But it was crouching tiger, hidden dragon 2000 that once again brought martial arts films into the spotlight. Around the same time that martial arts movies started becoming popular, black actors started to incorporate these methodologies whether it was karate, kung fu or kickboxing. The film was a major inspiration for 2000s crouching tiger, hidden dragon, so director ang lee cast cheng, by then aged 54, as the treacherous jade fox. In these short episodes, we dig into the history and. Wang lungwei a veteran of more than 85 films, wang lungwei is one of the few actors who have no martial arts background but can look like a real master. Bruce lee remains the greatest icon of martial arts cinema and a key figure.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the most muscular martial arts actors. During the 70s and early 80s, thousands of martial arts films from japan, korea, and thailand came to america, being played in grind house theaters, driveins, and late night tv. The amazing history of martial arts films desiblitz. Chuck norris is familiar to fans worldwide as the star. Following is an incomplete list of films, ordered by year of release, featuring depictions of martial arts. Of all the movie martial arts actors, who would actually. Anyone can vote on the best martial artists here, which means these actors are truly fan favorites.
For most of them, we even have a special profile episode of them on the show. Ever since the danceractor hit his stride in the criticallyacclaimed 1987 boxoffice blast dirty dancing, people were crazy about patrick swayze. Memorable characters are a massive chunk of what make movies iconic and what build careers for actors. Mar 14, 2017 martial arts movies havent traditionally been known for their acting, but thats changed in recent years. Jaa is different than most of the martial arts movie actors on this list because. They gained in popularity, and around the 80s and 90s, america had a massive martial arts movie craze introducing a new generation to the wonders of these films. Similar to traditional wuxia but where most wuxia uses more extreme supernatural martial arts. Jun 22, 2016 while a great many actors and actresses, but well get to that in another list play kickass tough guys, these actors have genuine martial arts skills and have spent many years training to become fullyfledged badasses. Filmisnow action movie trailers 14,204,173 views 10. As a boy, youd run away if the girl whose hair you pulled on the playground answered with a smack.
But this excitement that martial arts movie fans find is heavily attributed to the actor and his persona. Lees influence on martial arts is still quite evident. See more ideas about martial arts movies, martial arts and martial. Michael jai white has studied martial arts since childhood, and holds black belts in shotokan karate, goju ryu, kyokushin, taekwondo, kobudo, wushu and tang soo doo. Jackie chan with his mindnumbing stunts performed with little regard for personal safety, jackie chan is one of the few martial arts actors who have literally sacrificed their bodies for filmall in the name of creating martial arts set pieces that no one else dared attempt. Its also why everyone loves a good martial arts movie. It would be followed by a number of karate superstars who would define the 1980s action landscape. Chans parents didnt have a lot of money and therefore enrolled him in. Martial arts stars you dont know about but should looper. The performers on this list practice a variety of martial arts traditions and styles, including the jeet kun do techniques innovated by people like bruce lee, the muay thai style of tony jaa or the traditional karate employed by jeanclaude van damme. Martial arts actors who dont even have a black belt. Here is a list of some of the more popular actors along with their martial arts background.
He may not be the world class martial artist we all come to expect from mainstream martial arts actors. Heres a list of ten of these unsung heroes of martial arts cinema. Theres a plethora of martial arts out there and most actors tend to stick to one of them because its pretty much impossible to learn them all and bring them to the. Kick back with epic showdowns featuring karate, kung fu and more. The fight about wong jack man getting his head bashed into a wall was all fictional and made up, both had a fight and the fight was virtually tied, bruce was actually struggling to decisivel. Martial arts films, also colloquially known as karate or kung fu films, are a subgenre of action films that feature numerous martial arts fights between characters.
Fight scenes in any movie especially martial arts movies are about cooperation and telling a story instead of beating an opponent. Top 100 martial arts movie stars training backgrounds 2018. Bruce lee remains the greatest icon of martial arts cinema and a key figure of modern popular media. Nov 14, 2015 krishna, i suppose it has been long enough for me to admit that the very first movie i wrote was a martial arts movie, and i wrote and did stunt work, fight choreography and even stunt work in many more. Martial arts actors who dont even have a black belt looper. Suggested by umg rae sremmurd, swae lee, slim jxmmi ft. Of all the movie martial arts actors, who would actually win. And if you have ever found yourself wondering if any of the actors are truly performing their own stunts, you may be surprised to know that indeed there are quite a few who have had extensive martial arts training. Whether youre into wellchoreographed action or you just like watching impossibly. The icons of martial arts cinema are well known, from bruce lee and jackie chan to jet li and tony jaa.
