Famous movie star Tom Hardy, from “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Venom,” surprised many with shocking events by adding another laurel to the already impressive list. However, this time, the acting award would be a gold medal in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ.
In 2022, actor Tom Hardy secretly entered a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu open championship, ultimately winning the event. PIC.TWITTER.COM/8EKE6IKELS
— Creepy.org (@creepydotorg) JULY 30, 2024
His latest triumph came at the 2022 UMAC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open Championships, two days after his 45th birthday. Competing in the Blue Belt Masters 3 (over 40) division at 82.3 kg, Hardy captured the gold, adding to his collection from the REORG Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship in August. Hardy has secured three gold medals in one month, winning all seven matches by submission.
Hardy took to his Instagram to share how much the sport had impacted him. He wrote,
“Simple training, for me (as a hobby and a private love), has been fundamentally key to further develop a deeper sense of inner resilience, calm, and well-being.” He went on to take pride in flying the flag for the REORG charity—a non-profit providing veterans and first responders with access to BJJ and fitness training.
Hardy’s presence at the event in Milton Keynes surprised everyone. He could almost compete unnoticed since he had registered under his legal name. The word, however, traveled very fast. Competitors could not believe their eyes and were surprised to see a star from Hollywood on the mat. Despite his superstar status, Hardy urged them to treat him like any other competitor, showing his humility and respect for the sport and its participants.
One of them, Danny Appleton—whom Hardy had defeated in Wolverhampton a month earlier at the REORG Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship—was impressed. “His strength and technique were incredible,” Appleton said, reflecting on their match where Hardy emerged victorious.
Training for his role in the 2011 movie Warrior started Hardy’s path to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Under the grappler whom he had been training, his eyes were opened to a real passion for BJJ, and since then, he has followed it assiduously. Acting keeps him pretty busy, but still, Hardy trains in many BJJ gyms worldwide, developing both the physical and mental sides of this martial art.
His training regime consists of movements, functionality, and breathing techniques—very critical aspects in BJJ. In fact, these holistic approaches toward grapping not only benefit his grappling capabilities but also do much for him physically and mentally for health purposes. Hardy has talked repeatedly about how BJJ keeps him grounded amid the pressures related to acting and combined it with personal life.
To Hardy, his involvement in BJJ is much more than just a personal interest. He’s also a trustee of the REORG charity, providing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as instructive therapy for injured military personnel and veterans with severe injuries or other mental health-related issues that affect their well-being. So his win at the REORG Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Wolverhampton, which had been organized to raise funds, became all the more special.
Hardy’s involvement in these competitions takes on a stronger meaning due to his commitment to supporting military personnel and veterans.
Following his victory at the Milton Keynes Open, Hardy spent much time celebrating in true Hardy fashion: mingling with opponents and spectators alike as he took pictures, basking in all the excitement of the moment. According to a spokesman at the tournament, while Hardy had become very recognizable to most people, he remained approachable and humble—a credit to sportsmanship.
One of Tom Hardy’s mightiest achievements was in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, after which he rose to prominence. His wins prove his physical strength, mental perseverance, and all the efforts he put into the BJJ community. Being an inspiration to many, his journey states that dedicated people to their passion and work will lead to unexpected and fulfilling successes.
To Tom Hardy, the Hollywood star, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu represents something more than a sport by being one of its respected competitors and most devoted advocates. This shocking victory at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open in Milton Keynes gives volumes about work, humility, and essential benefits awaiting those willing to take up new challenges.
