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John Wick Martial Arts Choreographer: Every Style Used in the Series [2024] 💥
Have you ever wondered how John Wick pulls off those incredible fight scenes? The answer lies in the talented martial arts choreographer behind the scenes. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of John Wick’s martial arts, exploring the various styles used in the series and the masterminds behind the action. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey through the world of John Wick’s martial arts!
Quick Answer
John Wick’s fight scenes are a mesmerizing blend of gun fu and various martial arts styles. The choreography draws inspiration from classic action films like “Equilibrium,” “The Matrix,” and John Woo’s movies. Real martial artists, including Mark Dacascos, Roger Yuan, Tiger Chen, Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins, and Marko Zaror, have contributed their expertise to choreographing fights in the franchise. Each style brings its unique flair to the intense action sequences, making John Wick a true martial arts masterpiece.
✅ 👉 CHECK PRICE on: Gun Fu | Judo | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Karate | Tae Kwon Do | Kali | Kung Fu | Sambo | Shoot Wrestling | Aikido | Ninjutsu | Silat
Quick Tips and Facts
- The John Wick series draws inspiration from classic action films like “Equilibrium,” “The Matrix,” and John Woo’s movies.
- Real martial artists, including Mark Dacascos, Roger Yuan, Tiger Chen, Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins, and Marko Zaror, have contributed to choreographing fights in the franchise.
- The various martial arts styles used in the John Wick series include Gun Fu, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kali, Kung Fu, Sambo, Shoot Wrestling, Aikido, Ninjutsu, and Silat.
- Each style brings its unique flavor to the intense action sequences, creating a visually stunning and captivating experience for viewers.
Background: The Art of Choreographing John Wick’s Fights
Before we delve into the specific martial arts styles used in the John Wick series, let’s take a moment to appreciate the art of choreography itself. The choreographer’s role is to design and orchestrate the fight scenes, ensuring they are visually appealing, realistic, and aligned with the character’s personality.
Choreographing fight scenes requires a deep understanding of martial arts, body mechanics, and storytelling. The choreographer must work closely with the director, stunt coordinators, and actors to bring the vision to life. In the case of John Wick, the choreographers have truly elevated the action genre, creating fight scenes that are both thrilling and aesthetically pleasing.
1. Gun Fu: The Theatrical Combination of Firearms and Martial Arts
Gun Fu is a theatrical combination of marksmanship principles and classic martial arts films. It involves seamlessly blending gunplay with hand-to-hand combat, creating a visually stunning and dynamic fighting style. John Wick’s mastery of Gun Fu is one of the defining characteristics of the series, setting it apart from other action movies.
The Gun Fu sequences in John Wick are meticulously choreographed to showcase the fluidity and precision of the movements. The choreographers draw inspiration from various martial arts disciplines, incorporating elements such as strikes, blocks, and throws into the gunplay. The result is a breathtaking display of firepower and martial arts prowess.
2. Judo: John Wick’s Primary Martial Art
Judo plays a significant role in John Wick’s fighting style. Developed in Japan, Judo focuses on throws and grappling techniques. John Wick’s judo skills are on full display as he effortlessly takes down opponents using their own momentum against them. The choreographers have expertly incorporated Judo’s principles of balance, leverage, and timing into the fight scenes, adding a realistic and dynamic element to the action.
3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Ground Combat and Grappling
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on ground combat and grappling. It emphasizes technique and leverage, allowing smaller individuals to overcome larger opponents. In the John Wick series, BJJ is showcased during intense close-quarters combat scenes. John Wick’s proficiency in BJJ enables him to neutralize threats even in the most challenging situations.
4. Karate: Hiroyuki Sanada’s Martial Art in “John Wick 4”
Karate, a martial art originating from Okinawa, Japan, is known for its powerful strikes and kicks. In “John Wick 4,” Hiroyuki Sanada, a renowned martial artist and actor, joins the cast. Sanada’s expertise in Karate adds a new dimension to the fight scenes, introducing a different combat style for John Wick to contend with.
5. Tae Kwon Do: High-Flying Kicks and Dynamic Techniques
Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial art, is characterized by its high-flying kicks and dynamic techniques. Throughout the John Wick series, John encounters adversaries skilled in Tae Kwon Do, forcing him to adapt his fighting style to counter their agile and acrobatic moves. The choreographers expertly incorporate Tae Kwon Do’s signature kicks and strikes into the fight scenes, creating visually stunning battles.
