Celebs Who Practice Martial Arts

Martial arts training serves many purposes for Hollywood stars including physical fitness and preparation for demanding action roles. Many actors dedicate years to mastering specific disciplines like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Karate to ensure their performances look authentic on screen. This list explores several public figures who have achieved various belt rankings or consistent training milestones in combat sports. Their commitment to these ancient practices often influences their career paths and lifestyle choices.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves began intensive martial arts training while preparing for his role as Neo in ‘The Matrix’. He spent months learning various styles of Kung Fu and weaponry to perform his own stunts. The actor continued his training for the ‘John Wick’ franchise by incorporating Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu into his routine. His dedication to these crafts allows him to execute complex choreography with high precision.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is an active practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has participated in multiple competitive tournaments. He has earned a purple belt and won gold medals in various regional competitions across the United Kingdom. His training helps him maintain the physical presence required for roles in ‘Warrior’ and ‘Venom’. He often trains at local gyms to sharpen his grappling skills and overall conditioning.

Jason Statham

Jason Statham is well known for performing many of his own fight sequences in high octane action films. He has a background in multiple disciplines including Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The actor often integrates his combat knowledge into films like ‘The Transporter’ and ‘The Expendables’. Statham advocates for the discipline and focus that martial arts provide during his regular workout routines.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen uses Kung Fu and Tai Chi to maintain her physical and mental health. She began training in martial arts while living in New York and continued the practice throughout her modeling career. The Brazilian supermodel credits these disciplines for helping her stay centered and agile. She often shares her training sessions on social media to highlight the benefits of these traditional arts.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. is a dedicated practitioner of Wing Chun which is a concept based Chinese martial art. He began training under Sifu Eric Oram to help maintain his sobriety and mental focus. This discipline influenced his movement in ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and his portrayal of Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’. He credits the practice with providing him a sense of stability and internal discipline.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher has reached the rank of brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the instruction of Rigan Machado. He often travels to specialized training centers to improve his ground game and technical knowledge. The actor has been spotted training with professional fighters and world champions in the sport. His commitment to the art has spanned over a decade of consistent practice.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and frequently trains in Mixed Martial Arts. She has spoken about how combat sports provide a healthy outlet for stress and emotional regulation. The singer often incorporates Muay Thai and boxing into her fitness regimen. Her training journey is documented through her involvement with high level martial arts academies.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth incorporates Muay Thai and Kickboxing into his preparation for his role in ‘Thor’. He works with professional trainers to master the striking techniques necessary for his action sequences. His training sessions often focus on agility and explosive power to match the physicality of his characters. The actor uses these disciplines as a core component of his overall functional fitness program.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson trained extensively in various martial arts to play Black Widow in ‘The Avengers’. Her preparation included learning Wushu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to execute her character’s signature moves. She worked with elite stunt teams to ensure her hand to hand combat looked realistic on the big screen. The actress continued this training for several sequels and standalone films within the franchise.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba underwent a year of professional Kickboxing training for a documentary series titled ‘Idris Elba Fighter’. He traveled around the world to train with renowned coaches before competing in a professional match. The actor achieved a victory in his debut bout held at York Hall in London. This experience showcased his physical endurance and commitment to mastering a combat discipline.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill is an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and often trains while filming on location. He has shared his progress in the sport with fans and emphasizes the mental benefits of the practice. His physical stature and strength are complemented by the technical skills he learns on the mats. This training assists him in performing the intense stunt work required for ‘The Witcher’.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan is a world famous martial artist who trained at the China Drama Academy in his youth. He is proficient in various styles including Hapkido and Wushu. His unique style blends traditional martial arts with acrobatic stunts and physical comedy in films like ‘Drunken Master’. He has spent his entire career promoting martial arts through his extensive filmography.

Jet Li

Jet Li is a former Wushu champion who won several national titles in China before starting his acting career. He is an expert in various weapon styles and hand to hand combat techniques. His mastery of the art is showcased in iconic films such as ‘Hero’ and ‘Fearless’. Li has also dedicated much of his life to teaching the philosophy and physical practice of Wushu to others.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is renowned for her martial arts prowess despite not having formal training until she started her film career. She utilized her background in dance to master the choreography required for movies like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. The actress performs many of her own stunts and has worked with legendary fight coordinators. Her performances are celebrated for their grace and technical accuracy.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen is a highly skilled martial artist with black belts in multiple disciplines including Judo and Taekwondo. He is credited with popularizing Wing Chun through his portrayal of the titular character in ‘Ip Man’. Yen is also proficient in Mixed Martial Arts and often incorporates those elements into modern action cinema. He remains one of the most respected figures in the world of martial arts filmmaking.

