As a long-time enthusiast of martial arts and a dedicated binge-watcher of TV series, I must say that this comparison of iconic shows featuring martial artists is truly enlightening!
An experienced cinematographer and fight coordinator can transform even an ordinary martial artist into an impressive one on screen. But when performers have real-life martial arts backgrounds, viewers will find the action sequences more authentic and thrilling. Simultaneously, not every skilled martial artist excels at acting, and it takes a unique blend of on-screen charisma to go from the arena (ring, octagon, mat) to TV and movie sets.
For enthusiasts of action, an ideal television pairing is skilled martial artists who can seamlessly blend their expertise and dramatic abilities. Here are ten series featuring top martial artists making a smooth transition into acting, providing a wealth of thrilling entertainment for your viewing pleasure.
10 Walker, Texas Ranger (1993 – 2001)
For nine seasons, the series “Walker, Texas Ranger” focused on the titular character, Cordell Walker, a veteran ranger known for his strong moral compass and affection for traditional values. This show gained cult status due to its unique blend of humor, action, and uplifting themes, leaving an enduring impact in pop culture even today. The episodes, numbering 203 in total, were structured mainly episodically, allowing viewers to start watching any random episode without much need for catching up on previous stories.
The Man, the Myth, the Legend, Chuck Norris
The show featured many fights, with its main character, Chuck Norris, leading the way. Although Chuck Norris’ martial arts skills are often humorously exaggerated in popular culture, they are supported by real-life accomplishments and honors. Norris has earned black belts in multiple styles, including Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Tang Soo Do. One of his most notable feats that cemented his reputation as a martial artist was his six-year reign (1968 to 1974) as the World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion.
Beyond this, Norris developed a unique martial art known as Chun Kuk Do and founded the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). Over the years, UFAF has granted countless black belts to its members.
You can stream Walker, Texas Ranger on Hulu.
9 Wu Assassins (2019)
In the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown resides Kai Jin, a young culinary artist. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when age-old forces called the Wu Xing stir to life. Kai is then mysteriously bestowed with an enchanting amulet that endows him with the combat skills of a thousand monks. Now, it falls upon Jin to vanquish the four Wu Warlords, each representing a distinct aspect of their powers. The intriguing blend of mysticism and martial arts, as well as the portrayal of Asian American experiences, are central themes in the Wu Assassins series.
Mysticism and Martial Arts
Sadly, “Wu Assassins” hasn’t been renewed for another season yet. But, what makes this show stand out is that it features numerous real-life martial artists who infuse excitement and authenticity to the action genre. Lead actor Iko Uwais, who gained fame in the 2011 film “The Raid” by displaying the Philippines’ martial art Silat, is one of them. Additionally, Mark Dacascos, JuJu Chan, and Byron Mann all contribute their martial arts skills to the production.
You can stream Wu Assasins on Netflix.
8 The Legend of Bruce Lee (2008)
A biographical show titled “The Legend Unveiled: The Life Story of Bruce Lee” delves into the life of one of the most revered martial artists ever, Bruce Lee. From his days in high school in Hong Kong to his meteoric rise to fame, this series features numerous martial arts practitioners to honor the legacy of Bruce Lee. Spanning across one season, it offers a total of 50 episodes for enthusiasts to explore.
Martial Artists Coming Together to Retell the Life of an Icon
Although “The Legend of Bruce Lee” may include a touch of melodramatic elements common in Chinese productions of that time, it nonetheless delivers an abundance of thrilling action sequences.
One aspect that truly stands out is the exceptional roster of real-life martial artists. Leading the pack is Danny Chan Kwok-Kwan, a master of Wing Chung; Michael Jai White, a skilled boxer portraying Muhammad Ali; Ray Park, known for Darth Maul, plays Chuck Norris; and Mark Dacascos depicts a Thai kickboxer named “King Charles.” Given this impressive lineup, martial arts enthusiasts might want to give the series a try, even if it falls short in providing as much action as expected.
You can stream The Legend of Bruce Lee on Prime Video or Netflix.
