Famous People Who Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Celebrities, Athletes, and Business Leaders

Introduction: The Rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Among Public Figures

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has gained immense popularity over the past few decades, attracting not only martial artists but also Hollywood actors, business moguls, musicians, and professional athletes. Many of these high-profile individuals train in BJJ to develop self-discipline, mental toughness, and physical conditioning.

BJJ is often referred to as “human chess” because of its strategic nature. It requires problem-solving, patience, and adaptability, making it appealing to individuals from various industries. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous people who have taken up BJJ and why they choose to train in this martial art.


1. Hollywood Actors Who Train BJJ

Many Hollywood actors incorporate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into their training regimens, whether for film roles, personal fitness, or self-defense. Some have even earned high-ranking belts in BJJ.

Joe Rogan (Black Belt)

  • UFC commentator, podcast host, and former Fear Factor host.
  • Trained under Jean Jacques Machado and Eddie Bravo.
  • Advocates BJJ as the most effective martial art for self-defense.

Keanu Reeves (BJJ Practitioner)

  • Actor known for The Matrix and John Wick franchises.
  • Trained in BJJ to enhance his fight choreography for action films.
  • Worked with top-level martial artists to perfect realistic fight sequences.

Tom Hardy (Blue Belt)

  • British actor known for Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Rises.
  • Competes in local BJJ tournaments and has won gold medals.
  • Uses BJJ as a tool for mental discipline and personal growth.

Ashton Kutcher (Brown Belt)

  • Actor and entrepreneur famous for That ’70s Show and Two and a Half Men.
  • Trains under 7th-degree coral belt Rigan Machado.
  • Actively promotes BJJ as a sport and fitness regimen.

Henry Cavill (BJJ Practitioner)

  • Actor famous for playing Superman in Man of Steel and The Witcher.
  • Trains in BJJ as part of his action film preparation.
  • Advocates martial arts for fitness and mental clarity.

2. Business Moguls and Entrepreneurs in BJJ

Some of the world’s most successful business leaders turn to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to help them stay disciplined, improve problem-solving skills, and manage stress.

Mark Zuckerberg (Blue Belt)

  • Founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta.
  • Actively competes in BJJ tournaments.
  • Says BJJ helps him develop resilience and adaptability.

Elon Musk (BJJ Practitioner)

  • CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter).
  • Publicly mentioned training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  • Recognizes the value of martial arts for self-discipline.

Jeff Bezos (BJJ Enthusiast)

  • Founder of Amazon and one of the world’s richest individuals.
  • Known for his interest in fitness and combat sports.
  • Uses martial arts training to build mental resilience.

3. Professional Athletes Who Train BJJ

Many athletes from different sports incorporate BJJ into their training to improve balance, coordination, and grappling skills.

LeBron James (BJJ Enthusiast)

  • NBA superstar and four-time champion.
  • Uses BJJ for flexibility, core strength, and injury prevention.
  • Acknowledges the benefits of grappling for body control.

Russell Brand (Purple Belt)

  • Comedian and actor known for Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
  • Trains consistently and competes in BJJ tournaments.
  • Advocates BJJ for mental clarity and focus.

Demi Lovato (Blue Belt)

  • Grammy-nominated singer and actress.
  • Uses BJJ as part of her mental health and self-defense training.
  • Supports women’s empowerment through martial arts.

Jason Statham (Purple Belt)

  • Action star known for The Transporter and Fast & Furious franchises.
  • Trains in BJJ to enhance his on-screen fight sequences.
  • Believes BJJ is one of the most practical martial arts for self-defense.

Guy Ritchie (Black Belt)

  • Acclaimed film director known for Snatch and Sherlock Holmes.
  • Holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  • Frequently trains with top practitioners worldwide.

4. Why Are So Many High-Profile Individuals Training in BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers unique benefits that appeal to people from all walks of life, including:

A. Mental Strength and Problem-Solving

  • BJJ requires strategic thinking and adaptability, similar to chess.
  • Helps individuals stay calm under pressure.

B. Physical Fitness and Conditioning

  • A full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and endurance.
  • Burns 600-1,000 calories per session.

C. Stress Relief and Mental Clarity

  • Provides a break from daily responsibilities.
  • Helps business leaders and celebrities manage stress in high-pressure environments.

D. Self-Defense and Practicality

  • One of the most effective martial arts for real-life situations.
  • Teaches control, leverage, and submission techniques that work against larger opponents.

5. How to Start Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey

If you’re inspired by these famous BJJ practitioners and want to start your own journey, training at Martial Arts of Waco is the perfect place to begin!

Beginner-Friendly Classes: Learn at your own pace in a supportive environment. ✅ Experienced Coaches: Our instructors have trained and competed at high levels. ✅ Fitness and Self-Defense: Build strength, flexibility, and real-world self-defense skills. ✅ Great Community: Train alongside motivated individuals who will push you to improve.

📍 Location: 504 B Lake Air Dr., Waco, TX
📞 Call or Text: (254) 723-8345
💻 Website: www.MartialArtsWaco.com

Whether you’re looking to train for fitness, self-defense, or competition, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an incredible martial art that will change your life. Get started today and train like the pros! 🥋🔥