Movie Star Martial Artist, what Style and Rank are they?

[Aikicomp]

If you search on Youtube, you can find footage of Seagal performing randori during one of his dan tests. No doubt, he's a legitimate aikidoist.

Take Sensei is indeed a ligitimate akidoist and if memory serves he was one of the few westerners allowed to teach in Japan. His aikido is what some have refered to as "severe". I have seen interviews on tv and dvd and from what I could gather if you attained a shodan from Take Sensei you were put through the ringer so to speak. I believe he adapted some of the technique to be more practical and applicable for self-defense. I'm sure being over 6ft and 200+ pounds didn't hurt his Aikido either, that combination with his ability equals quite a formidable person. Also, I have spoken to some people who have trained with and taken seminars(I wish I could have) that he is very down to earth and approachable.

 

[bowser666]

Found this on the web. Multiple posts coming.


Name:

Background:

Akers, David Akers is a well-known kicker in NFL (American pro football). He trains jiu-jitsu and Shaolin kempo.
Alba, Jessica The actor does tae-bo and a host of different martial arts as well. She is known for doing her own stunts.
Allen, David Management consultant David Allen is a best-selling author ("Getting Things Done"), who runs a multimillion dollar company. A black belt in karate, Allen says his martial arts background helped him appreciate the value of eliminating distractions.
Angel, Criss The illusionist/magician "hot-shot" Criss Allen allegedly has a background in martial arts such as kung-fu, karate and taekwondo.
Aniston, Jennifer The 'Friends' star is learning karate. The actress has become hooked on a form of karate called Budokon recommended by her former co-star Courtney Cox.
Aragon, Gustavo Aragon is a Superior Court judge in Pima County, USA. He is also a martial arts instructor.
B:

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Baker, Shaun
Playing the Jamaican music editor Russell on the long-running sitcom "Living Single", Baker won fame in the early '90s. He later starred on the syndicated action show "V.I.P.," where he does a great majority of his own stunts. Shaun Baker is a black belt in Shotokan karate.
Bif Naked
The Canadian female singer and "punk rebel" keeps in shape with yoga and martial arts.

Bunton, Emma The former "Baby Spice" (Spice Girls) learnt karate as a child to protect herself from bullies. Her mother is a martial arts teacher.
Burnel, Jean J.
The French bass player in British punk band 'The Stranglers', is a black belt in karate.

C:

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Cagney, James The late Hollywood actor James Cagney (1899-1986) held a black belt in judo according to reports.
Casta, Laetitia

The famous, French top model Laetitia Casta has a brown belt in Judo. According to herself she feels that her experience with judo has helped her in her modeling career to have control, to set limits for herself, to not be aggressive and to think with her mind not with her emotions.
Chandra, Neetu

The Indian 'Bollywood' actress reportedly holds a 2.dan black belt in taekwondo.
Chen, Adam The actor from Singapore is training Muay Thai.
Clinton, Bill Former U.S President "Wild"Bill Clinton has allegedly been training taekwondo.
Coddington, Anna Anna Coddington is a pop star from New Zealand. She is also a teacher and black belt in karate.
Conrad, Robert The American actor known from 'Wild, Wild West' has been training martial arts since 1957.
Coe, Sebastian Sebastian Coe is the former British runner (two Olympic gold medals and 12 world records during his running career) trains judo at the Budokwai in London.
Collen, Phil The British band Def Leppard's guitarist Phil Collen apparently trains Muay Thai. He is also said to have a black belt in karate.
Cox, Courtney

Courthey Cox Arquette (from 'Friends' fame) is excelling has been excelling in her karate training since giving birth to her first child. A source says, "Courteney is really loving the karate. She trains up to five times a week and loves the feelings of strength and power karate gives her. As soon as she's a qualified brown belt she'll go for the black belt. She's determined."

D:

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Danzig, Glenn

The American musician, singer and songwriter Glenn Danzig has studied Jeet Kune Do.

Diggs, Robert F.

American R. Diggs is better known as RZA and considered the leader of the Wu Tan Clan (rap group). He is a Grammy winning music producer, rapper and actor. RZA has trained kung fu for a number of years.

Downey Jr, Robert

American actor Robert Downey Jr is training kung-fu. He's also allegedly on his way to become an instructor in the art.

Dybdahl, Thomas

Thomas is a very well known singer/songriter and artist in Norway. He is also a black belt in karate.

