20+ Actors Who, In Real Life, Are Formidable Martial Artists

Published on 09/19/2023
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Taylor Lautner

It’s possible that Taylor Lautner trained in martial arts since birth. Actually, he started learning karate at the age of six, received his black belt at the age of eight, and at one point held the top spot in his division according to the American Sports Karate Association.

Lautner was a gifted athlete who excelled in dance and football. He played the fictional hero Sharkboy in the movie The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl, where his outstanding talent at such a young age was well utilized. In addition to his ongoing martial arts training, he engaged in intense weight training to gain over 30 pounds of muscle before landing his breakthrough role as Jacob Black in the Twilight film series.

Taylor Lautner

Taylor Lautner

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Neil Brown Jr.

In total, Neil Brown Jr. spent 26 years learning boxing and martial arts before making an appearance in the WMAC Masters martial arts TV show. The two-season program featured carefully staged fights between real martial artists. Despite the show’s lack of popularity, he was given enough screen time to draw some attention.

Neil Brown Jr.

Neil Brown Jr.

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