Tools for this page
Print

Final Fu

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    This one's a real kick; OK for tweens and up.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Martial arts is all about respect. Contestants, though fierce competitors, demonstrate this universal quality. Men and women both compete.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    The series revolves around martial arts. Weekly mat fights are refereed, with specific rules.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Some exclamations by contestants during or after fights.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Final Fu was written by Pam Gelman

Parents need to know that this martial arts competition series features mental and physical challenges and tournament-style mat fighting. Young viewers can observe talented young men and women show off their skills in a variety of disciplines, including tae kwon do, karate, and kung fu. While there's no full-contact fighting, contestants participate in a mat fight with specific rules set down by referee/host Ernie Reyes, Jr. This is a fine choice for tween martial arts hopefuls and up, but it is> a fierce competition, and parents need to know that contestants will do whatever they can to win.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the stamina, discipline, and endurance demonstrated by the contestants. Parents can help kids understand why concentration and mental skills (along with physical strength) are important parts of martial arts success. Families can also talk about the nature of fighting. What's the difference between fighting in a martial arts competition and fighting when you're angry or to get what you want? Is it ever OK to fight in the latter case? Families can also talk about the female contestants and how their skills compare to the males'.
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Final Fu

What’s the Story?

In FINAL FU, 30 contestants (both men and women) representing a range of martial arts disciplines compete using their specific skills; the last one standing will earn $25,000 and the title of Final Fu. The show is hosted and refereed by Ernie Reyes, Jr. -- a martial arts champion since the age of 8 -- who helps guide viewers (and contestants) through the weekly challenges. Since each discipline is unique and focuses on different moves, the challenges provide a way for all of the contestants to demonstrate the universal qualities needed to succeed in martial arts, including agility, flexibility, and quickness. After the contestants are scored in the challenge, the two with the lowest totals face off in a mat fight, exchanging traditional greetings before they begin and bowing or shaking hands afterward. Although these fights aren't full-contact and none of the contestants indicate any pain, viewers do see quick, aggressive kicks, spins, jumps, and hand/arm movements.

Is It Any Good?

Young Final Fu viewers interested in martial arts will learn about discipline, patience, and respect as much as about developing physical strength. Kids who already study martial arts will get exposure to other disciplines and "meet" men and women who have mastered the sport, since the contestants talk directly to the camera about how well they think they're doing and what they think of their opponents. For kids who have an interest in martial arts but no experience, parents should be prepared to help them understand the fights within the context of the sport.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Final Fu?

or

to post a review

See all 2 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 0.0

    Boring!

    At first I thought this show was some sort of weird joke that MTV was making up. But, no. Final Fu is boring, stupid, and completely pointless. Don't waste your time on this snoozefest!!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 0.0

    MARTIAL ARTS WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE A SPORT OR COMPETITION.

    I think the media in the last 15 years or so have promoted extreme fighting and competition that the public believes this to be the true essense of the martial arts! Tae kwon Do number one is not a Martial art - history shows on the record it was found as a the korean natioanl Sport in the 1950's. regardless, Martial arts were never intended to be a sport. When someone says martial arts automatically now they think of Tae Kwon do or extreme fighting.. WRONG!!!! That is called Martial Sport.. and it is 100% different then a Martial art! This is just another show on TV that plays with the current fad and false truths like the UFC.. Martial arts art about striving to become better, to be in competition with ones self, not others and inner enlightenment in addition to the realistci self defense. it have nothing to do with my style is better then your style. A true martialartist will now that all styles compliment one another and there is NO BEST STYLE! To try and prove my style is better then yours goes against the true essense and is rediculas. The public suffers as a result of these programs and the Tae Kwon Do false marketing in the USA saying it is a Martial art.. it should not be a big deal, just say this is Martial sports and enlighten the public and to the difference in martial art and martial sport! this is a disgrace. If you would like further comment, please see my website at www.genshinkidojo.com and view the facts on martial sports page.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Avatar

    Avatar

    Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know.YouTube and Your Kid

    What parents need to know.

  • Book of the Week

    Beautiful Creatures

    Beautiful Creatures

    Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

  • Pick of the Week

    Sites for Haiti

    Sites for Haiti

    Help kids get involved.

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name