Keanu Reeves' Jiu-Jitsu Training: The Instructors Shaping the Actor's Martial Arts Skills
Keanu Reeves' Jiu-Jitsu Training: The Instructors Sha...
By Arslan Saleem August 25, 2024 22:23
Keanu Reeves, the esteemed actor famous for his strict positions in films jam-packed with action like "The Matrix" and "John Wick," also had must-haves associated with commonly having hard-hitting battle scenes together using outstanding martial-art abilities. A committed journey backs his on-screen prowess into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), served under some of the top-ranked instructors in his sport. In this article, we look at some prominent figures who influenced Reeves on his martial arts journey, their techniques, philosophies, and what it means for him to be associated with them throughout his career.
The Machado Brothers: From The Beginning
Carlos Machado introduced Keanu Reeves to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This family has deep roots in BJJ and is closely interlinked with the legendary Gracie family.
Reeves began his Jiu-jitsu journey at the Gracie Foundation before training under Carlos Machado. Machado was instrumental in teaching Reeves about BJJ basics and promoting him to black belt. Machado submitted Reeves to his mindset philosophies, including the role that breathing and relaxation play in jiu-jitsu.
In Machado's words, "You can have marathon-runner cardio, and if you don't know how to breathe for jiu-jitsu, in a few minutes, keel over dead. For me, Jiu-Jitsu is like swimming: If you don't know how to breathe, you drown."
Machado taught Reeves a basic breathing exercise: Three short exhales followed by one long ex., like a train: "Choo, Choo Choo." Given his emphasis on proper breathing, Reeves was able to perform with more legerity and finesse.
Reeves found his footing with Machado, whose lessons on the mat laid a sturdy framework for Reeves that included being relaxed and striking when the opportunity presented itself in BJJ principles he would call upon later while performing stunts work.
Rigan Machado: Forward the Progression of Techniques
Reeves added the Brazilian monumental jiu-jitsu legacy of Carlos' apprentice, Rigan Machado, a member in good standing with the prestigious Machado family. Rigan, famous for introducing new techniques to the BJJ world, helped Reeves develop his fighting and specialty moves.
Having been mentored by Rigan Machado, who was all about implementing jiu-jitsu in realistic ways (which made it tailor-made for Reeves' film work), this choice allowed the actor to build a less theatrical or exaggerated resonance in his performances. This translated better onto the screen, which is more noticeable when watching him during "John Wick."
Monty Collier: The Judo Impact
BJJ was the main part of Reeves' martial arts, but training with Judo Coach Monty Collier helped fill in some blanks. Collier, an accomplished grappler in his own right when it comes to takedowns and throws, partnered with Reeves so he could learn some Judo.
This friendship resulted in arguably some of the most borrowed fighting styles seen in the John Wick films. Combining judo throws with BJJ techniques creates an original fighting style that misses weight proportions, which became synonymous with the franchise.
Chad Stahelski: Linking Martial Arts With Film Making
One person who helped to connect Reeves' martial arts training with his on-screen roles was Chad Stahelski, a director of the "John Wick" series and former stuntman. Also, a Jeet Kune Do practitioner under the tutelage of Dan Inosanto, Stahelski was less focused on martial "styles" and more on fights from an internal/external point of view.
Given Stahelski's stunt background, he collaborated with his star and the other instructors, choreographing fight sequences that, while beautifully visualized against stunning backdrops or in fully realized locales, were also based on real martial arts techniques. This partnership produced some of the best-reviewed action set pieces in recent cinema.
Effects on Keanu's Career and Health
This intensive training with these instructors would change the course of Reeves's talking abilities and potential. At 55 years old, this is a testament to how in shape and flexible Reeves is today. Thanks to martial arts practice, he's level-headed about everything.
The Ongoing Journey
For Keanu Reeves, BJJ classes are an ever-evolving journey with consistently diligent instructors and unwavering passion. Whether such influences come from the fundamentals of Carlos Machado to film-role-specific training, each instructor has played an integral part in developing Reeves.
His dedication to training and learning from the best in martial arts has improved his performances on screen and aids in personal progression and physical health. With Reeves moving on to tackle more demanding action-oriented roles, his martial arts experience can inspire spectators and would-be fighters alike, highlighting the transformative aspect of training under expert guidance.
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