During the post-Bruce Lee boom that martial arts cinema experienced following the death of the Little Dragon, a whole legion of new high-kicking heroes emerged to compete for the crown of the King of Kung Fu. Many were mere wannabe's, leaping on the Bruce Bandwagon, but, from among these imitators, Master Tan Tao Liang flying kicked his way to take the title. Flashlegs, The Shaolin Superman.
Born in the Pusan region of Korea in 1947, to chinese parentage, young Tan proved himself an adept martial artist at an early age. He has trained in a variety of styles, various
kung fu systems, karate and judo etc, but it is his total mastery of Taekwondo for which he is rightly renowned. The art is known for its visually spectacular dynamic kicking techniques, which Tan used to dramatic effect in tournament competition, quickly becoming a champion of renown. He then built on this success by making the natural progression to movie making, appearing in his first production, Hero of the Waterfront, in 1973. Never before had the silver screen seen such kicking expertise, the breathtaking bootwork earning Tan the nickname 'Flashlegs'. While none could ever hope to eclipse the legend of Bruce Lee, it is certainly true that, in terms of on-screen kicking, Tan Tao Liang was the true master, and put even the little dragon in the shade.
Under a varierty of pseudonyms, including Dorian Tan (his most internationally recognised name), Delon Tanners, and Bobby Ming ( ! ) , Tan worked steadily in the motion picture industry, mainly in Taiwanese productions, up until his acting retirement in 1982. Despite never achieving the successes of some of his contemporaries, his martial prowess has graced many true classics of the genre. 'Hand of Death' is possibly his most remembered lead role, where he shines among a cast of luminaries such as Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, under the able direction of movie master John Woo. 'The Hot, The Cool & The Vicious' is another martial arts masterclass, featuring some of the best kick action ever committed to celluloid. Possibly one of Tan's most remembered appearances is his co-starring turn in 'The Tattoo Connection', one of the few starring movies that Enter the Dragon legend Jim Kelly appeared in. In addition to his kicking prowess, Tan also showed on-screen proficiency in a variety of styles, chiefly Snake Fist Kung Fu, and competence with a number of Shaolin weapons including the pole and three sectioned staff. His screen personna was usually that of a man of honour, with a cool aloofness, and a dignity that stood out from other, more comedic contemporaries.
Tan Tao Liang made the break from movie making as the Kung Fu boom died its natural death. He made a return to the industry in the early 90s. writing and producing Bolo Yeung's international feature 'Breathing Fire'. Later, he was also asked to train Shannon Lee, daughter of the Dragon, for her fight scenes in 'Enter the Eagles'.
Following a number of years in America, where he established a successful Taekwondo school in Los Angeles, Tan has since returned to Taiwan, where he maintains his absolute mastery of the martial arts. Considering himself a teacher first, an actor second, he still teaches the art he loves, inspiring a whole new generation of Kung Fu Kids.
MAIN MENU