Not long ago, I put up an infographic I found detailing the martial arts styles and experience of a number of celebrities (it’s here – but I recommend reading this list instead).
After looking at it, I felt I could come up with a much more comprehensive list – so here I am to deliver!
But as I was writing this list I realized that it was far too long for just one post. So I decided I would split it into two posts, with the first, below, being mainstream celebrities and the second focusing on our favorite martial arts heroes (this list is now up – check it out here)
So without further adieu, here’s the first half listing the martial arts background of many mainstream celebrities!
Actors & TV Personalities
You’ve seen these people in movies, on television shows quite often staring at you from the other side of the glass…
…creepy.
At least you can stare back! While you’re at it, let’s see what these people do to keep themselves suitably lethal in their lives.
Joe Rogan
He’s a comedian, iTunes podcaster and commentator of the UFC. So naturally he’s got a little (OK, a lot of) martial arts behind him and he stays in ridiculously good shape.
Here’s what he has to his name:
- Taekwondo Black Belt – winning 19 Us Open Tournaments
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
- Trained in MMA & Muay Thai
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Robert Downey Jr
How freakin unbeatble would Ironman be with some Kung Fu up his sleeve? Well, no more than he is already, I mean he has lasers, rockets and can fly.
Nevertheless, Robert Downer Jr himself is a man who has had his foot in the Kung Fu door for many years, becoming quite proficient in the art of…
…drumroll please:
- Wing Chun – starting back around 2005.
Michael Clarke Duncan
While pictured above wearing a blue belt (which is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to BJJ), Michael Clarke Duncan had earned himself a Purple Belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu before he died.
This is a pretty impressive feat as it can take some years to get a purple belt in the art – with the average BJJ black belt taking 13+ years to earn. Being such a big guy, he would have been a monster to wrestle with!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
Paul Walker
The late Fast and Furious star was quite the martial artist himself. While alive he wore a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, with his black belt being awarded to him at his funeral.
What a lot of people also don’t realize is Paul also trained in the art of Muay Thai for years also, and saw the two as a fun way to keep fit.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt – presented at his funeral.
- Muay Thai
Chris Conrad
Chris is a movie and television actor who has also found a little extra fun rolling around on the floor in fancy pajamas. You might notice a trend forming here, he loves the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
- Kickboxing
- Wrestling
Arnold Schwarzenegger
This one’s kinda funny, but still worth a mention.
The Austrian Oak, the Terminator or more specifically (in this case) the Commando. Arnold Schwarzenegger undertook extensive Martial Arts training under Michael M. Vendrell when filming ‘The Commando’. Vendrel went on to say that he estimated Schwarzenegger’s skill level to be roughly that of a second degree black belt.
On top of the that, Arnold received an ‘honorary’ 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo about 10 years ago. So he’s ranked and has the skill, they’re just a little mismatched.
He’s also received awards for his accuracy in weapons handling on his films. Arnold is a man with meticulous attention to detail.
- Taekwondo Honorary 1st Dan Black Belt
- Second Dan Black Belt Skill level according to Michael M. Vendrel
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Jessica Biel
You saw her kicking ass in Blade Trinity, having started learning Martial Arts for the role. Well Jessica Biel keeps it up by using the arts to keep fit. She refers to her training mostly with he generalized “martial arts” but she has specifically mentioned that she trained in Kick boxing during one interview.
- Kickboxing
- Various Martial Arts
Jessica Alba
What guy doesn’t like Jessica Alba?
Well you better stick to your best behavior because she keeps herself fit and thin by training regularly in Taekwondo. So she’ll give you a good kickin’ if you give her a reason!
- Taekwondo
Sean Connery
Bond himself and former Mr Universe (oh yeah, he pumped the iron back in the day – check him out here) does actually have some skills! He’s trained in Kyokushin Karate and has reached the level of first degree black belt.