E:

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Elvis

See: Presley, Elvis

F:

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Fairchild, Morgan

Movie and TV actress Morgan Fairchild took four years of kung fu lessons while living in New York City and getting her first big break in the 1970s on the daytime soap Search for Tomorrow.
According to Frank Holmes - thanks for the info! - Morgan Fairchild studied at the Fu-Jow-Pai school in Chinatown by Wai Hong.

Ferguson, D'Brickashaw

6'-6'' Ferguson is a black belt in karate. The offensive tackle (American football) was recently drafted to New York Jets.
He has a degree in religious studies, is a youth minister, and plays the saxophone.
Flannery, Sean Patrick

American actor Sean Patrick Flannery Flanery is said to hold a black belt both in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as in karate. (thanks to zweli for the heads up!)

Foster, Jody

The Hollywood actor has trained karate and kickboxing, according to reports.

Fraser, Mat

British stage, film and television actor; drummer and rapper, a TV presenter and a voiceover artist. He's also got a black belt in taekwondo.

 

[bowser666]

G:

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Gellar, Sarah Michelle
"Buffy" is a former champion figure skater. She has studied taekwondo (she has a black belt), and has also studied kickboxing, boxing, street fighting, and gymnastics.

Gabosky, Igwe Real name: Gabriel Onyiyechi Okoye. He is a famed Nigerian "Nollywood" Movie producer and businessman. Mr Okoye holds a martial art black belt.
Gibson, Mel Mel Gibson reportedly practices in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tai Chi Chuan and is well versed in them both.
Gomez, Jaime Jaime "Taboo" Gomez from the hip-hop band Black Eyed Peas has trained in Jeet Kune Do from the age of 12.
Grybauskaite, Dalia Dalia Grybauskaite is a Member of the European Commission, and trained as an economist at Leningrad University. She's a former senior diplomat and finance minister of Lithuania. She is considered a tough negotiator within the EU and holds a black belt in karate.
H:

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Hague, William The British former Conservative Party leader William Hague is a blue belt in judo, and a member of Budokwai, a fashionable judo club in Chelsea, London. Hague usually visits the club twice a week in order to tussle with Sebastian Coe.
Hamilton, Lewis British Formula-1 race driving ace Lewis Hamilton has a karate background. Growing up a mixed-race son of a broken home - he reportedly was bullied at school and learned karate to cope.
Hansen, Bjarne H. Mr. Hansen is a well-known Norwegian politician and Minister of Employment. He holds a brown belt in judo.
Hanson, Jewels Country artist Jewels Hanson is the lead singer for Appaloosa, the house band at the Saddle Rack in Fremont. She does taekwondo.
Hashimoto, Ryutaro Ryutaro Hashimoto, prime minister of Japan from 1996 to 1998, has been practising kendo since he was a child. He holds a very high level in the sport.
Hayden, Brent Canadian World Champion swimmer Brent Hayden is reportedly a black belt in karate.
Hayden, Diana
The former miss world (1997) from India keeps in shape with wushu. "If I am not shooting I do my martial arts. Martial arts keep me fit. It not just helps in the physical strength and appearance but martial arts is also about your mind. It helps in your overall development."

Hector, Jamie Actor Jamie Hector, known from HBO's 'The Wire', teaches community children in martial arts. His father is allegedly a martial arts teacher.
Hijazi, Amal

Amal Hijazi is a Lebanese (Arabian) singer who is also a black belt in karate.
Holder, Janice The Tennessee state Supreme Court Justice Janice Holder is a karate black belt (3. dan).
I:

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Ibrahim, Abdullah

Ibrahim is a South African jazz legend, pianist and composer. He is a very knowledgable 8. dan black belt with a Japanese Menkyo-kaiden (official teaching licence) certificate.

Ice-T

The rapper, who's real name is Tracy Morrow, is well versed in jujitsu. "I've taken martial arts all my life and I box," the rapper states.
Imperioli, Michael

The Sopranos star (he plays mobster Christopher Moltisanti) has found a way to quit smoking - take up taekwondo.

J:

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Jackson, Jesse

According to reports, Illinois Democrat Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. is a black belt in karate.

Jaco, Wasalu

The Muslim rapper is known as Lupe Fiasco. He is son of Gregory Jaco, a former Black Panther and martial-arts expert. Jaco holds four martial arts black belts, according to interviews.

Jackson, Michael

Michael, as well as the rest of his brothers used to study kung fu with sifu Kam Yuen, according to reports.

