Top 5 Most Popular Martial Arts Actors Born in the UK Or USA

Top 5 Most Popular Martial Arts Actors Born in the UK Or USA

Whenever there is action, that means that there are not only car chases, explosions, shootings and guns but also fists, punches and roundkicks. Many of the martial arts actors in the Funny Action Movie genre master a huge collection of deadly techniques, which they use in close combat scenes.

In fact, most of these martial arts actors used to compete in official tournaments at the very dawn of their acting careers and then they used the fame gained to establish themselves in the cinema industry. More or less (in most cases more) the martial arts are taking a huge part in their lives.

What a better way to become an action star when there is a real, heart pounding action in your life, right?

Here is a list of the top five martial arts actors a.k.a. killing machines, who can terminate you with their bare hands. These machos have a proven record in the real life fighting world and they based their movie careers on the martial arts knowledge.

1.Bruce Lee (1940-1973)

A lot of things were said and written about probably the most influential figure in the martial arts movie industry. Where exactly the fiction meets reality can sometimes be difficult to determine but one thing leaves no doubt- Bruce Lee had kung fu in his blood. The man was breathing martial arts.

Many people don't know that Lee Jun Fan (as his real name was) was an accomplished cha-cha dancer and championship winner. Officially, he had only five years of formal martial arts training under the guidance of another legend- "Sifu Yip Man".

Yip Man taught Bruce the art of wing chun kung fu- a self defense technique from close range combat. By the way, if you haven't seen the three Yip Man movies starring Donnie Yen, you definitely might want to check them out. Believe me it is well worth your time.

Because of his hot temper and the police issues he had in Hong Kong, his parents suggested him to try his luck in the United States where he was initially born.

While he was living in America, Lee opened a kung fu school and eventually became associated with many key figures in the U.S. martial arts scene. Soon he was noticed by famous Hollywood producers. The rest is a history.

His genuine talent and unbelievable speed has established him as a leading authority in the mixed martial arts and cinema scenes.

Among the most memorable movies, revealing his magical martial arts techniques are "Enter the Dragon", "The Way of the Dragon" and "Fists of Fury". And yes, those are great funny action movies.

2.Michael Jai White (1967)

3rd dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, 3rd dan Black Belt in Goju Ryu,3rd degree Black Belt in Kyokushin, 2nd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, 1st degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do. Do you still wonder why Michael Jai White takes part in this prestigious martial arts actors list?

If you still do, then let me tell you that the muscular build international box office sensation has eight black belts in eight different martial arts forms. Pretty impressive, isn't it? The man is no joke at all.

Honored with the title Man of the Year by the popular "Black Belt" magazine in 2014 and inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, Michael Jai White is allegedly the most accomplished, highly trained action star in America.

Michael also often does comedy and drama movies which makes him a pretty versatile artist.

I strongly suggest that you check out Blood and Bone, Never Back Down: No Surrender, and Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing.

3. Chuck Norris (1940)

Don't worry, he is in the list, don't rush to kill me, please.

By the way, did you know that Chuck Norris has already been to Mars and that is why there are no signs of life?

OK let's get serious here.

It is just impossible not to include in the list the first ever Westerner in the history of the Tae Kwon Do, honored with the rank of 8th degree Black Belt Grand Master title.

During his impressive martial arts career, Carlos Ray Norris has won numerous tournaments. His name is also in the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame. He was several times on the cover of the Black Belt magazine and in 2000, Chuck Norris has been given the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.

He also has a rich and successful military career with many different medals and honorary awards.

In his movies, he is rarely even wounded and he kicks tough asses for breakfast.

In case you have missed to watch the legendary on screen fight between Chuck and Bruce Lee in the funny action movie called "Way of the dragon", please watch it. It is superb.

Another legendary actioners (the list is huge) starring Chuck Norris are "The Delta Force", "Missing in Action" and lately "Expendables 2".

4. Steven Seagal (1952)

You surely remember how brightly The Master of Aikido shines in "Under Siege" and "Above the Law". Steven can easily break your arms like if they are toothpicks.

Lord Steven, as one of his nickname is, holds a 7th degree black belt in Aikido- a Japanese martial art which teaches how to harmonize your moves to your opponent's body motions (or attacks). The idea of this martial art form is to defend yourself without hurting your attacker.

Well, at least in his movies, Steven Seagal doesn't follow this rule because all of his opponents die painfully.

What is interesting about this iconic actor is the fact that he is the first ever foreigner to open a dojo in Japan where he is a respected Aikido instructor.

Steven is also a well-known musician who travels the world with his band and some time ago he was a Reserve Deputy Chief in Louisiana Sheriff's office.

5. Scott Adkins (1976)

The most complete fighter in the world "Yuri Boyka", a.k.a. Scott Adkins was born in the United Kingdom in 1976.

He holds a black belt in kickboxing, which he achieved when he was only 19 years old. His spectacular martial arts skills come from knowing ninjutsu, judo, Karate, jujutsu, wushu, Krav Maga, capoeira and Jeet Kun Do. I don't know about you but I'm pretty impressed!

Scott Adkins is mostly known for his stunningly beautiful and complex fight choreography in the smashing hit "Undisputed 2: Last man standing" and the followed sequel" Undisputed 3: Redemption".

The fans are impatiently waiting the fourth installment of the franchise and the third with Scott starring in it. The direct-to-video movie is coming on 17th January 2017 in the U.S.A. ("Boyka: Undisputed IV"). All of the four movies were shot in Bulgaria.

Scott's heart stopping martial arts skills have gained him mainstream success and roles in various mainstream blockbusters like "Expendables 2", "Doctor Strange", "The Bourne Ultimatum" and many others.

