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Fight Quest

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Douglass Anderson, Jimmy Smith, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Martial arts docuseries has some intense images.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series features various fighting styles from around the world but focuses on training within these fighting systems rather than learning about the cultures they come from. Anderson and Smith are respectful of their trainers, as well as of their host country's traditions. Both men are American and Caucasian; other fighters and trainers are from various racial/ethnic groups.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    The show's focus is martial arts, so there's lots of fighting. Most of the featured combat styles include hitting, punching, and kicking. Some also incorporate smashing and grappling techniques. Kali is weapon-based and features the use of sticks, swords, and knives. Many of the fighting sequences include dangerous moves that can lead to life-threatening injuries. Bloody scratches, bruise, and other wounds are visible. One pre-training ritual includes a shaman sacrificing a chicken and pouring its blood over the trainee.

  • Sex:

    Men are often seen fighting bare-chested. Anderson and Smith eat testicle soup in the Philippines.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes "hell." Very occasional stronger words -- like "s--t" (sometimes uttered in a moment of pain or intense fighting) -- are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Fight Quest

Parents need to know that this docuseries -- which follows two American men training in various ancient martial arts around the world -- is a mix of entertainment and education. It includes graphic footage of initiation rituals, intense training sequences, and competitive fighting. Most of the fighting systems employ punching, kicking, and smashing; some also rely on lethal weapons (sticks, swords, sharp knives, etc.). Some of the instruction includes descriptions of killing an opponent. Younger viewers may need to be reminded that these moves should never be tried at home.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how these traditional fighting systems differ from what viewers see in popular Hollywood movies and TV shows. Why are ancient fighting styles considered artistic as well as violent? Families can also discuss fighting in general. Why is it OK for a professional fighter to punch someone inside the ring but not OK to do it to a random person out on the street? What messages does this show send about fighting? How do the hosts view martial arts?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    love_tv
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    sheclimbs916
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    frankevans
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Intense and real

    My 12-year-old son loved the kung fu episode. the hosts are engaging and real; their experiences are a bit intense, but also communicate a lot about the culture their visiting. if anything he wanted more fighting!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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