Jensen, Siv

Norwegian female leader of the second largest political party (FrP). She is hailed by some as a possible future Prime Minister of Norway. Jensen has done ju jitsu (Ju Jitsu Norway), and was also an instructor in the art.

Juan Carlos I, King of Spain
The King of Spain, who's full name is Juan Alfonso Carlos Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, is reportedly graded in taekwondo.

K:

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Kain, Khalil
Khalil Kain is a black belt in Hapkido. He became known in the 1992 film Juice. Six years later he portrayed golf phenom Tiger Woods in the movie "The Tiger Woods Story".
Kavanau, Ted Ted Kavanau, is one of the founders of CNN. He is a black belt in karate.
Kerik, Bernard Bernard Kerik is a former police commissioner in New York. He is also a high ranking karate teacher.
Kapoor, Kunal
Kunal Kapoor is a well known Indian movie ('Bollywood') actor. He is studying Goju-Ryu karate. Prior to this, he was learning Tai Chi.

Koppikar, Isha
Isha (or Eesha) Koppikar is a famous Indian Bollywood actor. She trains taekwondo. "I start my day with Taekwondo and dancing."

L:

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Lamas, Lorenzo Lorenzo (y de Santos) Lamas from 'Falcon Crest' fame began learning martial arts (karate and taekwondo) in 1979, and now has a black belt in Shotokan karate.
Le Bon, Yasmin

Model Yasmin Le Bon, wife of Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon, says she keeps in shape with a weekly judo workout.

Lewis, Emmanuel

Records show Emmanuel Lewis of "Webster" TV fame has dan grades in American karate and taekwondo.
Lincoln, Abe Former American Presidents Abraham and George Washington were respected wrestlers. Let's forget for a while that purists don't like to call wrestling a martial art - let's rather add him to the list of martial arts celedrities
Liu, Lucy

The 'Kill Bill' and 'Ally McBeal' actress practices martial arts, including kali/eskrima and silat.

 

[bowser666]

M:

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Madonna

The Queen of Pop was inspired to take up karate by her (former) husband, director Guy Ritchie, who has a black belt in the Japanese art.
Mamet, David

The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and well-compensated Hollywood screenwriter, is studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Mbenge, DJ

DJ Mbenge of the LA Lakers (Los Angeles basketball team) holds a black belt in judo.

Mickelson, Phil Ace golfer Phil Mickelson trains taekwondo and kung fu.
Minogue, Kylie Kylie Minogue, the Australian actor/singer is training taekwondo.
Mizan, Zainal Abidin Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin was crowned as King of Malaysia in December 2006. He is skilled in taewondo.
Mohammed Rashed al-Maktoum, Sheikka Maitha Daughter of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the crown prince and ruler of Dubai and owner of the world-famous Godolphin Racing stables. Maitha is an International karate competitor and black belt.
Moran, Nick Known from "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". The Australian movie actor does karate.
Murdoch, James The younger son of (British) media tycoon Robert Murdoch has been called "the most powerful man in Britain". James Murdoch is a black belt holder in karate.
Museveni, Yoweri Kaguta President Museveni of Uganda is doing karate, according to reports.
N:

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Nani

Manchester United's Portuguese fottball player, was a keen martial arts exponent. He trained capoeira in his younger years. According to reports, this is also why he can flip like an Olympic gymnast when he scores.
Nelson, Willie

The singer, performer, songwriter and moviestar is a black belt in taekwondo. Mind you, he can kick and punch - it is not just a famous guy with a black belt!

Nighthorse Campbell, Ben Ben Nighthorse Campbell: A Democrat-turned-Republican senator from Colorado, 1993-2004. He was captain of the U.S. Olympic team in judo in 1964.
O:

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Ok-bin, Kim Kim Ok-bin is a Korean actress. She is a third dan in Hapkido and second dan in Taekwondo. She learned Muay Thai and boxing.
O'Neill, Edward Actor O'Neill is probably best known for his role as Al Bundy in 'Married, with Children'. He was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by his friend, writer/director John Milius. O'Neill has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 15 years with Rorion Gracie and is a Black Belt.
(The) Osmonds The Osmond family allegedly trained with Chuck Norris.
P, Q:

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Background:

Peers, Bobbie
Zambia born, Norwegian filmmaker Peers holds a dan rank in ninjutsu.

Phillippe, Ryan
The young actor ('I Know What You Did Last Summer', 'Crash', 'Way of the Gun', 'Flags of Our Fathers') is a taekwondo black belt.