He even broke his instructor’s wrist training, which angered his instructor so much that he broke Sean’s wrist in return! I’m glad the people I train with have a more evolved sense of temperance 🙂
- Kyokushin Karate 1st Dan
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Michael Dudikoff
The American Ninja has some real moves, he trains regularly in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Rorian Gracie and is very active in the art.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Taylor Lautner
That kid from the Twilight movies? Yeah, he’s been doing Karate his whole life and has even won medals and competed throughout his childhood! Imagine adding some martial arts action into those Twilight movies!
- Karate
Diego Klattenhoff
This Canadian Actor follows the martial arts fitness trend by dedicating himself to training in Muay Thai.
- Muay Thai
Ed O’Niell
Remember Al from ‘Married with Children’? He seemed like quite the miserable family man – well that man was played by Ed O’Neill, who has since spent 16 years attaining his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and keeping up with his training for years since.
A BJJ Black Belt is nothing to sneeze at, so naturally I’m impressed!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 1st Dan Black Belt
Christian Bale
I’m Batman!
Ok, he’s done more than just Batman, but that’s how I’ll always remember him – as John Connor sent back through time to try and pass himself off as Bruce Wayne, dressing up in a Bat costume. Bad ass.
I do like Batman movies though, and it’s cool to see a guy playing the role who has some martial arts training, as Christian Bale trains Wing Chun under Eric Oram (who also trains Robert Downey Jr) and has some years of training under his belt. Don’t mess with this guy, he’s a real Psycho (yeah, pun intended).
- Wing Chun
Michael Imperioli
Taekwondo has “changed my life”, according to Sopranos actor Michael Imperiolo and turned his whole family toward a life of health and away from the “pack a day” smoking habit he once had. Nice work Michael!
- Taekwondo
Ryan Gosling
The guy all the girls want also happens to have some moves, he trains Muay Thai to keep in shape.
- Muay Thai
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah had to kick some ass to impress her audience during her reign as Buddy The Vampire Slayer, so naturally she trained regularly in the king of all kicking martial arts, Taekwondo – earning herself a 1st Degree Black Belt.
- Taekwondo 1st Dan Black Belt
Steve McQueen
Tough guy Steve McQueen was one of Bruce Lee’s personal Jeet Kune Do students! According to Lee he was a gifted fighter who “had the toughness in him”.
- Jeet Kune Do
Jennifer Aniston
One of the ‘Friends’, Jennifer Aniston keeps herself young and in shape by training in Budokon created by Cameron Shayne.
- Budokon
Milla Jovovich
This kick ass action actress from the Resident Evil movies enjoys wrestling around on the ground with other martial artists. She’s training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Micky rourke
You know this on screen tough guy, he used to box professionally! Crazy stuff. On top of that he sought out a martial arts instructor to help boost his chances of appearing action films some time ago, he ended up studying under Taejoon Lee and learning Hwa Rang Do.
- Professional Boxer
- Hwa Rang Do Practitioner
Mark Wahlberg
Getting himself prepared for the days when his Funky Bunch weren’t around for back up, Marky Mark trains very frequently in boxing in his own personal gym (which is bigger than my god damn house). Apparently he has some good moves too!
- Boxing
Brad Pitt
Straight out of the Fight Club into one of history’s greatest warriors (Achilles in Troy), Brad Pitt has played many tough guys in his career. Naturally, Brad decideds to train to protect himself, so he took up Krav Maga with his wife Angelina Jolie.
- Krav Maga
Angelina Jolie
Mentioned above, Joile trains in Krav Maga with her husband Brad Pitt. A real Mr & Mrs Smith duo.
- Krav Maga
Daniel Craig
The Krav Maga train keeps on rolling, this time James Bond himself has dedicated time to the art!
- Krav Maga
Courtney Cox & David Arquette
As mentioned earlier, Jennifer Aniston got Courtney Cox and her now husband David Arquette into Budokon when they were working together on ‘Friends’.
