triads.
Who's your father?
Wu Dagang.
We own a Chinese pharmacy
downtown.
Anything else you wanna tell us?
We run you two through the system
we're not gonna find any surprises?
I did 4 years in O'Creek.
What for?
Drug possession.
But the drugs weren't mine.
They never are, right, Mac?
OK. Thanks for coming in.
What, that's it?
They're using the gym
as a front for selling drugs!
Sure.
You know, we'll get right on it.
But right now
you're gonna have to leave.
What kind of proof do you need?
Videos, photos,
catch them in the act.
But here's the important part for you:
You're out on parole.
You need to stay as far away
from drugs as you can.
They didn't think we were serious.
Those b*stards are selling drugs
and the cops won't do a thing.
-They thought we had an agenda.
-Yeah.
-You don't, right?
-No.
What they're doing isn't right
and we need to stop them.
I just don't want Kate to get in trouble
because of that guy
and Wyatt
to get caught in the crossfire.
So, what do we do now?
Get the proof they need.
OK, let's do that.
Let's go.
Attack!
(music swells)
(Joe moans)
(soft music with Far Eastern flair)
OK.
Now you try.
(music swells)
(Joe moans)
(soft music with Far Eastern flair)
How did I do?
Not good.
(sighs)
(soft music)
When you said
you had a surprise for me,
I kinda had
something else in mind.
Trust me.
You'll thank me later.
But it's cold out here.
Why do I have to go into the lake?
Mind control.
Becoming one
with your mind and body.
But my mind tells me
not to go into cold water.
(chuckles) It's important
to be able to control your mind,
no matter the distractions.
And you're sure
turning me into an ice cube will...
Try to focus and
leave behind all distractions.
I'll be back soon.
(Chinese)
Now you are on your own.
(pensive music)
(gasps for breath)
OK, focus. Clear your mind.
You can do this.
You can do this.
Calm your mind. Focus.
You gotta sign over
all your bank accounts to me.
Wyatt's sick.
You have to
get the money for Wyatt.
Your son needs that operation!
(music intensifies)
It's impossible.
It's impossible.
WU:
You can rest now.
I decide
to give you tournament money.
What?
Tournament money.
I will pay.
No, no, I can't let you do that.
You've already done
so much for me. Really.
No charity.
If you win, I get 10 percent!
(chuckles)
Right.
Thank you.
And Wyatt thanks you too.
Get back to work.
(ominous music)
What the hell are you doing here?
-Just finished signing up.
-You?
You think
you can win this tournament?
Nothing to lose.
Are you really that stupid?
Hey! Hey, hey!
Save it for the tournament, gentlemen.
Start something here,
and you're both disqualified.
You two as well.
(Chinese)
You will always be a loser.
My fighter...
is going to crush yours.
I always told you...
that we'll meet again some day.
Let's go.
You must win.
Kick a*s!
I hear you.
For Wyatt.
And you.
Come on.
Ah, it's a bit far away.
I don't know if my phone
can get a good shot.
(groans)
What in the world...
I know some people.
Now we just have to wait.
(Mei sighs)
-JOE: And here they come.
-Uh-huh.
(takes photos)
-You see them?
-Yes.
Now we move to the gym.
Catch the money exchange.
-Right.
-OK.
(Mei starts car)
(faint phone ringing)
Believe us now?
Sure. We believe you.
We still have to make an arrest.
We need to tie the drugs
to Kang and Butch.
Right now, all we've got
is money changing hands.
What do we have to do?
We have to put the drugs
and the money in their hands.
We have enough to initiate a case.
Put surveillance on them,
ask for wire taps.
That's gonna take forever.
We still have to build a solid case.
We'll get you what you need.
(sighs)
Look, I'm sorry we didn't believe
you guys when you first came in.
But you gotta admit
it was a little sketchy.
What with your background
and everything.
Here's the deal though, guys:
You gotta leave this to the cops.
Capiche? Understood?
-(sighs) Sure do.
-OK.
OK.
We're not going to
leave it to them, right?
Hell no.
We're gonna put them away.
