Actresses Who Learned Combat Sports for a Movie

The film industry often requires performers to undergo intense physical transformations to bring authenticity to their roles. Many actresses have dedicated months to learning professional combat sports and martial arts to perform their own stunts and execute complex choreography. This level of commitment ensures that high stakes action sequences resonate with audiences through realistic movements and techniques. The following list highlights numerous actresses who stepped into the gym or dojo to prepare for their cinematic projects.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron spent several months preparing for her role in ‘Atomic Blonde’ by mastering various forms of hand to hand combat. She trained in judo and jiu jitsu along with muay thai to execute the film’s long and grueling action sequences. The actress worked with the same training team that prepared the cast for ‘John Wick’ to ensure her movements were precise and powerful. This dedication allowed the director to film intense fights in single takes without relying on a stunt double.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry joined the cast of ‘John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum’ and committed to a rigorous training regimen involving judo and aikido. She spent many hours each day working with stunt coordinators to master tactical movements and gun play alongside traditional martial arts. The training was so intense that she sustained broken ribs but continued to work through the recovery process. Her performance showcased a high level of technical proficiency and physical endurance that matched the established style of the franchise.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson began her journey into martial arts when she was cast as Black Widow in ‘Iron Man 2’. She learned a combination of sambo and lucha libre as well as wushu to create a unique fighting style for the character. The actress continued to refine these skills over a decade of appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Her training evolved to include more complex weapons work and acrobatic maneuvers as her character took on more prominent roles in the series.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez had to learn the fundamentals of professional boxing for her breakout role in ‘Girlfight’. She trained for several months to understand the footwork and punching mechanics required for a convincing performance in the ring. The actress focused on building the stamina of a real athlete to sustain the physical demands of the production. This foundational training helped establish her reputation as a reliable action star in later franchises like ‘The Fast and the Furious’.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank underwent a massive physical transformation to play a professional boxer in ‘Million Dollar Baby’. She spent six days a week training in the gym and learning the technical nuances of the sport from professional coaches. The actress gained significant muscle mass and practiced boxing drills for hours to ensure her movements looked natural and explosive. Her commitment to the athletic side of the role contributed to the overall realism and emotional weight of the story.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana trained in karate and other martial arts to prepare for her leading role in the action film ‘Colombiana’. She worked with stunt professionals to learn how to move with the precision and speed of a trained assassin. The training sessions focused on agility and practical self defense techniques that could be translated into cinematic choreography. This preparation allowed her to perform many of her own physical scenes with confidence and grace.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson spent nine months preparing for her lead role in ‘Captain Marvel’ by engaging in diverse combat training. She practiced judo and wrestling as well as boxing to build the physical presence of a high ranking military officer and superhero. The actress also incorporated heavy weightlifting into her routine to match the strength required for her characters stunts. Her extensive preparation ensured that the fight scenes felt grounded despite the fantastical elements of the plot.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot utilized her previous military experience but added specific training in kung fu and kickboxing for ‘Wonder Woman’. She also learned sword fighting and shield work to portray the Amazonian warrior convincingly. The actress spent months in the gym focusing on functional strength and tactical movements that suited the historical setting of the film. Her background and new skills combined to create a powerful and fluid fighting style on screen.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt took on a demanding training schedule to prepare for the science fiction film ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. She learned krav maga and focused on functional fitness to handle the heavy exoskeleton suits used during production. The actress worked closely with a stunt team to master the choreography of fighting alongside large robotic enemies. Her dedication to the physical requirements of the role earned praise from her colleagues and critics alike.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner became well known for her martial arts skills while starring in the television series ‘Alias’ and the film ‘Daredevil’. She trained extensively in wushu and stick fighting to perform the intricate action sequences required for her roles. The actress maintained a high level of physical fitness and continued to practice these disciplines for years. Her ability to execute complex stunts and combat moves helped define the action aesthetic of the early 2000s.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley learned traditional boxing and sword fighting for her role in the historical action film ‘King Arthur’. She spent several weeks training with professional instructors to build the necessary strength and coordination for a warrior character. The actress focused on historical combat techniques that would have been used during the era depicted in the movie. This training helped her portray a tough and capable version of Guinevere on the battlefield.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman undertook a significant physical transformation and combat training for ‘Thor Love and Thunder’. She worked with specialists to build muscle and learn the proper form for wielding a large hammer in battle. The training included boxing and agility drills to ensure she could move effectively during high energy fight scenes. Her commitment to the physical demands of the character was a major aspect of her return to the franchise.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie learned various martial arts including judo and jiu jitsu to play Harley Quinn in ‘Birds of Prey’. She also spent time mastering roller skating and acrobatics to incorporate them into her character’s chaotic fighting style. The actress worked with a stunt team to choreograph fights that emphasized agility and unconventional tactics. Her ability to perform many of these moves herself added a layer of authenticity to the stylized action of the film.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain prepared for the ensemble action film ‘The 355’ by learning krav maga and tactical weapon handling. She trained with professional consultants to understand the movements and mindsets of elite intelligence agents. The actress focused on hand to hand combat techniques that emphasize efficiency and speed in high pressure situations. This preparation allowed her to participate in the film’s intense and grounded action sequences alongside her costars.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence learned various forms of combat and tactical training for her role in ‘Red Sparrow’. She worked with specialists to understand the movements of a trained operative including hand to hand combat and psychological tactics. The actress also incorporated elements of ballet into her training to reflect her character’s background as a professional dancer. This blend of disciplines created a unique and lethal fighting style that was central to her character’s development.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman famously trained in various styles of kung fu for her role in the ‘Kill Bill’ films. She spent months under the tutelage of legendary martial arts masters to learn swordplay and traditional striking techniques. The training was notoriously difficult and required her to master complex choreography for numerous iconic fight scenes. Her performance remains one of the most recognizable examples of an actress committing to martial arts for a role.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie learned kickboxing and street fighting techniques to prepare for the title role in ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider’. She engaged in a rigorous fitness program that included weapons training and basic gymnastics to handle the character’s athletic stunts. The actress continued to utilize and expand these skills for other action roles in movies like ‘Salt’ and ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’. Her dedication to physical preparation has made her one of the most prominent action stars in Hollywood.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o trained in muay thai and capoeira to prepare for her role as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’. She worked with a dedicated stunt team to learn how to use specialized ring blades in combat. The training focused on fluidity and strength to reflect the unique culture of the fictional nation of Wakanda. Her commitment to learning these styles allowed her to perform intricate fight scenes that highlighted her character’s skills as a spy and warrior.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira learned sword fighting and judo to portray the leader of the Dora Milaje in ‘Black Panther’. She spent countless hours practicing with a spear to ensure her movements were authoritative and lethal. The actress also brought her experience from ‘The Walking Dead’ where she had already mastered the use of a katana. Her training for the Marvel Cinematic Universe emphasized teamwork and synchronized movements with other performers.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh learned kickboxing and various grappling techniques for her role as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’. She worked with the stunt department to develop a fighting style that was distinct from her character’s sister. The actress focused on aggressive and practical combat moves that reflected her character’s history as a highly trained assassin. Her ability to perform her own stunts added a sense of grit and realism to the film’s many action set pieces.

Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn learned sword fighting and taekwondo for her role as Psylocke in ‘X-Men Apocalypse’. She spent many hours each day practicing with a katana to ensure her strikes were fast and accurate. The actress also focused on building the flexibility and strength required for the character’s acrobatic movements. Her dedication to the training allowed her to execute many of the character’s signature moves without the constant use of a double.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale underwent extensive combat training for the ‘Underworld’ film series where she played a vampire warrior. She learned how to combine traditional martial arts with wire work and tactical weapons handling. The actress maintained a strict fitness routine to handle the physical demands of wearing a heavy latex suit while performing stunts. Her long running association with the franchise allowed her to refine her combat skills over several installments.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan was only a teenager when she learned martial arts and stick fighting for her role in ‘Hanna’. She trained with professional stunt coordinators to develop the skills of a girl raised in the wilderness to be a lethal assassin. The training focused on efficiency and using an opponent’s momentum against them. Her performance was praised for its physical intensity and the convincing nature of her character’s combat proficiency.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloë Grace Moretz learned krav maga and how to use butterfly knives for her role as Hit Girl in ‘Kick-Ass’. She began her training at a very young age and worked closely with the stunt team to master complex fight choreography. The actress spent months practicing her flips and strikes to ensure she could keep up with the adult performers. Her dedication to the role helped create one of the most memorable young action characters in modern cinema.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas learned the art of professional boxing for her role in the biographical film ‘Mary Kom’. She spent several months training with coaches to understand the technique and endurance required of an Olympic athlete. The actress focused on mimicking the specific boxing style of the real life sportswoman she was portraying. Her commitment to the physical aspect of the role was essential for the film’s authenticity and success.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi trained in wushu and traditional swordplay for her breakout international role in ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’. Although she had a background in dance her transition to martial arts required a different kind of discipline and strength. She worked with legendary choreographer Yuen Wo Ping to master the fluid and gravity defying movements of the film. Her performance helped popularize the wuxia genre with global audiences through its technical beauty.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a legendary figure in action cinema who learned wing chun and various other martial arts for her roles. She began her career in Hong Kong action films like ‘Yes Madam’ where she performed her own dangerous stunts. The actress has a background in dance which she used to help master the complex rhythms of fight choreography. Her continued dedication to martial arts has allowed her to remain a top action star for several decades.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock learned basic self defense and martial arts techniques for her role in ‘Miss Congeniality’. While the film is a comedy she had to perform convincing combat moves during the pageant and investigation scenes. The training focused on practical applications of Brazilian jiu jitsu and other defensive styles. This preparation helped her character transition from a rough detective to a polished pageant contestant while maintaining her physical edge.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich spent years training in karate and kickboxing for her lead role in the ‘Resident Evil’ film franchise. She worked with various instructors to develop a fighting style that incorporated weapons and hand to hand combat. The actress became known for her ability to perform complex stunts and high energy fight scenes over six movies. Her commitment to the physical side of the role made her one of the most recognizable female action icons of the era.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson learned sword fighting and general combat skills to play Valkyrie in ‘Thor Ragnarok’. She worked with the production’s stunt team to develop a style that was both powerful and somewhat unrefined to match her character’s journey. The actress also engaged in weight training to build the physical presence of an elite Asgardian warrior. Her performance was noted for its physicality and the ease with which she handled the action sequences.

Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly trained in muay thai and other martial arts to prepare for her role as the Wasp in the ‘Ant-Man’ films. She worked with personal trainers and stunt coordinators to develop a fighting style that emphasized speed and precision. The actress focused on movements that would look effective both at normal size and when her character was shrunk down. Her preparation ensured that she felt like a capable and equal partner in the film’s action scenes.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris learned various combat techniques and firearms handling for her role as Eve Moneypenny in ‘Skyfall’. She spent time training with professional consultants to ensure her movements as an intelligence officer were accurate. The actress engaged in field training and physical conditioning to handle the intense opening sequence of the film. This preparation helped her establish a more active and capable version of the classic character.

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson learned a specialized form of combat for her breakout role in ‘Mission Impossible Rogue Nation’. She worked with stunt teams to master a style that utilized her legs and momentum to take down larger opponents. The actress performed many of her own stunts including the famous sequence at the Vienna State Opera. her dedication to the physical demands of the franchise has made her a recurring and vital part of the series.

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger learned krav maga to prepare for her role as an operative in the action thriller ‘The 355’. She worked alongside her castmates to develop a cohesive fighting style that felt realistic for a group of international spies. The actress focused on practical self defense moves and tactical positioning during her training sessions. Her commitment to the physical preparation helped ground the film’s high stakes action sequences.

Noomi Rapace

Noomi Rapace learned boxing and other martial arts to play Lisbeth Salander in the original ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ trilogy. She chose to undergo a harsh physical transformation to reflect the character’s tough and resilient nature. The actress also learned how to ride a motorcycle and handle weapons as part of her extensive preparation. Her dedication to the role’s physical requirements helped create a definitive portrayal of the character.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey brought her professional MMA and judo background to the film ‘The Expendables 3’. While she was already an elite fighter she had to learn how to adapt her real world skills for cinematic fight choreography. The actress worked with the stunt team to ensure her strikes and throws looked impactful while being safe for her fellow performers. Her presence in the film added a level of legitimate combat expertise to the ensemble cast.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander spent months training in mixed martial arts to prepare for her role as Lara Croft in the ‘Tomb Raider’ reboot. She worked with professional trainers to build a lean and athletic physique that could handle the character’s grueling stunts. The training included climbing and swimming as well as hand to hand combat and archery. Her commitment to the physical reality of the character was a central focus of the film’s production.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch learned tactical combat and weapons handling for her role as Nomi in ‘No Time to Die’. She worked with the film’s stunt department to develop the skills of a 00 agent including close quarters combat. The actress focused on movements that were efficient and reflected her character’s elite military background. Her preparation allowed her to hold her own in the film’s many high intensity action sequences.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas underwent intensive combat training for her brief but memorable role in ‘No Time to Die’. She spent three weeks in Budapest working with trainers to master complex fight choreography and gun play. The actress practiced her movements repeatedly to ensure she could perform them with speed and confidence on camera. Her performance was widely praised for its technical execution and the charisma she brought to the fight scenes.