7 Warrior (2019-2023)
During the Tong Wars in late 1800s San Francisco, the series Warrior narrates the story of Ah Sahm as he embarks on a journey to locate his missing sister. Sahm’s proficiency in martial arts quickly earns him a role under one of Chinatown’s dominant criminal figures, Hop Wei. As he becomes entangled in the struggle and confronts opposing gangs, Sahm finds himself maneuvering through the intricate web of the underground crime world. A surprising twist unfolds when he uncovers his sister as the leader of the rival Long Zii gang, further complicating his mission.
Stylish Martial Arts Action
Drawing upon the innovative ideas pioneered by Bruce Lee, I found myself captivated by a series that seamlessly blended intricate storytelling with exhilarating action scenes. This action was authentically executed by skilled martial artists, with Mark Dacascos gracing the list for the third time and playing a pivotal role in the third season’s plotline.
In our principal roles, Andrew Koji (Ah Sahm) boasts expertise in various martial arts styles like Jeet Kune Do and Wing Chun; Joe Taslim (Li Yong) has mastered Judo and Wushu; while Rich Ting (Bolo) is versed in numerous martial arts including Taekwondo. Given this talented, multifaceted team, Warrior promises to be an ideal series for anyone captivated by the art of martial arts.
You can stream Warriors on Max.
6 The Brothers Sun (2024)
The story titled “The Brothers Sun” delves into the intricate relationships within a Taiwanese-American household, which unwittingly becomes embroiled in the shadowy realm of organized crime. Initially triggered by an assassination attempt on a seasoned Triad member, confusion arises over who issued the order for the hit. As a result, both family members affiliated with these criminal circles and those not, find themselves ensnared in feuds and power struggles. This captivating narrative seamlessly blends dark humor and intense family dynamics, while maintaining a thrilling action-packed pace.
Short but Action-packed Netflix Original Series
As a dedicated admirer of Michelle Yeoh’s work, I’ve been thrilled to witness her recent comeback, but true connoisseurs of kung-fu cinema have long cherished her roles in classics like “Yes, Madam!” (1986), “Magnificent Warriors” (1987), and “Supercop” (1992). Transitioning from a career in ballet, Michelle Yeoh’s deep dive into action films led her to master various martial arts, such as Tai Chi Chu King Hung. Similarly, Justin Chien added depth to the series with his extensive training in Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Although “The Brothers Sun” won’t be getting a second season, it remains an enjoyable blend of action and humor that is certainly worth watching.
You can stream The Brothers Sun on Netflix.
5 Into the Badlands (2015 – 2019)
In “Into The Badlands,” an intriguing blend of post-apocalyptic horror and martial arts combat was a hit. The series follows Sunny, a formidable warrior serving under the powerful baron Quinn, and M.K., a gifted boy with extraordinary powers, as they journey through a dystopian feudal society riddled with political turmoil and brutal clashes. Sunny and M.K., initially on opposite sides of the struggle, must team up to survive in the treacherous region known as the Badlands.
Post-Apocalyptic Action
Daniel Wu, who portrayed Sunny, boasts a wealth of martial arts expertise, with his title as a Wushu champion being particularly impressive. On the other hand, Sherman Augustus, in his role as Nathaniel Moon, has honed skills in Taekwondo and Kuk Sul for many years, and even competed in high-level Muay Thai kickboxing competitions. It’s worth noting that numerous cast members underwent rigorous martial arts training for their parts, underscoring the awe-inspiring action sequences seen throughout Into The Badlands.
You can stream Into The Badlands on AMC+ or Netflix.
4 Highlander: The Series (1992-98)
As a die-hard fan of the iconic movie series, I can’t help but delve deeper into the captivating world of Highlander: The Series, a spin-off that chronicles the life of Duncan MacLeod, an immortal swordsman hailing from the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century. This enthralling television show builds upon the cinematic lore and offers a gripping narrative as Duncan grapples with adapting to contemporary society while engaging in combat with fellow Highlanders. Over six seasons and across 119 episodes, this series takes viewers on an unforgettable journey.
There Can Only Be One!
