10 Greatest Martial Artists Of All Time

Martial arts are considered to be the most traditional combat practices that were used from quite a longtime for either self-defense, law enforcement, or for military. Learning such art is one of the greatest to even think about in today’s generation. As an ongoing scenario, martial arts have even influenced the film industry to very nominal extent. Some of the most renowned martial artists have also been participating in film industry and emphasized the power in dramatic manner. We put forward here with 10 greatest martial artists of all time, who are also considered to be legends in film industry.

10. Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal is an American, who was born in 1952 in Michigan. His contribution have been tremendously beautiful for film actor, producers, music director and screen writer. Steven Seagal has acted in Hollywood movies between 1980 and 1990. Further, his character resemble the elite CIA, Special Forces or Black ops. He holds 7^th dan black belt in “Aikido”.

9. Sammo Hing

He is a British-HongKong actor born in 1952. Hing is well known for his mastership in acrobatics and martial arts. He has acted in 75 films and directed 38 films, who started in career in 1961. His only drawback stands to be huge in terms of personality, however is well build for lethal actions. Sammo hung formed a production company “D&B Films company Ltd.” Followed by “Gar Bo Motion” Picture Company in 1978. He was awarded with the best supporting actor in 2011 for his role in “IP Man 2”.

8. Tony Jaa

Tony Jaa became famous for his roles in film “Ong Bak” sequel. Also known for best acting, choreographer, director, and stunt coordinator. He was born in 1976 in Thailand, and was raised in a rural village. For over 14 years, he worked as stuntman in many movies before getting recognized as a famous martial artist. Tony Jaa joined monastic order of a Buddhist temple in Surin in 2010.

7. Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen’s films won Hongkong Film Awards four times for best action choreography. “IP Man” was his best ever movie to film industry. In 2014, he was considered as the most influential actor in martial arts. To be very honest, his acting can increase adrenaline with real combat experience for the spectators. Born in 1963, he learnt Tai Chi and Taekwondo at very young age, who won gold medals in various Wushu competitions. Further, he is also well built in terms of personality weighing about 165 pounds ever.

6. Jean Claud Van Damme

Native of Belgium, who was born in 1960 to conquer the martial arts in Brussels. His movie “Bloodsport” became a breakout in box office in 1988. Other successful films are Kickboxers, lion heart, double impact, and hard target. He was awarded as Mr. Belgium for body building, who inculcated all sorts of martial arts during his era. For over 30 years, he had been contributing for movies by specializing more in his martial arts skills. Prior acting in film industry, he was a well-known kickboxer and karate master. Additionally, he was also famous for his 360 degree helicopter kick in his films.

5. Sonny Chiba

The less known “Sonny Chiba” was one of the first actors to achieve martial artist status in the International Arena. Born in 1939 in Fukuoka, he has acted in over 50 films between 1960 and 2017. He holds black belt in 6 various marital arts. Not just considered as master in martial arts, but is also is a renowned actor, singer, film producer and film director. One of his famous movies stands to be “Kill Bill” in 2003.

4. Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris was chosen to fight against Bruce Lee and that endorsed his martial arts capabilities. He is an American Born, who have acted in famous movies like “Invasion USA”, “Missing in Action”, “Delta Force”, and “Code of Silence”. Chuck Norris have participated in over 30 tournaments and was the former World Professional Middle Weight Karate Championship. Between 1993 and 2001, he had even taken part in TV serials like “Walker” and “Texas Ranger”, who contributed his formulated style in martial arts fights.

3. Jet Li

One of the greatest martial artists during his generation. Some of his famous movies like “Romeo must die”, ”The one” and “War” are considered worth watching. To be very honest, his actions resembles a Jet. Born in 1963 in Beijing, his real name stands to be “Li Yangzhong”. He was nicknamed as “Jet Li” because his career was linked with aircrafts. Genuine martial arts actions are produced by him even while acting in the movies. Kick boxing is his most influential style in most of his films. Ruthless power, blazing speed and elegant control over martial arts made him a legend.

2. Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s acting may not seem to be real in terms of martial arts, but his acrobatic fighting can be very risky, dangerous and innovative. Born in 1954 in Hong Kong, he has appeared in over 150 films. He was the one to introduce comedy all of a sudden in on-going serious fights in films. Also recognized as a versatile actor, who is capable of speaking 6 languages and also a producer, director, screen writer and singer. Chan is considered as the most loved person in film industry. His films have broken box office records. Additionally, to be very passionate in his profession, he had taken enough risks in damaging his own body while acting, but still continued serving for the film industry.

1. Bruce Lee

Can anybody even think of getting closer to Bruce Lee’s masterpiece skills under the category of martial arts? Yes, but he is yet to be born. Bruce Lee is one of the greatest martial artist, film director, instructor and also the founder of the martial art “Jeet Kune Do”. Born in 1940 in Hong Kong, he contributed to renowned films like “Enter the dragon”. His reflexes can be personified in the form of Cobra’s reflexes, blow like a bulldozer, grip like a crocodile, and act like a real superhero. He was the one to introduce “Kung Fu” to the world and his lethal multiple punches in a second can kill anyone in a matter of seconds. He died at an early age of 32.