Dorian Tan: They Call Him Flash Legs!

Recently I found myself missing some of the old-skool kung fu movies I haven't watched for many years! When I revisit these holy grails of martial artistry, a long-time favourite star would have to be Dorian Tan Tao-Liang. Throughout his many film titles during the 1970s and early 1980s, he continually demonstrated excellent screen fighting skills and his trademark, otherworldly kicking abilities, earning him the nickname "Flash Legs".

Tan's history is quite interesting as well. Although being of Chinese descent, he was born and raised in Korea and at the age of seven, began training in the national art of Taekwondo. He subsequently demonstarted a great aptitude for the sport and won countless national competitions, earning recognition as a true force to be reckoned with. While developing his now-famous leg dexterity, he also mastered his signature "hop", whereby he would hop towards opponents while demolishing them with lightning fast, agile kicks! Today, although retired from movies, he teaches Taekwondo to students at his school in Los Angeles.

For those interested in learning more about the Taekwondo Master (of both the screen and the ring), check out classic titles like Shaolin Deadly Kicks, The Hot The Cool and The Vicious and Hand of Death - the latter of which also featured the first onscreen collaboration of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. Kung Fu cinema at its finest, I'm sure you'll agree!