Pom Klementieff

Pom Klementieff utilized her real life background in taekwondo to perform her own stunts in ‘Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning’. She worked with the production’s stunt team to create an aggressive and relentless fighting style for her character. The actress is known for her high level of physical fitness and her ability to execute difficult martial arts maneuvers. Her skills were on full display during the film’s intense hand to hand combat sequences.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary Elizabeth Winstead learned Brazilian jiu jitsu and other combat skills to play Huntress in ‘Birds of Prey’. She spent several months training with the 87eleven stunt team to master the character’s tactical fighting style. The actress also practiced using a crossbow to ensure her handling of the weapon looked natural and proficient. Her dedication to the training resulted in some of the film’s most grounded and impactful action moments.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett learned kickboxing and various martial arts to prepare for her role as Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’. She worked with professional trainers to build the strength and agility needed for her character’s street fighting style. The actress focused on high kicks and powerful strikes that utilized her athleticism. Her commitment to the role’s physical demands was evident in the film’s large scale final battle sequence.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby learned various forms of hand to hand combat for her role in ‘Hobbs and Shaw’. She worked with stunt coordinators to develop a style that was fast and emphasized agility over raw power. The actress also engaged in tactical training to handle the film’s many chase and fight sequences. Her preparation allowed her to stand out alongside established action stars in the high budget production.

Eiza González

Eiza González learned various combat skills and weapons handling for her role in the action film ‘Alita Battle Angel’. She worked with the stunt team to understand the movements of a cyborg warrior in a futuristic setting. The training sessions focused on precision and the use of specialized props to simulate advanced technology. Her dedication to the physical side of the character helped bring the stylized world of the film to life.

Sofia Boutella

Sofia Boutella utilized her background as a professional dancer to learn taekwondo and other martial arts for ‘Kingsman The Secret Service’. She worked with the stunt team to create a lethal fighting style that incorporated her incredible flexibility and leg strength. The actress spent hours practicing the choreography for her character’s unique blade based combat. Her performance was noted for its fluid and dangerous elegance on screen.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson learned elements of kali and other martial arts for her role in the ‘Daredevil’ television series. While her character was not a primary fighter she had to learn how to handle herself in several key action scenes. The training focused on using found objects and basic self defense to survive dangerous encounters. Her willingness to engage in the show’s gritty physical world added to the realism of her character’s journey.

Caity Lotz

Caity Lotz brought a background in martial arts and parkour to her role as Sara Lance in the ‘Arrow’ universe. She continued to train in various disciplines including taekwondo and wushu to perform her own stunts and fight scenes. The actress is known for her high level of technical skill and her ability to execute complex choreography without a double. Her dedication to her craft made her one of the most respected action performers in television.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose learned various combat techniques for her role as an assassin in ‘John Wick Chapter 2’. She worked with the film’s stunt team to develop a silent and efficient fighting style that matched her character. The actress also engaged in firearms training to ensure her tactical movements were consistent with the franchise’s high standards. Her performance highlighted her ability to handle intense physical roles in a competitive action environment.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz learned various martial arts and movements inspired by feline agility for her role as Catwoman in ‘The Batman’. She worked with a stunt team to develop a fighting style that emphasized speed and tactical strikes. The actress also focused on building the functional strength needed to perform her own stunts in the film’s dark and grounded setting. Her preparation ensured that her version of the character felt like a capable and dangerous adversary.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard learned various forms of combat and sword fighting to play Mera in ‘Aquaman’. She spent months training with a dedicated team of stunt professionals to handle the film’s underwater and land based action. The actress also engaged in a rigorous fitness program to build the stamina required for long days of physical filming. Her dedication to the training allowed her to participate fully in the film’s grand scale battle sequences.

Tell us which actress you think has the best combat skills in the comments.