Actresses Who Can Actually Fight

Hollywood is home to many talented performers who dedicate themselves to mastering physical combat for their roles. These women go beyond standard choreography by training in legitimate martial arts and combat sports. From black belts in taekwondo to professional mixed martial arts records, these actresses possess real world fighting skills. This list highlights those who have the genuine ability to defend themselves and execute complex maneuvers without relying solely on stunt doubles.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a legendary figure in action cinema who began her career performing her own stunts in Hong Kong. She is trained in various martial arts and incorporates elements of traditional wushu into her performances. Her background in ballet provided the flexibility and discipline necessary for high level combat choreography. She gained international fame for her roles in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’. Her technical proficiency remains a hallmark of her decades long career in the entertainment industry.

Gina Carano

Gina Carano transitioned from a successful career in professional mixed martial arts to acting. She was a top contender in the Strikeforce promotion and is often credited as a pioneer for women in the sport. Her combat skills were prominently featured in the action film ‘Haywire’ and the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Mandalorian’. She performs many of her own stunts and brings a level of physical authenticity to her characters. Her background in Muay Thai and grappling makes her one of the most capable fighters in Hollywood history.

Cynthia Rothrock

Cynthia Rothrock is a world class martial artist who held five consecutive world championships in karate forms and weapons. She is a black belt in multiple disciplines including Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo. Her expertise led to a prolific career in martial arts cinema during the eighties and nineties. She appeared in numerous films such as ‘Yes, Madam’ and ‘China O’Brien’ where she showcased her incredible speed and precision. She continues to be a respected figure in the global martial arts community today.

Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick is a highly skilled martial artist who holds a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and a second degree black belt in Karate. She started her own martial arts school at the age of sixteen and eventually expanded to multiple locations. Her legitimate combat background helped her land the role of Lagertha in the television series ‘Vikings’. She often performs her own stunts and provides technical advice on set for fight sequences. Her physical prowess is a core element of her screen presence in both television and film.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot served as a combat fitness instructor in the Israeli Defense Forces before pursuing an acting career. Her military training provided her with expertise in hand to hand combat and weapons handling. She utilized these skills extensively during her portrayal of Diana Prince in the ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Justice League’ films. Her athletic ability and understanding of tactical movements contribute to the realism of her action scenes. She has also showcased her physical capabilities in the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is an Olympic bronze medalist in judo and a former champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She broke barriers for women in combat sports before entering the world of entertainment. Her transition to acting included roles in major blockbusters like ‘Furious 7’ and ‘The Expendables 3’. She brings genuine grappling and throwing techniques to her on screen fight choreography. Her background as a professional athlete ensures that her physical performances are grounded in real world combat experience.

Zoë Bell

Zoë Bell began her career as a professional stuntwoman before transitioning into prominent acting roles. She famously performed the stunts for Uma Thurman in ‘Kill Bill’ and later starred in the film ‘Death Proof’. Her extensive training in various martial arts and gymnastics allows her to execute complex fight sequences with ease. She is known for her willingness to take on dangerous physical challenges and her mastery of multiple combat styles. Her unique dual career has made her one of the most respected physical performers in Hollywood.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is known for her tough roles in action films and has a background in boxing and tactical training. She underwent intensive boxing preparation for her breakout role in the film ‘Girlfight’. Since then she has appeared in numerous high octane projects like the ‘Fast and Furious’ series and ‘Avatar’. She consistently trains to maintain her physical fitness and combat readiness for demanding roles. Her performances are characterized by a sense of grit and physical intensity that stems from her real life athletic interests.

Ming-Na Wen

Ming-Na Wen has a long history of performing in action roles that require significant martial arts training. She is well known for her portrayal of Melinda May in ‘Agents of SHIELD’ where she performed many of her own fight scenes. Her dedication to fitness and combat choreography has continued into her roles in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett’. She maintains a rigorous training schedule to ensure her movements remain sharp and authentic. Her ability to execute complex maneuvers has made her a staple of the action and science fiction genres.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar earned a black belt in Taekwondo during her time starring in the series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She spent years training in various martial arts to ensure her portrayal of the titular character was convincing. Her dedication to the physical demands of the role included learning kickboxing and street fighting techniques. She performed many of her own stunts throughout the run of the show. Her background in martial arts continues to be a notable part of her professional legacy.

Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn is a black belt in Taekwondo and has been practicing martial arts since she was a child. She showcased her combat skills during her preparation for the role of Psylocke in ‘X Men Apocalypse’. She trained extensively with swords and hand to hand combat to bring the comic book character to life. Her commitment to performing her own action sequences added a layer of authenticity to the film. She often speaks about the mental and physical benefits of her long term martial arts practice.

Maggie Q

Maggie Q is an established action star who began her career in Hong Kong under the mentorship of Jackie Chan. She is trained in various styles of wushu and has performed her own stunts in numerous films and television shows. She is perhaps best known for her leading role in the series ‘Nikita’ where she displayed her combat expertise. Her background in professional modeling and martial arts gives her a unique combination of grace and power. She continues to be a prominent figure in the international action cinema landscape.

Juju Chan

Juju Chan is often referred to as the female Bruce Lee due to her extensive background in martial arts. She is a master of Wing Chun and has represented Hong Kong in international taekwondo competitions. She is also skilled in Muay Thai and has won championships in the sport. Her film career includes roles in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Sword of Destiny’ and ‘Wu Assassins’. Her legitimate fighting skills make her one of the most formidable martial artists working in the film industry today.

Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick underwent rigorous training in wushu and sword fighting for her role as Colleen Wing in ‘Iron Fist’. She also demonstrated her combat abilities in the series ‘Game of Thrones’ where she played one of the Sand Snakes. She spent months learning various martial arts disciplines to ensure she could perform her own fight choreography. Her dedication to the physical aspects of her roles has earned her praise from critics and fans alike. She continues to seek out roles that challenge her athletic and combat skills.

