When Hollywood needs their leading actors to be lean, mean, fighting machines they send in the trainers – and a lot of the time those trainers are Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) coaches.
Why? Because BJJ is a great way to get people into shape quickly. The movie business is all about appearances. Trainers on a film set aren’t mentoring the next Gracie brother, they’re there to help actors look the part and move like someone who’s been training martial arts for longer than a casting call.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu builds lean muscle fast. It engages every muscle group, boosting strength, flexibility, and coordination. It’s also a graceful martial art, teaching students greater awareness of their body and their environment.
When you see Scarlett Johansen glide across the screen to take down six burly men, she’s combining speed, power, and flexibility to make it look effortless. And she can thank her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach for that.
10 Celebrity BJJ Fans
#1 Scarlett Johansson
We’ll kick things off with the Black Widow herself. Scarlett Johansson reportedly fell in love with Jiu Jitsu when training for the Marvel movies – a role that requires a lot of grappling and takedowns.
Her love of the martial art appears to have lasted longer than the franchise as she’s still training today. If you hang out in BJJ gyms near Beverly Hills, you might even see her on the mat.
#2 Demi Lovato
Singer Demi Lovato is one of BJJ’s most outspoken celebrity advocates. She’s very vocal about her passion for training and all that work has obviously paid off – earlier this year she gained her purple belt. Congrats Demi!
#3 Ashton Kutcher
Don’t let the pretty boy looks fool you, Ashton Kutcher is a powerhouse on the mat. The actor’s been training BJJ since 2012 and is now a brown belt. Given his commitment to the sport, it probably won’t be long before he’s switching that out for black belt.
#4 Margot Robbie
Before she was Barbie, Margot Robbie was better known as the hell raising comic book character Harley Quinn – a role that required a lot of intense BJJ training.
The Aussie actress apparently embraced the sport, training three times a week to get in shape.
#5 Keanu Reeves
One of Canada’s most famous exports, Keanu Reeves trained in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo for his role in the John Wick films. Watch any of those movies and you’ll see him pull off a blizzard of arm locks, rolls, and throws like a pro.
#6 Millie Bobby Brown
When it comes to martial arts, it’s always best to start training young – and it looks like Millie Bobby Brown got that memo.
The star of Stranger Things began her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training at 16 and put that training to good use in her role as Enola Holmes in the Sherlock Holmes-themed series.
#7 Russell Brand
Commentator, comedian and actor Russell Brand is a busy man but he makes time for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, training at the renowned Roger Gracie Buckinghamshire Academy in England where he was awarded his purple belt.
Brand, who’s been very open about his struggles with addiction, has spoken publicly about how the martial art has helped him on his journey to recovery and changed his outlook on life.
#8 Vince Vaughn
Funny man Vince Vaughn takes his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seriously. He began training under the Gracies in 2016 and earned his blue belt just two years later. He’s now rumoured to be within sight of getting his black belt and is grabbing the attention of serious fighters as they look to test his skills.
#9 Halle Berry
Halle Berry has definitely earned her impressive physique, having trained martial arts for more than a decade. These days, she’s loving Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – inspired by her John Wick co-star Keanu Reeves.
#10 Ed O’Neill
Ed O’Neill is living proof that you can become a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt at any age.
The legendary actor trained for 16 years before achieving his black belt in 2007 at the age of 61. O’Neill trained under Rorion Gracie and said it wasn’t an easy road to black belt, but calls his journey with the martial art “the most amazing experience”.
Feeling inspired to hit the mat? Innisfil Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers BJJ classes for all ages and abilities. Led by professional coaches, our classes are a welcoming space for everyone to get to know this incredible martial art. Meet new friends, improve your mental and physical health, and learn some impressive grappling moves. Get in touch today to schedule your first free introductory session!