Celebrity BJJ black belts get more appreciation, recognition, and cherish these days. Black belts get a certain amount of admiration, whether they appear in our favorite movies, sing our favorite songs, or are our neighbors.
Jiu-Jitsu black belt celebrities have dedicated significant time, effort, dedication, and commitment to training despite their busy daily schedule and life’s distractions.
This article reveals the ultimate list of celebrity black belts. Some of them you may recognize, while others may surprise you. Stay tuned!
What Are the Famous Celebrity BJJ Black Belts?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has grown in popularity in recent years, with people from many walks of life participating. Numerous celebrities have fallen in love with BJJ and have devoted themselves to training for many years.
Here is a list of 13 celebrity black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan is one of the most celebrities who trained in jiu-jitsu martial arts and achieved a black belt.
Years ago, he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after watching the first UFC event in 1994, just like many others.
Two years later, in 1996, he began training BJJ under Carlson Gracie at his jiu-jitsu school in Hollywood, California.
Then, six years later, in 2012, Joe Rogan received his black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu by Eddie Bravo, a long-awaited achievement.
Rogan also holds another black belt in gi jiu-jitsu under Jean Jacques Machado and a black belt in kata and taekwondo.
Related: Mark Zuckerberg’s Inspiring Road to Jiu-Jitsu Glory!
Sean Patrick Flanery
Sean Patrick Flanery is among the celebrity BJJ black belts. Besides, he trained in a variety of martial arts disciplines.
However, when he discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he immediately gave up all his other martial arts at a glance; this is a jiu-jitsu addiction.
Sean Patrick Flanery is a highly respected second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and an excellent instructor.
He was awarded the black belt by Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller in 2008. Moreover, he competed in several tournaments throughout the years.
In addition, he was victorious in his division at the US National and Pan Am Championships.
Rikki Rockett
Rikki Rockett is a celebrity jiu-jitsu black belt who has committed significantly to jiu-jitsu martial arts for many years.
As a jiu-jitsu practitioner, Rikki is among the tough men who come to mind when people think of stars trained in the art, like Jason Statham, Chuck Norris, etc.
Aside from that, You may be surprised that Rikki holds a third-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu (achieved in 2019) and has competed internationally.
Rockett’s dedication to a healthy diet, relaxation, routine, and general health allowed him to continue training Brazilian jiu-jitsu for many years.
Recommended: Refrain from allowing the choice between MMA and BJJ to keep you from reaching your full potential. This comprehensive article compares and contrasts MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to help you choose the best option. Click here to learn more!
Scott Caan
Scott Caan is among the famous BJJ black belt celebrities who have dedicated a significant amount of time to the art of jiu-jitsu.
The famous Hawaii Five-O actor started his BJJ journey in 2001 at Beverly Hills.
Caan has a strong interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and photography, and acting, among other things.
In February 2016, Scott Caan achieved the back belt rank by Marcus Vinicius, which took him approximately 15 years of training.
Ed O’Neill
Edward Leonard O’Neill’s dedication to martial arts and grappling has only increased in recent years to enhance his professional accomplishments. O’Neill Jiu Jitsu Journey began many years ago.
O’Neill, most known as Al Bundy, is a well-known celebrity jiu-jitsu black belt trained under Rorion Gracie.
“Working hard in every jiu-jitsu training session allows you to achieve personal growth.
It’s a fantastic system that protects you while also providing an excellent workout and numerous other advantages.
But, not everyone aspires to be a black belt.
It varies between 1 percent and 3 percent of those who take up martial arts and progress to the level of black belt.
Those who make it through Hell Week for the Navy Seals make up a smaller percentage of those who complete the training program in the first place.
In reality, earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu necessitates more effort than earning a doctorate from an academic institution. So, no, it is not a simple task in the least.
Ed O’Neill
Related: Discover Ed O’Neill’s enthralling journey in the world of BJJ martial art. This article looks at his BJJ belt rank, his most significant challenges, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Click here to read more!