- Budokon
David Bautista
We know this massive guy has some strength and a background in wrestling, but big Dave has also competed in MMA and holds a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt. Bad ass!
- Wrestling (yes, actual wrestling)
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
- MMA
Jason Scott Lee
I know, Jason Seems to be a ‘martial arts movie star’ but it I think that’s pretty borderline. He was a mainstream actor before he studied martial arts and is known for a lot of movies outside of the martial arts genre, so I included him here.
Since portraying Bruce Lee in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Jason has taken up Jeet Kune Do for the last 22 years and become an instructor. A JKD instructor is a massive accomplishment and, like a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, one of the most difficult credentials to attain in all of martial arts – so this guy can now officially kick ass despite having no training before becoming famous in Dragon.
He also has some limited experience in Shaolin Kung Fu – check out this documentary he filmed a couple years ago.
- Jeet Kune Do Instructor
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James Coburn
James Coburn is another one of Bruce Lee’s private students. He is often referred to as the ‘melow’ one between himself and Steve McQueen (the ‘tough’ one).
- Jeet Kune Do
Rick Yune
Rick Yune is no joke! This guy can kick ass.
Rick Yune grew up studying martial arts and competing regularly, qualifying for the Olympic trials at the age of 19 for Taekwondo and fighting for a Golden Gloves title in boxing. He has also studied other styles, but these styles have been kept relatively secret (at least to me anyway)
- Taekwondo
- Boxing
Liam Neeson
He won’t be taken, he’ll throat chop his way through any assortment of thugs he needs to.
Seriously though, Liam Neeson isn’t to be tangled with. In his younger years Neeson trained and fought as a boxer, competing in Golden Glove matches. Sure, there’s no throat chops in Boxing, but I think after watching taken we can add it to the list.
- Boxing
- Throat chopping (have you seen Taken?)
James Caan
James Caan has been working hard in the movie industry for 50+ years, but he spent a good 30 years studying Karate. He trained under Takaruki Kuboto in the style of Gosoku Ryu Karate and achieved the ridiculously high rank of 6th degree black belt. Damn!
- Gosoku Ryu Karate 6th Dan Black Belt
Steve Irwin
How do you think he learned to wrassle Crocodiles? Well, I’m sure there’s actually no link, but Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter was training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu before he died!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Carrie Ann Moss
Yep, Trinity herself has a background in martial arts also! Carrie Ann Moss has a background in Shaolin Kung Fu.
- Shaolin Kung Fu
Bo Svenson
Bo Svenson is more than just another classic Hollywood actor, this guy dedicated himself to years of Judo practice, earnign himself a 4th degree black belt in the process. Not one to tanlge with!
- Judo 4th Dan Black Belt
Eric Roberts
He’s the best of the best (get it?) – well, one of them. But in order to do the flashy kicks Eric Roberts needed some training, so he got his 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo.
- Taekwondo 1st Dan Black Belt
Forest Whitaker
This guy has popped up in many movies over the years, but I never would have suspected a martial arts background. Forest has a 1st degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. Nice work!
- Kenpo Karate 1st Dan
Sean Patrick Flanery
This guys been acting for a long time, but training in Martial Arts even longer. Since he was nine years old he’s been training and exploring many different styles. He started out in Taekwondo (not Karate has people might think) and eventually ended up in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, earning Black Belts in these styles. Nice work!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
- Taekwondo Black Belt
Naomi Watts
Some of these actresses kick butt! Naomi trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has previously trained in Judo, competing in Judo competition. Nice work!
- Judo
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Lucy Liu
She was one of Charlies Angels and held a presence as woman who could kick your ass – hence the appearance in Kill Bill! Well, she trains in a hardcore knife fighting and open handed art called Silat!
- Kali-Eskrima-Silat
Ashton Kutcher
He’s a funny guy, but he could easily throw you on your ass and tap you out! Well, I’m not sure exactly how skilled he is, but Ashton Kutcher has a solid martial arts background also!
