Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 19
This is a list of legitimate martial artists appearing in movies, accompanied by the styles they practice(d), the recognition they've received for them, and individual trivia.
Qualifications:
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I credit stunt performers for doubling others in fight scenes. I justify doing this for cases wherein the stunt performer is executing significant parts of the action themselves and is displayed on the screen as prominently or more than the actor.
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NOTE: A lot of trivia listed here originally came from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources.
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**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes/omissions and make no claims about this list's infallibility**
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Previous list here
Qualifications:
- The performer must be an actual practitioner of a martial art. Simply portraying martial artists in film, no matter how well or how often, is not enough,
- The martial art(s) in question must be identifiable and verifiable by a source other than hearsay.
- Individual accomplishments (e.g. championships won, belts held) must likewise be verifiable.
- Mixed Martial Arts, Tai Chi, and weapons-exclusive styles can only be credited if the person in question practices another style as well. (I reserve the right to make exceptions.)
- Kickboxing is considered a martial art.
- Tae Bo, boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics are not considered martial arts.
- Styles incorporating firearms (e.g. Systema) are not considered.
--------------------------------------------------
I credit stunt performers for doubling others in fight scenes. I justify doing this for cases wherein the stunt performer is executing significant parts of the action themselves and is displayed on the screen as prominently or more than the actor.
--------------------------------------------------
NOTE: A lot of trivia listed here originally came from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources.
--------------------------------------------------
**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes/omissions and make no claims about this list's infallibility**
--------------------------------------------------
Previous list here
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- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model. She was born in Petah Tikva, Israel, to an Ashkenazi Jewish family (from Poland, Austria, Germany, and Czechoslovakia who Hebraized their name from 'Greenstein' to sound less European). She served in the IDF for two years, and won the Miss Israel title in 2004.
Gal began modeling in the late 2000s, and made her film debut in the fourth film of the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast & Furious (2009), where she appeared as Gisele Yashar; she repriced the role of Yashar in several subsequent installments of The Fast Saga. Gadot went on to achieve global stardom for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, including in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Wonder Woman (2017) and Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021). She has since starred in the Netflix action-comedy film Red Notice (2021) and the mystery film Death on the Nile (2022).
Gal is a motorcycle enthusiast, and owns a black 2006 Ducati Monster-S2R. She has been married to Yaron Versano since September 28, 2008. They have three daughters.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing
Trivia: is a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces
Best seen in WONDER WOMAN- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Christoph Clark was born on 9 February 1958 in France. He is an actor and director. He was previously married to Debora Wells.Northern Shaolin (3-time US National Gold medalist; US National Team member), Tai Chi
Trivia: is also a martial arts instructor and owner of the Rocky Mountain Movement facility of Englewood, Colorado
Best seen in MY SAMURAI- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Alan Bagh (born May 30, 1985) is an award winning American actor, producer, and writer. He was born in Sacramento, CA and moved to Los Angeles in 2010 to pursue acting. He is best known for playing the character "Rod" in the cult horror film: Birdemic: Shock and Terror, and its sequel Birdemic 2: The Resurrection. He resides in Los Angeles, CA.Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: also practices wrestling
Best seen in BIRDEMIC 2- Brittany N. Pierce is known for Birdemic 2: The Resurrection (2013), Beauty Beware (2013) and Swimsuit Centerfold (2015).Jujitsu
Trivia: studied the martial arts under Master Bryan Herbert
Best seen in BIRDEMIC 2 - Wally Jay is known for TC 2000 (1993), The Cutoff (1998) and America's Martial Arts Legends: Wally Jay Volume 2 (2005).Danzan-Ryu & Small Circle Jujitsu (founder; 10th Dan; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry), Kodokan Judo (6th Dan; US National Team captain)
Trivia: was named one of the 100 most influential martial arts personalities of all times by Inside Kung Fu Magazine
Best seen in TC 2000 - Actress
- Director
- Writer
Pamela Sutch was born on 7 January 1962 in Pennsylvania, USA. She is an actress and director, known for Trakked (2015), Soul Traveler (2021) and The Gift (2014).Goju-Ryu Karate, Northern Shaolin (3-time USOMAC Gold medalist)