6. Kali: Combat with Sticks and Knives
Kali, also known as Eskrima or Arnis, is a Filipino martial art that focuses on combat with sticks, knives, and other weapons. In the John Wick series, Kali is showcased during intense close-quarters combat scenes, adding a unique and dynamic element to the fight choreography. The choreographers draw inspiration from Kali’s fluid and fast-paced movements, creating visually captivating sequences.
7. Kung Fu: Various Subsets for Different Combat Approaches
Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that encompasses a wide range of fighting styles. In “John Wick 3,” Kung Fu takes center stage, with different subsets of the martial art showcased throughout the film. Each subset brings its unique combat approach, adding depth and variety to the fight scenes. The choreographers expertly incorporate Kung Fu’s intricate forms, strikes, and kicks into the action, creating visually stunning battles.
8. Sambo: Russian Martial Art with a Focus on Throws
Sambo is a Russian martial art that focuses on throws, takedowns, and ground fighting. While not as prominently featured as other styles in the John Wick series, Sambo’s influence can be seen in certain fight scenes. The choreographers draw inspiration from Sambo’s throws and grappling techniques, adding a realistic and dynamic element to the action.
9. Shoot Wrestling: Blending Martial Arts in the Ring
Shoot Wrestling is a hybrid martial art that blends various martial arts disciplines. Popularized in the West by WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Shoot Wrestling incorporates elements of striking, grappling, and submission holds. While not a primary focus in the John Wick series, Shoot Wrestling’s influence can be seen in certain fight scenes, adding a unique flavor to the choreography.
10. Aikido: Redirecting an Opponent’s Attack Momentum
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on redirecting an opponent’s attack momentum. While not prominently featured in the John Wick series, Aikido’s principles can be seen in certain fight scenes. The choreographers draw inspiration from Aikido’s circular movements and joint locks, adding a subtle and dynamic element to the action.
11. Ninjutsu: Shinobi Enemies in “John Wick 3”
Ninjutsu, the martial art of the ninja, is introduced in “John Wick 3” with the inclusion of Shinobi enemies led by Zero, played by Mark Dacascos. Ninjutsu’s influence can be seen in the fight scenes involving the Shinobi, showcasing their stealthy and deadly techniques. The choreographers expertly incorporate Ninjutsu’s unique combat style, adding an element of surprise and intrigue to the action.
12. Silat: Southeast Asian Martial Art
Silat, a Southeast Asian martial art, gained international recognition through movies like “The Raid.” In “John Wick 3,” Silat is showcased through the inclusion of genuine exponents of the martial art. The choreographers draw inspiration from Silat’s fast-paced strikes, joint locks, and takedowns, creating intense and visually captivating fight scenes.
FAQ
Who choreographed the fight scenes in John Wick?
The fight scenes in the John Wick series are choreographed by a team of talented martial arts experts. Notable choreographers include Jonathan Eusebio, J.J. Perry, and Chad Stahelski himself, the director of the films. These choreographers work closely with the actors and stunt performers to create the intense and visually stunning fight sequences that have become synonymous with the John Wick franchise.
Read more about “Does John Wick Use Aikido? …”
Who taught Keanu Reeves martial arts for John Wick?
Keanu Reeves underwent extensive martial arts training for his role as John Wick. He trained under the guidance of renowned martial arts experts, including Taran Butler, a world champion shooter, and J.J. Perry, a seasoned stunt coordinator and martial artist. Reeves’ dedication to his training is evident in his performance, as he seamlessly executes the intricate fight choreography with precision and skill.
Read more about “Who Taught John Wick How to Fight …”
Who taught John Wick to fight?
In the world of John Wick, the character’s fighting skills are attributed to his training under various mentors and his own relentless pursuit of mastery. While the specific details of John Wick’s training are not explicitly explored in the films, it is implied that he has received instruction from some of the world’s most skilled martial artists. This training, combined with his unwavering determination, has shaped John Wick into the formidable fighter we see on screen.
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Does Chad Stahelski know martial arts?
Yes, Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick series, has a background in martial arts. Before transitioning into directing, Stahelski was a professional stuntman and martial artist. His expertise in martial arts and action choreography has played a significant role in shaping the intense and visually captivating fight scenes that have become a hallmark of the John Wick franchise.
Conclusion
The John Wick series has revolutionized the action genre with its mesmerizing blend of gun fu and various martial arts styles. The choreographers behind the scenes have expertly crafted fight scenes that are both visually stunning and realistic. From Judo to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate to Tae Kwon Do, and Kali to Silat, each martial art brings its unique flavor to the intense action sequences, making John Wick a true martial arts masterpiece.
So, the next time you watch John Wick in action, take a moment to appreciate the skill and artistry behind the fight scenes. The choreographers and martial artists involved have created a cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving for more.
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