“Breaking is just falling with style. We know how to control our momentum and sustain it. Break-Fu is simply an extension of that art”— Nathan Geering
The urban kung fu crossover isn’t just resurging—it’s evolving. Fuelled by a new generation of creators who draw inspiration from the crossover pioneers of the hip hop / break dancing scene of the 1980`s and 1990`s along with the old school influences of classical Hong Kong Kung Fu films.
Flying the flag for this movement in the UK is Nathan Geering—actor, director, and the pioneering force behind the style of his own creation “Break-Fu. This distinctive combat style grafts the funky rhythms, footwork, and gravity-defying freezes of breakdancing onto traditional kung fu forms popularised during Hong Kong’s golden martial arts cinema era of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Channelling the coiling precision of Snake, the explosive torque of Tiger, the sweeping balance of Crane, and the acrobatic mischief of Monkey style, Break-Fu has been turning heads across the British film and martial arts communities.
Geering’s recent appearance at this year’s UK Martial Arts Show reminded audiences why he’s considered one of the most exciting talents in British martial arts cinema. His live demonstration showcased the fluidity and raw power of Break-Fu, leaving spectators captivated by the seamless marriage of dance-like movement and combat effectiveness. For many attendees, it was the undisputed highlight of the event.
The past few years have been a whirlwind for Geering, ever since Eastern Film’s Phil Gillon interviewed him on his YouTube channel. Driven by a clear, unwavering vision—to move beyond purely dance-based collaboration and teaching into full-fledged choreography—Geering set out to learn from the best in action filmmaking and forge his own distinct brand.
Through relentless networking, training, and constant refinement of his craft, he has carved out a reputation for standing apart from other performers. Using his ingenuity and fearless creativity, Geering has produced projects that are genuinely one-of-a-kind, most notably pioneering fire-breathing, free-fall fight choreography performed from an airplane. He also founded the stunt collective and production company “Break-Fu Productions”, which now serves as the all-encompassing banner for his film work.
His short films have won more than 30 awards, including Best Director, Best Action, Best Martial Arts, Best International Short Film, and Best European Short Film. The skydiving fight sequence he choreographed picked up Best Stunts at multiple festivals. Then, determined to push the boundaries even further, he performed martial arts while free-falling from 12,000 feet—raising the bar for skydiving fight choreography in a way few had thought possible.
Beat that, Tom Cruise.
Nathan became a 3 times world champion with his Break-Fu Style in Atlantic City at Battle of the Dragons which was part of Alan Goldberg’s Martial Arts Mega Weekender. He took 1st place in: Advanced weapons winning the category using a belt, Open Forms and Musical Forms.
Geering recently told BBC News:
“I used to watch old-school kung fu movies back in the ’80s with my grandma, but two years ago I was in a bit of a funk. I asked my inner eight-year-old what I really wanted to do, and he said,
Starting with background work on set, and teaching both dance and martial arts choregraphy. Geering set his goal to realise his dream of taking things up a notch and actually create his own films. and reached out to martial arts legend Cynthia Rothrock for advice when she visited the UK, as she she took notice of his unique style and relentless drive. So impressed was she that she offered him a role in her crowdfunded feature, *Black Creek* (2024/25). The opportunity took him to the United States, where he filmed alongside action icons like the late Richard Norton, and Keith Cooke.
Like a martial arts fuelled sponge Nathan immersed himself in the processes and mechanics of film-making, learning just as a student would learn from a master, asking questions , researching and putting into practise what he learnt.
His dedication soon caught the attention of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, earning him a spot in their intensive boot camp Seminar that they operate every few years at Chan’s training stronghold in mainland China. As a recruitment drive for the martial arts film industry There, Nathan learned directly from veteran film stunt industry, networking opportunities and stunt safety protocols. Studying industry approach to film-making: set improvisation, precise fight choreography, safety-first stunt execution, and the art of blending character with physical storytelling. He returned to the UK having successfully integrated these techniques into his own Break-Fu style.
