Action movies always flood theaters and attract millions of fans around the world, but how many actors really know martial arts?
The truth is that most of them may be good at acting, but very few know martial arts or practice them outside of the big screen. That is why we dedicate this article to those great masters who combined the seventh art with their knowledge of combat and the use of the body as a lethal weapon.
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10 actors who know martial arts
There are quite a few actors who know martial arts, but those present here are the best and greatest representatives of this genre. You probably know most of them, and if you like action movies and contact sports, you almost certainly know them all. 10. Jason Statham
The Transporter saga allowed him to demonstrate 100% that he had incredible capabilities (almost as much as his physical condition) for combat. So much so that he has also worked as a model.
In addition to being one of the actors who knows martial arts and dominates more disciplines, he stood out in his youth for being a good swimmer and practicing trampoline jumping.
- Artists : Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chun, Eskrima, Krav Maga, Ninjutsu, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Kickboxing.
9. Keanu Reeves
Rose to fame with the iconic movie The Matrix. Since then, he has not stopped working in the film industry despite having had a convulsive life full of pride due to the death of some of his closest relatives. He is one of the actors who puts the most care into combat and tries whenever he can not to use stunt doubles. He spends massive amounts of time learning the moves and doing them to perfection, with no camera cuts.
- Martial Arts : Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Wushu.
8. Steven Seagal
Initially of Serbian nationality, and later American and Russian, he was the first Westerner to create a school of Aikido , a martial discipline in which he is seventh dan. He has also worked as a screenwriter, musician, and deputy sheriff.
- Artes marciales : Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chun, Tai Chi Chuan, Kenjutsu, Aikido y Karate-Do.
7. Scott Adkins
The only British actor on this list. Most famous for his role in Boyka, he has dedicated part of his work to him as a stunt double , especially in the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, by actor Ryan Reynolds.
He has many black belts in different disciplines, and as he himself assures, since he was a child he idolized Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
- Martial Arts: Judo, Taekwondo, Jiu-jitsu, Wushu and Kickboxing.
6. Donnie Yen
Without a doubt, his most representative role was in the Ip Man saga , biographically playing the teacher of Bruce Lee. Quite an honor.
He has come to win almost 30 million dollars with only 4 movies and he is one of the great fighters of his time dominating many disciplines.
- Martial Arts : Boxing, Kickboxing, Karate, Muay Thai, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo and Jeet Kune Do.
5. Jakie Chan
Few actors have managed to combine humor with martial arts like Chan Kong-sang (real name).
He is also a singer, acrobat and stunt double, as well as a script director and producer. He won an honorary Oscar Award in 2016.
- Martial Arts : Hapkido, Karate and Taekwondo.
4. Jet Li
Despite his short stature (1.65 m) Jet Li always stood out in physical appearance due to his agility and explosive strength.
On a philosophical level, this actor and martial arts specialist has also stood out. Being a faithful follower of Buddhism , his films are loaded with messages in this sense, as he explains in: Unleashed, Fearless and Hero.
- Martial Arts : Wushu (15 gold medals; retired undefeated).
3. Jean-Claude Van Damme
Without a doubt, one of the best-known actors and the one who most dominates martial arts. Jean-Claude Van Damme stood out for the complete physical profile of him. He trained in dance, trained in the gym and practiced all kinds of martial arts . All this effort allowed him to build a body capable of knocking down any rival.
- Martial Arts : Muay Thai, Karate and Taekwondo.
2. Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris is known today mainly for the jokes that circulate about him, called “Chuck Norris Facts” (in English, Chuck Norris Facts).
Jokes aside, Carlos Ray Norris (real name) was a karate world champion and an outstanding American military man.
- Martial Arts : Judo, Taekwondo, Hapkido, Boxing, Full contact, Jiu-Jitsu and Tang Soo Do.
1. Bruce Lee
When he was born his original name was Lee Jun-Fan. He is for many the highest representative of the martial arts, not because of his immense abilities, but also because of his mental clarity and philosophical approach that made him a unique person in his field.
He renewed the action cinema and created a school that endures past decades.
- Martial arts : Wing chun and Jeet Kune Do or JKD (creator).
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