Various stories surround this footage reportedly shot at the New York Aikikai in the 1970s. One thing that is definitely real is the level of skill demonstrated.

According to one story, the sisters of The Holy Family serve what is perhaps the most crime-ridden part of Philadelphia. Their orphanage is in constant danger of vandalism and burglary. In recent months several of the children and nuns have been assaulted. Unwilling to give up after some 80 years of service to the community, the sisters have turned to the Old Testament for a solution: eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Like the Asian monks of the ancient Shaolin monastery, these modern sisters have embraced the martial arts.

Their skills are predominantly protective and defensive. But should human life be at stake, the good sisters are well-prepared for sterner measures.