Top 10 Best Martial Artists of All Time
Martial arts has a rich and diverse history, with countless styles, techniques, and philosophies coming from all corners of the globe. Over the years, certain individuals have risen to legendary status, known for their incredible skill, dedication, and influence on both the martial arts world and popular culture. From pioneers who brought traditional forms to the global stage, to modern masters who continue to push the boundaries of their art, these martial artists have earned their place in history.
Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong-American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker. He is widely credited with popularizing martial arts in the West through his films and philosophy. Lee founded the martial arts system Jeet Kune Do and is regarded as a cultural icon. Anyone who disputes Bruce Lee as the best martial artist is a fool. He trained harder, longer, and smarter than anyone. I always seem to run into people trying to tell me that Bruce wasn't a real fighter and he would get his ass handed to him in a real fight.
If those people, whose willingness to give an opinion increases along with their ignorance on the subject, were to read a book or two or watch interviews with people who have fought Bruce and watched him fight, they would surely realize how stupid it is to claim that.
Yip Man, also known as Ip Man, was a Chinese martial artist best known for being the Wing Chun grandmaster. He was the teacher of Bruce Lee and played a significant role in spreading Wing Chun worldwide. His life and legacy have been immortalized in numerous films and books. Yip Man is the very existence of Bruce Lee, and it is stupid not to categorize him higher than Bruce Lee. Look at yourself being trained. Would you ever really be better than your master? The man who taught you? No matter the hours, your master is your master, and he will win hands down, blindfolded, and so on.
Before you vote, watch Yip Man. He was thought to be a stupid fool for training what was originally a female martial art, which has now become one of the most popular martial arts today.
You all are crazy to think that the top three are Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan. Bruce Lee should be number two at best. Any true fan of martial arts would recognize Grandmaster Ip Man as the best. He was the master of Bruce Lee and the originator of Wing Chun, which is the founding technique used by Bruce Lee himself.
A young Ip Man versus Bruce Lee in his prime would clearly lead to an Ip Man victory. Besides, a lot of Bruce Lee's skills derived from theatrics. You can't claim fights in movies to be accurate enough to claim one to be the best.
Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and filmmaker known for his acrobatic fighting style and innovative stunts. He has appeared in over 150 films and is renowned for blending martial arts with comedy. Chan's impact on both the Chinese and international film industries has made him a global icon. Personally, I'd say Jackie Chan is my favorite martial artist of all time because of his charismatic personality that he portrays in films and in real life.
Unlike many martial artists, Jackie Chan has a comedic side to his character in movies, and he knows how and when to make people laugh. This guy is an inspiration to millions of people, and he'll be officially known as the greatest Kung Fu artist in history.
Other than that, his skill and speed are phenomenal.
Jackie Chan, aka "The Drunken Master," was a phenomenal fighter. Through mastering Zui Quan, he established himself as a fighter comparable to Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen, or perhaps even better.
Jackie has become a leading actor known for his stunts and fights. He has faced formidable opponents like Jet Li and Benny The Jet. Jackie Chan deserves to be ranked at least second or first on this list. "The Drunken Master" is the king of the Drunken Fist in Zui Quan!
Jet Li is a Chinese martial artist, actor, and former Wushu champion. He gained international fame through his roles in martial arts films and action blockbusters. Li has starred in a variety of successful films in both Hong Kong and Hollywood. For me, Jet Li should be on top of the list, and these are my reasons why. He transformed the image of Hong Kong movies into genuinely interesting movies to watch. He took on the role of acting, real acting mixed with martial arts. That's something that movie directors in China never understood. They initially thought martial arts movies were just about fights, running, and kicking.
When Jet Li stars, he mixes all that, but most importantly, and I think he learned this from American movies, he knew he had to be a good actor with a good writer to connect with the viewers and get them to like him. His best movies were Once Upon a Time in China I and Fist of Legend. I can watch those two movies forever and never stop liking them.
