Asian Actresses Who Are Also Accomplished Martial Artists

Asian actresses have long been a driving force in the world of action cinema through their dedication to martial arts. Many of these performers began their careers in competitive sports or professional stunt work before transitioning to the big screen. Their ability to perform complex choreography without the need for doubles has earned them respect from audiences and peers alike. This list highlights the incredible women who have mastered various combat disciplines while maintaining successful acting careers.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is an Academy Award winner known for her incredible skill in Wushu and dance. She performed many of her own stunts in films like ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Police Story 3 Super Cop’. Her background in classical ballet provided the foundation for her fluid and precise movement in action sequences. She gained international fame as a Bond girl in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ before continuing her legacy in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi rose to international prominence after her breakout role in the martial arts epic ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’. She spent years training in Wushu and traditional dance at the Beijing Dance Academy to perfect her combat skills on screen. Her performances in ‘House of Flying Daggers’ and ‘Hero’ showcase her ability to blend martial arts with emotional depth. She remains a leading figure in Chinese cinema through her continued dedication to physically demanding roles.

Cheng Pei-pei

Cheng Pei-pei is widely regarded as the first female action star of Hong Kong cinema due to her iconic role in ‘Come Drink with Me’. She was a trained ballerina who used her flexibility and discipline to master the complex choreography of Wuxia films. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s she paved the way for future generations of women in the genre. She later introduced her skills to a global audience as the villainous Jade Fox in ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’.

Moon Lee

Moon Lee became a prominent figure in the girls with guns subgenre of Hong Kong cinema during the 1980s. She is an accomplished practitioner of Wushu and Taekwondo which allowed her to perform intense combat scenes. Her roles in the ‘Angel’ series established her as one of the most capable female fighters in the industry. Her high energy and technical precision made her a favorite among fans of classic East Asian action films.

Yukari Oshima

Yukari Oshima is a Japanese actress and martial artist who made a significant impact on the Hong Kong film scene. She began her training in Gōjū-ryū Karate and later incorporated other styles into her screen fighting repertoire. She often played formidable villains or rival fighters in films like ‘Millionaires Express’ and ‘Angel’. Her powerful kicking techniques and authentic combat style earned her a reputation as one of the toughest women in the business.

JeeJa Yanin

JeeJa Yanin is a Thai actress who holds a fourth dan black belt in Taekwondo. She became an overnight sensation following her lead role in the martial arts film ‘Chocolate’ where she displayed remarkable speed and agility. Her training allows her to execute high level stunts and combat sequences with minimal camera tricks. She has since appeared in international projects and continues to showcase her specialized skills in various action genres.

Zhang Lanxin

Zhang Lanxin is a former member of the Chinese National Taekwondo Team and a national champion in the sport. She was discovered by Jackie Chan and made her film debut in ‘CZ12’ also known as ‘Chinese Zodiac’. Her incredible reach and powerful striking ability make her a standout performer in modern action cinema. She frequently utilizes her athletic background to portray strong and capable characters in high budget productions.

Miki Mizuno

Miki Mizuno is a Japanese actress who has balanced a successful career in television dramas with intense action roles. She is trained in several martial arts disciplines and often performs her own stunts in Japanese productions. Her role in the ‘Bayside Shakedown’ franchise helped establish her as a versatile performer capable of both drama and combat. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry through her physical and acting talents.

Rina Takeda

Rina Takeda is a professional martial artist who holds a black belt in Ryukyu Shōrin-ryū Karate. She gained fame for her role in ‘High Kick Girl’ where she performed all of her combat scenes without the use of wires or stunt doubles. Her dedication to realism in martial arts films has made her a unique presence in the genre. She often participates in live demonstrations and competitions to maintain her high level of technical proficiency.

Chiaki Kuriyama

Chiaki Kuriyama is best known to Western audiences for her role as Gogo Yubari in ‘Kill Bill Volume 1’. While she started as a model and actress she underwent rigorous training in various martial arts to prepare for her action roles. Her performance with a chain weapon became one of the most iconic images in modern action cinema. She has continued to work in Japanese film and television often taking on roles that require significant physical preparation.

