Hollywood actors often go through rigorous training to get into shape for certain projects. However, there are a few actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Christian Bale who take things too seriously for their roles. Apparently, both acclaimed actors share a similarity when it comes to their fighting style.
Getting into the core of martial arts in 2003, Robert Downey Jr. came across Eric Onam with whom he practiced Wing Chun. Further, Onam went on to choreograph Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes and Captain America: Civil War. Not just that, the Wing Chun master apparently trained Christian Bale for his DC superhero role as Batman.
Robert Downey Jr. Invested Himself In Wing Chun
From making a renowned appearance as Iron Man to his recent role in Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. has turned into one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. However, this position didn’t come out of nowhere, for Downey Jr. had to go through severe training and discipline to bring out his capabilities.
Turning towards Martial Arts, as a source to not only transform his body, but also his mind, Robert Downey Jr. got invested in Wing Chun Kung Fu, in 2003. Getting interested in Wing Chun, a technique made famous by Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Donnie Yen, the MCU actor went to practice under the guidance of Eric Onam.
The legendary master Eric Onam later choreographed Robert Downey Jr.’s fight scenes in Sherlock Holmes and Captain America: Civil War. Thus, as a result of getting involved in Wing Chun, Downey Jr.’s characters were never overcome by anger, for rage often leads to a lack of control.
Downey Jr. And Christian Bale’s Common Fighting Style
Following Robert Downey Jr.’s strict disciplinary practice in 2003, Eric Onam became America’s leading Wing Chun master, who went on to work with other Hollywood A-listers like Christian Bale. Apparently, MCU’s Iron Man and DC’s Batman shared the same Wing Chun trainer, in real life.
Starring in Batman Begins in 2005, followed by his appearance in The Dark Knight trilogy, Christian Bale went through rigorous training for his role. Further, as a part of his training, Bale began his journey as a martial artist under the guidance of Eric Onam. Thus, practicing Wing Chun, Batman featured a similar fighting style to that of Downey Jr.
Both the actors inculcated the habit of blocking strikes with their arms, which is a prominent form of Wing Chun Kung Fu. And judging by the success of both the actor’s films, their training with Eric Onam, evidently paid off.
Source: Maartial, BudoDragon