Presley, Elvis

He started in Shotokan karate, and earned his first black belt in Chito-ryu, and he would dabble in tae kwon do in his later years. Elvis was influenced more than anyhing by American Kempo, being a student of Ed Parker ("Father of American Karate").
Presley, Priscilla

Wife of Elvis trained karate at he time the famous couple divorced in 1973. She was also involved with her karate teacher (Mike Stone) for some time after the divorce.

Putin, Vladimir

As everyone surely knows, the mighty Russian President and former KGB man is a black belt in judo. He started training at the age of 14, and he has even written a book on the subject.
R:

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Rampal, Arjun
The Indian actor and Bollywood star Arjun Rampar is training karate.

Reed, Lou The singer and guitarist from the The Velvet Underground, who has a notoriously difficult artistic temperament, says he has tamed the "rock and roll animal" by practising t’ai chi for three hours a day.
Ritchie, Guy Guy Richie has a black belt in karate. Richie is a movie director from Scotland, and is perhaps best known for being the husband of Madonna. Richie is also a student of judo at beginners level and he trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Roberts, Eric

Eric Roberts (brother of Julia Roberts) has trained taekwondo with was master Jhoon Chang in Beverly Hills.

Roosvelt, Theodore Former President Theodore Roosvelt was known for studying both ju jitsu and judo.

 

[bowser666]

S:

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Said, D. Othman Datuk Azalina Othman Said is the Sports Minister in Malaysia. Othman Said is a taekwondo exponent.
Schlessinger, Laura Dr. Laura Schlessinger is one of the most popular talk show hosts in American radio history. Dr Laura is allegedly a martial arts black belt.
Shetty, Sandhya

The Indian model is a karate black belt.
Slater, Christian

The American actor has allegedly taken up karate.

Smith, Jimmy

The great jazz organ player Jimmy Smith allegedly holds a black belt in karate.

Snipes, Wesley

Snipes has been training martial arts since he was twelve. He is a seasoned martial artist, trained in a number of different disciplines including karate, kung fu and capoeira.

Sogavare, Manasseh

Manasseh Sogavare is the leader (prime minister) of the Solomon Islands. The martial arts expert is a member of parliament and former minister of commerce, industry and employment.

Song, Brenda
American actress, star of television and movies, is a black belt in tae kwon do.

Stojko, Elvis

Canadian figure skating legend Elvis Stojko began studying karate when he was eight years old. By 1988 he realized that the linear movement of karate clashed with the fluid circular movement of figure skating. He found what he was looking for when his brother introduced him to kung fu.

Stone, Sharon

Sharon Stone started with taekwondo before shooting 'Total Recall' in 1990. Her teacher was master Jhoon Chang in Beverly Hills.

Swayze, Patrick

The "dirty dancer" has a well rounded training background: American football, dance and gymnastics, amongst other things. He also has trained kickboxing with Benny Urquidez.

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Talwar, Suman

Suman Talwar is a well known Indian (Tamil) actor. He is a black belt in karate, as well as highly skilled in Kalari Payattu.
Travis, Randy

Country music superstar Randy Travis is reportedly very fit, working out almost every day. He also used to train karate 3 times a week, but was forced to quit due to injuries.

U, V:

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Vandervoort, Laura

Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort holds a black belt (2. dan) in karate, according to reports.

W:

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White, Michael J.

Michael J. White won fame when he started and portrayed the title character in the action flick Spawn (1997). His character was the first Black superhero to star on the silver screen.
According to reports he has an extensive background in Shotokan, Goju and Kyokushin karate, taekwondo, kobudo, Tang Soo Do and wushu.
Winnick, Katheryn

Canadian born actress Katheryn Winnick is dan graded in both karate and taekwondo. She also owns several branches of her own martial arts school.

Whitaker, Forest

A well-respected, Oscar-winning, movie actor -- 6ft 2in tall Forest Whitaker is reportedly also a black belt in karate.

Wood, Evan Rachel

Evan Rachel Wood is a young American actress. She is a trained dancer and holds a black belt in taekwondo.
Woodbine, Bokeem

Movie actor Bokeem Woodbine has reportedly studied kung fu under sifu Yan Ming in New York.

X, Y, Z:

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Washington, George Former President George Washington was a respected wrestler. Yes, I know that wrestling is not considered a martial art... But still, it's kind of cool.
Wise, Bob Former Governor of West Virginia, Bob Wise, is a black belt in taekwondo.
Zetlitz, Bertine Well known Norwegian female artist/singer. Bertine is a black belt in karate.