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Martial arts training has been known and respected for centuries and it is very popular these days. Martial arts are practiced for a variety of reasons and training results in several benefits such as physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Many celebrities are well aware of this and they practice different martial arts disciplines. Here is the list of some famous people who could really kick your butt.
The Modern Family star trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! Seriously, actor Ed O’Neill has been a trained under Rorian Gracie for almost 20 years, and is a black belt in BJJ.
Guy Ritchie
Filmmaker and screenwriter, Guy Ritchie, is probably best known for being the ex-husband of Madonna. At the age of seven he started training Shotokan Karate. He’s a black belt in Judo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The beautiful British actress has been doing Judo for many years. She even participated in amateur Judo championships through the early 90s, from 1989 to 1992. Nowadays, she trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art focusing largely on grappling and ground fighting.
Reportedly the actress trains in karate five times a week and is very close to taking her black belt grading. Initially taking it up so that she felt prepared to protect her family, she got hooked on the strength and energy she felt it gave her, and has even got Friends buddy Jennifer Aniston and her ex-husband David Arquette involved.
Where did you think those moves from Batman came from? Christian Bale trains Wing Chun Kung Fu under Master Instructor (Si Fu) Eric Oram.
Jessica Alba is a pretty face that could knock you off your feet with her taekwondo moves. Alba also does tae-bo and a host of other martial arts. She is also known for doing her own stunts.
Another pretty face that could probably kick your butt. Jessica Biel trains martial arts to stay in shape. She said: “I’m really into martial arts now, it’s the most amazing workout ever! And since I’ve been working with a partner, I’ve learned some awesome self-defense moves and most importantly, how to redirect someone’s energy. It gives me a real sense of empowerment.”
Actor James Caan, has trained martial arts for over 30 years. Caan is a Master in Gosoku Ryu Karate, and was given the title of Soke Dai by the International Karate Institute.
The star of action films, Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr., like Christian Bale, trains Wing Chun Kung Fu under Master Instructor (Si Fu) Eric Oram.
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star is a 1st Dan black belt in taekwondo. She’s also trained kickboxing, boxing and street-fighting.
Remember Kill Bill? Lucy Liu practices Kali-Eskrima-Silat. It is actually a class of Filipino martial arts that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, blades and improvised weapons.
Phillipe’s got a shy demeanor, but don’t mess with this Hollywood star. The truth is he is a black belt in tae kwon do. He’s competed in tournaments, and taught kids the martial art.
Ashton Kutcher is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fan. He keeps his lean physique by practicing the sport, which promotes the idea that you can defend yourself against anyone as long as you have the right moves — no matter what your opponent’s size may be. Kutcher’s such a devotee, he’s even traveled to Brazil to practice.
Fast and Furious franchise star Paul Walker says being a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has helped him tame the craziness of Hollywood. “I try to be relaxed, and it’s hard in this environment but BJJ’s a good outlet. It keeps you flexible and competitive with yourself,” Walker explains. “But more than anything, it keeps you in really good shape and compliments so many of the sports I like to do — like surfing especially, since flexibility is so important.”
Twilight superstar Taylor Lautner was practically born doing carate; he’s been competing since the age of six and has even won medals in the discipline. “It taught me a lot of things at a young age—discipline, hard work—nothing comes without hard work,” he said.
Statham actually practices jiu-jitsu to relax. “It brings a bit of peace,” he says. “Any of the guys who have a skill within that fighting world whether it be judo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, Thai boxing—they’re very peaceful people and the only aggression they have time for is when it’s in a competition type role.”
Action movie star, Wesley Snipes is a fifth dan black belt in Shotokan Karate, a third dan black belt in taekwondo, and a second degree black belt in Hapkido. He also practices kung fu, capoeira, eskrima and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
She has expressed interest in more mainstream roles and, in particular, has said she would like an action film where her fight skills can be displayed. Evan Rachel Wood earned her black belt in tae kwon do at the age of twelve.