Guy Ritchie
Guy Ritchie is another Brazilian jiu-jitsu celebrity black belt under the tutelage of Renzo Gracie after seven years as a brown belt under his mentor.
If you want to learn BJJ using Guy Ritchie’s formula, you must be passionate about this sport and commit to it for several years rather than two months.
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris is a legendary actor who has no limits to what he can achieve in the future. He is of celebrity with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Also, he’s one of the few celebrities who have trained with Grandmaster Helio Gracie, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Chuck Norris is a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ under Jean-Jacques Machado and David Dunn.
Aside from that, Chuck is a 10th-degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do, a 9th-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and an 8th-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Indeed, He also has a black belt in Judo and a 5th-degree black belt in Karate.
Nicolas Cage
The actor Nicolas Cage is a famous jiu-jitsu black belt celebrity. The two-time Academy Award winner is a star on the mat.
Nicolas’s dream of becoming a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu actor has come true. He now holds a black belt after years of training under the guidance of the reigning world champion Royce Gracie.
Alain Moussi
Alain Moussi, a Lebanese-Canadian actor, is a famous jiu-jitsu celebrity with a black belt.
Moussi has been practicing the art of Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of the Machados for the past 20 years.
Randy Couture
Randy Couture is a professional wrestler and UFC legend. He’s also among the popular celebrity BJJ black belts.
In UFC 118, Randy was awarded the ‘No Gi’ black belt by his grappling instructor, Neil Melanson, after winning against James Toney.
Even though he does not train in Jiu-Jitsu, Neil Melanson explained that he is a student of Karo Parisyan and that he has created his belt system.
Related: Learn about Willie Nelson’s journey into martial arts. From his training to becoming a black belt in Teakwondo and GongKwon Yusul, Nelson’s story will inspire and amaze you. Click here to learn more!
Clark Gregg
Clark Cregg is another Brazilian jiu-jitsu celebrity black belt. He was introduced to BJJ martial arts during the filming of “Spartan,” in which he played the role of Miller.
Gregg’s beginning in the BJJ was a little tricky and struggling since he was forced to take a break several times. But, he became more and more addicted to the art of jiu-jitsu.
Clark maintained a regular training schedule with Renato Magno for many years despite his professional commitments.
After five years of training, he finally earned his blue belt. This means that he did not receive any special treatment.
In December 2013, Clark received the brown belt, and then the black belt in December 2015.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed
Her Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed is among the top influencer celebrity jiu-jitsu black belts.
He has played an essential role in developing Jiu-Jitsu nationally and internationally. Besides, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed devised a plan to have Jiu-Jitsu taught in all UAE schools.
Even though he regularly trained in Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos Santos awarded him an honorary BJJ black belt to recognize his efforts.
Mark Calaway – Undertaker
The Undertaker is a famous professional martial arts wrestler, and his real name is Mark Calaway.
Moreover, most people will be surprised that he is one of the celebrity’s BJJ black belts.
The revealed story says that Calaway received his black belt in less than a year from the legendary Rolles Gracie.
However, many fighters have deep doubts about this promotion. It’s insane to achieve a black belt in one year or less.
Related: This article delves into the different Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt degrees. It emphasizes the meaning and progression timeline for each black belt degree. Click here to learn more!
Conclusion
Celebrities holding jiu-jitsu black belts receive more recognition, appreciation, and adoration.
This rank will elicit a certain amount of admiration from the public. It is a highly significant rank in all martial arts disciplines.
However, BJJ black belt celebrities have reserved a significant amount of time. Also, they were committed to their Jiu-Jitsu training throughout their careers.
It’s not easy; obtaining a black belt takes more than ten years of dedicated training.
The fantastic lesson learned from this story is that you can also get a black belt. You must stay committed to training despite your hectic daily schedule and distractions. No Excuse!
Related: Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most remarkable grappling martial arts to learn. Therefore, I’ve created a lengthy post on how to begin practicing jiu-jitsu correctly. Click here to read more!
