Jackie Chan, the iconic martial artist, and actor, has mesmerized audiences worldwide with his exceptional skills and awe-inspiring stunts. Renowned for his agility and martial arts expertise, Chan has proven time and again that age is just a number when it comes to physical prowess. Even individuals younger and bigger than him have struggled to keep up with his remarkable abilities.
One such individual is John Cena, the renowned professional wrestler known for his massive physique. In their collaboration on an unreleased movie project, Cena experienced firsthand the challenge of matching Chan’s skills and agility, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery.
John Cena’s Struggle To Keep Up With Jackie Chan
During their unreleased 2018 joint venture, Snafu, the F9 star found himself facing a humbling reality—his strength and muscle mass were not the focal points. Instead, he was expected to execute difficult kicks and intricate moves that demanded flexibility and agility. Despite his impressive physique, John Cena struggled to meet these requirements, feeling the strain both physically and mentally. These intense sessions with Jackie Chan resulted in Cena shedding 20 pounds almost immediately, a weight loss he found difficult to cope with.
“I did a movie with Jackie Chan about three to four years ago and they could care less about how strong I was. They just wanted me to kick over my head, which was impossible. I went over there to train with him for about three months and they stretched me like taffy. I immediately lost 20 pounds, which was very difficult for me.”
John Cena’s New Life Values After Working With Jackie Chan
The toll of the physically demanding training sessions with Jackie Chan during the making of Snafu took the Peacemaker star by surprise, plunging him into a period of depression. The WWE champ questioned his decades-long dedication to building muscle, feeling as though he was losing everything he had worked so hard for. However, amidst the struggle, Cena discovered newfound wisdom and a fresh perspective on his fitness journey. He recognized the importance of balance and flexibility, leading him to incorporate yoga into his training routine.
“I even fell into a weird depression because it was like I’m losing everything that I worked on for 30 years! But I begin to walk taller, begin to have less pain, I was more flexible, and that experience changed my life in many ways, and it taught me the value of making sure your body moves O.K. In yoga, the concept is that you need to be present because we’re going to stretch you farther than you think you can go. If you’re afraid, then you’re tense. You need to be relaxed and present. Just those two things; relax a little bit and be present. That’s why I relate it to yoga: It’s helped me balance a lot of what life throws at you.”
The collaboration between John Cena and Jackie Chan serves as a remarkable example of the transcendent abilities possessed by the martial arts legend. Despite being older and physically smaller than Cena, Chan’s expertise and agility surpassed the expectations of his younger and larger counterpart. The transformative journey not only helped Cena overcome physical limitations but also instilled in him a valuable lesson about adaptability and balance.
Source: GQ
