 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Final Fu
- MTV2
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
This one's a real kick; OK for tweens and up.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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'.
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
July 25, 2010
AGE
no mtv, mtv or vh1 or e! is a no no in my house
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AGE
no mtv, mtv or vh1 or e! is a no no in my house
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Kid, 11 years old
July 25, 2010
AGE
no mtv, mtv or vh1 or e! is a no no in my house
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AGE
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!!
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AGE
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 *genshinkidojo* and view the facts on martial sports page.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 21, 2010
AGE
No one should watch this!
How on earth can you turn such a graceful thing into a sport?!? I practice martial arts too so I know how wonderful it is to do a Kata or learn knew forms! It's like taking a lovable puppy and throwing it into a dog fight!
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | MTV2 |
| Cast: | Ernie Reyes Jr. |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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