10 replies to this topic

[Fred Derf]

Okay, I say this phrase ("Patience young grasshopper...") all the time and yet I really have no idea where it comes from?

I see it coming from some cheesy (and badly translated) kung-fu movie with the sensei talking to his over-eager pupil.

Perhaps it comes from a major hollywood movie like "The Karate Kid". Scratch that I did a google for Pat Morita "patience young grasshopper" and got nothing.

So where did this expression come from and for how long has it been part of the vernacular?

[Si]

I always thought it was Karate Kid, young grasshopper

[FlishFun]

Quote

On October 14, 1972, Warner Brothers release the series "Kung Fu" featuring a Shaolin priest - Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine) and his journey through the old West. What was new to the American public was not only the fighting but the philosophy that was presented with each show. In each episode, Kwai Chang Caine recalls a memorable moment when his wise teachers, Master Kan (Philip Ahn) or Master Po (Keye Luke), taught him a lesson which provides an insight to his current problem. For many, this was a new experience and sparked an interest in Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese culture. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after 63 episodes,on March, 1975. The series was brought back as "Kung Fu - the Legend Continues" in 1993 and lasted for another 88 episodes (4 seasons) but the second series never approached the sentiments of the original series.

Quote

"As quickly as you can...snatch the pebble from my hand." [Caine tries and fails]
"When you can take the pebble from my hand, it will be time for you to leave."
Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine) played the young grasshopper asking Master Kan (played by Philip Ah)

So there you have it. It's from the old TV Show "Kung Fu" Some trivia for ya... David Carradine, the Young Grasshopper, plays "Bill" in Kill Bill.

[Si]

..however Flishy has corrected me

[threetonesun]

Kung Fu (the entire series), was recently released on DVD too, so ... go snatch it ... young grasshopper.

[Hum]

At one point Master Po asks young Kwai Chang Kane what he hears ... there is a grasshopper at his feet ... so his teacher nicknames him 'grasshopper'.

The original 70's Kung Fu was great ... I liked the 'when you can snatch the pebble, you will have learned'.

Shame they killed off Kwai Chang's one teacher ...

[Fred Derf]

It's not an easy phrase to Google. Even when you now know the answer.

[threetonesun]

If you know it's from a movie, try searching here: http://www.imdb.com/

Although, it didn't quite show up the way you would have wanted it, the first result is "The Making of Kung-Fu" and it's not in their quotes ... but if you ever have a more memorable one, it'll work.

[mojomonkee]

and this is just another reason why david carradine is bad ass to the max.

[Fred Derf]

mojomonkee, on Apr 20 2004, 13:10, said:

and this is just another reason why david carradine is bad ass to the max.

He contributed so much. Take this for example:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088379/

Make sure you read the viewer comment.

[Pikey]

Great series that 1st one ... I remember it well!