In the past year alone Nathan directed 4 feature films. 2 Martial Arts films and 2 horror films.
Of the 4 films the two main martial arts centric feature films that he stars and directs “The Lock In” (2026) and The thriller Echoes of the past (2026) both of which are being highly promoted at this years Cannes film festival in France.
“The Lock In” (2026) sees a naive man arrive at a traditional British pub for what he hopes will be a charming first date. But when the doors lock and the venue transforms into an underground fight arena, he’s thrust into a deadly event known only as “The Lock In”. Imagine Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels meets Drunken Master, scored by a breakbeat and set entirely in a pub. The Lock In is Nathan Geering’s debut feature: a martial arts gauntlet where romance, comedy, and combat collide.
“I wanted to make a film that felt like the kung fu movies I watched with my grandma with the humour and heart of the people I grew up with.” The film was partially filmed in Atlanta Georgia, and features the legendary actor and Martial artist Keith Vitalli his first film after a long absence ,the shoot had the help of the legendary Jeff Pruitt who was the stunt coordinator for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Power Rangers.
Echoes Of The Past ( 2026) Is a slightly different film, a gritty indie thriller meets martial arts homage—less glossy blockbuster, more raw, character-driven vengeance tale. A protagonist— Victoria Vee’s character—has had everything stripped away by a ruthless adversary. Haunted by memories (“echoes”) of what was lost, she embarks on a bone-crunching quest for justice, using martial arts mastery and raw determination to confront those who wronged her .
Both are likely to get film festival circuit releases and then later for a cinematic and a retail streaming release.
And if that is not enough , Nathan is also highly involved in philanthropy and charity work. Trying to make martial arts and hip hop accessible and inclusive as possible, . In 2017, he served as Artistic Director of the UK Special Olympics Opening Ceremony, bringing inclusive Hip Hop performance to a global stage. His mission satement is clear: “It’s a not charity. This applies to everybody. It’s done to empower the whole world.” His work with young adults and the visually impaired lead to a much celebrated Ted Talk availble to view on Youtube. Since 2010, Nathan has been Artistic Director and creator of The Rationale Method which he has now incorporated into his Break-Fu productions , which pioneers research into the link between Hip Hop culture and visual impairment. He also delivers bedside beatboxing, “smashing street art,” “doctor decks,” and hip hop hand-play—designed so people who can’t leave their beds can still engage with the arts
RNIB See Differently Awards Finalist (2022): Nathan won the RNIB Community Contributor of the Year for his work making the arts accessible to blind and partially sighted people. He also teaches screen fighting to disabled people and many students of varying abilities , including people in wheelchairs and people who are completely blind. Also in 2025 he was one of the “Project Sifu” Mentors who helped students in a crash-course of martial arts film-making which was documented in the short film of the same name.
With a return to China planned for 2026, Geering shows no signs of slowing down. His journey can be be inspirational to everyone, showing what can be achieved through a strong work ethic, quiet humility, and an unshakeable belief in one’s own outcome vision. Nathan possesses that rare, magnetic quality—the everyman charm of the boy next door, effortlessly likeable yet undeniably formidable on screen. It will be fascinating to watch his screen persona evolve with each new project. One can easily imagine him stepping into a role tailor-made for his unique skill set—perhaps a streetwise, hip-hop infused Mr. Miyagi figure, teaching the ways of Break-Fu to a ragtag crew of underdogs, guiding them through a high-stakes dance competition while taking down the bad guys along the way. Hollywood, are you listening? As the credits roll on this chapter of his career, one thing is certain—Nathan Geering is a name worth remembering. If passion, persistence, and originality are the benchmarks of lasting success, then Break-Fu Productions may well be the spark that ignites a whole new generation of martial artists, filmmakers, and storytellers.
Thanks to Nathan Geering and Christopher Evans
