Henry Cavill Jiu Jitsu: Superman in Love with BJJ since 2016
Henry Cavill’s Jiu Jitsu journey started in 2016 under Stan Beck at Renzo Gracie Academy in Weston. The celebrity continued to train BJJ under Roger Gracie in London and is a White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The actor is famous for iconic roles like Superman in the Extended DC Universe and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher TV Series.
Check out Part 4 of our YouTube BJJ Celebrities Series which covers Henry Cavill’s complete Jiu Jitsu journey:
Henry Cavill Jiu Jitsu FAQ
Henry Cavill on Training Jiu Jitsu with Roger Gracie
In an interview from 2018 during the promotion of Mission Impossible: Fallout, Henry Cavill gave away a ton of insights into what he’s thinking about Jiu Jitsu and why he loves it.
He first praises his professor Roger Gracie who is one of the best BJJ competitors of all time and an accomplished MMA fighter:
“It’s fun, you know. I love Jiu Jitsu. To have a professor like Roger is an absolute privilege. It’s an honor. Roger is a friend of mine and I consider myself very lucky.”
Cavill has a very busy schedule when promoting a movie and unfortunately Jiu Jitsu has to wait in line:
“I wish I had more time right now to be rolling, but with a schedule as punishing as this… I mean let alone going for a short run is difficult enough.”
The actor acknowledges how intense Jiu Jitsu fighting is and how much cardio is needed:
“The Jiu Jitsu fitness is a different thing… When you actually start fighting it’s extraordinarily [exhausting], how much it gasses you straight away.”
Henry first and foremost appreciates the mental and strategic aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He describes how BJJ helps him to stay in the moment and forget everything else that is going on in life:
“It forces you to start thinking. That’s what I like about Jiu Jitsu the most. It’s a thinking sport.”
“You can’t be thinking about anything else… I can’t think about anything else because then someone will choke me out.”
“All of a sudden I can exist in this world that is just enjoyable right up until I get choked out.”
He ends by painting a picture that most BJJ practitioners are familiar with. Who hasn’t been humbled and choked out by a lighter opponent before…
“Getting turned into a Brezel by someone who weights 100 pounds is a unique experience and it’s definitely a learning one.”
Henry Cavill Jiu Jitsu Impressions from Instagram
Henry Cavill seems to be just as loved in the Jiu Jitsu community as he is as an actor.
On September 2, 2016, Renzo Gracie reposted a post of @stanbeckbjj on his Instagram account @renzograciebjj:
“Henry Cavill is a very unique soul, I knew when I met him that he was the real Superman.”
He refers to Henry Cavill taking his time to train with a kids class:
“We had a very special guest this past week training with us! Big thank you to Superman actor Henry Cavill for coming in and training with us as well as taking time out of his busy schedule to entertain and make our ki’s week by showing up to assist their class. And the answer is yes, he is very tough!“
On December 31, 2017, the superman actor showed appreciation for his coaches and training partners after he trained at Stan Beck’s Renzo Gracie Academy in Weston:
In 2018 Henry Cavill started training at Roger Gracie’s school again. He stated on Instagram on February 9, 2018:
“Finally back to the academy! I’ve missed this enormous giant of a man! If any of you are considering starting working out or picking up a martial art. You really have to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! It’s a game changer and very very enjoyable.”
On February 12, 2018, Henry Cavill joked bout his dog “Kal” taking side control of him:
“Kal working on his side control!”
On July 31, 2018, the actor stated the following on Instagram and tagged his coaches Roger Gracie, Renzo Gracie, and Juan Rodriguez:
“Jiu-Jitsu has a way of kicking your arse and making you love it for the lessons you learned! Kinda like mother nature…or a big brother whom you annoyed one too many times. So good to be back on the mats.”
Unfortunately, there have been very few updates on Henry’s Jiu Jitsu progress lately. We hope he can make time to enjoy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu again.
Conclusion
Apparently, Henry Cavill not only plays superhuman movie characters like Superman but also seems to bring some of that strength to the Jiu Jitsu mats.
The actor is appreciated in the BJJ community and praises the art although it is hard for him to make space for Jiu Jitsu in his busy life.
We are looking forward to Henry Cavill climbing the ranks and mastering the art.
Check out our complete list of BJJ celebrities:
Complete List of Celebrities that do BJJ
Which stars do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Which belt ranks are the celebrities?
Tom Hardy | Keanu Reeves | Jason Statham | Ed O’Neill | Demi Lovato | Russell Brand | Maynard James Keenan | Ashton Kutcher | Guy Ritchie | Jonah Hill | Joe Rogan | Chuck Norris | Jason Momoa | Mario Lopez | Joey Diaz | Jim Carrey | Henry Cavill | Charlie Hunnam | Millie Bobby Brown | Shaquille O’Neal | Dave Bautista | Vin Diesel | Robert Pattinson | Kelly Slater