He grew up wrestling in Iowa and loved it. Since then he searched for the next art closest to wrestling and found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – which he just received his Purple Belt in last year. Nice work.
Note: There is a photo circulating of Ashton wearing a Black Belt, but this belt was borrowed for the day and he holds no such rank… yet.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
Kevin James
The funny man who showed off a few moves in his film Here comes the Boom. Well Kevin has put some solid time in training in Mixed Martial Arts and is quite good friends with Bas Rutten – a legend of the sport.
- MMA
Katheryn Winnick
This Canadian Actress shouldn’t be tangled with. She’s a 3rd Degree in Taekwondo and has even competed, earning a silver medal in some Canadian National Finals! She has also opened a handful of martial arts schools.
- Taekwondo 3rd Dan Black Belt
Jack Black
Why save Martial Arts for the dojo? Why not jump on stage and do a Tiger Roll during your performance? Jack Black has fun with his training background whilst performing, thanks to basic training in Judo.
- Judo
Devon Aoki
She’s too Fast and too Furious (oh I’m smashing the lame puns today!). This tiny supermodel has a strong background in American Hapkido Karate, holding a Black Belt in the style along with an honorary Black Belt from the World Tukong Martial Arts Federation.
- American Hapkido Karate Black Belt
Evan Rachel Wood
She started young this actress! Earning her Black Belt in Taekwondo at the age of 12.
- Taekwondo Black Belt
Bear Grylis
This guy knows how to survive in many situations, turns out he can kick you ass in a fight AND if it happens to be on a plane he can jump out and skydive his way into the wilderness before filming a TV show. That’s talent.
I guess it makes sense, he’s Ex SAS, 2nd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and trains in Ninjutsu.
- Shotokan Karate 2nd Dan
- Ninjutsu
John Cusack
This guy will really kick your ass. He doesn’t look mean or tough but he’s trained under the world’s most famous Kick Boxer, Benny The Jet Urquidez for over 20 years, achieving a level 6 black belt. Shit!
- Urquidez Ukidokan Kickboxing Level 6 Black Belt.
Guy Ritchie
Another serious martial artist finds his way onto film. Guy Ritchie is no slouch with his extensive background in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
- Judo Black Belt
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Ryan Phillipe
He knows Taekwondo, but it still didn’t protect him from the homicidal fisherman in ‘I know what you did last summer’. Maybe next time 😉
- Taekwondo Black Belt
Christian Slater
Slater used to have a lot of personal issues with his height, so he started training in Karate to overcome his feeling of inferiority. He earned himself a Green Belt.
- Karate Green Belt
Nicolas Cage
“Put the bunny back in the box”
I’ll always remember that line from Con Air, he’s an entertaining guy Nicolas Cage but I didn’t know he could roll on the mats! He trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the UFC champ Royce Gracie.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Jim Carrey
He’s a crazy, funny guy but he’s also surprisingly skilled in the arts, Jim Carrey has attained a Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As mentioned earlier, any color of belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takes years of training, with brown representing a minimum of 5 – 10 in most cases. So the funny man knows hist shit on the ground!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt
James Cagney
This is an old-skool on screen star right here! James Cagney was actually a Black Belt in the art of Judo! Quite impressive.
- Judo Black Belt
Lorenzo Lamas
This actor got serious about martial arts in the late 70’s/early 80’s and sought out instruction in Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate – and earned black belts in both!
- Shotokan Karate Black belt
- Taekwondo Black Belt
Mel Gibson
You’ve seen the Lethal Weapon scene, Gibson uses Jiu Jitsu (poorly) to subdue his opponent. Well apparently he kept up his training in BJJ and also Tai Chi to become quite skilled at both arts!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Tai Chi Chuan
Khalil Kain
Khalil Kain or Raheem Porter in Juice is also a man with some skill, he has earned himself a Black Belt in the art of Hapkido. That’s no small feat!
