Judo, the modern martial art founded in Japan in the late 19th century, has attracted a diverse following that extends far beyond the sporting arena. In a surprising twist, several high-profile celebrities have embraced judo’s principles of discipline, respect, and personal growth, earning prestigious black belt ranks along the way. Here are the top five celebrities you may not have known are judo black belts.
Vladimir Putin
The Russian President’s connection to judo dates back to his schooldays. Putin’s skills were showcased when he trained with Russia’s judo team in Sochi, highlighting his athletic prowess and adding to his reputation as a dynamic leader on the world stage.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves, renowned for his roles in The Matrix and John Wick, has extensively trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo for his film roles, though he remains a white belt in BJJ due to training focused on movie choreography rather than formal progression.
Judo’s only three-time Olympic champion Nomura Tadahiro has earned the greatest prizes and accolades that his sport has to offer. Nomura, who retired in 2015, switched roles in Tokyo to present an honorary judo black belt to actor Keanu Reeves. Reeves studied judo for four months before taking on a role in action thriller John Wick. Reeves performed an ippon-seoi-nage in the film which was one of Nomura’s trademark techniques.
Nadia Comaneci
This Romanian gymnastics legend, with five Olympic gold medals, transitioned to judo after her competitive career. Comaneci was awarded an honorary black belt and named an ambassador of the International Judo Federation, showcasing her commitment to the sport.
Akshay Kumar
The famous Bollywood actor is also a martial arts enthusiast, having earned a black belt in judo at a relatively young age. He has incorporated his skills into several of his action film roles over the years.
Thomas Pesquet
In a unique tribute from space, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet kicked off the 2017 Judo Grand Slam in Paris by delivering a speech while wearing a black belt aboard the International Space Station, declaring, “Judo is more than a sport, it is a way of life.”
Honorable mention: Teddy Roosavelt
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, immersed himself in old-style Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, akin to the training received by the early Gracies from Mitsuyo Maeda.
Under the tutelage of Yamashita Yoshiaki, a Judo pioneer in the US and a direct disciple of Judo founder Jigaro Kano, Roosevelt trained in Jiu-Jitsu to shed 20 pounds before an election. From March to April 1904, he dedicated three afternoons a week to Judo sessions at the White House, occasionally continuing through the summer but halting during elections. Among his sparring partners were his sons, his private secretary, and prominent officials, showcasing his commitment to martial arts and physical fitness.
Roosevelt admired Yamashita’s prowess, hosting him at the White House for lessons, and Yamashita and his wife also instructed notable American women and their children. In a letter, Roosevelt discussed a sparring match between Yamashita and a champion wrestler, highlighting Judo’s effectiveness in disabling adversaries while recognizing the strength advantage of American wrestlers.
Despite this, Roosevelt’s engagement underscored his dedication to martial arts and fitness, shaping his legacy as a physically active president with a keen interest in self-defense and combat sports.
Excerpt from “Professor Yamashita Goes to Washington”:
“during March and April 1904, Roosevelt practiced judo three afternoons a week, using a ground floor office in the White House as his workout space. Then, for the rest of the summer, he practiced occasionally. He stopped training during the elections, and there is no record showing that he resumed his studies afterward.”
“The President’s training partners included his sons, his private secretary, the Japanese naval attache, Secretary of War William Howard Taft, and Secretary of the Interior Gifford Pinchot. When these people were unavailable, then Roosevelt tried his tricks on husky young visitors.”
From world leaders to elite athletes and entertainers, judo’s appeal has transcended boundaries, attracting a diverse array of disciples who have harnessed the martial art’s principles in their respective pursuits.
