martial arts
December 28, 2023
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by Sensei Keith

Today we wanted to have a little fun and dive into the world of celebrities who practice martial arts and combat sports in real life. We all love a good action movie, but did you know that some of our favorite celebrities have real-life skills on the mat and in the ring? From actors who have trained in martial arts for film roles to musicians who use self-defense techniques for fitness, this list showcases a few surprising celebrities who can kick butt in more ways than one. These stars are not just action heroes on the big screen; they can actually hold their own in a real fight!

First up, we have a Hollywood heartthrob who may have stolen your heart in romantic comedies, but did you know he’s also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? That’s right, Justin Bieber isn’t just a talented singer; he can also handle himself in the ring. Next, there’s a popular actress who effortlessly takes down bad guys in her action-packed films. You may not have known that Charlize Theron has been trained in Krav Maga for years. You can see some her skills on display in the 2023 movie, Fast X.

But the surprises don’t stop there. Nelly, rapper, known for his hard-hitting lyrics and energetic performances is also a skilled martial artist.  The ‘Hot in Herre’ hitmaker, holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has even trained with some of the best fighters in the world.

Who could have imagined that the pop princess herself has some serious fighting chops? That’s right, Britney Spears, the queen of catchy tunes, is also an avid fan of Shaolin Kung Fu. She has been practicing this ancient martial art form for several years and even incorporates some of its moves into her stage performances.

And let’s not forget about Dave Bautista, who made a seamless transition from professional wrestling to Hollywood. This powerhouse of a man knows a thing or two about throwing a punch. But what you may not know is that Bautista undergoes rigorous training regimens before filming action scenes. From intense weightlifting sessions to learning advanced combat techniques, Bautista makes sure he’s in top shape to execute those heart-stopping fight scenes flawlessly.

Last but certainly not least, prepare to be wowed by the hidden talent of a beloved funnyman. You may know him for his comedic brilliance, but did you know that Jim Carrey is also a trained kickboxer? He has trained in kickboxing for years and has even competed in amateur matches.

Shifting our focus from martial arts to the world of boxing, let’s take a closer look at some surprising celebrities who can throw punches like champs!  First up, we have none other than the legendary actor, Mickey Rourke. While his rugged looks and tough-guy personas have made him a household name in Hollywood, what many people don’t know is that Rourke is a former professional boxer. In fact, he had quite a successful boxing career in the 90s, even winning three out of his four professional fights.

Mickey Rourke, didn’t just rely on his previous boxing experience. He sought out top trainers who could help him refine his skills and enhance his technique. Through rigorous training and countless hours in the gym, he was able to transform himself into a formidable fighter, even at an age when most people would be hanging up their gloves.

Multi-talented singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Sheeran has a secret passion for the sport of boxing. He’s been training for years and even sparred with some professional boxers.

Ed Sheeran  didn’t just dabble in boxing, but truly dedicated himself to the sport. With the guidance of expert trainers, he learned the proper form and technique, honing his skills in the ring. It’s clear that his passion and commitment contributed to his surprising prowess as a fighter.

Last but certainly not least, we have the iconic actor and comedian, Owen Wilson, joining the ranks of celebrities with hidden fighting skills. Wilson, famous for his hilarious performances in comedy films, is also a skilled martial artist and has trained extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What’s more, he has even been known to incorporate his martial arts moves into his on-screen antics, adding an extra layer of authenticity to his roles. He sought out world-class instructors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training alongside professionals and absorbing their knowledge. His dedication paid off, as he became proficient in the art and incorporated it seamlessly into his on-screen performances.

Now, who are our  top 3 favorite celebrity butt kickers?

Now it’s time to highlight our top three favorite stars who excel in the world of combat sports. These individuals not only have a passion for action-packed roles on screen but have also taken their skills to the next level in real life.

Coming in at number one is none other than Keanu Reeves. While we may know him best for his iconic role as Neo in “The Matrix” franchise, Reeves is actually a trained martial artist in real life. He has studied various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, and even founded his own martial arts training program. His commitment to physical fitness and combat sports is truly remarkable.

Charlize Theron, who we mentioned previously,  proved she could hold her own in the action genre with her role in “Atomic Blonde.” To prepare for the intense fight scenes, Theron underwent extensive training in martial arts and even sustained injuries during filming (talk about dedication!). Her ability to seamlessly portray a fierce, badass character is a testament to her hard work and athleticism.

Finally, we can’t forget about Tom Hardy. Known for his role as Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises,” and his performance in the MMA drama “Warrior”, Hardy’s physical transformation for the role was nothing short of incredible. He trained intensely in various combat sports, including boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to embody the powerful and intimidating character. Hardy’s dedication to his craft and willingness to push his physical limits make him a true force to be reckoned with.

If you’re intrigued by these surprising celebrities who can kick butt, we encourage you to dive deeper into their stories. Discover their training routines, learn about the disciplines they have mastered, and gain insights into the challenges they have faced along the way.

Tradition Meets Modern
To Create Tomorrow's Champions!

To Create Tomorrow's Champions!