- Hapkido Black Belt
Emmanuel Lewis
‘Webster’ Star Emmanuel Lewis is no slouch, he’s kept quite active since his television days by studying Taekwondo – in which he has a Black Belt!
- Taekwondo Black Belt
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Athletes
I’m not talking about Professional fighters, you know what I mean! These guys excel at their sport of choice whilst also improving themselves through the study of martial arts.
Kobe Bryant
One of Basketball’s finest ever athletes also happens to be a truly dedicated martial artist. He’s a kung fu movie fan and studies Bruce Lee’s art of Jeet Kune Do!
- Jeet Kune Do
Hershel Walker
This former pro football player decided to take a step in the world of MMA and even fought in the cage!
- Mixed Martial Arts
David Akers
Another Pro Football player who likes to sharpen his combat arsenal, David Akers studies Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Shaolin Kenpo Karate.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Shaolin Kempo Karate Black Belt
D’Brickashaw Ferguson
These Football players keep comin’. this time it’s the 6’6″ 310 Pound machine D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Imagine fighting this guy with his enormous size whilst he holds a black belt in Karate!
- Karate Black Belt
Phil Mickelson
Enough with the Football players, let’s move onto one of Golf’s bad boys (if they have any!). Phil Mickelson trains in Taekwondo and Kung Fu!
- Kung Fu
- Taekwondo
Shaq
Imagine fighting a giant who also has MMA training? That’s our man Shaq!
- Mixed Martial Arts
Kareem Abdul Jabaar
Any martial arts fan would know that Kareem has a background – he’s in one of the most iconic fights of all time against Bruce Lee in Game of Death! Well, that’s because Bruce Lee taught him.
- Jeet Kune Do
Musicians
Why not learn how to sing AND fight?
These famous musicians have taken to the many dojos of the world to improve their combat skills….
Elvis Presley
The King of Rock also tried his hand at punching and kicking things. So he trained and received his black belt in Kenpo Karate. He stuck with it an received his 8th Degree Black Belt certificate in a private ceremony from Kang Rhee!
- Kenpo Karate 8th Degree Black Belt
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop this time! Michael Jackson has had some scandals in the past but somehow this never really hit mainstream – Michael’s bodyguard Matt Fiddes says he was “one of the best martial artists I’ve (he’d) ever seen“. Apparently he was extremely proficient in the Kung Fu style Sifu Kam Yuen! Some of the other Jacksons also apparently studied this art.
As Eddie Murphy said in RAW “He might this bad mother fucker behind closed doors”. Who knows Ed!
- Kung fu Sifu Kam Yuen practitioner
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Willie Nelson
He can sing, play guitar and kick ass, Willie Nelson isn’t just a Gon Kwon Yu Sul Black Belt but a 5th degree! Damn.
- Gon Kwon Yu Sul 5th Dan Black Belt
Rikki Rockett
Rock stars have always been seen as bad boys and tough, so Poison’s Rikki Rockett backs this up with BJJ Black Belt. Nice!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 1st Dan Black Belt
Matt Heafy
I’m a huge Trvium fan, seen them live multiple times and each time I wonder what it would be like to roll with Matt Heafy – as he has a Blue Belt in BJJ!
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt
Ice-T
He can fight standing or on the ground and then rap about it afterwards!
- Boxing
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Mick Jagger
He can sing and throw, Mick Jagger has been known to train in the art of Judo!
- Judo
Jean J Burnel
This guy doesn’t just train in Martial Arts, this Stranglers Bass Guitarist is an exceptionally high rank! Pulling a 7th degree Black Belt in Shinodan Karate with the title of Nanadan. Damn!
