The popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has steadily increased over the years, particularly in the United States. Therefore, many celebrities decided to start training in jiu-jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent way to strengthen and tone every muscle in the body. It has aided many well-known celebrities in developing excellent core strength, increasing flexibility, and maintaining excellent mental health.
This article reveals the list of celebs participating in Jiu-Jitsu. It will provide the names of well-known BJJ practitioners and information about their backgrounds and ranks. Stay tuned!
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris is a legendary actor who has no limits to what he can achieve in the future. He is one of the few celebrities trained in BJJ with Grandmaster Helio Gracie, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Upon his first encounter with the Gracie family, Chuck Norris remarked that it was “similar to being introduced to jiu-jitsu for the first time.”
Chuck Norris has gained much recognition for his considerable achievements in martial arts for over two decades. He is a 5th-degree black belt in Karate and a six times World Karate Champion. Wow! I’m wondering, is Chuck Norris a black belt in BJJ?
Chuck Norris is serious about martial arts and wholly committed to more than one discipline. In 2015, Chuck Norris received his third-degree Black belt in jiu-jitsu under Jean Jacques Machado and David Dunn.
Keanu Reeves
One of the best Hollywood actors of the modern generation is Keanu Reeves. In addition to his successful film appearances, he has appeared in numerous big box office Hollywood productions, including John Wick films, the Matrix, Man of Tai Chi, and many more.
Keanu Reeves has used various martial arts styles in his films, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wushu, Boxing, and Krav Maga, Judo. Hence, we had seen Keanu Reeves several times in the months leading up to the filming of John Wick when he was training in jiu-jitsu and Judo to prepare for his role in the movie.
Indeed, Keanu Reeves trains and practices jiu-jitsu at the Machados Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Los Angeles, California.
Regarding BJJ belts, Keanu would still be considered a white belt. On the other hand, his honorary black belt in Judo was awarded to him by Tadahiro Nomura, a three-time Judo Olympic champion and a three-time world champion.
Related: Whether you’re a Keanu Reeves fan or just curious about martial arts, read this article to discover more about one of Hollywood’s most popular performers. Check it out right now!
Guy Ritchie
Guy Ritchie is among the list of various celebrities who train in jiu-jitsu. Besides, he is an established British film director who has directed many feature films. Snatch, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Rockenrolla were released in recent years.
Ritchie began training in the art of jiu-jitsu in England, with Mauricio Gomes (also known as Maurição Gomes) serving as a training partner to his son, Roger Gracie.
To learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu like Guy Ritchie BJJ, people must be passionate about staying in for several years instead of two months.
Furthermore, Guy earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Renzo Gracie for seven years after being a brown belt.
Milla Jovovich
Milla Jovovich is a model and Hollywood actress who also does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is perhaps best known for the Resident Evil franchise.
This woman is doing just about everything; however, in addition to modeling and being an actress, she sings and can speak English, French, and Russian.
Recently, we have seen Tony Jaa and Milla Jovovich, Hollywood stars acting in the action film ‘Monster Hunter.’ Monster Hunter is stacked with talented martial artists and directed by someone who knows how to shoot action.
Director Paul W.S. Anderson has been working on this project since 2012, and filming in South Africa concluded in 2018.
Milla Jovovich, Anderson’s wife, plays Captain Artemis. At the same time, Artemis is leading a convoy of elite military forces.
They come across a portal to another dimension populated by giant monsters. Tony Jaa plays a monster-infested world hunter who aids American soldiers.
Jovovich has extensive martial arts training and performs many of her stunts. She began with Tae Kwon Do, then wushu, and now primarily trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Although it is unknown who her BJJ instructor is, the famous Hollywood celebrity has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial arts grappling a few times. It could be that she’s been trained by Eddie Bravo.
Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain is a television presenter and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Though he started practicing BJJ later in life, he helped prominence this beautiful grappling martial art.
He also won a gold medal in his division at the IBJJF World Championships. Otherwise, he has competed in many jiu-jitsu tournaments like the New York Spring Open.
Anthony Bourdain was a blue belt under Igor Gracie, and he shows up regularly on the BJJ mats. Indeed, he was training in Jiu-Jitsu with his wife Ottavia at Renzo Gracie, New York City.
When most people think of Anthony Bourdain, they usually think of food. After starring in his hit TV show, Parts Unknown, the former chef became a global icon. However, few people knew that the now-deceased foodie also enjoyed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His obsession grew to the point where he practiced twice a day, every day.
Bourdain initially had no interest in Jiu-Jitsu, but after his ex-wife started practicing it, he also became interested. But, unfortunately, Bourdain couldn’t keep his hands off the gym for long.
