15 Actors who, you’ll be surprised to know, are trained in martial arts

We have seen actors learn different skills for a role. Sometimes they also need to get in shape and look ripped on screen. We can say that the hardest of the list is physical training, for which they undergo strict regime months prior to shooting. Yes, we all enjoy the breath-taking action sequences where an actor performs moves that are beyond most of our abilities. Training in martial arts has always been a routine for actors, whether for a role demanding action or just to get in shape. Over the years we have seen legendary stars who are famous because of their fighting skills. But there are some, who underwent intense training just to add a realistic aspect to their role. So, here are 15 actors who, you’ll be surprised to know, are trained in martial arts.

1) Keanu Reeves

Well, it’s not exactly surprising that Keanu Reeves is trained in martial art judging the roles he’s been playing. But the surprise is how many forms he has exposed himself to. For the role of John Wick, Reeves trained in shoot wrestling, judo, sambo, jiu-jitsu, and kali which happens to be a Filipino style. For The Matrix, he trained in Kung Fu under Master Woo-Ping Yuen, learning intricate choreography and techniques. For John Wick 4, Reeves trained in Aikido as well. It’s like the scene from The Matrix when Keanu Reeves wakes up saying ‘I know Kung-fu.’.

2) Jessica Biel

For her role in Blade: Trinity alongside Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds, Jessica Beil needed training in combat sports. To prepare, she trained in Kickboxing and Krav Maga, both intense and practical styles for on-screen combat. She worked with top trainers who helped her build strength and agility while also mastering the choreography needed for the film's action sequences. Biel’s dedication to physical fitness and learning martial arts added authenticity to her performance and showcased her versatility as an actress.

3) Ashton Kutcher

Don’t let Ashton Kutcher’s funny and goofy appearance deceive you. He never had to train in martial arts for any particular role, but that doesn’t mean he never took an interest. Kutcher is a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, an art more focused on ground combat with high chances of injury. He trains under Rigan Machado, a legendary figure in the sport. Ashton’s commitment to the art goes beyond casual interest, he’s achieved a brown belt in the art, a formidable rank. His training focuses on discipline, technique, and fitness, giving him a unique edge outside of Hollywood.

4) Christian Bale

Christian Bale is no stranger to intense preparation, and his martial arts training is no exception. For his iconic role as Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy, Bale trained in the Keysi Fighting Method, a style designed for street combat. He worked closely with the technique's creators, Andy Norman and Justo Dieguez, to master its fluid yet aggressive movements. Bale's dedication brought a raw, gritty edge to his fight scenes, proving he’s as much a fighter as he is an actor.

5) Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. delved into martial arts while preparing for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel films. However, his passion for Wing Chun Kung Fu goes beyond acting. He trained under Sifu Eric Oram, a renowned Wing Chun master, not just for roles but as a lifestyle choice to maintain focus and discipline. The fluid, defensive techniques of Wing Chun helped sharpen his combat scenes and even played a part in his personal transformation, making him a more cantered and dynamic performer.

6) Ryan Phillippe

Ryan Phillippe isn’t just a talented actor but also has a solid martial arts background. For his action-packed role in the series Shooter, he underwent intense training in various combat techniques to make his performance more realistic. Phillippe training added grappling and ground-fighting skills to his skills. His dedication to martial arts extends beyond the screen, as he frequently trains to stay in peak physical shape. This commitment shines through in his action scenes, adding authenticity and grit.

7) Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox, best known for her role as the control freak Monica Geller in Friends, has a surprising connection to martial arts. While preparing for action-heavy roles like 3000 Miles to Graceland, she incorporated kickboxing into her training routine. Though not a traditional martial artist, Cox worked with trainers to develop her skills in agility and strength. Her martial arts-inspired training helped her bring intensity and physicality to roles outside her usual comedic comfort zone, showcasing her versatility and commitment to staying fit.

8) Viggo Mortensen

The travel-weary ranger from the north, Aragorn was not just good with folklore, he was crafty with a sword in his hand. While his character got the training from the elves, Viggo Mortensen got himself prepared for the role under legendary stunt choreographer Bob Anderson. He trained in sword fighting and horseback combat which is well reflected throughout the epic trilogy. Beyond Middle-earth, his preparation for Eastern Promises included learning hand-to-hand combat styles and honing his precision.

9) Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich’s martial arts training is a big part of her action-packed career, especially for the Resident Evil series. To embody Alice, she trained in mixed martial arts, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu, with professional stunt teams. For The Fifth Element, she worked on choreographed fight scenes blending martial arts with futuristic weapon handling. Milla’s trainers focused on building agility and precision, which shows in her on-screen performances. Her dedication made her one of Hollywood’s most badass action stars.

10) Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill has undergone martial arts training for several roles, most notably for his portrayal of Geralt in The Witcher and Superman in the DC Extended Universe films. For Geralt, he worked with trainer David Bayles to learn various fighting techniques, including sword fighting and combat choreography, with a focus on realism. He also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing to ensure his fighting style was authentic. Cavill’s preparation for these roles involved a combination of martial arts styles to match the intense action scenes, and he trained hard to make sure his movements were as convincing as possible.

11) Sean Patrick Flanery

Sean Patrick Flanery, known for his role in The Boondock Saints, has had extensive martial arts training. For roles like The Boondock Saints and Into the Badlands, Flanery trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and various forms of boxing. His primary instructor for BJJ was the legendary Rickson Gracie, who helped Flanery build the skills needed for realistic fight scenes. Flanery also trained in more traditional martial arts, incorporating different fighting techniques to make his action scenes believable and dynamic. His commitment to these disciplines helped him perform many of his own stunts in his roles.

12) Teri Hatcher

Teri Hatcher, known for her roles in Desperate Housewives and Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, trained in martial arts for action-packed roles. For her role as Paris Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies, she had to prepare for some fight scenes, so she trained in basic kickboxing and self-defense techniques. She worked with a trainer to learn how to perform fight choreography and improve her agility. While not known for extensive martial arts work, her training helped her handle action sequences with confidence and skill, adding more authenticity to her roles.

13) Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez is known for her role in Jane the Virgin, but she also took on some action-packed roles that required martial arts training. For her role in Miss Bala, she had to get into shape for intense fight scenes, so she trained in kickboxing, boxing, and tactical combat. She worked with a variety of trainers to perfect her skills, focusing on realistic hand-to-hand combat and self-defense moves. Her dedication to the training paid off, as she performed many of her own stunts in the film, making her action scenes look natural and intense.

14) James Franco

James Franco has done some martial arts training for roles where physical action was involved. For his portrayal of a fighter in Pineapple Express, he trained in basic boxing and kickboxing to handle the fight scenes. He worked with a few trainers to improve his coordination and stamina for the film’s action sequences. Franco also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for other roles requiring more grappling skills. Surely the real-life Harry Osborn could've taken down the real-life Spider-Man.

15) Ed O'Neill

Ed O'Neill, best known for his roles in Modern Family and Married with Children, has had extensive martial arts training, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For his role in The Mighty Ducks and other action-oriented projects, O'Neill trained in BJJ under the legendary trainer Rorion Gracie. His dedication to the art continued beyond his roles, and he earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His training not only helped him with fight scenes but also became a personal passion that he still practices today.