Keanu Reeves has undergone extensive martial arts training tailored to his film roles, incorporating various disciplines to enhance his on-screen performances. Notably, for “The Matrix” trilogy, he collaborated with renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping to master intricate fight sequences.
In preparation for the “John Wick” series, Reeves immersed himself in several combat styles:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): He trained under esteemed BJJ black belt Rigan Machado, focusing on ground-based grappling techniques.
Judo: Reeves incorporated Judo techniques, emphasizing throws and joint locks, to add realism to his fight scenes.
Shoot Wrestling and Sambo: These disciplines contributed to his versatility in both striking and grappling scenarios.
Kali: A Filipino martial art focusing on weapon-based fighting, particularly with sticks and knives, which enhanced the choreography’s authenticity.
Additionally, Reeves has a background in Karate, which he began studying in the 1980s, further enriching his martial arts repertoire.
While Reeves has trained in these various martial arts, it’s important to note that his training was specifically tailored for his film roles, aiming to create realistic and compelling action sequences rather than pursuing mastery or ranking in any particular discipline.
For a deeper insight into his martial arts journey, you might find this video informative: