Fighters believe in the idea that ‘everyone has their fight’. This can mean physical, or metaphorical. Sometimes, it’s both. Actor and mixed martial artist Frank Grillo has thus taken it upon himself to explore the ins and outs of fighting, why people do it, and what types there are. Welcome to Fightworld. The limited TV series is led by Grillo in an exploration of some of the world’s most exotic forms of combat with the mission of understanding their cultural origin and their place in the world today. Multiple locations, numerous fighting forms, and unique stories make up the show now streaming on Netflix.
Grillo covers a fair amount of ground in this five part docuseries in his quest for information and a better perspective. He begins in Mexico to understand their boxing scene, learning of what drives the youth to box and the reasons the elders deem it prudent to participate. He eventually makes his way over to Thailand to learn about Muay Thai before jumping next door to Myanmar to get a crash course in the similar Lethwei, then seeing how they differ in practice and purpose. Before the series ends, he ends up in Senegal in the presence of African wrestlers, then finishing his journey in Israel to discover the now notorious concept of Krav Maga. Along the way he befriends practitioners of these arts, trains with them, and listens to their personal stories on why they fight and the reality of their everyday living circumstances.
A burning question that may arise is, who exactly is Fightworld for?
A burning question that may arise is, who exactly is Fightworld for? Fighters or fight enthusiasts in theory would enjoy it, and probably still will. Though the truth is, this isn’t a television show that’s packed with action or ridiculously choreographed fight scenes. Fightworld is more about the people that practice these art forms, and the driving force behind why they started to begin with. The personal stories of the fighters are the true substance of the show, some living very harsh realities with others doing it for passion. As a show, the production value isn’t lacking. The cinematography is as well shot as any feature film, capturing exquisite shots of the territories Grillo visits, the interviews he conducts, and the fighting/training that takes place. Grillo does well as the outsider looking in, asking those involved the appropriate questions without being too overbearing or making it about himself. He’s behaves as a student and gives the experts the floor when most necessary.
It’s informative. It’s definitely interesting. There’s no doubt that it’s culturally fascinating. So with only five episodes to get through, it’s not a bad way to spend a Tuesday watching some television. Fightworld has a little bit of everything for anyone who is intrigued by cultures of countries outside of their own, and who knows? It might just be inspiring enough to viewers who don’t presently fancy themselves as fighters. Because if it’s true that everyone has their fight, then those select few might yet discover what theirs is.