(Mei chuckles)
(music with Far Eastern flair)
(groans)
You.
(Joe groans)
WU:
Come on!
Higher!
(groans)
(moans)
(crowd noise)
(bang)
("Brawl of the Century"
by the Lion Fists playing)
Fists like hammers
Swinging wild
(crowd boos)
Blood on the ground
They're running riled
Steel-eyed rage
-(cracking sound)
-(crowd exclaims)
No chains
The ring's a w*r zone
Yeah!
(crowd goes quiet)
(crowd oohs)
You f*cking as*h*le!
You Joe?
You're up next.
Ready to fight?
Ready as I'll ever be.
Got a fight name?
Nope. I'm just an ordinary Joe.
Don't die, ordinary Joe.
Bad for business.
Step inside.
(puffs)
Fighting in the red corner:
ordinary Joe!
Fighting in the blue corner:
Mark Kramer,
the tornado from Toledo!
Cool name.
Yeah!
Fight!
One man standing
The others fall
(crowd oohs)
The crowd's a roar
Fast learner.
(grunting and moaning)
Brawl of the century
No referee
Sweat and fire
Set them free
Brawl of the century
Fists collide
No mercy
No place to hide
(crowd cheers and applauds)
(indistinct calls)
(shouts and boos)
JOE:
Thanks, man.
(ominous music)
SMOKE:
4 to 1. That don't seem fair.
JOE:
2 against 4 is better odds.
You might want to
get some more guys.
Smoke!
When did you get out?
Same old Joe.
Saving the world.
Not the world, just you.
We gonna do this?
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
(Smoke exclaims)
(Smoke exclaims)
So you're out
and already in trouble?
Those guys wanted my watch.
Told them they had to fight me first.
But hey, thanks.
I owe you one.
I have an idea
how you could repay me.
What happened?
Nothing.
What happened?
I heard about
some underground fighting.
Why?
I wanted to try out
what I was learning.
-Not ready yet.
-But I won the fight.
Got hit.
Yeah, I know. A lot.
But I wanted to win some money
to pay you back for the entry fee.
No worry about that.
Worry be ready.
(soft, pensive music)
Master?
I have a question,
if you don't mind.
I listen.
A while ago you said you were gonna
teach me a secret technique.
Yes, that's true.
Will you please show it to me now?
I teach you the lion fist
from first day already.
Have you?
But lions don't have fists, do they?
A lion is not a form.
Is not a stance.
It is a spirit.
You build energy.
Root in ground.
Then explode.
When time is right,
you will feel spirit and body
become one.
Be patient.
("Heart of a Lion"
by Stan Bush playing)
He lurks in the night
Darkness falls - he hears the call
Ready to fight
Hiding in plain sight
k*ll or be k*lled
Dangerous - no second guess
Stayin' alive
Fighting to survive
Hear the roar of thunder
The victor strikes first
Like the beast of the jungle
Only blood can fill the thirst
The heart of a lion
The warrior's iron fist
You were born for battle
You were made for this
No fear, no surrender
You're fightin' till the end
Somewhere inside you deep within
Beats the heart of a lion
The soul of a warrior
With the will to win
The heart of a lion
(groans)
Beats the heart of a lion
JOE:
Smoke.
This is for the buy.
We recorded the serial numbers.
Are you sure you're OK with this?
Your man is a stand-up guy.
So yeah, I'm sure.
You guys get into position.
Let's do this.
MEI:
You think he can do it?
JOE: With his reputation of course
they trust him. Keep looking.
Ah, there he is.
(takes photos)
MEI:
Got 'em.
(Mei chuckles)
JOE: Alright, Smoke, let's hope
you can get the rest done as well.
Here are the drugs.
And he gave them the marked bills.
You should have
everything you need.
I'm gonna take a shot in the dark here.
Cellmate?
We were at O'Creek together.
Does he know
he's gonna have to testify?
He will.
OK.
We'll put together a strike team.
We have to work quickly
before the money changes hands.
We move tomorrow morning.
You two gotta keep
your f*cking mouth shut.
-You didn't hear a word of this.
-Yes, sir.