Caity Lotz

Caity Lotz is a versatile performer who is trained in Taekwondo, Wushu, and Muay Thai. She is also a skilled practitioner of parkour and has a background in professional dance. These skills have been central to her portrayal of Sara Lance in the ‘Arrowverse’ television series. She performs many of her own stunts and is known for her high level of physical fitness. Her ability to combine acrobatic movements with martial arts makes her fight scenes particularly dynamic.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu is a black belt in karate and has a long history of performing in action oriented roles. She gained significant attention for her role as Lady Deathstrike in ‘X2 X Men United’. Her martial arts background allowed her to hold her own in complex fight sequences against experienced performers. She has also appeared in films like ‘The Scorpion King’ and provided voices for various martial arts characters in animation. Her technical skill and athletic longevity have maintained her status as a respected action actress.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney has surprised many fans with her background in competitive mixed martial arts. She began training in the sport at a young age and has participated in various grappling competitions. While she is well known for her dramatic roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’ she possesses genuine combat skills. She has expressed a desire to showcase her athletic background in future action roles. Her dedication to MMA training demonstrates a level of physical toughness that contrasts with many of her on screen characters.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts has practiced judo for many years and has even competed in amateur championships. She began training in the martial art in the early nineties and has maintained her practice throughout her successful acting career. She is also known to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to keep fit and learn self defense. While she is primarily recognized for her dramatic excellence in films like ‘Mulholland Drive’ her martial arts background is a private passion. Her commitment to combat sports highlights her physical discipline and versatility.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is a black belt in Taekwondo and has been training since she was a young girl. She has showcased her physical capabilities in various roles including the television series ‘Westworld’. Her martial arts background helps her with the physical control and presence required for complex characters. She has often spoken about how the discipline of Taekwondo has influenced her professional life and personal development. Her ability to perform her own action sequences adds depth to her performances in the science fiction and thriller genres.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi rose to international stardom through her roles in iconic martial arts films like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. While she started as a professional dancer her training allowed her to master the complex movements of wushu. She has worked with legendary choreographers to create some of the most memorable fight scenes in cinema history. Her performances in ‘Hero’ and ‘House of Flying Daggers’ demonstrate her incredible agility and technical precision. She is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the modern wushu film genre.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu has spent years training in various martial arts including Kali, Eskrima, and Silat. These disciplines focus on weapon based combat and close quarters fighting which she utilized in the ‘Kill Bill’ films. She also showcased her physical skills in the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ franchise and the series ‘Elementary’. Her background in these specialized arts allows her to perform intricate choreography with weapons and hand to hand techniques. She remains a prominent figure in the action genre with a reputation for physical excellence.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba began training in Taekwondo at a young age and has maintained a high level of physical fitness throughout her career. She utilized her martial arts skills for her breakout role in the television series ‘Dark Angel’. She also underwent intensive training for her performances in action films like ‘Sin City’ and ‘Fantastic Four’. Her ability to perform her own stunts and combat sequences has been a consistent feature of her filmography. She continues to incorporate athletic training into her lifestyle and professional projects.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich is a staple of the action horror genre and is well known for the ‘Resident Evil’ film series. She has trained extensively in various martial arts including Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Her dedication to her physical preparation allows her to perform the majority of her own stunts and fight scenes. She has also showcased her combat skills in films like ‘The Fifth Element’ and ‘Monster Hunter’. Her long career in action cinema is built on a foundation of genuine physical discipline and training.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is known for her intense physical transformations and her commitment to performing her own stunts. She underwent grueling training in martial arts and boxing for her role in ‘Atomic Blonde’. Her background in ballet provided the base for her exceptional physical control and ability to learn complex choreography. She also demonstrated her combat skills in films like ‘Mad Max Fury Road’ and ‘The Old Guard’. Her performances are often cited for their realistic and brutal approach to on screen fighting.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has a long history of training in martial arts and weapons handling for her various action roles. She learned Krav Maga and kickboxing for her portrayal of Lara Croft in the ‘Tomb Raider’ series. She continued to develop her skills for films like ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ and ‘Salt’ where she performed many dangerous stunts. Her training often involves tactical movements and realistic combat techniques. She is recognized as one of the most iconic female action stars in Hollywood history.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner became a household name for her role as Sydney Bristow in the television series ‘Alias’. She spent years training in martial arts and gymnastics to perform the demanding fight sequences required for the show. Her background in dance helped her master the fluidity and timing of complex choreography. She later reprised her action roots in the film ‘Peppermint’ where she showcased her skills in hand to hand combat. Her dedication to the physical aspects of her craft has made her a respected figure in the action genre.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt underwent three months of intensive training in Krav Maga and weightlifting for her role in ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. She worked closely with trainers to develop the physical presence of a seasoned soldier. Her commitment to the role resulted in a performance that was widely praised for its physical authenticity. She also showcased her athletic ability in the thriller ‘Sicario’ and its sequel. Her transition into action roles has been marked by a serious approach to combat training and stunt work.

Sofia Boutella

Sofia Boutella is a professional dancer who transitioned into acting with a strong emphasis on physical roles. She is trained in Taekwondo and has utilized her flexibility and strength in films like ‘Kingsman The Secret Service’. Her portrayal of Gazelle showcased her ability to combine martial arts movements with acrobatic stunts. She also played a warrior in ‘Star Trek Beyond’ and the lead in ‘The Mummy’. Her unique background allows her to bring a distinct style of movement to her fight scenes.