- Shinodan Karate Black Belt
Dave Mustain
Megadeth’s Dave Mustain has a few moves of his own. They appear to be mostly kicks though 😛
- Ukidokan Karate Black Belt
- Taekwondo Black Belt
Maynard James Keenan
The Tool / Perfect Circle lead singer has been known to hit the mats for a roll, he has trained under Rickson Gracie and attained a level of Purple Belt.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt
Tommy Lee
Even more BJJ practitioners coming from Metal / rock bands. Tommy Lee likes to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to keep fit.
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Joan Baez
She can sing and then toss you to the ground with the grab of a wrist! She has earned herself a Black Belt in Aikido!
- Aikido Black Belt
Lou Reed
The Velvet Underground lead singer has taken up one of the ‘softer’ martial arts and become quite skilled at it! He trains in Tai Chi.
- Tai Chi
Phil Collen
Phil Collen of Def Leppard is a dangerous man! He’s fit and holds a Karate Black Belt. On top of that, he trains regularly with a European Muay Thai kickboxing champion! I think this guy has some standing skills 🙂
- Karate Black Belt
- Muay Thai
Robert F Diggs (RZA)
This kung fu movie fanatic and member of the Wu Tang clan has been naturally drawn to the arts with years of training. No surprise there!
- Kung Fu
- Tai Chi
Glenn Danzig
He’s a Misfit but he knows how to look after himself. Glenn Danzig has been a martial artist for some time training in Jeet Kune Do under Jerry Poteet, along with some Muay Thai training.
- Jeet Kune Do
- Muay Thai
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Miscellaneous
…aaaand everyone else. lol
Criss Angel
He’s got some magical moves, Criss Angel also dabbles in the arts!
- Kung Fu
- Karate
- Taekwondo
Vladimir Putin
Perhaps one of the most highly ranked persons on this list! The Russian President doesn’t just train in Judo and doesn’t just have a “black belt” – he’s a 8th freakin degree! That’s about as high a rank as you get in any art! He also holds an honorary 9th degree in Taekwondo!
- Judo 8th Degree Black Belt
- Taekwondo Honorary 9th Degree Black Belt
Albert II
The Prince of Monaco himself has trained in Judo, earning himself a Black Belt!
- Judo 1st Degree Black Belt
Barack Obama
When you’re President of the US, you need to know some moves just in case ninja’s break into the white house! (or Black Dynamite when he fought Richard Nixon)
- Karate Green Belt – honorary black belt South Korean Pres Lee Myung-Bak
Theodore Roosevelt
This guy was a weapon, former President Teddy Roosevelt trained in several arts and should be known as the ‘original President of MMA’.
- Boxing (had several fights)
- Wrestling (competed several times)
- Jiu Jitsu / Judo
Adrianna Lima
This stunning model knows how to do some fancy and realistic fighting moves – better not hit on her too aggressively 🙂
- MMA
- Capoeira
Gisele Bundchen
This stunning model also harnesses her Chi in her off time to become a better martial artist!
- Tai Chi
Ted Kavanau
The founder of CNN has put in the hours and earned himself a Black Belt in Karate!
- Karate Black Belt
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Martial Arts Movie Stars?
There’s no way I’d leave these guys out, but they’re not on this list, but my next one 🙂
You can see that list here – Top 75 Martial Arts Movie Stars and their Training Backgrounds, detailing all of the the styles of the Martial Arts movie industry’s top actors
Otherwise if you found that interesting or entertaining, please share it with your friends! If you have something to say or add, just leave a comment below or on Facebook! Thanks for reading.
I didn’t see mr Koch wick himself Keanu reeves on here
True, he has really come into his own the past few years. I really need to update this post.
Liam Neeson trains with Andy Norman in Defence Lab.
Some these are wrong. Hapkido is not of the Japanese art karate. It is from the Korean art Taekwondo. Eric Robert hold a black belt in Karate not Taekwondo. Launter is a black belt in Taekwondo not Karate. He was part of the ATA which stands for American Taekwondo Association.
None of my comments stayed, but why are people complaining about actors well known as martial artists not being on a list with Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., and Kobe Bryant? I think the intention of the list is obvious. Almost nobody here are recognized as martial artists in the open.