Anthony‘s introduction to Jiu-Jitsu forever changed him. He soon found himself traveling the world, visiting jiu-jitsu schools, and wrestling anyone willing to take the challenge.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato does practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And after just a few years of practice, the BJJ celebrity earned her blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and now there are more stripes on her belt rank.
Meanwhile, the study of Brazilian jiu-jitsu has helped Demi cultivate a meditative practice that has aided her in coping with her issues and finding her life balance.
The American singer and songwriter Demi Lovato discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2016. She fell head over heels in love with BJJ as one of the critical aspects of mixed martial arts training.
Demi believes that jiujitsu classes are healthy places where practitioners can assist and cheer each other on. Therefore, She committed to BJJ training for many years.
In 2017, Demi Lovato got his blue belt ranking; in 2022, she got the purple belt.
Related: Have a look at these incredible female celebs that practice Jiu-Jitsu! These ladies demonstrate that Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent approach to improving strength, confidence, and tenacity. Click here to read more!
Alain Moussi
Lebanese-Canadian actor and stuntman Alain Moussi may be a well-known actor.
Kurt Sloane, the lead role of Kickboxer: Vengeance, was originated by Jean-Claude Van Damme in the franchise’s reboot.
The latest movie he released is “Jiu-Jitsu,” featuring Nicolas Cage.
In addition to being a stuntman, Alain Moussi has worked on blockbusters like X-Men: Days of Future Past and smaller projects like Brick Mansions.
Jujutsu and kickboxing have trained him well.
In December 2006, Moussi was awarded the A ‘polished teacher’ is referred to as a ‘Renshi’ in Japanese.
This title may require a 5th-degree black belt (Godan Rank), but others may award it at a 4th-degree black belt (Yondan Rank).
More importantly, Alain is among many BJJ celebrities who earned the black belt rank.
Moreover, He has been training in the art of Jiu-Jitsu for the past 20 years under the Machados.
Rikki Rockett
Comedian, actor, author, game show host, singer, and talk show host Donny Osmond is one of the famous BJJ superstars.
He is among those tough men that people picture when they think of stars who practice jiu-jitsu, just like Jason Statham and Charlie Hunnam.
Rikki Rockett, a member of the multi-platinum hair metal band Poison, is ranked third-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
Aside from that, not ignoring proper nutrition, rest, routine, and overall health helped Rikki to train in martial arts for years and reach a balanced personal and professional life.
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes is a well-known Hollywood actor whose role in the Blade film trilogy is particularly praised.
Since childhood, Wesley Snipes has trained in several types of martial arts. Looking at his physique, we can see that he puts his body through rigorous training and cares for it.
A top-notch action star shows off his proficiency in Shotokan Karate and Hapkido. Furthermore, He has trained in several other fighting disciplines, such as Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing.
Under Rigan Machado, Wesley trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu like almost 99% of American celebrities who train BJJ with the Machados.
By the age of 12, Snipes was already training in martial arts. His Hapkido ranking is a 2nd-degree black belt, and his Shotokan karate rank is a 5th-degree black belt.
In addition to training in Capoeira under Mestre Jelon Vieira.
He has studied martial arts at the USA Shaolin Temple and elsewhere, including kung fu at the USA Shaolin Temple and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing.
While in New York, Snipes trained in mixed martial arts with his mentor, Brooke Ellis.
Several years ago, Snipes was ready to fight Joe Rogan in an MMA match. However, this never came to fruition.
In this context, most people are right to believe that Rogan won the fight since he is a black belt in Taekwondo and BJJ. It would also be foolish to write Snipes off completely, however.
Despite this, the hotshot with the Blade is in fantastic shape and shows that you can stay in great shape well into your senior years.
Blade, of course, was born ready for action; his life as a martial artist was destined for greatness.
Prince Jackson
Prince Jackson is the oldest son of pop star Jackson. In addition, he is a practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu who trains at Gracie Academy Beverly Hills, L. A. in California, like several jiu-jitsu celebrities.
Prince may be training with the Gracie family under the instruction of Ryron and Rener. He earned his Jiu-Jitsu blue belt in 2013.
Otherwise, he’s an outstanding BJJ student who dedicated more time to seeking detail, and he is dedicated to his work.
Recently, Prince was asked by a reporter about his Jiu-Jitsu progress and whether he would be competing soon as a blue belt competitor, and he replied, “I’m afraid not.”
He was then asked if he planned to learn Jiu-Jitsu and be a black belt one day.
With humility, Michael Jackson’s Son responded, “I just intend to acquire knowledge. If you’re wearing a black belt, you can only cover two inches of your ass“.
