In the dynamic world of martial arts cinema, from chop-socky classics to modern fight flicks, Black martial arts actors have made a unique space for themselves. With their unique blend of style, storytelling, and their impressive skills but also charisma, these martial artists have left an undeniable mark in the landscape of martial arts films. They have kicked down and strangled stereotypes while inspiring other Black people to do the same.
These talented black martial arts actors, with their athletic prowess mixed with acting skills, deserve to be celebrated for captivating audiences all over the world. So, get ready to be introduced to some of the coolest black martial arts actors with the awesome roundhouse kicks, lightning-fast punches, and amazing performances!
Here’s a List of the 7 Coolest Black Martial Arts Actors
1. Jim Kelly
The afro-sporting, jive-talking, tall and yet agile with his chill attitude and top notch karate skill, Jim Kelly was an indistinguishable figure in the 1970s action cinema. Starring alongside the one and only great Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon” (1973), Kelly became the first Black martial arts actor. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 2010, he aptly said, “I broke down the color barrier, I was the first black martial artist to become a movie star.” Kelly quickly rose to fame and appeared in several more martial arts inspired action flicks, including “Three the Hard Way” (1974), “Golden Needles” (1974), and, most famous of his works, “Black Belt Jones” (1974).
2. Ron Van Clief
If the ultimate fighting and martial arts legend Bruce Lee himself gives you “The Black Dragon,” then it is a testament to your excellence, no questions asked! This person was none other than Ron Van Clief, the powerhouse black martial arts movie star who shook both Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema. He appeared in several films throughout the 70s, including Tony Liu’s: The Black Dragon” (1974) – which gave him his nickname, “Bamboo Trap” (1975) – a Filipino film, “The Black Dragon’s Revenge” (1975), and “Way of the Black Dragon” (1979). At 5 feet 10 inches, Van Clief had a fast, powerful, and tough presence on and off screen.
Trained from an early age, Van Clief is a black belt in Karate (Goju-ryu), Jujutsu, Judo, Kung fu, and Taekwondo. He even created his own unique blend, “Chinese Goju,” combining Japanese Goju-ryu with its Chinese roots.
3. Taimak
At only 19 years old, Taimak, the first-time actor, impressed the 80s audience with skills in the action-comedy martial arts film, “The Last Dragon” (1985). Taimak’s person,a Leroy Green, a man of color kicking butt while pursuing his martial arts dream, was truly an awesome representation and inspiration for all the black men in America. Taimak himself has achieved black belts in Goju Ryu Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Hapkido, Jujutsu, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Chinese Goju. Over the years, Taimak has been established as one of the most prominent black martial arts actors.
4. Michael Jai White
With his quiet, confident but dangerous presence on screen, Michael Jay White is one of the most impressive black martial arts actors out there. He has numerous film and television credits to his name, but the one that really broke barriers was his role as Al Simmons in the film, “Spawn” (1997). This made him the first black person to portray a major comic book superhero in a film. White is a trained martial artist and a teacher who holds black belts in several martial arts, including Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Okinawan Kobudo, Goju Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Wushu, and Kyokushin Karate. He also appeared as Mike Tyson in the HBO TV movie, “Tyson” (1995), as Jax Briggs in “Mortal Kombat: Legacy” (2011).
5. Wesley Snipes
You have seen him as the leather-trench-coat clad badass vampire hunter in the movie trilogy “Blade” (1998-2023). The movie gave some of the coolest shots of Blade fighting off his enemies with swift and suave motion. So it is no surprise to know that Wesley Snipes is a prolific martial artist as well. He is a trained martial arts actor with a black belt in Shotokan Karate and Hapkido. He also studied Kung Fu, Kushindaryu, Karate, Sanuces Ryu Jujutsu, and Weaponry. His experience with martial arts clearly reflects in his visually impressive screen presence as he blends various martial arts seamlessly.
6. Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne has lots of movies and television shows to his credit, but none as pop culture defining as his role as the katana wielding mentor Morpheus in the Wachowskis’ original “Matrix” trilogy (1999-2003). Fishburne might not be a professional martial artist, but he trained in Budo, Krav Maga, Wushu, and Jeet Kune Do to play his role as Morpheus perfectly. How else are you expected to slice a car in half with your katana otherwise?
7. Marrese Crump
A true athlete, Marrese Crump moved from football and basketball to train extensively in various martial arts. Inspired by Bruce Lee, Crump started his martial arts journey from a younger age. Now he is a master at Karate, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Capoeira, western boxing, Filipino Martial Arts, Taekwondo, and Ninjutsu. His expertise in martial arts landed him as the action coordinator and in the role of Cobra Trooper in “G.I. Joe: Battle for the Serpent Stone” (2007). His breakout part was alongside wrestling legends Dave Bautista, Rob Van Dam, and Ja Rule in “Wrong Side of Town” (2010).
Conclusion
There is something deeply inspiring and satisfying about historically marginalized people taking up powerfully violent roles. From groundbreaking pioneers like Jim Kelly and Van Clief to contemporary stars like Michael Jay White and Marrese Crump, these black martial arts actors display their strength in full glory.
If you are a fan of martial arts movies but are unaware of the amazing and bold world of African American martial arts actors and their groundbreaking films, then this article is where you can start!