Pom Klementieff

Pom Klementieff is trained in martial arts and has a particular interest in Taekwondo and boxing. She showcased her physical skills in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ films as the character Mantis. She also performed intensive combat choreography for her role in ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One’. Her dedication to training allows her to execute high speed fight sequences with precision. She often shares her training progress on social media highlighting her commitment to martial arts.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became famous for her role as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ where she mastered the use of the katana. She spent countless hours training with sword experts to ensure her movements were realistic and powerful. She also showcased her combat skills as Okoye in the ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers’ films. Her background in theater and physical training contributes to her commanding presence during action scenes. She is highly regarded for her ability to blend emotional depth with intense physical performance.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o underwent extensive martial arts training for her role as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’. She spent weeks learning various African inspired combat styles and weapon techniques. Her preparation also included training in jujitsu and capoeira to develop a unique fighting style for her character. She performed many of her own stunts and fight sequences in the film. Her dedication to the physical demands of the role added to the authenticity of the action in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloe Grace Moretz began training in martial arts at a very young age for her role as Hit Girl in the ‘Kick Ass’ films. She learned how to handle various weapons and perform complex combat maneuvers under the guidance of expert stunt coordinators. Her training included elements of gymnastics and street fighting which she utilized in her action scenes. She has continued to take on roles that require physical toughness and combat skills throughout her career. Her early start in action cinema provided her with a strong foundation in physical performance.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson underwent months of rigorous training in judo and boxing to prepare for her role as Captain Marvel. She worked with elite trainers to build the strength and technique necessary to play a powerful superhero. Her training regimen included heavy lifting and learning how to execute convincing fight choreography. She often shared videos of her progress to demonstrate the level of effort required for the part. Her commitment to the physical aspects of the role helped bring a sense of realism to her superhero performances.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has a background in grappling and boxing which she has utilized in several of her film roles. She performed much of her own stunt work in the Marvel film ‘Black Widow’ where she played Yelena Belova. Her training for the role included learning complex hand to hand combat and tactical maneuvers. She has also showcased her physical intensity in films like ‘Fighting with My Family’ where she played a professional wrestler. Her athletic background and willingness to engage in physical roles have made her a standout in the action genre.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley underwent several months of intensive martial arts and sword training for her role in the film ‘King Arthur’. She worked with trainers to develop the skills necessary to play a convincing warrior on the battlefield. Her preparation included learning how to use a bow and arrow as well as hand to hand combat techniques. While she is often known for her roles in period dramas she has demonstrated a capacity for physically demanding work. Her commitment to the role of Guinevere showed her ability to handle complex action choreography.

Rila Fukushima

Rila Fukushima is a Japanese actress and fashion model who is trained in various martial arts. She gained international recognition for her role as Yukio in the film ‘The Wolverine’ where she displayed her combat skills. Her background in martial arts allowed her to perform intricate sword fighting sequences alongside experienced actors. She has also appeared in the series ‘Arrow’ and the film ‘Ghost in the Shell’ in roles that required physical toughness. Her technical ability and striking screen presence have made her a popular choice for action oriented projects.

Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan underwent significant physical training and martial arts preparation for her role as Nebula in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise. She spent hours learning the choreography for her complex fight scenes and stunts. Her background in dance helped her master the timing and movement required for high energy combat sequences. She also showcased her physical skills in the ‘Jumanji’ sequels where she performed her own fight choreography. Her dedication to the physical demands of her roles has become a key part of her career in blockbuster films.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is known for her roles in action films and has a background in boxing and martial arts. She showcased her combat skills in films like ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ and ‘XXX Return of Xander Cage’. She also played the titular character in the ‘Batwoman’ television series where she performed many of her own stunts. Her athletic background and interest in combat sports contribute to the intensity of her on screen performances. She continues to seek out roles that allow her to utilize her physical training and combat abilities.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank is a two time Academy Award winner who is known for her incredible dedication to physical preparation. She underwent intensive training in karate for her breakout role in ‘The Next Karate Kid’. Years later she spent months training as a professional boxer for her role in ‘Million Dollar Baby’. Her commitment to learning the technical aspects of these sports resulted in performances that were widely praised for their realism. Her background as a competitive athlete has always informed her approach to physically demanding characters.

