If you spent any time browsing the darker corners of internet marketplaces in the early 2000s—places like eBay, iOffer, or spammy pop-up ad sites—you likely stumbled across a strange listing. The covers were often blurry, the titles were generic, and the premise seemed to promise a level of action that big-budget Hollywood studios would never touch.
The listing usually read something like: "Fightingkids DVD - Real Action!"
For collectors of obscure media and "so-bad-it’s-good" cinema, the "Fightingkids" brand represents a fascinating, albeit morally confusing, footnote in the history of direct-to-DVD distribution.
1. Production Quality (Likely Poor) Unlike professional series like Tiger Schulmann’s Karate for Kids or Gracie Bullyproof, an obscure DVD with a mashed-together title like "Fightingkids" typically suffers from low production value. Expect grainy 480p video, poor lighting, and cheap menu screens. Audio may be imbalanced (loud music, quiet instructor). Fightingkids Dvd-
2. Content (Uncertain Risk) The term "Fighting" in a kids' DVD is a red flag. Reputable children’s martial arts DVDs focus on discipline, respect, bullying prevention, and falling safely. If this DVD emphasizes actual fighting (sparring without control or striking to the head), it would be inappropriate for children under 13. If it is a misnamed fitness or drills DVD, the content might be harmless but repetitive.
3. Instructor Credibility (Unknown) Legit kids’ DVDs list the instructor’s name, rank, and school. If the Fightingkids DVD lacks a verifiable black belt or coach (e.g., “Master Kim, 6th Dan”), assume the techniques may be unsafe. Poorly taught kicks or takedowns can lead to injury.
4. Value
Scraping forums like Reddit’s r/martialarts and DojoTalk reveals consistent feedback:
"My 7-year-old has ASD and couldn't handle the noise of a karate school. The Fightingkids DVD let him learn at his own pace. We pause, rewind, and practice in the yard. Six months later, he joined a real class without a meltdown." – Sarah M., Verified Purchase
"It's dated. The soundtrack is cheesy 2000s synth, and the fashion is terrible. But the techniques? Solid American Kenpo basics. My daughter used the 'wrist twist escape' on a bully last week. Worth every penny." – Dave T., eBay review If you spent any time browsing the darker
"Don't buy this expecting your kid to become a ninja. It’s very repetitive. That repetition is exactly what kids need to build muscle memory, but adults will find it boring." – Anonymous (4/5 stars)
| If you want... | This DVD is... | |----------------|----------------| | Safe, professional instruction | Not recommended | | A laughably bad, obscure collectible | Maybe (if very cheap) | | A gift for a child | Avoid – unknown safety |
Fightingkids are an American melodic hardcore/punk band formed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1999. Known for high-energy performances, earnest lyrics, and melodic guitar work, they blend punk urgency with singable hooks and personal, emotionally direct songwriting. "My 7-year-old has ASD and couldn't handle the
Before a single punch is thrown, the instructor teaches the "Three Tiers of Defense": Polite refusal, walking away, and telling an adult. This section is what separates the Fightingkids series from generic "how to hit" videos.