The tournament is tomorrow,
I have to fight.
I need the money to help my son.
Dad and I will go with them.
I'm sure everything will go well
and we will make it in time
to join you at the tournament.
OK then.
Thank you.
-(Joe moans and sighs)
-(both chuckle)
I'm not sure if Generals Zho's Chili
is the right pre-tournament meal.
(chuckles)
Probably Bruce Lee's favorite.
I heard that you cannot find the dish
anywhere in China.
-That's true.
-Yeah?
-Hm.
-(Joe sighs)
You're going to do well tomorrow.
I have to.
A lot is running on it.
I gotta win to save my son.
And I gotta win
to make sure that you're OK.
Do-Don't worry about me.
I'll be with the detectives.
And my dad will be there.
But I do worry about you.
I actually kinda like you.
Yeah? Tell me more.
(chuckles)
(soft music)
What you and your father
have done for me,
I will never forget.
So, it's just gratitude you feel?
No, it's more.
It's much more.
Go on.
I...
-I never felt that way before.
-(chuckles)
-Sore all over?
-(both chuckle)
I love you.
I love you too, Joe.
Hm. We have a tradition
where we ask the gods questions,
with these.
OK.
Jiaobei.
We ask a question,
and if they land one up one down,
the answer is yes.
Both down, the answer is no.
And if they're both up,
the gods are laughing.
-So what should we ask?
-Hmm...
(speaks Chinese)
-Yes!
-What did you ask?
Will Wyatt be OK?
(Mei chuckles)
-Now it's my turn.
-Uh-huh.
-Ah!
-The gods are sure it's a no.
I was asking if
I'm gonna get lucky tonight.
(chuckles)
Silly boy!
(Mei laughs)
But that's not
in the hand of the gods either.
(moans)
WU:
My robe!
Better than the alternative.
Are those coffees for Mei and me?
Big day.
Head in game.
I got it.
(Chinese)
Thank you.
(Joe exhales)
-You guys ready?
-You?
We've got no choice, right?
We have to do it.
Good luck.
Even though you don't need it.
Be a lion.
I'll see you when it's all over.
(cheers and applause)
(dramatic music)
(crowd chants)
Welcome, everyone!
Fighters, friends, family,
and lovers of combat sports
all over the world!
The party's starting!
Just about ready.
Here.
You really shouldn't be here.
So stay put
and don't move from the spot.
We only got one shot at this.
-No problem, believe me.
-OK.
(g*ns being readied)
Lock and load.
Turner, Ramirez.
Let's get this.
(pensive music)
(crowd cheers)
You ready? You ready?
Fight!
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
Oh!
(shouting)
(booing)
(suspenseful music)
-RADIO: Chief?
-What's going on?
Team A has cleared the front.
We got everything under control here.
We checked all the rooms
but no sign of the Kang guy
-or any sign of drugs.
-Basement!
-We will keep looking.
-We're moving into the basement.
You ready? You ready?
Fight!
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
(fighter exclaims)
(crowd roars)
Boo!
(dramatic music)
(suspenseful music)
(whispers)
We can't wait. Let's go.
DET. PARKER: Freeze!
(c*ck g*n)
g*n on the floor.
g*n on the floor!
Kick it over!
You too!
Old-school?
Old-school!
OK.
(dramatic music)
That's the money!
(grunting and moaning)
Ah!
(whistling and applause)
CROWD:
Butch! Butch! Butch!
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
-(cracking sound)
-(fighter exclaims)
(crowd cheers)
(suspenseful music
with Far Eastern flair)
(dramatic music
with Far Eastern flair)
(grunting and moaning)
(Kang exclaims)
You were right.
We see each other again.
-(Wu exclaims)
-(Kang moans)
(dramatic music)
(crowd cheers)
(grunting and moaning)
(dramatic, ominous music)
(dramatic, heroic music)
(crowd cheers)
(dramatic, ominous music)
(grunting and moaning)
(crowd oohs)
Dad!
I thought I told you guys to wait.
Thank you, Shifu.
Thank you.
Joe was right about you.
Tournament.
Yes. Tournament. Let's go.