Yeah exactly. Also, no I’ve approved your comment you should go through automatically. Thanks for your engagement 🙂
I forgot to add …
Karate PASARYU is a combination of several other martial arts: Shudokan Karate, TaeKwonDo, Kung Fu and Hapkido.
Elvis was introduced to the Kenpo Hall of Fame Karate.
NO! Elvis Presley:
1. 8th Degree Black Belt – KARATE PASARYU – Kang Rhee school;
2. 9th Degree Black Belt – KARATE KENPO – Ed Parker school;
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It was not honorable, as the mischievous say when they see the date of the award (birthday). Ed Parker in his book clearly states that every single degree of Elvis was fully deserved. He also scores his strength and technique, and above all the speed of movement (no one moved his blows faster than he did). They say the same thing and write Kang Rhee and Dave Habler (even Habler!) Who was one of Elvis’s erasers in the book “Elvis what happened?”.
From my point of view arnold doesnot deserve to be in this list,all his life he trained in bodybuilding style which made him slow,stiff and inflexible.Have seen his fight scenes in commando,he’s way too slower!!even steven seagal is faster than him even though he’s overweight now
Marky mark trains in sucker punching and is a 4th degree baseball bat attacker. All this und he stands slightly under 5 feet tall. His days at hemmy park were filled with black eyes.
I’m actually surprised Kim Jong Un isn’t on the list as having gained the highest grade in every possible discipline!
Well, it goes without saying doesn’t it? 😉
The facts about Putin is wrong, he received and honorary 8th degree not a 9th degree in Judo, before that he was a 5th degree.
I got it in 2014 as i recall when he was made an honorary member of the IJF the international Judo Federation and a world wide Judo ambassador for the IJF.
Sincerely
Morten Wiberg
Former president of communications for the Danish Judo Federation
Why Wasn’t My Comment On Chuck Posted
Hi Gary, all of the comments are moderated manually. I don’t watch over the website at all hours so sometimes it takes time for them to appear. Once you have an approved comment though I think it goes through automatically 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
What about Michael Jai White?
Dude has like 8 black belts, no?
He’s on there 🙂 You’ve gotta read part 2 (Martial Arts Movie Stars), mentioned in the final paragraph.
So what about Ray Winstone???
Boxed for England youths.
Didn’t know that, will have to add him when I eventually update 🙂
Henry Rollins ….MMA
Mickey Rourke also studied the Korean martial art of Hwarang-Do under Grandmaster Taejoon Lee, whose father founded the martial art. He trained for six years and credited Grandmaster Lee with saving his life. Rourke revealed it in an interview with French martial arts magazine Karate-Bushido in 2012.
http://www.dailybag.com/deals/83111-west-coast-hwa-rang-do-academy-los-angeles-saving-mickey-rourkes-life
Thanks for the link man, that’s interesting stuff
Hwarang-Do is a very complete martial art. Very good for self defense. I studied it myself for a couple of years and I liked it very much.
I know we Elvis trained for many years and could take a gun out of your hands and land uou on your back. Elvis was bad
What about Jean Claude Van Damme and Seagal? I guess it’s just assumed.
Try the “Martial Arts Movies Stars” list linked to in the article 🙂
Why are people so insistent on adding well known martial artists on this list, as if you forgot to say “Bruce Lee” in a list with John Cusack? I’m surprised nobody read the tone of the list.
Hahaha I know what you mean!
Still time for Gena to move to the UFC, they let cm punk in …..
Still time for Gina to move to UFC, … They let cm punk in lol
Yeah thats right! I dont think shes interested tho
Which female celebrities would be a good fit for the UFC?
I was always disappointed that Gina Carano never made it to the UFC..
Elvis was an 8th degree black belt in Kenpo.
Seconded he trained under ed Parker and was awarded an8th dan in kenpo. No where does it say honorary.
