These Celebs Were Also Martial Artists!

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Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris: A martial arts legend and pop culture icon, Norris holds black belts in Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His expertise in martial arts led to a successful acting career, where he portrayed tough and skilled characters, becoming a symbol of martial arts prowess in Hollywood.

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Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan: A household name in martial arts cinema, Chan's journey in martial arts began at the China Drama Academy. He mastered Kung Fu and Hapkido, blending acrobatics seamlessly into his fighting style. His dedication to martial arts is evident in his numerous action-packed films, where he performs his own stunts with unparalleled skill and precision.

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Jean-Claude Van Damme

Jean-Claude Van Damme: Referred to as the "Muscles from Brussels," Van Damme is a martial artist proficient in karate, kickboxing, and Taekwondo. His high-flying kicks and powerful punches became synonymous with '90s action films, earning him a dedicated fan base around the world.

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Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie: Renowned for her roles in action films, Jolie is not just a talented actress but also a practitioner of Krav Maga. Krav Maga, developed for the Israeli military, focuses on practical self-defense techniques, making Jolie's characters even more compelling with her authentic combat skills.

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Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves: Reeves trained under the guidance of Taran Tactical Innovations, a renowned firearms training company, to enhance his gun handling and marksmanship skills. Additionally, he worked with professional martial arts trainers to learn Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Jiu-Jitsu techniques, among others, to perform the intricate fight choreography featured in the "John Wick" films.

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Mark Dacascos

Mark Dacascos: He holds black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, including Wun Hop Kuen Do, a martial art founded by his father, Al Dacascos, who was a respected martial arts instructor. Mark Dacascos has also trained in various other martial arts styles, such as Kung Fu, Capoeira, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

7 / 10

Jason Statham

Jason Statham: Before his acting career took off, Statham competed as a diver for the British National Diving Squad for over a decade. He also practiced various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and Wing Chun kung fu. Statham's background in martial arts and diving contributed to his ability to perform his own stunts and intricate fight scenes in action films, showcasing his physical prowess and dedication to the craft.

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Dolph Lundgren

Dolph Lundgren: Lundgren is a martial artist with a background in Kyokushin Karate. His martial arts skills, combined with his imposing physique, led him to iconic roles in action films like "Rocky IV" and "Universal Soldier." According to ‘Screenrant’, Sylvester Stallone said: “Dolph had hit me so hard I had swelling around the heart and had to stay in intensive care at St. John's Hospital for four days.

9 / 10

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista: Best known for his role as Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bautista is a former professional wrestler who has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His dedication to martial arts, combined with his imposing physique, made him a dominant force in the wrestling world. Bautista's transition to acting showcased his versatility, as he continues to impress audiences with his physicality and acting skills.

10 / 10

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee: An iconic figure whose influence transcends generations, Bruce Lee was not just a martial artist but a philosopher, actor, and filmmaker. He founded Jeet Kune Do, a martial art philosophy that emphasizes practicality, efficiency, and directness in combat. Lee's legacy continues to inspire martial artists and actors worldwide.

In the world of Hollywood, we may often think special effects, greenscreens, and doubles do all of the heavy lifting, however, there are some in the acting industry who take matters into their own hands when it comes to action scenes involving martial arts.

The Unseen Martial Arts Mastery

These stars not only captivate audiences with their acting prowess but also leave us in awe with their exceptional skills in the realm of martial arts. From the silver screen to the dojo, these individuals have dedicated time and effort to master the art of combat.