Gwendoline Christie

Gwendoline Christie underwent extensive sword training and physical preparation for her role as Brienne of Tarth in ‘Game of Thrones’. She spent years honing her skills with various weapons to ensure her portrayal of the warrior was convincing. Her height and strength were complemented by the technical expertise she gained during her training. She also showcased her combat abilities in the ‘Star Wars’ sequels as Captain Phasma. Her dedication to the physical reality of her characters has made her an icon of the action and fantasy genres.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley became a global star through her role as Rey in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She underwent rigorous training in martial arts and kendo to master the use of a lightsaber. Her preparation included learning complex choreography and developing the stamina required for long shooting days. She has also showcased her physical skills in the film ‘Chaos Walking’ and other action oriented projects. Her commitment to performing her own stunts has been a notable part of her journey in the film industry.

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson is known for her role as Ilsa Faust in the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise where she performs many of her own stunts. She underwent intensive training in martial arts and tactical shooting to prepare for the role. Her background in dance and physical training allows her to execute high speed fight sequences with ease. She has also demonstrated her combat skills in films like ‘The Kid Who Would Be King’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’. Her performances are often praised for their combination of elegance and physical power.

Olga Kurylenko

Olga Kurylenko has a history of performing in action roles that require significant physical preparation. She trained in various martial arts and weapons handling for her role as a Bond girl in ‘Quantum of Solace’. She continued to develop her skills for films like ‘Centurion’ and ‘The Courier’ where she played a highly skilled fighter. Her dedication to performing her own stunts and fight scenes has been a consistent part of her career. She brings a sense of realism and intensity to her portrayals of combatants and warriors.

Devon Aoki

Devon Aoki is a former fashion model who transitioned into acting with roles that utilized her martial arts skills. She is well known for her portrayal of Miho in the film ‘Sin City’ where she displayed her expertise with swords. She also appeared in the film ‘DOA Dead or Alive’ which was based on the popular fighting game series. Her training in various combat styles allowed her to perform complex choreography with precision. Her unique look and physical capabilities have made her a memorable figure in action cinema.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis underwent seven months of intensive martial arts and weapons training for her role in the film ‘Jupiter Ascending’. She worked with stunt teams to learn the physical movements and combat techniques required for the science fiction epic. Her preparation also included elements of gymnastics to help with the film’s wire work and stunts. While she is often known for her comedic and dramatic roles she has demonstrated a capacity for high energy action work. Her dedication to the physical demands of the project showed her versatility as a performer.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is a trained dancer who has utilized her physical skills in some of the highest grossing action films of all time. She underwent martial arts training for her role in ‘Colombiana’ where she played a skilled assassin. She also showcased her combat abilities as Gamora in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avengers’ films. Her background in dance provides her with the coordination and timing necessary for complex fight sequences. She continues to be a leading figure in the action and science fiction genres.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson underwent significant boxing and martial arts training for her roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘Thor Ragnarok’. She worked with professional trainers to develop the physical presence and combat skills of her characters. Her portrayal of Valkyrie showcased her ability to handle weapons and execute intricate fight choreography. She has also demonstrated her physical toughness in films like ‘Annihilation’ and ‘Men in Black International’. Her commitment to the physical aspects of her craft has made her a versatile and respected actress.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has been a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for several years and has earned a blue belt in the discipline. She often shares her training progress and passion for combat sports with her followers. While she is primarily known as a singer and actress her martial arts background is a significant part of her personal life. She has expressed how the discipline and physical challenge of training have helped her in various aspects of her career. Her skills in grappling and self defense highlight her physical toughness and dedication.

JeeJa Yanin

JeeJa Yanin is a Thai actress and martial artist who rose to fame with the film ‘Chocolate’. She has been a practitioner of Taekwondo since she was a child and holds a third degree black belt. Her incredible speed and agility allow her to perform some of the most difficult stunts and fight scenes in modern cinema. She has also appeared in films like ‘Raging Phoenix’ and ‘The Villainess’ where she showcased her skills in various martial arts. She is widely recognized as one of the most talented and capable action performers in the world.

Tell us which of these powerhouse performers surprised you the most with their real life combat skills in the comments.