Actresses Who Are Black Belts In Real Life

Many actresses in Hollywood and international cinema are known for their physical roles but few have the real life credentials to back up their on screen combat. Beyond the world of stunt doubles and clever editing several high profile stars have dedicated years to mastering various martial arts disciplines. These women have achieved the prestigious rank of black belt in styles ranging from Taekwondo and Karate to Judo and Jiu Jitsu. Their dedication to these arts often influences their career choices and provides a level of authenticity to their action performances. This list highlights the impressive martial arts backgrounds of some of the industry’s most successful female performers.

Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick is widely recognized for her role as Lagertha in the historical drama series ‘Vikings’. She began training in martial arts at the age of seven and earned her first black belt by age thirteen. The actress holds a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and a second degree black belt in Karate. She also became a licensed bodyguard and ran several martial arts schools before pursuing a professional acting career. Her extensive combat background allows her to perform many of her own stunts and fight sequences on screen.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar became a household name for her portrayal of the titular character in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. To prepare for the physically demanding role she spent years training in various martial arts disciplines. The actress eventually earned a black belt in Taekwondo which helped her perform the complex choreography required for the show. Her athletic background provided the foundation for her transition into action roles throughout the late nineties and early two thousands. She has often spoken about how martial arts helped her maintain focus and discipline during long production schedules.

Brenda Song

Brenda Song rose to fame as London Tipton on the Disney Channel sitcom ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’. While she is known for her comedic timing she is also a highly skilled martial artist in her personal life. The actress earned a black belt in Taekwondo after years of dedicated training during her youth. She often showcased her physical abilities in the Disney Channel original movie ‘Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior’. Song continues to credit her martial arts background for giving her confidence and physical awareness on set.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is known for her various performances in projects like ‘Westworld’ and ‘Thirteen’. She dedicated several years to training in Taekwondo and successfully achieved the rank of black belt. The actress has mentioned that the discipline required for martial arts helped her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry. Her physical training was particularly useful for the action heavy sequences featured in her science fiction television roles. She remains an advocate for the mental benefits of martial arts practice for young women.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba established herself as an action star in the television series ‘Dark Angel’ and the ‘Fantastic Four’ film franchise. She began training in Taekwondo to prepare for her more physical roles and eventually reached the level of black belt. The actress found that the sport helped her develop the agility and strength needed for demanding stunt work. Even after moving into more diverse acting roles she has maintained an interest in physical fitness and combat training. Her commitment to the craft often involved rigorous daily practice sessions with professional instructors.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a multifaceted performer who has found success in music, acting, and producing. Before she became an Oscar nominated actress she spent time training in the martial arts during her younger years. She earned a black belt in Karate which provided her with a strong sense of discipline and physical control. This background assisted her when she took on action oriented roles in films like ‘Set It Off’. She continues to be a prominent figure in the industry known for her powerful presence and versatility.

Kristin Kreuk

Kristin Kreuk is best known for her long running role as Lana Lang on the superhero series ‘Smallville’. During her time on the show she also portrayed the iconic character Chun Li in the movie ‘Street Fighter The Legend of Chun Li’. To prepare for these roles she drew upon her real life experience as a black belt in Karate. Her training allowed her to execute high kicks and intricate fight maneuvers with authentic precision. She has expressed how martial arts helped her stay grounded while working in the high pressure environment of television production.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu has appeared in numerous high profile action projects including ‘The Scorpion King’ and ‘X2 X Men United’. She is a highly accomplished martial artist who holds a black belt in Karate. Her background in combat sports allowed her to transition seamlessly into roles that required intense physical combat and weapons work. She often performs her own stunts which adds a level of realism to her on screen fight scenes. The actress remains one of the most respected female martial artists working in Hollywood today.

Mackenzie Foy

Mackenzie Foy began her career as a child actress in ‘The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn’ and later starred in ‘Interstellar’. Outside of her acting work she has spent years training at a Taekwondo dojang to master the art. She successfully earned her black belt and frequently shares her progress and practice sessions with her fans. The young actress credits the sport for teaching her patience and perseverance throughout her growing career. Her physical discipline helps her prepare for roles that require a high degree of movement and coordination.