Wong Fei-hung was a courageous and respected fighter, as well as a significant figure in Chinese and Shaolin history. More stories should be told about him.
I am currently just beginning to learn about his life and training. He was one of the last monks to leave Shaolin at the turn of the century, and many great techniques died with him.
Chuck Norris is an American martial artist, actor, and former professional fighter. He holds black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Norris became a pop culture icon through his roles in action films and the television series Walker, Texas Ranger. I will be honest, I'm torn between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. They are both my favorite martial artists. Sadly, Bruce Lee died when I was only three years old, so he was just a little before my time in a way.
I grew up on Chuck Norris movies, and I absolutely love him in Walker, Texas Ranger. Chuck is an awesome person in real life, and he has given back as much as he ever got from his career.
Chuck Norris is a prime example of what a person can do with their life if they only have the courage and determination to follow their dreams. Bruce Lee thought enough of Chuck Norris to ask him to star in one of his movies with him.
Like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris worked and trained hard to become one of the best martial artists of his time. Even at 74 years old now, I still wouldn't mess with Chuck Norris. Laugh out loud.
Yip Man was not the only grandmaster because Huo Yuanjia was one way before him. Huo was considered a hero in China for defeating foreign opponents. A true hero.
Whoever posted this knows their fighters. He is no doubt the greatest of all. His fight record speaks for itself.
Donnie Yen should be ranked higher than Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan based on martial art skill. However, Jackie Chan still excels overall due to his greater success in the film industry and mastery of many arts.
Chuck Norris is good, but not as skilled as both Donnie and Jackie. He is primarily known for his role in Return of the Dragon, which required Bruce Lee's help to gain recognition.
In conclusion, Donnie Yen deserves a higher ranking than both Chuck and Jackie.
Should be 3rd on the list. Chuck Norris is good but not that great. The real Yip Man didn't do half the things the movie portrayed, and Jackie Chan was never even that great of a martial artist. He was mostly a stuntman.
Mr. Kano codified and modernized Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, creating Judo. He helped promote Karate. Without Jigoro Kano, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu would never have existed.
Tony Jaa is a Thai martial artist, actor, and stuntman. He rose to international prominence with his role in Ong-Bak, showcasing Muay Thai and other traditional martial arts. Jaa is known for performing his own stunts and has contributed to the global popularity of Thai martial arts in cinema. Tony Jaa is undoubtedly one of the best. I admire him as much as Jean-Claude Van Damme. If he aimed for the number one spot, he could likely achieve it.
However, I think he has other pursuits in life. Bruce Lee's life revolved around martial arts from a young age, and his dedication is why he deserved the first spot.
Tony Jaa is a rising star of our generation. While martial artists like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Chuck Norris are aging, Tony Jaa is poised to become the number one martial arts superstar of this generation!
A great man and the founder of Goju-Ryu Karate. He was the example for Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid movies.
A true sportsman and a great teacher. I've seen Bill "Superfoot" Wallace hold back so as not to make his opponent look bad.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian martial artist, actor, and former professional kickboxer. He gained fame in the late 1980s and 1990s for his roles in martial arts films like Bloodsport and Kickboxer. Van Damme's flexibility, acrobatics, and high-flying kicks made him a household name in action cinema. Jean-Claude Van Damme was okay. He actually competed in karate competitions and was also a skilled gymnast. This background gave him the flexibility and agility he used in movie performances.
However, during his prime time in movies, Van Damme wasn't even a black belt.
Some people have rude and disrespectful comments about JCVD, often out of jealousy! Give the man his well-deserved credit. He has the looks, the skill, and the class that a true martial artist should have.
Van Damme is the greatest. The way he executes his punches and kicks is incomparable. They are realistic. And he's got both style and substance.
Anderson Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of MMA. Silva holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history, with notable achievements in striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Everyone else voted for a movie star. I voted for someone who actually proves his skills for a living, laugh out loud! Bruce Lee is cool, but he is a movie star, not a martial arts fighter.
