BJJ in Popular Culture

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has steadily seeped into popular culture, largely thanks to its association with MMA and celebrity practitioners. Films and TV shows often depict BJJ-inspired techniques, from chokes to joint locks, as realistic combat methods. Actors such as Keanu Reeves, Tom Hardy, and Jason Statham have trained in BJJ, with Reeves incorporating it into his John Wick fight choreography, further raising the art’s profile.

Celebrities like Joe Rogan, Russell Brand, and Demi Lovato openly discuss their BJJ training, helping normalize and promote it to wider audiences. Beyond Hollywood, BJJ appears in video games, documentaries, and mainstream media coverage of the UFC. This cultural visibility has accelerated the art’s growth, making BJJ recognizable even to those who have never set foot on the mats.