Despite possessing a host of incredible skills and combat abilities, actor Jason Statham seems to prefer using one particular fighting style in his high-octane, action-packed films. Many actors have forged film legacies in which their names have become synonymous with the action genre, but fewer have done so while performing the dangerous fights and stunts asked of their roles. Among the elite actors who dare to do their own stunts and death-defying feats, such as Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan, and Keanu Reeves, is Statham, who brings his own unique set of skills to the genre’s table.
From 1998’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels to his periods in the Fast & Furious and Expendable franchises, and even in his recent action hit The Beekeeper, Statham excellently embodies the adept and tough action hero (or villain) on screen because he’s had the training to back it up. The authenticity behind his action chops makes him a bankable action star, with dozens of high-grossing movies in the genre to show for that have reaped millions of dollars and hoards of fans. Yet, as much talent as the actor has, Statham primarily sticks to one fighting style in his movies.
Jason Statham’s Primary Fighting Style Is Kickboxing
Kickboxing Is Considered Statham’s Preferred Fighting Style And Biggest Influence
Per Distractify, kickboxing is known to be Statham’s preferred fighting style and heavily influences the fighting sequences and stunts that he performs in his movies. While Statham hasn’t spoken much, if ever, about his kickboxing training to the public, some entertainment and martial arts sources cite kickboxing as his specialty. Regardless, the high-impact hybrid martial arts and boxing fighting style is easily observed in many of Statham’s best action movies and film fight scenes.
On top of that, Statham is said to be a die-hard kickboxing fan, even seen enjoying himself at the 2024 GLORY Grand Prix’s international kickboxing tournament just recently. In an interview with GLORY, Statham expressed empathy and admiration for the fighters, in which he identified with the pain that comes with that style of fighting yet enthusiastically praised the contestants’ knack for resilience. From the subtle references to his own experiences to his impression of the fighters, it’s evident that Statham has much respect for the combat sport, and the fighting style is near to his heart.
Other Martial Arts Styles Jason Statham Has Practiced
Statham Also Has Seasoned Training In Multiple Martial Arts Forms
Statham has always been an athlete of high caliber, starting out young as a member of the British national diving team who went on to compete at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. However, his athleticism didn’t stop at diving nor a brief stretch in football but burgeoned into a full-on commitment to not one but multiple martial arts forms. Statham’s pursuit of other athletic avenues saw him seek training in martial arts fighting styles such as Wing Chun kung fu, karate, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Jason Statham holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
It’s not entirely apparent when in his career that his training occurred nor what his certifications in those respective disciplines are. Yet, the actor’s level of skill is never up for question, as it’s been made obvious in his stellar action movie performances, impressive personal training videos, and critical knowledge of combat. Armed with his unique set of skills, Statham is able to perform the bulk of his own stunts, which is what truly brings the magic to the actor’s crowd-pleasing and gripping action movies.
Jason Statham Performs Most Of His Own Action Stunts In His Movies
Performing His Own Stunts Lends To Authentic And Riveting Action Movies
Statham’s martial arts training has not only faithfully contributed to his tough, seasoned action persona but has made it iconic in the film genre. Whether he’s playing a professional thief, assassin, cage fighter, or bodyguard, Statham’s characters never seem phony because every crazy trick or shocking stunt is done by him alone. His extensive background in martial arts allows his characters to come across on big screens as natural and authentic, even in the most outlandish of scenes.
Even more, the actor’s knowledge of different martial arts forms means that his action movie characters can come equipped with a wide range of martial arts techniques without audiences doubting their credibility. At times, films in the action genre lean toward almost unbelievable circumstances that make for great movie moments when they are pulled off flawlessly but fail tremendously when they are not. Fortunately, Jason Statham will always have an advantage, as his martial arts expertise will always make for authentic and riveting characters and action movies.