And for everyone who keeps saying, "There's a difference between a competition with rules and the street," do you really think that MMA fighters aren't trained with techniques to fight dirty? MMA fighters also have unmatched athleticism compared to any other martial arts style. They do it for a living.
Anderson Silva is the greatest by far! Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and those other fakes don't come close.
Georges St-Pierre is a Canadian mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time due to his dominance in various fighting disciplines, including wrestling, striking, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. St-Pierre holds numerous UFC records and accolades. "Best martial artist" can mean a lot of things, but one of those things has to be most effective. There is no more potent professional martial artist than Georges St-Pierre in history. End of story. On top of this, he is also a prime exemplar of the more philosophical aspects of martial arts: discipline, humility, and a constant desire to learn and improve.
That anyone could vote for a movie star who has never been in an actual fight over GSP blows my mind and indicates to me a drastically different understanding of the martial arts than my own.
Michael Jai White is an American martial artist, actor, and director. He holds black belts in multiple disciplines, including Shotokan Karate and Taekwondo. White gained recognition for his roles in action films and is one of the first African Americans to portray a comic book superhero on screen. He is one of the few true martial artists on the screen. He still goes back to the dojo to teach and share his knowledge. Most are too busy with their fame to remember where they came from.
Put any of them in a ring, and Michael Jai White has the speed, accuracy, strength, and knowledge. In my opinion, he would beat them all.
This list isn't supposed to be based on movies and how good they act in a fight. I agree with Bruce Lee being up top, but come on, White would kill Jet Li or Chuck Norris.
Vidyut Jamwal learned the Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu since the age of three. His understanding of its philosophy is not only to protect and fight but also to use it to heal. He is the best in the world.
He deserves the top spot on the list. He is the best martial artist in the world right now.
Number one on the list should be Vidyut Jamwal. A trained artist since the age of four in Kalaripayattu.
He is one of the best and most unique martial artists. Some people call him the new Jet Li, but he is too good compared to Jet Li. His moves are so cool but fatal. He must be in the top five.
O Sensei, the creator of Aikido. He is by far the best martial artist who ever lived.
This man was like people such as Bruce Lee. Superhumans! One of the few who could actually achieve something unique in martial arts. He should be ranked in the top three at least!
One of the worlds real true grand-masters of the martial-arts!
Trained Bruce Lee in American Kenpo of which he was the only true 10th degree GM... Should be in the top 10 for sure.
Scott Adkins is a British martial artist and actor known for his roles in action and martial arts films. He holds black belts in multiple martial arts, including Taekwondo and Kickboxing. Adkins gained international recognition for his portrayal of Boyka in the Undisputed film series. For me, you're the best martial artist in the whole world because you're the most complete fighter in the world. I love all your movies, especially Undisputed 4. Awesome, you're amazing! I love you, idol! Scott Adkins forever!
I first saw Scott's awesome skills in Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear. I realize it was a movie, but I was blown away by his skills. He is part of the reason I started taking up martial arts recently. A big fan.
Scott Adkins should at least come in second because of his vast knowledge of martial arts. Plus, if he had to go against some of the people at the top of the list, he'd most probably win.
For more proof, watch "Boyka: Undisputed," coming out in 2017, and his previous movies such as "Ninja" and "Ninja: Shadow of a Tear."
Royce Gracie is a Brazilian martial artist and a key figure in the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He gained international fame by winning several early UFC tournaments using Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating the effectiveness of ground fighting against larger opponents. Gracie's success helped popularize Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. Royce gracie is one of the greatest grapplers this world has seen in ages. There's something to say about a man who fights for pride and glory for 20 years. He asks for no recognition just better yourself. I see a lot of actors in the top spots. I guess being popular makes you better than other true artists.
He is the first person to demonstrate the power of Jujitsu over most other martial arts styles. He defeated opponents from multiple styles who were much bigger and stronger than himself. Pound for pound one of the best fighters of all time.