Nevertheless, the first child of pop star Michael Jackson, also known as “Prince,” was born on February 13, 1997, in Los Angeles, California.
Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson’s former wife, is his biological mother.
After Rowe and Michael Jackson divorced in 1999, Rowe transferred Michael Joseph and his sister, Paris Michael Katherine, to his ex-wife.
Michael Jr. finished his education at Buckley School in 2015.
Ed O’Neill
Neill’s commitment to martial arts and grappling has only been paralleled. He began training in martial arts many years ago, particularly in the martial art of jiu-jitsu.
Even if that is so, he is a celebrity black belt in jiu-jitsu under Rorion Gracie. And, Many of the younger generations may know him as the famous character Al Bundy. But, he is most widely recognized as Jay on the successful comedy series Modern Family.
Ed O’Neill is one of the rare celebrities who also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He has achieved a lot in life, but his dedication to martial arts only equals it. Ed is a Rorion Gracie black belt under his father.
Ed’s career started with one successful, long-running sitcom; after that, he went on to star in several other long-running sitcoms.
Ed O’Neill’s thoughts about BJJ Martial arts: Personal growth is found by working hard at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu is a great fighting style with many benefits. It teaches you how to protect yourself and is an incredible workout, among other advantages.
It varies between 1% and 3% of those who take up martial arts and eventually obtain a black belt.
Those who pass through Hell Week for the Navy Seals make up a lower percentage of those through the training.
Getting a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires more work than getting a doctorate from a university. So, no, it is not an easy task at all.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is well known for his movie and TV work; he is also famous for the role of Walden Schmidt on Two and a Half Men.
Besides that, Ashton Kutcher BJJ has kept something under wraps: He’s a reasonably skilled celebrity jiu-jitsu practitioner.
Ashton Kutcher BJJ is one of those many celebrities training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rigan Machado BJJ has been helping him train, and he is now a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
Otherwise, Ashton Kutcher is among the top-paid actors in television and Hollywood. Moreover, as an intelligent investor, he’s invested in several startups, each of which has given him millions of dollars.
Tom Hardy
One of the most basic MMA movies to date, such as Warrior, was done by Tom Hardy.
Tom is left disabled in this movie because of a shoulder injury while resisting an omoplata BJJ submission.
Without these roles, as mentioned above, Tom has an excellent chance of winning the award for British actor of the year in 2015.
Also, he has a leading role in the movie Mad Max: Fury Road, among other award-winning performances.
Tom Hardy is a well-known Hollywood actor who travels with the Royal Marines into the jiu-jitsu mats.
Otherwise, he is one of those blue belts BJJ celebrities who dedicate essential time to jiu-jitsu and martial arts training.
Tom Hardy is training in jiu-jitsu and is sure he’s employing his knowledge and staying in the upper rung of his profession.
Jason Statham
Jason Statham, who’s been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu for over 17 years, has stretched his time to practice martial art.
He started training Jiu-Jitsu alongside Guy Ritchie BJJ; his father was his first instructor.
If I’m not mistaken, Jason has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie. Additionally, Statham has expressed his love for mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In addition, he is among those jiu-jitsu celebrities who also trained in Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and Kickboxing.
Otherwise, A prominent American actor and current leader of American actors, Jason Statham, is British.
He is widely known for his many fight scenes in numerous blockbusters, including roles in movies like The Mechanic, The Fast and the Furious 8, and The Bank Job.
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall enjoys an impressive run as an actor, having significantly contributed to films such as True Grit, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Lonesome Dove.
He was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, of which he won four: one from Tender Mercies, two from And Pals, and one from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
Robert is one of many BJJ celebrities who train in this gentle art. Robert and his wife Luciana are taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons under Grand Master Pedro Sauer.
Also, he has been seen training in the Machado jiu-jitsu academy.
Johnny Strong
He began his career as an artist when he was a kid, in Los Angeles, California, in 1974.
He’s working in graphic design, photography, writing, music, and the movie and television industry.
In addition to starring in films such as Black Hawk Down, Fast and Furious, and other great projects.
In addition to being a talented martial artist, Johnny is also an accomplished instructor.
American Kickboxing, Western-style Boxing, and Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do were all styles he learned for self-defense and acting.
He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu celebrity with a second-degree black belt under Chris Lisciandro.
David Bautista
Guardians of the Galaxy features Bautista in several Hollywood films, making him a Hollywood movie star.
If he has retired from World Wrestling Entertainment, he’s a former WWE star. Batista’s martial arts training started with Karate and later included Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.