Taylor Lautner

Taylor Lautner was a world class martial artist long before he starred in ‘Twilight’. He earned a black belt in Karate by the age of eight and won several junior world championships. His training in Xtreme Martial Arts helped him develop the agility and strength needed for his physical roles. He often demonstrates his skills during public appearances and film promotions.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes has been training in martial arts since the age of twelve and holds a fifth degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. He is also proficient in Hapkido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The actor utilized his extensive skills to perform the fight choreography in ‘Blade’. His background in combat sports defines much of his work in the action genre.

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris is a legendary martial artist who founded his own style called Chun Kuk Do. He was a professional Karate champion for many years and holds black belts in Tang Soo Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His expertise led him to a successful career in films like ‘Way of the Dragon’ and the television series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’. He is a prominent advocate for martial arts education and discipline.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Jean Claude Van Damme began studying Shotokan Karate at a young age and eventually earned a black belt. He competed in several professional kickboxing and karate matches before moving to Hollywood. Known as the Muscles from Brussels, he showcased his flexibility and striking skills in ‘Bloodsport’. His signature moves include the 360 degree leaping kick and the full splits.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar holds a black belt in Taekwondo and spent years training for her role in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Her background in martial arts allowed her to perform many of her own fight scenes during the show’s seven season run. She also studied Kickboxing and street fighting techniques to enhance her character’s combat style. This physical preparation was essential for the demanding nature of the supernatural series.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu has extensive experience in Kali Eskrima Silat which involves training with sticks and knives. She utilized these skills for her roles in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill Volume 1’. The actress spent months working with martial arts masters to perfect her technique for the big screen. Her dedication to the craft is evident in the precision of her weapon work and hand to hand combat.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba began training in martial arts for her lead role in the series ‘Dark Angel’. She has continued to practice various forms including Taekwondo and Krav Maga throughout her career. Her training sessions often focus on building functional strength and self defense skills. These abilities have been showcased in several of her action oriented film projects.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts has been a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and participated in amateur competitions in the past. She started training in the art during the early 2000s and has remained dedicated to the sport for fitness. The actress finds that the mental challenge of grappling helps her stay focused in her professional life. She often trains at specialized academies to refine her technique.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston has incorporated Budokon into her fitness routine for many years. This discipline combines martial arts with yoga and meditation to promote overall well being. She works with private instructors to master the fluid movements and striking patterns of the art. The practice helps her maintain her agility and physical conditioning while managing a busy schedule.

Guy Ritchie

Guy Ritchie is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and also holds a black belt in Judo. The acclaimed director is a frequent presence at martial arts tournaments and high level training facilities. He often integrates his knowledge of combat sports into the gritty fight scenes of his films. Ritchie credits the discipline of martial arts for helping him maintain clarity and focus during production.

Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan is a highly accomplished martial artist with black belts in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was a state champion in Taekwondo during his youth and later transitioned into grappling. As a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he possesses a deep technical understanding of various combat styles. He continues to train and promote the benefits of martial arts to a global audience.

Ed O’Neill

Ed O’Neill is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and trained under the legendary Rorion Gracie for over twenty years. The actor best known for his role in ‘Married with Children’ considers earning his black belt one of his greatest achievements. He has often spoken about the discipline and humility that the sport requires. His commitment to the art has made him a respected figure within the martial arts community.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu is a black belt in Karate and has extensive experience in various combat disciplines. She showcased her skills as Lady Deathstrike in ‘X2 X Men United’ where she performed complex fight choreography. The actress maintains her training to stay prepared for physical roles in television and film. Her background in martial arts provides her with the coordination and power needed for action sequences.

Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick is a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and a second degree black belt in Karate. She started her own martial arts school by the age of sixteen and has trained many other students. Her background was instrumental in landing her role as Lagertha in the series ‘Vikings’. She often assists with the fight choreography on set to ensure historical and technical accuracy.

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