Trivia: is also a cardio kickboxing instructor at Peter Kwok's Kung Fu Academy in Westwood, New Jersey
Best seen in SWAMP ZOMBIES- Katsumasa Kuroki was born on 9 January 1973 in Tokyo, Japan. He is an actor, known for WCW Monday Nitro (1995), WCW Thunder (1998) and WCW/NWO World War 3 (1998).HONORARY ENTRY
Daido-Juku Kudo
Trivia: is a former professional wrestler and 4-time champion in three different promotions - Actress
- Writer
- Director
Kickboxing, Krav Maga
Trivia: is a former martial arts instructor
Best seen in HOODRATS 2- Actress
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Junie got her start in dance at age 16. She graduated salutatorian of her high school class. Her studies at Texas A&M University earned her a B.S. in Biomedical Science from the College of Veterinary Medicine. She received a teaching certificate in dance and later trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her interests include studying martial arts and learning different languages. Junie is fluent in Vietnamese and English, practices conversational Spanish and has dabbled in French.Kuk Sool Won
Trivia: studied the martial arts under Roderick Thornton
Best seen in HOODRATS 2- HONORARY ENTRY
Sumo (310-291), Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is also a professional wrestler and 3-time tag team champion - Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Ever since she was a child growing up in South Jersey, Katrina Law had more energy than she knew what to do with. Her mother (being the brilliant mother that she is) recognized this at an early age and enrolled Katrina in a variety of activities ranging from dance and gym classes to karate lessons, soccer practice, and voice coaching. You name the activity and Katrina's mother probably had her try it at least once. When she graduated high school her yearbook was filled with photos of her on the Varsity Track team, Varsity Soccer Team, Varsity Cheerleading Squad, and even the Varsity Weightlifting Team. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and won the title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA, where she went on to represent the state at finals on national television.
This eccentric collection of interests and activities, combined with her exotic physical appearance usually means that the first question people ask her is, "What are you?"
What she is, to answer their question, is a typical small-town American Girl. Her parents met during the Vietnam War; her father being a Catholic of German and Italian decent serving in the U.S. armed forces and her mother a Buddhist living in Taiwan, working as a bartender. This combination of cultures learning to live in harmony under one roof taught Katrina tolerance, patience, understanding, and humor as a child and still guides her to this day.
After graduating with a theater degree from the Richard Stockton College of NJ, Katrina's acting education continued on in the big cities of Philadelphia and New York. There she not only deepened her understanding of acting as an art form, but she also sharpened her teeth on the business of acting. In New York City she earned her SAG eligibility on the set of Lucky Numbers (2000) with Nora Ephron and John Travolta, and finally joined SAG when she booked a guest star role on NY's Third Watch (1999). Since then, she has gone on to act in many exciting projects, including a three-episode arc as the Mord'Sith Garen in Legend of the Seeker (2008) and as the series regular Mira in the hit show Spartacus (2010).Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: also practices archery
Best seen in ARROW- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Clayton Prince was born on 17 February 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He is an actor and director, known for Dark Justice (1991), Hairspray (1988) and The Cosby Show (1984).Shotokan Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: studied Jiu-Jitsu under Royce Gracie
Best seen in THE BLACK NINJA- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Troy Nikolo Ashford is an American filmmaker, producer, director, actor, stuntman and martial artist. He is a mix of Native American and African American heritage raised near Wauwatosa Wisconsin. His childhood heroes and inspiration were Bruce Lee and Sonny Chiba and at the age of three his father enrolled him in martial arts programs where after many years of intense training, he obtained a 11th Degree Grand Master Red Belt and two 9th Degree Black Belt Grand Master ranks. Ashford has also earned honorary Master Degrees in thirteen other systems of Martial Arts. He has over four decades of marital arts experience and is an expert in the art of Ki Gon (mind over matter technique). His achievements also include being a Black Belt Hall of Fame nominee, USA Martial Arts and World Martial Arts Organization Hall of Fame Nominee. Ashford has coached and created 21 World Champions in numerous national karate circuits and organizations, and received an array of awards throughout His staggering martial arts career.
Ashford's film career began in 1999 in the Bollywood action drama "International Khiladi" where he played the henchman assassin. Then in 2001, on a shoe-string budget of just 100k, he wrote/produced/directed and starred in his first independent action film, "Razor Sharpe" which grossed over a $1.5 million. A year later he began working on his second film, but due to unforeseen complications with his elder sisters health and her need for a liver transplant, the film was put on hold. Unable to complete the film he continued her care for the next 9 years.
