Tom Hardy’s commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is truly paying dividends.
The renowned Hollywood actor caught many off guard by entering two grappling competitions under an alias back in 2022. Hardy emerged victorious in both events, sparking viral attention and proving he’s more than just a big-screen star. At the time, the “Venom” actor held a blue belt, and now, four years later, he’s on the cusp of achieving his black belt.
- In breaking news: Tom Hardy declined a grappling match with UFC contender Arman Tsarukyan, with intervention from another UFC fighter stepping in.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon praises Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy’s passion for martial arts began in 2011 while filming the MMA-themed movie Warrior. Since then, the 48-year-old has dedicated much of his free time to mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Recently, he earned his brown belt under the tutelage of Sonny Weston and received commendations from BJJ legend Tom DeBlas.
DeBlas shared on Instagram, “Big congratulations to @tomhardy on his brown belt promotion and to all others promoted. Special thanks to @sonny__weston for hosting the ceremony, which also allowed me to conduct a seminar with 80+ attendees — an incredible experience.” He added, “It was vital for me to be there for Tom’s promotion. Over the years, he’s become a close friend (see what I did there? 😂). Every week, he shares BJJ techniques with me, and in return, I get updates on his training. There’s no doubt this guy fully deserves his brown belt, and it won’t be long before it’s replaced by a black belt.”
“He truly embodies what it means to be a dedicated student of the sport and approaches learning and training more seriously than anyone I know. Many blessings to you, Tom—enjoy this milestone.”
Ashton Kutcher achieves BJJ black belt
While Tom Hardy is arguably the most famous actor practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he’s not the only celebrity with notable BJJ credentials. Ashton Kutcher recently earned his black belt and showcased his skills in a friendly sparring session with Jimmy Fallon.
“The belt promotion is a huge honor,” Kutcher said. “Words can’t do it justice. I’ve sparred with many great people over the years, and this achievement is thanks to them.”
Fan Take: Tom Hardy’s progression in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu highlights the sport’s growing appeal among mainstream celebrities, helping to elevate its visibility worldwide. For fight fans, seeing actors seriously invest in BJJ reinforces martial arts’ legitimacy and may inspire more enthusiasts to explore and support the discipline.