Because of this, he has made a significant career in professional MMA fighting and WWE.
Starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu training with Cesar Gracie in 2010, Bautista began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Two years ago, he received his BJJ purple belt from Gracie.
Sean Patrick Flanery
A well-known American actor, martial artist, and painter, Sean Patrick Flanery, has starred in numerous Hollywood productions.
Including The Boondock Saints, Powder, Young Indiana Jones, Saw 3D, and artworks.
Sean Patrick Flanery is a highly respected second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller.
In other words, Sean had not been doing BJJ for fun, and he competed in several jiu-jitsu tournaments.
Hence, he won the US National BJJ Championship and the Pans Championship in his division.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is a hilarious but talented Hollywood actor. His personality on-screen has made him a celebrity around the world.
Most people, however, are unaware he is a talented martial artist.
About a few years ago, Jim received his Jiu-Jitsu brown belt. At first glance, it’s apparent that you don’t want to tangle with him.
Scott Caan
Scott Caan is a celebrity with a big passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, photography, and acting.
He is most famous for his role as Detective Steve McGarrett on the TV series Hawaii Five-O, for which he’s been in the role for ten years. In addition, he has had recurring roles in the Ocean’s Eleven movie series.
Scott began training jiu-jitsu under Marcus Vinicius in Beverly Hills BJJ many years ago. And after approximately 15 years, he got his black belt under Marcus Vinicius.
Otherwise, we had also seen Scott training BJJ at Grappling Unlimited in Hawaii, with Egan Inoue at Egan Inoue’s Grappling Unlimited Academy.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has enabled Scott to maintain humility in his life and to be perfectly honest.
Hence, he put a lot of effort in training for many years to obtain his black belt.
It is noteworthy for any BJJ celebrity since it is considered a rare belt that selects only a few practitioners.
Charlie Hunnam
Charlie Hunnam is a famous jiu-jitsu celebrity, actor, screenwriter, and producer who works in Hollywood.
His most notable works are Sons of Anarchy, Queer as Folk, Nicholas Nickleby, and Pacific Rim. So, when does he start training in BJJ grappling?
Charlie Hunnam has been introduced to the world of BJJ at Machados Jiu-Jitsu academy, which the Machado brothers own.
As a result, Charlie was reportedly influenced by black belts and the director of the new “King Arthur” movie.
In 2018, Rigan Machado promoted Charlie Hunnam to the jiu-jitsu blue belt and was responsible for the promotion.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is also one of the famous jiu-jitsu practitioners. He’s very action-oriented.
For instance, try thinking about “Con Air,” “Gone in 60 Seconds”, “Running with the Devil,” “Ghost Rider,” “Face Off,” and “Jiu-Jitsu.”
Besides, he has both an Oscar and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been trying to make a full-on martial arts movie for quite some time.
Nicolas’s wish to become a black-belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu actor has been granted. Otherwise, he’s a BJJ celebrity black belt who trains under Gracie jiu-jitsu champion Royce Gracie.
Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan is another famous Brazilian jiu-jitsu celebrity and martial artist. Besides, he is a popular and highly regarded American sports commentator, TV host, and comedian born on August 11, 1967, in Newark, New Jersey.
Among other things, he is well-known for his roles on reality TV shows like Fear Factor.
Mixed martial arts galas like the Ultimate Fighting Championship have Joe Rogan’s attention. He has hosted his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, since 2009.
Furthermore, he is an experienced fighter with black belts in taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Joe Rogan began his career as a stand-up comedian around the same age that he finished competing.
While in the early stages of his career, he developed his comedy career, landing roles in TV series and films.
His role as host of the Fear Factor (reality TV show) began in 2001-2006 and continued through 2011-2012.
Like many others, Joe Rogan discovered BJJ after watching Royce Gracie compete in the first UFC event in 1994.
After two years, he began training BJJ in Hollywood, California, under Carlson Gracie.
Moreover, Rogan is a black belt with a black belt in gi under Jean Jacques Machado.
Related: Looking to enhance your jiu-jitsu journey? This list of the best jiu-jitsu podcasts! Gain valuable insights, techniques, and interviews with experts in the field. Click here to read more!
Conclusion
It has rapidly increased in popularity over the years, notably in the United States, and is now one of the most popular combat sports globally.
More and more people, athletes, and celebrities are becoming involved in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu every day.
BJJ martial art is an excellent discipline to build and tone every muscle in the body. Numerous well-known celebrities have benefited from it, building remarkable core strength, boosting flexibility, and maintaining excellent mental health.
Related: Jiu-jitsu is a very effective grappling combat sport with several benefits. Click here to find out more!