Riki Lindhome

Riki Lindhome is a prolific actress and musician known for her work in ‘Garfunkel and Oates’ and ‘Knives Out’. While she often takes on comedic or dramatic roles she possesses a surprising background in martial arts. She earned a black belt in Taekwondo during her youth which helped her develop physical confidence. This training has occasionally come in handy for various roles that required physical comedy or specific movement patterns. She represents a diverse group of actresses who maintain serious athletic credentials behind the scenes.

Cynthia Rothrock

Cynthia Rothrock is a legendary figure in martial arts cinema who became an international star in both Hong Kong and American films. She holds five black belts in various Far Eastern martial arts disciplines including Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo. Before her acting career took off she was a world champion in martial arts forms and weapons competitions. Her films like ‘China O Brien’ and ‘Yes Madam’ showcased her incredible speed and technical proficiency. She remains an icon for female martial artists and continues to teach and perform around the world.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey transitioned from a world class athlete to a successful actress with roles in ‘Furious 7’ and ‘The Expendables 3’. She is a former Olympic medalist in Judo and holds a high ranking black belt in the sport. Her expertise in grappling and throwing techniques made her a unique asset for modern action cinema. She often brings a sense of brutal realism to her fight scenes that sets her apart from traditional actors. Her career path has paved the way for other professional fighters to find success in the entertainment industry.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich is the face of the ‘Resident Evil’ film franchise where she portrays the zombie fighting hero Alice. To sustain the physical demands of her various action roles she trained extensively in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She eventually earned a black belt in Taekwondo which she has used to perform many of her own stunts. Her commitment to training ensures that her combat sequences look professional and fluid on the big screen. She is widely regarded as one of the most hardworking action stars in the industry.

Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn has appeared in a wide range of films including ‘X Men Apocalypse’ and ‘The Predator’. She started her martial arts journey at a young age while growing up in a military family and eventually earned a black belt in Taekwondo. Her training proved invaluable when she was cast as Psylocke where she performed much of her own sword work. She has spoken publicly about the importance of martial arts for building self defense skills and mental fortitude. Her athleticism continues to be a major part of her public persona and career choices.

Katrina Law

Katrina Law is well known for her roles in action heavy series like ‘Arrow’ and ‘Spartacus’. She grew up competing in various sports and dedicated herself to mastering the art of Taekwondo. The actress earned her black belt and continues to practice martial arts to stay in peak physical condition. Her training allowed her to excel in the complex fight choreography required for her role as Nyssa al Ghul. She is often praised by stunt coordinators for her ability to learn and execute fight sequences quickly.

Devon Aoki

Devon Aoki is a model and actress who appeared in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ and ‘Sin City’. She grew up in a family with a strong athletic background and took up martial arts at a young age. The actress earned a black belt in Karate which helped her land roles that required a high level of physical discipline. In ‘Sin City’ she portrayed a deadly assassin and used her real life skills to make the character more believable. She remains a notable example of an actress who balances high fashion with serious combat training.

Keiko Agena

Keiko Agena is best known for her role as Lane Kim on the long running series ‘Gilmore Girls’. While her character on the show was a music lover Agena herself spent time mastering Taekwondo in real life. She eventually achieved the rank of black belt after years of consistent practice and dedication. This accomplishment reflects her personal commitment to physical fitness and self improvement outside of her acting career. She often surprises fans who only know her for her more soft spoken television characters.

Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa is a famous television host and actress known for her long tenure on ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’. Despite her busy schedule she has always prioritized fitness and spent years training in Taekwondo. She successfully earned a black belt in the discipline alongside her children as a family activity. Ripa has often discussed the benefits of the sport for maintaining energy and focus in her high energy career. Her achievement demonstrates that martial arts can be a lifelong pursuit regardless of one’s professional background.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay is the star of the long running procedural drama ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. To stay fit and grounded she took up Shotokan Karate and eventually reached the level of black belt. The actress has stated that her training helps her connect with the strength and resilience of her character Olivia Benson. Martial arts provided her with a sense of empowerment that she carries into her advocacy work for survivors of violence. She continues to be a role model for women seeking both physical and emotional strength.

