Yep, even your favorite movie stars hit the mats. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just for fighters and gym rats. Turns out, a bunch of celebrities train in BJJ too. And they’re not doing it for clout. They’re doing it to stay sharp, stay fit, and stay humble.
From movie legends to music icons, here are some celebs who actually train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu—and aren’t just posing in a gi for Instagram.
Chuck Norris
- Rank: Black belt.
- Trained under Jean Jacques Machado.
Yeah, the jokes write themselves. Chuck Norris doesn’t tap. The mats tap to Chuck Norris. But for real—Chuck trained with the Gracie family way before BJJ was cool.
He once said learning Jiu-Jitsu from the Gracies felt like discovering martial arts all over again. In 2015, he got his 3rd-degree black belt. The man’s been a martial artist for decades. Jiu-Jitsu? Just another discipline he’s crushed.
Keanu Reeves
- Rank: White belt.
- Trained at: Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Keanu’s done it all—Matrix flips, John Wick shootouts, and sword fights. So it’s no surprise he trained Jiu-Jitsu to prep for his roles.
You’ve probably seen him drilling throws and submissions behind the scenes of John Wick. He’s not a black belt (yet), but he takes his training seriously and rolls with the Machados in LA.
He’s also trained in judo and a mix of other styles. Hollywood action? That’s just Keanu doing his homework.
Guy Ritchie
- Rank: Black belt under Renzo Gracie
Guy’s not just behind the camera—he’s also on the mat. The Snatch and Sherlock Holmes director has been training BJJ for years.
He started out in England with Mauricio Gomes (Roger Gracie’s dad), then kept grinding until he earned his black belt under Renzo Gracie.
This isn’t a “celebrity hobby.” Guy put in years of work to get his belt.
Demi Lovato
- Rank: Purple belt
- Started in: 2016
Demi found BJJ when she needed something real to help with her mental health. She stuck with it. In 2017, she got her blue belt. In 2022, she earned her purple belt.
She’s said that Jiu-Jitsu gives her peace. And the way she talks about training? It’s clear she sees the mat as a place of healing.
Alain Moussi
- Rank: Black belt
- Known for: Kickboxer: Vengeance, stunt work in X-Men
Alain’s been training for over 20 years under the Machados. He’s not just an actor—he’s a legit martial artist with a black belt in BJJ.
He starred in the movie “Jiu-Jitsu” alongside Nicolas Cage and has done stunts for big films like X-Men and Brick Mansions. The dude walks the walk.
Rikki Rockett
- Rank: 4th-degree black belt
- Known for: Drummer from the band Poison
Yeah, even rockstars roll.
Rikki Rockett has been training BJJ for years and holds a third-degree black belt. He credits Jiu-Jitsu for keeping him physically and mentally balanced—especially during tough times like his cancer battle.
Ed O’Neill
- Rank: Black belt under Rorion Gracie
You might know him as Al Bundy or Jay from Modern Family. But behind the scenes, Ed O’Neill has been training in Jiu-Jitsu for decades. He got his black belt under Rorion Gracie after more than 15 years of training.
He says it was one of the hardest things he’s ever done—and one of the most rewarding.
Ashton Kutcher
- Rank: Brown belt
- Trained under: Rigan Machado
He’s known for comedies and business moves—but Ashton’s also serious about BJJ. He’s been training under Rigan Machado for years and is now a brown belt.
He keeps it pretty low-key, but those close to him say he’s legit.
Tom Hardy
- Rank: Purple belt
- Competes in: Local UK tournaments
Tom doesn’t just play tough guys—he is one. He trains BJJ regularly and has entered local tournaments in the UK, where he’s actually won gold.
He credits Jiu-Jitsu with helping his mental health and staying grounded. He’s the real deal.
Nicolas Cage
- Rank: Black belt
- Trained under: Royce Gracie
Nicolas Cage is more than just the face of action flicks—he’s trained BJJ for years and earned a black belt under Royce Gracie.
He even starred in the martial arts sci-fi film “Jiu-Jitsu.” It wasn’t a documentary, but hey—it got people talking about the sport.
Johnny Strong
- Rank: Black belt
- Trained under: Chris Lisciandro
Johnny Strong does a bit of everything—graphic design, music, and acting. You might’ve seen him in Black Hawk Down or Fast and Furious. But he’s also a solid martial artist.
He’s trained in kickboxing, boxing, and Jeet Kune Do. And when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu? He’s a legit black belt instructor.
Dave Bautista
- Rank: Brown belt
- Trained under: Cesar Gracie
Guardians of the Galaxy star and former WWE champ Dave Bautista isn’t just about power moves. He’s been training BJJ since 2010 and got his brown belt in June 2023.
He’s also fought MMA professionally—and won. So yeah, he can roll.
Sean Patrick Flanery
- Rank: Black belt
- Trained under: Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller
Flanery isn’t just a movie guy (Boondock Saints, Young Indiana Jones). He’s a serious martial artist who trains and competes.
He’s won the US Nationals and Pans in his division. This dude’s in it for real.
Jim Carrey
- Rank: Brown belt
Surprised? Jim Carrey may be known for his crazy comedy, but he’s also trained in BJJ for years.
Word is he’s a brown belt—and that smile might be the last thing you see before he takes your back.
Scott Caan
- Rank: Black belt
- Trained under: Marcus Vinicius
Actor, photographer, and BJJ black belt. Scott trained for over 15 years before earning his belt under Marcus Vinicius. He’s also trained at Grappling Unlimited in Hawaii with Egan Inoue.
For him, BJJ is all about humility and consistency.
Charlie Hunnam
- Rank: Blue belt
- Trained at: Machado Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam trains BJJ under Rigan Machado. He picked it up while filming King Arthur and stuck with it.
He was promoted to blue belt in 2018 and continues training.
Joe Rogan
- Rank: Black belt in gi under Jean Jacques Machado
- Other black belt: No-gi under Eddie Bravo
You know the voice. UFC commentator, podcast king, and lifelong martial artist.
Joe started training after seeing Royce Gracie dominate in UFC 1. Years later, he’s a black belt in both gi and no-gi, and one of BJJ’s loudest advocates.
Final Thoughts
Celebrities aren’t just rolling for fun. Many of them put in serious time and energy into Jiu-Jitsu. Whether it’s to stay grounded, build discipline, or just learn how to fight—BJJ keeps them honest.
And if it works for them? It might just work for you too.
