There is an excellent set of tips for creating Kung-Fu special type special effects at “Kung-Fu Konstruction Kit“. Texts are small and explain stuff really good. Pictures, video clips, and sound effects are available too. Author talks about using these information while making a Kung-Fu movie with a camcorder and a bunch of kids, which makes it sound very safe, despite all the fighting, Jedi super powers, and knife throwing.
Anyone is up for a movie? :)