Sarah Shahi

Sarah Shahi has starred in various television series including ‘Person of Interest’ and ‘The L Word’. She is a former NFL cheerleader who transitioned into acting and brought a strong athletic foundation with her. Shahi holds a black belt in Karate which she has utilized for several of her more physical television roles. Her ability to perform her own stunts has made her a favorite for producers of action dramas. She often credits her martial arts background for her ability to handle the rigors of long filming days.

JeeJa Yanin

JeeJa Yanin is a Thai actress who gained international fame for her breakout role in the film ‘Chocolate’. She is a professional martial artist who holds a third degree black belt in Taekwondo. Before her film career began she competed in various tournaments and worked as a martial arts instructor. Her films are known for their minimal use of wires and CGI, relying instead on her actual physical prowess. She is considered one of the leading female action stars in Asian cinema today.

Zhang Lanxin

Zhang Lanxin is a Chinese actress who was discovered by Jackie Chan for her martial arts skills. She was a member of the China National Taekwondo Team and is a former national champion in the sport. Her black belt status and athletic frame allowed her to perform spectacular kicking sequences in films like ‘CZ12’. She often plays characters who use their martial arts abilities to overcome multiple opponents. Her transition from professional athlete to movie star was marked by her impressive physical performance.

JuJu Chan

JuJu Chan is an actress and martial artist often referred to as the female Bruce Lee in the media. She is a black belt in Taekwondo and has represented Hong Kong in international competitions. Her skills extend to other disciplines including Wing Chun and Thai boxing which she incorporates into her film roles. She appeared in ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Sword of Destiny’ where she showcased her expertise with weapons. Chan continues to advocate for female representation in the martial arts and action film genres.

Cynthia Khan

Cynthia Khan became a major star in the Hong Kong action film industry during the late eighties. She was trained in classical dance before transitioning into martial arts where she earned a black belt rank. Khan replaced Michelle Yeoh in the ‘In the Line of Duty’ film series and quickly proved she could handle intense fight choreography. Her background in both dance and combat gave her a unique and fluid fighting style on screen. She remains a beloved figure among fans of classic martial arts cinema.

Yukari Oshima

Yukari Oshima is a Japanese actress who became a superstar in Hong Kong action cinema. She began training in Karate at a young age and eventually earned a black belt in the discipline. Her physical toughness and technical skill made her a sought after performer for villainous and heroic roles alike. She appeared in numerous cult classics including ‘The Story of Ricky’ and ‘Iron Angels’. Oshima is remembered for her intense screen presence and her legitimate combat credentials.

Michiko Nishiwaki

Michiko Nishiwaki is a Japanese actress and former female bodybuilder who found success in the Hong Kong film industry. She holds a black belt in Karate and was a pioneer for women in strength sports in Japan. Her impressive physique and martial arts skills led to memorable roles in films like ‘God of Gamblers’ and ‘My Lucky Stars’. She often portrayed formidable antagonists who challenged the main heroes with their physical power. Later in her career she moved to Hollywood to work as a stunt performer and actress.

Karen Sheperd

Karen Sheperd is an American actress and martial artist who was the first woman to be ranked number one in the world for martial arts forms. She holds a black belt in several styles and has spent her life dedicated to combat training. Her film career includes roles in ‘Above the Law’ and ‘Cyborg 2’ where she performed her own stunts. She has also worked extensively as a stunt coordinator and fight choreographer for television and film. She remains an active member of the martial arts community and a mentor to aspiring female fighters.

Sophia Crawford

Sophia Crawford is a British actress and stunt performer who is perhaps best known as the stunt double for Sarah Michelle Gellar on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She is a highly skilled martial artist who holds a black belt in Karate. Before working in Hollywood she spent several years in the Hong Kong film industry appearing in numerous action movies. Her combat background allowed her to perform some of the most iconic fights in television history. She continues to work in the industry and remains a respected figure in the stunt community.

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