In 2005, he attended the African World Festival, German Festival, Polish Festival and Mari-Time Festival in Milwaukee Wisconsin where he performed live martial art stunts such as; catching arrows, breaking hundreds of pounds of ice blocks with his head, bending spears with his eye and a host of other dangerous stunts. Ashford also appeared on the Steve Harvey show where he unofficially set the World Record for breaking 7 ½ inch boards with his unprotected groin area. In 2008, he set another record as the first man in the world to catch a bullet in his hand using a 32 hollow point bullet shot from a modified 22 caliber rifle.
In 2009, Ashford was invited to Beijing to perform on the Chinese version of, The Guinness Book World Record Show, where he set a record for catching the fastest arrow by hand in the shortest distance. He also appeared on Madrid's version of, The Guinness World Record Show, where he set a record for breaking 34 bricks with the back of his head within 60 seconds.
Ashford's film production company, Action Silver Entertainment produces clean action/martial arts oriented films that are focused on bringing beauty and power of martial arts to the mainstream audience. He is the main actor in all of the action films with a big name supporting cast and he's doing it from the heart.Goju-Ryu Karate
Trivia: is also a martial arts instructor
Best seen in RAZOR SHARPE- Kickboxing
Trivia: is also trained in Chinese martial arts weaponry
Best seen in TIGER CLAWS - Dunn Wah is known for Tiger Claws (1992).Wing Chun, Wushu
Trivia: is the leading director and former coach of the Canadian National Wushu Team
Best seen in TIGER CLAWS - Stunts
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Starting as a stunt performer and actor and then moving on to Stunt Rigging, Fight Coordinating and Stunt Coordinating, Tig has been involved in every aspect of action performance, design & execution in film & television.
Best known for their action design work on such series as Nikita, The Expanse & Titans, Tig has been SAG nominated for Best Stunt Ensemble for season two of The Boys, Emmy nominated for Outstanding Stunt Coordination On A Comedy Series for season three of What We Do In The Shadows and has won ACTRA Toronto Best Stunt Ensemble for episode 406 of What We Do In The Shadows.
Most recently Tig has taken to the director's chair having also directed on What We Do In The Shadows on the third, fourth and fifth seasons.
When Tig is not on set, they are applying their videography and photography skills to bring awareness to issues of ocean conservation all over the world, from the frozen seas of northern Norway chasing wild orca, to the sharky depths of the South Pacific.Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing, Hung Gar, Pikiti Tersia, Capoeira, Muay Boran, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Tai Chi, Kali
Trivia: is a former competitive bodybuilder
Best seen in KHILADIYON KA KHILADI- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Kerry Wong is known for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and Wild Card (2015).Kyokushin & Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Wushu, Capoeira
Trivia: is the co-founder of the Zero Gravity Stunt Team
Best seen in GAME OVER- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Orlando Ortega was born in Nicaragua and came to the United States when he was only about 8 years old. He came to live in the Bronx with his mother and his older sister. He had always wanted to be an actor but somehow strayed from his path and got into the technology field during the dot com boom. Once the dot com bubble burst, he decided it was time to go back to his passion of acting and head over to Los Angeles.
In 2003, Orlando packed his belongings and drove all the way to Los Angeles. Since then he has done extra work on "24", "Strong Medicine", "CSI:Miami" and "Jericho". He also worked on the movie "Game Over" and he played Luis in "G.I. Jesus".
While he had been living in New York, he was approached by Margaret Harris on the subway. She wanted to include him in the movie she was filming called "Exit 8A". He agreed and played the role of Francisco. In 2004, he attended the Sundance Film Festival where the short film got screened.
In 2005, Orlando starred in and produced the short film, "Speed Dating 101" which got accepted into the Valley Film Festival the following year.Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: was also a trained computer programmer
Best seen in GAME OVER- Stunts
- Actor
- Cinematographer
Nicholas was born and raised in a small town on the coast of Lake Erie just outside Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in the Midwest he discovered a love for competitive sports and martial arts, while action in film and television always seemed to captivate Nicholas.
A stuntman was not a practical profession of choice in Ohio, but the desire to become a stuntman started from a young age. Nicholas went on to compete as an NCAA pole-vaulter for Ashland University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree. Shortly after college Nicholas rediscovered his passion for the entertainment industry. With a great deal of hard work, patience and a little bit of luck on his side Nicholas landed his first job with Paramount Pictures in his own backyard.