As much as I admired and respected Elvis Presley I seriously doubt he had an 8th degree black belt.Probably 1st degree.It takes a very long time of consistent training to gain ranks in martial arts.All these “honorary” belts are just that.It takes many,many years to achieve a black belt.I received a 1st degree “Shodan” in Shotokan and that took me 5 years 7 months training an hour a day 5-6 days a week. I also trained 6 months each in Kenpo-Tang-soo-do and Tai kwon do and received yellow belts in those styles. Elvis’s training consisted of his 2 yr army karate training when he was in Germany and he would have required a minimum 4-5 days a week training for many,many years after he got out of the army and he just didnt have the time with his music and acting career.Other celebrities claim to have these 7th and 8th degree black belts.I just dont believe it!Willy Nelson claims to have a 5th degree.Bruce Lee who I credit as the greatest martial artist ever never earned a black belt even tho he was such a great martial artist. When interviewed his comments were that he didnt have a black belt and it would only be good for holding your pants up if you didnt know how to use the martial arts the belt meant nothing.
Wasn’t the kid from Webster — Emmanuel Lewis — a Taekwondo black belt? I read an article years ago about it…and what about Alyssa Milano, she’s always dropping into a fighting stance and throwing kicks in Charmed…
Interesting, have to check it out!
why dont you have chuck norris and steven seagel on your list for martial arts both of them have a lot of training they should have been in this about martial arts
sally todd
It’s on the second list, mentioned a couple of times in the article above.
What I Like About Old Chuck Is He Started His Own Style Of Fighting And Gave Himself A 10 Degree Black Belt Damm I Should Do That And Make Myself A Grandmaster But Then I Would Be In Deep Sh:t If Someone.Called Me Out
Haha, not a bad plan! I tihnk you can find many out there who have done that – but Chuck can back it up 😉
I know, right. They have among the most training. Steven Seagal is a 7th Dan in Aikido. Chuck Norris has many black belts including 9th Dan in Tang Soo Do and a self-proclaimed 10th Dan in his own style Chun Kuk Do.
It’s pretty crazy Donald. I’ve been doing martial arts for almost 15 years and feel like a complete beginner when you compare it all!
Damned, never mind. I just saw the 2nd half of the list, you had them all there.
Haha, all good man, not the first time it’s happened.
Donnie Yen:
Teakwondo, 6th Dan Black Belt
Judo, Black Belt
Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Purple Belt
Wushu, Gold Medal
Has also studied:
Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Hapkido, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Wrestling, Tai Chi, Karate, Hung Ga
That’s a more extensive repertoire than any of the others on the list and he has more and better movies than many of the other actors here, but acting-wise and fighting.
Others include: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jean Claude Van Damme, Jason Statham(not sure how proficient Statham is, but he has been around)
Shallow list. None of the Chinese actors are on it, neither are any of the more known American practitioners.
I think that is the point. Almost none of them are known for martial arts skills. These are guys who study martial arts that nobody really knows about. And I said “almost” as a few here are known for martial arts roles, like Jason Scott Lee.
I think that is the point. Wouldn’t make sense to put actors well known for martial arts on the same list as Tommy Lee and Ed O’Niel. I think the list was trying to include actors who aren’t known in MA.
Michael Jackson, and his brothers, studied with Sifu Kam Yuen. That is where he got that signature whipping front kick in his dance.
You guys forgot Michael Jay White
lol, I did a separate list for guys who specialize in martial arts movies: https://martialartsactionmovies.com/top-75-martial-arts-movie-stars-and-their-training-backgrounds/. Michael Jai White is pretty high on this list….
Jeff wilcott he’s good martial law 2
what an amazing list you compile my man
Thanks Umer! It took a decent chunk of time but it was worth it 🙂
Also Tom Araya of Slayer, and his daughter are blackbelts in Shorin Ryu Karate in Texas.
That’s cool I had no idea! Thanks for the tip 🙂