So here it was the list of the TOP FIVE American or United Kingdom born martial arts actors. Stay healthy by not messing around with these tough nice guys.

Tae Yun Kim Performs Amazing Martial Art Demonstrations

The Speed Of Kempo

The Speed Of Kempo

Throughout the world of martial arts, the style known as Kempo is one of the best. Kempo uses extremely fast strikes, which is the area it is most known for.  Kempo has been around for many years, originating from Japan.  It was tested on the ancient battlegrounds, using punches, kicks, and very little grappling.  Kempo employs weapons as well, including disarming techniques against opponents who are using weapons.

What many don’t realize, is that Kempo is actually an older form of Karate.  To be more specific, Kempo mainly uses the forbidden techniques of sport karate and kickboxing to create a devastating means of self defense.  Throughout this deadly martial art, stylists will be taught that every block is a counter, and ever counter is a block.  Instead of simply blocking an attack, stylists will learn how to block in a way that executes a strike.

The most well known aspect of Kempo is speed.  If you’ve ever seen it in action by someone who has been studying for many years, the hand speed of the stylist is simply amazing.  Those that have been practicing for many years, including black belts, are able to execute techniques with blinding speed.  Often times, a Kempo stylist can land many strikes before you can even get the chance to counter - or block.

The hand speed in Kempo comes from something known as “speed striking”.  Although Kempo uses weapons and weapons training, it is more an unarmed martial art that teaches students how to defend themselves in any situation.  This style isn’t about just going around and hurting people though, as stylists learn a lot in terms of self control, and only to react when they are given no other option.

The speed striking in Kempo takes many years to master.  Students of the art will practice forms on a daily basis, which helps with the speed.  By practicing a certain movement over and over again, students will get faster and faster.  They will practice with other students, the instructors, and also with equipment such as punching bags.  Over time, students will get amazingly quick and able to execute strikes with amazing speed and precision.

Shadow boxing is also essential to developing speed with Kempo.  Students will spend quite a bit of time shadow boxing, learning their own movements.  As a result of shadow boxing, students will learn physical resistance as well as improve their levels of fitness.  This also helps with technique as well, as students will be engaging in practice with themselves.

The main exercise where speed striking will really come into play is with sparring.  When sparring, students will test their knowledge and skills against other students.  The instructors will pay close attention during this exercise, to see just how well the students are learning.  Sparring can be very fun to watch, especially when there are two black belts squaring off.  The more time a student spends sparring, the faster he will develop in the art of speed striking.

Throughout the years, Kempo has proved to be a martial art with very fast strikes.  It is one of the fastest striking martial arts in existence, although it teaches students self control and how to avoid confrontations.  Kempo is taught all around the world, making it an excellent martial art for children as well.  From adults to children, the martial art known as Kempo can teach self defense, harmony, self control, self confidence - and how students can help others in the world live a better life.

Chinese Martial Arts

Chinese Martial Arts

Throughout the world, Chinese martial arts are well known and well respected.  China is a pioneer to martial arts, founding several excellent styles.  Although Kung Fu is the most well known Chinese martial art, there are others that are just as good.  Below, we will look at some of the other Chinese martial arts that aren’t as well known as Kung Fu.

HSING-I
This is actually one of the internal styles of Kung Fu, very closely in relation to Tai Chi.  It teaches students to subordinate their bodies, creating powerful movements with a very little expense of energy.  HSING-I isn’t well known about, although it is very powerful and well known throughout China.  The United States and other areas aren’t that familiar with it, with little to no schools or dojo’s out there that teach it.

Just like Tai Chi, HSING-I has deep roots in Chinese medicine and the Chinese perceptions of nature.  The blows that come from HSING-I come from the five elements of the Chinese - metal, fire, earth, water, and wood.  Similar to other forms that originate from Kung Fu, HSING-I offers complex, dance like movements that are adapted from the way animals react and move.  Due to the training being so demanding and rigorous, and the breathing exercises being so demanding, those who practice this martial art have astounding physical skills and amazing endurance.

Tai Chi
To those who live outside of China, Tai Chi resembles more of a dance.  The slow and calm movements it teaches are balanced and exact, performed while the stylist is in a deep state of relaxation.  While in this deep state of relaxation, the stylist will be fully aware of what he is doing and his movements, although he will appear to those around him to be asleep.

In reality, Tai Chi is an energy exercise that promotes strength, stamina, and flexibility.  By using the deep state of relaxation, Tai Chi enables stylists to benefit emotionally and spiritually as well.  Tai Chi also uses deep states of mediation as well, helping stylists to learn how to reach their high level of peace.

Chinese martial arts
Even though Kung Fu is the best martial art in China, there are many different forms and styles that originate from it.  There is the Shaolin style as well, which offers several different styles of Kung Fu as well, including the world famous “5 animals system”.  The five animals system is among the most popular in China and well known around the world for their devastating techniques and amazing power when used in combat.

Along with Kung Fu, both HSING-I and Tai Chi are great martial arts that help with endurance training and flexibility.  A lot of Kung Fu students in China choose to study one of these arts as well, as it helps to add to their physical and emotional power.  Students who study Tai Chi or HSING-I as well as Kung Fu, have a higher state of endurance and spirituality that simply cannot be matched.

All around the world, China is well known for martial arts.  China brought Kung Fu and Tai Chi to the world, which is something we are all thankful for.  Even though Japan offers their unique blend of martial arts, many consider China to be the founding father of martial arts.  The Chinese have been using martial arts for hundreds of years - providing just how dominant it can be as a means of self defense and a way to live your life in a peaceful manner.