In 1996 he was named one of the martial arts movie. Wincott was also the star of several martial arts films in the 1990s. We take a look at 10 martial arts actors who never launched to the level of popularity that they ought to have received. You wont find a movie that utilizes lis considerable talents the way this one does, making it a mustwatch for any fan of martial arts cinema. Here are 10 female actors with serious martial arts skills. He was born in 1967 in brooklyn, new york, and began practicing at age 7. Top 20 of the best martial arts actors part 1 dgfcd top list. Yep, martial arts movie actors are a different breed. These categories are not combatoriented, being displays of fluidity of movement rather than fighting, and are. Top 20 martial arts film stars of all time black belt. We start with an actor who is proficient in a number of different martial arts styles, and has showcased those skills in a number of films. Not many martial artists, actors or not, can compare to michaels extensive martial arts history. Not to mention those jean claude van damme spinning 360degree maneuvers, ridiculous high kicks, etc.
Hes an actor thats been in several of the most famous movies in the world, and hes a black belt in karate. Photo by mark davisgetty images for hollywood life forest whitaker. Action movie stars, action movies, kung fu, martial arts, masters, brother, marshal arts, martial art. Apr 06, 2012 mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the nation. I had to start with the most famous martial artist of our time the little dragon himself, bruce lee. Rothrock is fivetime world karate champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985. Sep 09, 2019 theres a plethora of martial arts out there and most actors tend to stick to one of them because its pretty much impossible to learn them all and bring them to the silver screen in a convincing matter. Sep 30, 2016 we ask all of our guests on the martial arts radio podcast about their favorite martial arts actors. May 6, 2012 i enjoy martial arts movies and actors. Jan 05, 2020 if you look at most martial arts movies, you will hardly miss a ripped actor.
I read a lot of fictional nonsense here about bruce lee. The actor has a black belt, and hes not afraid to use it. Many martial arts actors also come from a dance background instead of a fighting one. See more ideas about kung fu, kung fu martial arts and actor. Top 10 female martial arts stars glen stanway november 3, 2017 articles, videos as the various systems of martial arts developed over the centuries, it was generally considered unladylike for women to actively participate in such activities or the grim business of war. Our whos who includes stunt performers, action actors, action directors and action choreographers, read about movie and entertainment news and much more. This tracks because the main attribute for a movie star is performance, not victory. They evoke a sense of realism into their fight scenes that make the movie more realistic and credible in terms of martial arts. When it comes to martial arts films we love the action, the cheesy lines and of course the fights.
Jackie chan, asian celebrities, kung fu, black belt, old and new, celebrity, china, actors, dreams. You know him from a little movie by the name, the godfather. These fights are usually the films primary appeal and entertainment value, and often are a method of. Travis scott close official video song black beatles. For most of them, we even have a special profile episode.
We ask all of our guests on the martial arts radio podcast about their favorite martial arts actors. Over the years martial arts films have provided us with a veritable smorgasbord of bad guys and girls to choose from. Top 50 most iconic martial arts movie characters dan on august 15, 2015 at 7. The 100 best martial arts movies of all time paste.
Aug 17, 2017 this 1973 martial arts classic is a mustsee for any fan of the genre. Hes one of the most famous actors in the world, and hes got a black belt in karate. The kung fu culture is also famous in asian culture. Hes managed to stay in shape practicing martial arts for decades, and he doesnt look like hes going to stop now. Had it not been for bruce lee and his movies in the early 1970s, its arguable whether or not the martial arts film genre would have ever penetrated and influenced mainstream north american and. Oct 01, 2019 this list of the all time greatest martial arts actors and actresses is ranked by kung fu fans worldwide. Although it was not bruce lees first film, it secured his legendary status and inspired legions of imitators.
Its so hard to take them seriously, but theyre so entertaining to watch. Top 100 martial arts movie stars and their training backgrounds updated. Martial arts training is becoming more popular with it. Top 10 lesserknown martial arts movie stars listverse. Had it not been for bruce lee and his movies in the early 1970s, its arguable whether or not the martial arts film genre would have ever. Yeah, the statheman has some moves and some movies. Hong kongs cheeky, lovable and best known film star.