Maggie Q

Maggie Q began her career in Hong Kong where she was mentored by Jackie Chan in the art of screen combat. She is trained in Wushu and various other fighting styles which she utilized in the ‘Nikita’ television series. Her background in modeling and athletics allowed her to transition seamlessly into high stakes action roles in Hollywood. She is recognized for her ability to handle complex weapons and hand to hand choreography in projects like ‘Mission Impossible 3’.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is a versatile actress who has extensively trained in martial arts for her various film roles. She studied the arts of Kali and Eskrima as well as Silat to prepare for the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ franchise and ‘Kill Bill’. Her disciplined approach to action sequences has allowed her to portray some of the most memorable female fighters in cinema. She continues to incorporate her physical skills into her diverse range of performances across film and television.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu is a former Miss Teen USA who holds a black belt in Karate and is trained in various other combat styles. She showcased her impressive skills as Lady Deathstrike in ‘X2 X-Men United’ where she performed extensive wire work and combat. Her background in martial arts has been a staple of her career in both live action roles and voice acting for animated projects. She remains an active figure in the action community and frequently shares her passion for fitness and training.

Celina Jade

Celina Jade is a martial artist and actress who grew up in a family of performers and fighters. She is trained in Wushu and archery which helped her land the lead female role in the massive hit ‘Wolf Warrior 2’. Her ability to perform her own stunts and combat scenes has made her a highly sought after talent in both Chinese and international cinema. She also appeared in the series ‘Arrow’ where she demonstrated her proficiency with various weapons.

Joyce Godenzi

Joyce Godenzi is a former Miss Hong Kong who became a dedicated martial artist under the guidance of her husband Sammo Hung. She is known for her high level of skill in Wushu and her powerful presence in films like ‘Eastern Condors’. Her transition from a beauty pageant winner to a credible action star was a significant achievement in the Hong Kong film industry. She retired from acting at the height of her career but remains a respected figure in the martial arts world.

Li Bingbing

Li Bingbing is a major Chinese star who has successfully transitioned into Western action blockbusters. She underwent intensive Wushu training for her roles in films like ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ and ‘Resident Evil Retribution’. Her ability to master complex choreography and weapon work has allowed her to stand out in high budget productions. She continues to be a prominent actress who balances dramatic storytelling with demanding physical performances.

Liu Yifei

Liu Yifei is a popular Chinese actress who has demonstrated her martial arts prowess in several high profile Wuxia projects. She is trained in Wushu and swordsmanship which served her well in the live action adaptation of ‘Mulan’. Her performance in ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ alongside martial arts legends further established her credibility in the genre. She is known for her graceful movement and ability to perform intricate stunts with elegance and power.

Ha Ji-won

Ha Ji-won is a prominent South Korean actress known for her versatility and commitment to physical roles. She has trained in Kendo and boxing to prepare for various television series and films like ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Sector 7’. Her ability to perform difficult stunts and combat scenes has earned her a reputation as a powerhouse in the industry. She continues to take on roles that challenge her physically while maintaining a strong emotional connection with the audience.

Lee Si-young

Lee Si-young is a unique talent in the South Korean entertainment industry as she is both a successful actress and a former competitive boxer. She began boxing for a television role and eventually won several amateur championships before joining a professional team. Her combat experience translates directly to her screen work in action series such as ‘Sweet Home’. She is widely admired for her discipline and the authentic intensity she brings to her physical performances.

Pom Klementieff

Pom Klementieff is an actress who has significantly increased her martial arts training for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She studied Taekwondo and boxing to enhance her performance as Mantis and for her role in ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One’. Her dedication to learning new fighting styles has allowed her to perform many of her own stunts in high budget action films. She often shares her training progress and passion for combat sports with her fans.

Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick is a British actress of Chinese descent who has mastered several weapon and fighting styles for her roles. She trained extensively in Wushu and staff fighting for her portrayal of Colleen Wing in the series ‘Iron Fist’. Her commitment to martial arts continued with her roles in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and ‘The Gray Man’. She is recognized for her technical accuracy and the fluid nature of her combat choreography.

