What viewers may find interesting is Jaa’s use of Chinese kung fu, in addition to his signature Muay Thai screen fighting. Featured in the promo is the rope dart, three-section staff and southern fist forms common in Chinese kung fu and kung fu movies. These are apparently techniques that are not new to Jaa who began his training by imitating the moves of his screen heroes Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Only years later, at the age of 15 did Jaa first meet action director Panna Rittikrai who introduced him to Muay Thai and screen fighting after being impressed by the young man’s acrobatic abilities.

Tony Jaa previously wowed audiences with ONG BAK in 2003 and made a modest follow-up with THE PROTECTOR (aka TOM YUM GOONG), both under the direction of Prachya Pinkaew. Jaa has since parted ways with Pinkaew to let the director focus on another new protégé of Rittrikrai, Jeeja Yanin, who recently had her debut in CHOCOLATE.

Meanwhile, ONG BAK 2 will mark Jaa’s directing debut and a test of his ability to handle his own action movie. If this promo reel is any indication, Tony Jaa is not only here to stay, he’s here to set the new standard for serious martial arts screen action.