From dodging bullets to sci-fi epics, martial arts have always been an integral part of Hollywood action movies. Delivering the big-screen adrenaline rushes, legendary actors have thus inculcated iconic martial arts for their stagecraft. Apparently, A-list actors like Christian Bale and more have mastered different forms of kung fu for their action films.
It has been reported that Christian Bale trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu, which was later made famous by Donnie Yen in his iconic IP Man movies. The 49-year-old actor had to go through grueling training to master the art of combat for Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. However, Bale isn’t the only surprising celebrity who practiced Wing Chun Kung Fu for his movie, there’s more on the list.
Christian Bale Mastered Wing Chun For Batman Begins
As Christian Bale appeared among Hollywood’s top leading men for the role of Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies, the actor had to undergo severe transformation and training for the role. Surrendering to Nolan’s perfectionism, Bale strived to look realistically fit for the scenes.
Thus, in an attempt to highlight the origins of Bruce Wayne and his journey as a martial artist, the 49-year-old trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu with the martial arts trainer Eric Oram. Within no time, Bale mastered the art of combat and delivered a splendid performance in the movie that became a solid blockbuster at the box office.
5 Surprising Celebrities Who Practiced Wing Chun Kung Fu
Apart from Christian Bale, there are a few more Hollywood stars who trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu for their movies.
Robert Downey Jr
Apparently, one such renowned star is Robert Downey Jr., who mastered Wing Chun from Bale’s trainer Eric Oram for his Iron Man movies. The actor mastered the art of staying in shape which also helped him to develop a stronger mind-body connection.
Jackie Chan
Next in line is the Chinese martial arts legend, Jackie Chan, who trained in Wing Chun for many years, although not specifically for his movies. The iconic actor apparently underwent intense training in Kung Fu during his initial years at his martial arts school. Later, Chan claimed Wing Chun to be the best martial art for self-defense.
Nicolas Cage
Further comes Nicolas Cage, who trained in various martial arts for many years, and therefore mastered the art of Wing Chun. Being a fan of the specific kung fu technique for some time, Cage practiced Wing Chun to improve his focus.
Michelle Yeoh
The Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh is the next one in line who mastered the art of Wing Chun. The action star who has been a fan of martial arts for most of her life, has trained in Wing Chun for a few years, during her rise to fame. Yeoh mastered the renowned art to improve her self-defense skills and maintain her physique.
Bruce Lee
Another legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee is considered one of the most important names on this list as he is majorly credited for popularizing Wing Chun in the West. Being an avid practitioner of the art, Lee developed his own style, Jeet Kune Do and even wrote a book about Wing Chun in 1972.
Source: Wingchunkungfu.eu, Collider