Not only is he always in good shape, he is a pretty healthy guy. See more ideas about martial arts, martial and actor. Its often the case that a movie is only as good as its main villain. Not necessarily in the lead role 564 users 9,153 views. He does all of his own stunts in his films, including the nowiconic jump from a jet ski to the rear of a school bus in the transporter sequel. The martial arts movie is the cinematic genre mainly created in east asia especially hong kong often being action showcases with martialarts styles. Bolo yeung, is a former competitive bodybuilder, martial artist and a martial arts film actor. Hes spent most of his life practicing this form of martial arts, and it shows.
Jason statham trained in various martial arts and is considered as toptier as professional mma athletes. Over the years, weve seen quite a few famous faces training a form of. Nov 28, 2018 bolo yeung, is a former competitive bodybuilder, martial artist and a martial arts film actor. Godfrey ho this is a list of the 100 greatest martial arts films of all time, but at the tail end, let us make a small space for those flicks that are. The 20 best shaw brothers martial arts movies taste of. Martial arts movies havent traditionally been known for their acting, but. Call me crazy, but i find nothing more exhilarating than watching a. The 20 best shaw brothers martial arts movies posted on february 6, 2016 february 7, 2016 by raul j. Sometimes its not all about the heroes in our favourite action films. This list of the all time greatest martial arts actors and actresses is ranked by kung fu fans worldwide. Cynthia rothrock born march 8, 1957 is an american martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films. Not necessarily in the lead role 564 users 9,143 views made by sean dawn.
Feb 08, 2018 top 20 of the best martial arts actors part 1 dgfcd top list. Vantassle when kill bill volume 1 first premiered in theaters and the opening credits was a visual of the shawscope logo, with those trumpets sounding off, how many viewers actually knew what that meant. Actors tagged as martial artist by the listal community. Kung fu movies now and then movie black belt old and new martial arts hong kong movie tv actors venom. Martial arts movies are pretty much every action movie fans guilty pleasure, arent they.
The 15 hottest female fighters in martial arts movies. You simply know that when any of the soontobementioned actors are in a flick, that means the edge of your seat action and fight scenes. Van damme was born jeanclaude camille francois van varenberg in. Holding eight black belts in several different martial arts, he is the epitome of a master. Kung fu, also known as chinese martial arts, has been an important part of chinese culture for thousands of years. Frequently bemulleted rhee took up martial arts when he was four years old. Top 10 most incredible celebrity naturel body transformations 2017 duration. Western action actors trained in martial arts, such as steven seagal, jeanclaude van damme and jason statham, began to garner attention.
Michael jai white is an american actor and martial artist who has appeared in numerous films and television series. Hes probably one of the deadliest actors working in hollywood today. The movie would set the standard for almost every martial arts film for the next 20 years. Here are 15 male actors with serious martial arts skills. The popular martial arts movie, combined with comedy. Primarily cast as the villain in the movies in which he stars, he is best known for his performances as bolo in enter the dragon, as chong li in bloodsport, and for his numerous appearances and long career in hong kongs martial arts films. These fights are usually the films primary appeal and entertainment value, and often are a method of storytelling and character expression and development. And now, after over 100 episodes, we have some interesting patterns to report on. Steven frederic seagal was born in lansing, michigan, to patricia anne. Jackie chun plays wongfei hung, a spoilt who constantly argues with his father and is forced to leave home. List of martial arts movie actors worth knowing jackie chan. Some martial arts actors however, didnt even manage to get a black belt in either discipline.
The best martial arts movies and actors, including stars bruce lee, jackie chan, jet li, and donnie yen, and films enter the dragon and police story. His history in boxing helped him quickly pick up martial arts movements while rehearsing. Jeffrey wincott born may 8, 1956 is a canadian actor, producer and martial artist best known for his gemini awardnominated lead role in the television series night heat. Top 20 of the best martial arts actors part 1 youtube. Youve seen them move and kick ass on screen performing incredible feats of acrobatic martial arts at a speed and intensity that youd probably pass out from. Having a muscular body is now considered as one of the primary prerequisites of being a successful movie star. Names like jackie chan, bruce lee, chuck norris and jet li were recognized, but there were hundreds of famous martial arts stars who shined a bit dimmer.