(sinister music)
One more and then we meet.
Can't wait. I hope you win.
Oh, no doubt.
(sinister music intensifies)
Ah, the homeless guy.
I'm going to enjoy this.
You ready? You ready?
Fight!
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
(chanting)
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Hey!
(crowd oohs)
You give up?
REFEREE:
Stop!
Once a quitter...
(heroic music)
(crowd oohs)
(exclaims)
(crowd cheers)
Winner!
Woohoo!
(crowd noise in background)
Let me beat the next clown
and then it's down to you and me.
Oh, I can't wait.
Oh, and by the way:
If I win,
your son
is not getting a single dime!
-You OK?
-Uh-huh.
-Did you get them?
-They sure did.
We couldn't have done it without you.
It's over now.
We'll arrest Butch.
Let me fight him.
Please.
He's not going anywhere.
(music gets more dramatic)
(Det. Williams sighs)
This is for your family.
So go out there and kick some a*s.
(music swells)
Ladies and gentlemen,
your finals are set!
In the left corner:
Butch Durant!
And in the right corner:
Joe Bernardt!
Let the fight begin!
(crowd roars)
(suspenseful music)
You ready? You ready?
Fight!
(dramatic music)
(grunting and moaning)
Yeah!
BUTCH:
Yeah!
Don't forget! Stance! Power!
(dramatic music)
Come on!
(exclaims)
(crowd oohs)
Yeah!
He wants the knockout!
Be patient!
Remember: Lion!
You can do it.
(pensive music)
(heroic music)
Wait.
(music intensifies)
Wait!
Now!
Yes!
(laughs)
(crowd cheers)
Winner!
Yes!
(heroic music)
Master!
(music intensifies)
(crowd boos)
Thank you, buddy.
DET. WILLIAMS:
Come on. Let's go.
It's good to have a friend.
Hop!
("Homebody"
by Eva Rose King playing)
Hop, hop!
You must be Wyatt.
I'm Joe.
I'm pleased to finally meet you.
You wanna learn kung fu? Yeah?
So, as soon as we fix you up
we will start training.
You did it.
Congrats.
I made a deal with the detectives.
They've arranged
a stint in rehab for you.
Go and they'll file no charges.
I'll take care of Wyatt
until you're clean. OK?
Then we'll share custody?
I'll do it.
Thank you.
We seized the No Retreat Gym.
The city will be
selling off the assets, cheap.
You might wanna think about buying it
with that money you just won.
Thank you, sir.
Let's see what I have left
after Wyatt's surgery.
So, um, can you let Kate know
the details of her rehab?
Yeah. Sure thing.
Thank you for believing in me.
Lion fist.
Lions don't have fists, remember?
-Heart of a lion.
-(Mei chuckles)
Better.
Come on!
(hard rock song playing)
Dust in my lungs
Sky so gray
Feet keep moving
Can't stay away
Voices screaming
Who's to blame?
Another night
Another name
Shadows crawl
They won't let go
Chasing dreams I'll never know
Where's my hero?
Where's my fight?
In the dark I need the light
Where's my hero?
Calling loud
Through the chaos
Through the crowd
Mirror cracks
Face looks worn
Heart's been heavy
since I was born
Rain keeps falling
Streets won't dry
I keep asking the empty sky
Shadows crawl
They won't let go
Chasing dreams I'll never know
Where's my hero?
Where's my fight?
In the dark I need the light
Where's my hero?
Calling loud
Through the chaos
Through the crowd
Welcome to our World! Where we serve you cookies to ensure you get the best viewing experience on our site.
Did you know that you can remove censorship board-wide, use our advanced search functions, be notified when new content is posted, join our memberships, set episodes to show in any order you want & more if you are logged into your account?
Register or sign in here: ucp.php?mode=register
Did you know that you can remove censorship board-wide, use our advanced search functions, be notified when new content is posted, join our memberships, set episodes to show in any order you want & more if you are logged into your account?
Register or sign in here: ucp.php?mode=register
Lion Fist (2026)
Moderators: Maskath3, sidolanters, GabrielAlejo2341