Jing Tian

Jing Tian is a Chinese actress who has appeared in several major international action films. She underwent significant Wushu training to prepare for her roles in ‘The Great Wall’ and ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’. Her background in dance helped her adapt quickly to the requirements of high level action choreography. She continues to be a prominent figure in the global film market through her participation in physically demanding blockbusters.

Nana Seino

Nana Seino is a Japanese actress who has gained attention for her impressive physical abilities and stunt work. She is trained in various martial arts and often takes on roles that require extensive combat scenes in films like ‘Kingdom’. Her athletic background allows her to perform high energy sequences with a level of realism that is rare in modern cinema. She is considered one of the rising stars of the Japanese action genre due to her technical skill.

Tao Tsuchiya

Tao Tsuchiya is a Japanese actress who has combined her background in dance and athletics with action roles. She is well known for her performance in the ‘Alice in Borderland’ series where she displays significant physical endurance and combat skills. Her training in Nihon Buyo and other traditional disciplines provides her with the balance and coordination needed for complex stunts. She continues to seek out roles that allow her to showcase her physical versatility.

Asami

Asami is a Japanese actress and stuntwoman who has become a cult favorite in the world of extreme action cinema. She has a strong background in Karate which she uses to perform intense and often brutal combat scenes. Her roles in films like ‘The Machine Girl’ and ‘Gothic and Lolita Psycho’ have established her as a formidable screen fighter. She is known for her fearless approach to stunts and her ability to handle a wide range of weapons.

Cynthia Khan

Cynthia Khan is a Taiwanese actress who succeeded Michelle Yeoh in the ‘In the Line of Duty’ film series. She is highly trained in Taekwondo and Wushu which allowed her to perform the demanding choreography required for the franchise. Her speed and kicking ability made her one of the most prominent female action stars of the late 1980s and 1990s. She remains an influential figure for her contributions to the girls with guns genre of cinema.

Michiko Nishiwaki

Michiko Nishiwaki is a Japanese actress and former bodybuilding champion who transitioned into martial arts films. She became famous in Hong Kong cinema for her incredible physique and her combat skills in movies like ‘My Lucky Stars’. Her training in various disciplines allowed her to hold her own against legends like Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. She later worked in Hollywood as a stunt double and actress further showcasing her diverse talents.

Nora Miao

Nora Miao is a legendary actress who is best known for her appearances alongside Bruce Lee in his most famous films. While she was primarily a dramatic actress she received training in Wing Chun and other styles to perform her scenes. Her roles in ‘The Way of the Dragon’ and ‘Fist of Fury’ made her an international star during the 1970s. She remains a beloved figure in the history of martial arts cinema for her screen presence and talent.

Jamie Chung

Jamie Chung is an American actress of Korean descent who has trained in martial arts for several of her roles. She studied Taekwondo to prepare for her performance in the film ‘Sucker Punch’ and continued her training for other projects. Her ability to handle complex choreography has allowed her to take on diverse roles in both film and television. She remains an active and versatile performer who frequently incorporates her physical skills into her work.

Moon Bloodgood

Moon Bloodgood is an actress who has utilized her athletic background in several high profile action roles. She trained in Hapkido and Muay Thai to prepare for her performances in projects like ‘Terminator Salvation’. Her disciplined approach to fitness and combat training has made her a credible presence in the science fiction and action genres. She continues to be recognized for her ability to portray strong and physically capable characters.

Fala Chen

Fala Chen is a Chinese American actress who recently showcased her martial arts potential in the global blockbuster ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. She underwent intensive training in various Wushu styles and Tai Chi to prepare for her role as a master of the mystical arts. Her background in dance helped her master the fluid and rhythmic movements required for the film combat. She continues to expand her career internationally with a focus on versatile and challenging roles.

Gong Li

Gong Li is one of the most celebrated actresses in Chinese history and has often trained in martial arts for her epic film roles. She learned complex swordsmanship and Wushu for her performance as the powerful witch in the live action ‘Mulan’. Her ability to blend high level acting with demanding physical choreography has made her a unique force in global cinema. She remains a symbol of elegance and strength in every project she undertakes.

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