To achieve the rank of black belt in any discipline requires dedication, determination, and a willingness to sacrifice time, personal relationships, and even personal goals all for the singular objective of earning a coveted black belt. In and of itself, to achieve this rank is a milestone, and, oftentimes, the achievement of a lifetime.
Once the rank of black belt is achieved there are varying degrees as the study of the art is ever evolving, advancing, and the esoteric aspect begins to reach philosophical depths that shape and form who a person is at their core and determines the course of their life. This is a difficult task to undertake regardless of one’s status in society, but in the hustle and bustle of today’s Hollywood celebrities, time is literally of the essence and is quite literally money.
The list below takes a look at the top five highest-ranking black belts in Hollywood.
5) Willie Nelson is a Black Belt
When one thinks of this iconic country music star who has been cast in over 30 movies, and is an avid proponent of the use of marijuana, the idea of deep proficiency in the martial arts isn’t exactly what comes to mind however; make no mistake about it: Willie Nelson can butt! At 81 years old, Nelson received his 5th-degree black belt in the art of Gong Kwon Yu Sul from Master Sam Um, who he has been training with in Austin, Texas for over 20 years!
4) Donnie Yen is a Black Belt
Donnie Yen, most notably known for his role in Ip Man, has studied various styles of martial arts such as kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, Tai Chi, wushu, and Wing Chun; he has earned the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Judo, but what earns him a spot on our list is his current rank of 6th Dan black belt in Taekwondo.
3) James Caan is a Black Belt (RIP)
This legendary actor has not only made a name for himself on the silver screen, James Caan was an avid and extremely accomplished martial artist holding the rank of 6th-Dan in Gosoku Ryu Karate, an art in which he has trained in for over 30 years and was also responsible for training the Culver City Police Department (Culver City, CA) in martial arts.
2) Steven Seagal is a Black Belt
As easy as it is to make Steven Seagal jokes – not anyone’s as he makes himself an easy target – one cannot deny his martial arts credentials. Seagal is an Aikido expert holding a 7th-degree black belt in the art, and was the first ever foreigner to operate an Aikido school in Japan. He has also acted as a consultant, instructor, and trainer to countless A-list celebrities as well as professional athletes.
1) Chuck Norris is a Black Belt
When people think of Chuck Norris, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the hundreds upon thousands of Chuck Norris “Facts”. Norris however; is probably one of the most decorated and legitimate martial artists of the modern era. He holds the rank of 10th Dan in Chun Kuk Do (which he created), 9th Dan in Tang Soo Do, 8th Dan in Taekwondo (the first westerner to be awarded the rank), a 5th-degree black belt in Karate, and a 3rd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Norris in fact played an influential role, pre-UFC, in bringing jiu-jitsu from Brazil to the USA.
He has also won the World Karate Championships six times over, compiling a competition record of 183-10-2! He has also been inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame, and the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. And, of course, his tears cure cancer, too bad he’s never cried, EVER.