A few years later Nicholas stumbled onto the biggest opportunity of his life when was hired for a Nickelodeon TV series in Pittsburgh, PA. It was on this job that he was taught the most valuable tools he would ever learn for the road to come. Working on the TV series was the catalyst that inspired Nicholas to move West. He knew that in order to make this his career he would have to constantly surround himself with the best in the world. Shortly after the end of the TV show Nicholas and his wife packed up their belongings and drove West across the country to create a new life in Los Angeles.
Nicholas is a working professional stuntman in Los Angeles, CA.Tae Kwon Do, Capoeira, Judo, Kickboxing, Escrima
Trivia: also practices Greco-Roman wrestling
Best seen in BLINDSIDED: THE GAME- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Justin Hall is known for Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Hypnotic (2023) and Fear the Walking Dead (2015).Jujitsu, Judo, Escrima, Wing Chun, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: also practices boxing and grappling
Best seen in CRUNCH TIME- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Khalid Ghajji is known for Black Panther (2018), Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is also a competitive break dancer and former member of the Fantastik Armada troupe
Best seen in BLACK PANTHER- Stunts
- Actor
Emanuel Bettencourt was born on 21 December 1961. He is an actor, known for Head-On (2004), The Zen Warrior (2004) and Kebab Connection (2004).Kickboxing, Wun Hop Kuen (7th Dan; Masters Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: operates the Taiyo Sport Center in Hamburg, Germany
Best seen in SHOWDOWN IN MANILA- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Mustafa Shakir was born on 21 August 1976 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017), Ghosted (2023) and Emancipation (2022).Capoeira
Trivia: also practices yoga
Best seen in LUKE CAGE- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Lázaro Ramos was born on 1 November 1978 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. He is an actor and director, known for Executive Order (2020), The Man Who Copied (2003) and Snakes & Lizards (2006). He has been married to Taís Araújo since 9 June 2011. They have two children.Capoeira
Trivia: (?)
Best seen in CAFUNDO- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Michael Copon is an American actor known for a variety of film and television roles including that of Lucas Kendall in Power Rangers: Time Force and Felix Taggaro in One Tree Hill.
Kick starting his career in 2001, Copon was chosen by the Fox Kids Network to portray Lucas Kendall in Power Rangers: Time Force. Given the lengthy audition process for the role, Copon stood out from the crowd and became a series lead as the Blue Ranger. Though the progression of the show introduced a new lineup in the next series, Copon reprised his role in Power Rangers: Wild Force in the two-part episode of 'Reinforcements from the Future'. Capturing attention in the role, Copon soon landed a recurring role during One Tree Hill's second season as Felix Taggaro. Other notable appearances include those in Scrubs, That's So Raven, Hawaii Five-0, Beyond The Break, and Reno 911!
Copon's film work includes standout roles in Bring It On: In It To Win It, and as Mathayus in The Scorpion King: Rise of a Warrior. Copon has also applied himself to a number of horror films, including Night of the Demons, Killer Holiday and 247 Fº .
Beyond his film and television commitments, Copon is also a talented singer, releasing 'Let's Get Nasty' on iTunes in 2010 and appeared (and subsequently won) the competition on VH1's But Can They Sing?
In 2019, Michael Copon is set to appear as Nicholai in the television series Dystopia, a science fiction thriller that aims to rewrite history.Capoeira
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Xingu del Rosario
Best seen in POWER RANGERS TIME FORCE- Actor
- Writer
- Stunts
Nathan Jung was born on 29 November 1946 in Bakersfield, California, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for Big Trouble in Little China (1986), Darkman (1990) and The Shadow (1994). He died on 24 April 2021 in the USA.Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Trivia: studied the martial arts under Master Leo Wang
Best seen in KUNG FU- Producer
- Actor
- Director
William Christopher Ford aka Christopher Paul Ford played strong but silent Cobra Kai bad boy, "Dennis", in "The Karate Kid Part III". He was made aware of an open casting call for "KKIII" for the part of "Mike Barnes" from a good friend and stood in line with hundreds of other young hopefuls. Director, John Avildsen came out with a camera man and started going down the line to take a look at all the talent and stopped to talk to a fortunate few including Ford who gave the director his headshot. About a week later, he got a call from Casting Director, Caro Jones, who called him into read for the part of "Barnes". About a month later he got a call from Jones telling him that the part of "Mike Barnes" had been cast but they wanted him to come down to the set because they needed an actor/stunt person/martial artist to play one of the supporting "bad boys". So Ford met with Stunt Coordinator Pat Johnson and Director John Avildsen the next day and was cast as "Dennis". At this writing, Ford is a 5th degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate and studied directly with Sensei Richard Rabago and with Master Tadashi Yamashita. He has also studied Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Kick-boxing. He began studying Martial Arts in 1974 at the age of seven. Ford left the Entertainment Industry for many years to help raise his two kids but returned in 2006, and at this time he also changed his professional name to William Christopher Ford to honor his father who passed away in 2005. He has also worked as Chris Ford, William Ford and "WC" Ford.
