Actor Tom Hardy has been training Brazilian jiu jitsu for quite a while. While many Hollywood stars train Jiu-Jitsu the majority do it under Rigan Machado. For those unaware, Rigan ‘invented’ a modality of jiu-jitsu – and by that we mean he basically took out live rolling from jiu jitsu and as such his classes are very popular for the showbusiness crowd.
Meanwhile Tom Hardy has been spotlighting REORG jiu jitsu – Founded by former CSgt Sam Sheriff MBE, REORG provides a service for serving personnel and veterans from across all three arms of the armed forces and the Emergency services. REORG BJJ focusses on teaching the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu to those who have serious, life-altering injuries, or who are suffering from PTSD and depression.
“Everyone recognized him but he was very humble and was happy to take time out for people to take photographs with him,” the spokesperson said. “It was a real pleasure to have him compete at our event.”
Hardy’s opponent, veteran Danny Appleby, told local media he was stunned upon seeing the actor:
“[Hardy] said, ‘Just forget it’s me and do what you would normally do.’”
Appleby said the actor is “a really strong guy … You wouldn’t think it with him being a celebrity.”
Despite having a career dependent on his looks, Hardy is competing in a contact sport and having success doing it.
Tom Hardy ended up winning gold in both Gi and Nogi divisions of several competitors in the UK.
Hardy is also booked to compete at more jiu-jitsu competitions in December. The Venom actor signed up for the No Gi Jiu Jitsu British Open (December 3) and for Grappling Industries: London (December 11).
The actor is registered to join the 79.5kg (175.3 lbs) Master 3 division at the British No Gi Open. At Grappling Industries the weekend after, Hardy is scheduled to join both their gi and no gi round robin tournaments at the 185 lbs Seniors division.
Hardy is spending time in New York currently and posed for pictures alongside Renzo Gracie and his nephew Rayron. Renzo Gracie recently had a chance to apply his jiu jitsu during a New York Subway incident. Both him and the instigator emerget unscathed thanks to the efficacy of jiu jitsu.