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Yes, you heard that right—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has officially entered the fray! HBO's The Last of Us star, Ellie, Bella Ramsey, recently spoke of her changed workout routine before Season 2 in The Jonathan Ross Show and the response to how they're training. Ramsey jokingly let the bomb drop, chuckling, that they've been doing "some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu". When the interviewer asked them whether they did fight training or anything along the lines of fighting skill, Ramsey replied,
"There's some boxing some Brazilian jiu-jitsu some weapons stuff, There's a lot of carrying around really heavy guns is Brazilian jiu-jitsu the one which is more like a dance".
The comment was brief, even offhanded, but was sufficient to send an eyebrow up and indicate a whole new level of in-shape athleticism going into next season.
Ramsey also admitted that training has become more systematic in recent times. They discussed working out with a personal trainer and taking on a fitness program that combines old-school strength training with elements of martial arts.
While Ramsey didn't give a full breakdown of the workouts, they made one thing certain: this time, they're in shape physically in a way that they weren't before. Season 2 is expected to be physically more demanding—and Ellie looks like she is going to be tougher than ever.
Here's the interview for your reference:
What is the place of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in their training for The Last Of Us Season 2?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is flash-free—about control, wrestling, and comprehending body dynamics. That's why it is so fascinating that Ramsey did mention it, even as a passing remark. On a show such as The Last of Us, where survivalist skills and hand-to-hand combat are standard, this kind of martial arts training works well.
Jiu-Jitsu focuses on functional techniques, especially on the ground—exactly the kind of in-your-space skill that would be handy in a post-apocalyptic world. Ramsey wasn't talking much, but adding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to their routine shows a shift in direction toward functional, movement-oriented conditioning.
As opposed to bulked-out or aesthetically focused training, functional fitness—strength, coordination, endurance, and reaction movement—is the goal. All of those are demands when acting out a character such as Ellie, whose physical and emotional battles only intensify in season two.
Why the change of fitness strategy now?
In the interview, Ramsey discussed how they weren't doing this kind of training in Season 1. When they were filming Season 1, they weren't as focused on formal workouts. But with Season 2 on the production table—and the storyline more in line with The Last of Us Part II video game—it's clear that Ramsey is preparing for a more physically challenging, demanding role. It is evident when they said,
"Yeah, we shot for seven months in Vancouver. Well, it was hard work as it always is but this season was like really hot and you'll see why like it's quite intense."
The decision to start working with a personal trainer was motivated by the natural growth of the character and the needs of the script.
They also understood that this wasn't about reaching a particular body form or industry standard. Instead, Ramsey discussed becoming fitter and stronger, not for looks but for ability. That distinction speaks volumes. The focus isn't on metamorphosis or build-up, but on gradually building stamina, strength, and physical confidence—all to portray Ellie more realistically and capably.
Physical and mental preparation go hand-in-hand in The Last of Us
Although the discussion was about physical exercise, it's worth seeing how attitude figures into fitness. Ramsey appeared relaxed, even joking, about their new exercise regimen. It wasn't presented as something that would be a chore or an obstacle, but rather as something they were getting used to—something befitting where the character is headed. Psychologically, that's a healthy attitude for an actor to have for a role as difficult as this one.
Jiu-Jitsu naturally, requires mental sharpness and patience as well. You must remain vigilant, remain composed, and think quickly on your feet—qualities that are also useful to the camera, especially in fighting sequences or tense confrontations. It's a skill that advantages both the physical demands but also the psychological subtleties of a character like Ellie, who battles anger, loss, and determination throughout the narrative.
Ellie's transformation calls for more than an actress in The Last of Us
Season 2 of The Last of Us will be borrowing from the second game, in which Ellie is older, grittier, and a lot more physically involved. From stealth attacks to brutal battles, the role calls for more than emoting—it calls for physical truth.
When the interviewer asked them how they would explain the series to the audience, Ramsey replied,
"I'm immune from this Fungal virus which is taken over the world. It's set in the future post-apocalyptic America and season one a guy called Joel played by Pedro Pascal he ends up killing a bunch of people then season two we pick up where that left off Bella"
Their performances in Season 1 were universally praised for their emotional depth. Now, they're bringing physical detail to the party too. The combat is becoming more intense, the storyline darker, and believability in the action scenes is more important. Training isn't a luxury—it's necessary. Ramsey seems to understand that, and they're training in earnest.
No extreme makeovers in The Last of Us —Just significant progress
Most of all, Ramsey clarified that they're not undergoing some sort of dramatic fitness transformation. The very words "some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" were uttered matter-of-factly, without exaggeration or fanfare. This was not a tabloid announcement but a realistic account of how they're conditioning their body to the demands of the job. That down-to-earth, matter-of-fact approach is what makes it so credible—and comprehensible.
It's a grounded, realistic approach to fitness on television: not extremes, but preparation. Ramsey cares about becoming skilled enough to do, to move, to react as Ellie would. It's not to impress anyone who isn't onscreen. It's to serve the story—and from the look of it, they're doing just that.
Bella Ramsey's addition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to their training for The Last of Us Season 2 isn't just a fun addition—it's a telling indicator of how the show is expanding. The Ellie character is becoming more physically demanding, and Ramsey's training suggests that transition. While they've kept the details scarce and their tone light, what's clear is that they're coming into Season 2 in better physical and mental condition.
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Whether it's grappling maneuvers or conditioning as a whole, Ramsey's approach is tailored, realistic, and based on what the character would require. It's not flashy overhauling, but quiet refinement of skills—and that's exactly what Ellie would achieve.
Also read: What to expect from The Last of Us Season 2? Pedro Pascal reveals the answer and more
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