William was inducted into the Masters' Hall of Fame on Aug. 11th, 2012 and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the martial arts. He dedicated the acceptance of this award to his late martial arts mentor, Sensei Richard Rabago, who had suggested Ford for the award before his passing in May, 2012.Shorin-Ryu Karate (5th Dan; Masters Hall of Fame entry), Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: co-owns and operates the Kaizen Dojo in Torrance, California
Best seen in THE KARATE KID III- Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Samuel Kwok was born in Hong Kong, he has spent 45 years training and promoting the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Samuel is a disciple of the two sons of the famous IP Man and other students of Grandmaster IP Man - Bruce Lee's teacher's aim was to protect and preserve IP Man Wing Chun . To improve people's health and help people to apply the principle and philosophy of Wing Chun in life. This evolved to more than 36 countries of teaching. Samuel has taught and trained many famous Martial Artists GM Rondy McKee , GM Cynthia Rothrock , Carl Van Metten Peter Constertine and World Champions like Paddy Monaghan , Quentin Chong . Samuel has held joint seminars with Grandmaster Carlson Gracie (BJJ ) . And the famous director and stunts Art Camacho, actor Steven Seagal and Dr Robert Goldman, Actress and Martial Artists Zara Phythian , Action Actor Muay Thai fighter Simon Kook, Crystal Santos to name a few .He starred in the movie Assassin X ( The Chemist) with Grandmaster Eric Lee, using pure Wing Chun Kung Fu and helped with IP Man movie, and the documentary 40 years anniversary of Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon . Author of 5 books and many Wing Chun DVDs. Samuel has created an IP Man Wing Chun App to help people to learn Wing Chun He became inductees and revived many awards of varies Arts Hall of Honours.Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: is the founder of the Samuel Kwok Wing Chun Association
Best seen in ASSASSIN X- Actor
- Stunts
James Choi is known for Dragon Fire (1993).Tae Kwon Do (Student World Championships & US Open Bronze medalist)
Trivia: was affiliated with the LA Taekwondo Center
Best seen in DRAGON FIRE- Writer
- Producer
- Actress
Tae Kwon Do (2nd Dan), Wushu, Karate
Trivia: trained in stage combat under Laurent Buson
Best seen in THE KUNG FU ROCK CHICK- Actor
- Additional Crew
Paco C. Prieto was born in Mexico City, Mexico, making his first starring role in Only the Strong (1993). In the early 80s Paco instructed martial arts classes at East Los Angeles College. After meeting Deborah Roberts (mother of playboy playmate Layla Roberts) Paco and Deborah lived in Beverly Hills until their separation in 1998. Paco is currently producing and starring in films in Mexico City, Mexico.Dux-Ryu Ninjutsu
Trivia: has studied the martial arts since age 6
Best seen in ONLY THE STRONG- Stunts
- Actor
- Casting Department
Rissa Kilar began martial arts at the age of 5. With her being a military child, she has constantly moved around every few years with her family until finally settling in Los Angeles, California. In Los Angeles, she further pursued her martial arts career as an instructor and World Champion competitor and performer. After a couple years in LA, acting and stunts sparked her interest and with her connections through the martial arts industry, she has been set on the path towards exciting opportunities of the entertainment industry.Tae Kwon Do (4th Dan), Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Escrima, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: is the lead instructor at the Xtreme Martial Arts World Headquarters
Best seen in LOGAN- Natasha Liu Bordizzo is an Australian actress.
She was born on the 25th of August 1994 in Sydney. Natasha has an academic background, having deferred a law degree to pursue work in film. She also holds a strong background in sports - particularly martial arts, having achieved a black-belt in Taekwondo.Tae Kwon Do (1st Dan), Wudang Quan
Trivia: dropped out of college to accept her role in the below-mentioned film
Best seen in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON: SWORD OF DESTINY