Jessica Alba has been in her fair share of romantic films but the actress has also shown off her action-star status in films like Fantastic Four, Dark Angel, and Spy Kids. Clearly, Jessica Alba is more than just a pretty face. But did you know that she is well-trained in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo?
Jessica Alba in Fantastic Four
However, there is yet another type of martial art, the Israeli ‘Krav Maga’ that the actress is well versed in. What is so shocking about this is the fact that Krav Maga was first developed for the Israel Defence Forces. According to the actress, she is so proficient in the technique that she can stun anyone looking for a fight.
Jessica Alba Talks about Training in Krav Maga
Jessica Alba in Mechanic: Resurrection
Back in 2017, Jessica Alba graced the red carpets at the premiere of Mechanic: Resurrection, a film in which she fought alongside actor Jason Statham. During the premiere, USA Today got hold of the actress where she talked about how she trained in Krav Maga for the film’s fight sequences. Alba recalled how she ended up hurting a stunt man on his groin with her moves.
“He didn’t put the belt low enough in a couple of takes. It happens so quickly. You make contact. I didn’t make anyone bleed.”
Not to toot her own horn, but Alba made it quite clear that if anyone tries to mess with her, her Krav Maga skills are enough to stun the person.
“I could hurt you. But I’m not lethal. I’d probably just stun you.”
This is something not many know about the Fantastic Four actress, which makes us wonder if there are other Marvel/DC actors who are secretly trained in martial arts.
Other Marvel/DC Actors Trained in Martial Arts
Jon Foo
Jon Foo
Jon Foo played the role of a member of the League of Shadows but was unfortunately left uncredited in the film. He was also a stuntman in the film. Both Foo’s father and mother practiced different martial art techniques with the former being interested in Karate and the latter in Judo.
Following in his parents’ footsteps, Foo began his martial arts journey by practicing Shaoling kung fu. He then moved on to Wushu. He became the first Westerner to have fought in films for martial arts legends Jackie Chan, Yuen Woo-ping, and Panna Rittikrai.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is easily one of the most loved actors of all time and looking at this filmography, it’s no surprise that he would be trained in some sort of martial arts. The Constantine actor had to train in various martial arts forms including Krav Maga, jiu-jitsu, kung-fu, and more for The Matrix. He has also had training in Judo.
In fact, martial arts have occupied a large portion of the actor’s workout regime which also includes a ton of cardio and strength training exercises.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill
Another no-brainer here. Henry Cavill more than often has to play roles that involve his characters getting into multiple fights. In order to make the fights seem realistic, the actor has been trained in jiu-jitsu/ Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Now, Cavill can be spotted training with legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, Roger Gracie.
He once told Men’s Journal, “I’m very fortunate to [work with] the world-famous Roger Gracie. When you’re doing jiu-jitsu, you can’t think of anything but jiu-jitsu. You have to focus fully on it.” We can see why Cavill needed to be trained in the technique, he is Superman, after all!
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr.
Is there anything Robert Downey Jr. cannot do? The actor is the best example of a rags-to-riches story and we all know why. His role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe turned his life 180 degrees and in order to do so, Downey took the help of a form of kung-fu from Southern China known as Wing Chun.
The actor began his training in 2003 and is still going strong. Perhaps what drew Downey to Wing Chun was the fact that this form goes beyond fighting and positively affects a person’s mind and body as well.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage
Now this is an entry you might not have expected.
A Superman that fans may tend to forget at times, Nicolas Cage is trained in jiu-jitsu having trained under Royce Gracie. While there isn’t any official confirmation, the actor is reported to be a black belt in the martial art form.
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes will have you mesmerized with how effortlessly he moves during a fight scene in films like Blade. Well, this might be due to the fact that the actor is a well-experienced martial artist and has specialized in many forms including Shotokan karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With a fifth-dan black belt in karate, Snipes is an absolute expert in the area.
Are there other DC/Marvel actors who are trained in different types of martial arts?