Adrian Paul, the actor who portrayed Duncan Mcleod, went through rigorous training for his character, mastering Hung Gar Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and kickboxing. But what set him apart was that he also designed all of his fight scenes using his knowledge of European fencing, which made him perfectly suited to play the character armed with a sword, the Highlander.
Similar to numerous action-themed shows from the ’90s, this series occasionally veers into the realm of exaggerated and humorous moments. However, Paul’s portrayal of Duncan undeniably lends an edge to the show, making it a beloved choice among fans.
You can stream Highlander: The Series on Plex.
3 The Green Hornet (1966)
In the role of Britt Reid, a successful news publisher, and his loyal assistant Kato, The Green Hornet functioned as a secret identity to combat crime and corruption. Much like the Batman series featuring Adam West, which was well-received during that period, this show adopted a more somber approach in its crime-fighting adventures. Notably, it emphasized grittier action sequences, with Kato, portrayed by Bruce Lee, providing an elegant fighting style to complement The Green Hornet’s raw power and gadget-enhanced combat tactics.
Helped Launch the Career of a Beloved Martial Artist
Hardly can I imagine another TV show that aired just one season yet left such a profound cultural footprint as “The Green Hornet”. Regarding martial arts skills in actual life, we’re discussing none other than the legendary figure of Bruce Lee, portraying the character Kato.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the impact Bruce Lee had on martial arts and cinema. Wing Chun Kung Fu was his foundational martial art, yet he was an insatiable learner who continually evolved, even incorporating Escrima, a Filipino martial art centered around weaponry, into his repertoire. This is what made those unforgettable scenes with the nunchaku truly iconic. Lee’s untimely demise still resonates as one of the saddest moments in stardom history for many of us who admire him.
You can watch The Green Hornet for free on YouTube.
2 The Mandalorian (2019-)
In the interval following the collapse of the Galactic Empire and prior to the emergence of the First Order, the narrative of “The Mandalorian” unfolds. This tale revolves around a solitary bounty hunter named Din Djarin. At the outset, Djarin is assigned a peculiar mission: retrieving an antiquated artifact. However, upon discovering that his target is a baby known as Grogu, he chooses to forgo this bounty and instead safeguards the infant. The pair subsequently encounter several obstacles during their covert journey together.
The Rise and Fall of Gina Carano
This may very well be the most well-known example of a martial artist seeing success as an actor due to the fallout between Gina Carano and Disney, which led to an ongoing lawsuit. Gina Carano, who was removed from the series in February 2021, played the fan-favorite role of Cara Dune. Carano brought an impressive set of real martial arts skills into the role, having begun her career in Muay Thai and becoming the face of women’s MMA, retiring with seven wins and one loss. Other martial artists involved in the program include Capoeira expert Lateef Crowder and Diana Lee Inosanto, who have backgrounds in Filipino martial arts.
You can stream The Mandalorian on Disney+.
1 Cobra Kai (2018-25)
34 years following the original Karate Kid movie, the series Cobra Kai revolves around the enduring feud between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. Their longstanding rivalry reignites when Johnny, dealing with personal issues and seeking redemption, chooses to reopen his martial arts dojo. This action piques Daniel’s interest, prompting him to open a dojo of his own despite already running a successful car dealership and having a family. Now, both men are training a new generation of martial artists who will intersect in and out of competition. Cobra Kai has garnered widespread acclaim for its blend of nostalgic action, drama, and humor.
A Rivalry Decades in the Making
In the series Cobra Kai, you’ll find numerous actors with martial arts experience, as well as a committed cast who have further refined their skills specifically for this show. For instance, Jacob Bertrand (Hawk) holds a purple belt in Karate, having trained for four years prior to joining the series. Tanner Buchanan (Robby Keene) has expertise in both Muay Thai and taekwondo. William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence) boasts a green belt in Tang Soo Do. Martin Kove (John Kreese) is a black belt in Okinawa-te and has delved into various other martial arts disciplines extensively. Thomas Ian Griffith (Terry Silver) holds black belts in both taekwondo and Kenpo karate, while Owen Morgan (Bert) has a black belt in Karate, having trained at his family’s Dojo since childhood.
You can stream Cobra Kai on Netflix.
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2024-10-27 00:33