10 Best Martial Arts TV Show Performances

The best martial arts All of the TV shows feature their version of high-octane action sequences, fight choreography, and commanding performances from their leads that combine to create a compelling series. The star not only needs to give a convincing performance with his dialogues, but also demonstrate legitimate martial arts skills and physicality necessary to execute the sequences. The best shows will perfectly combine all the elements to create an entertaining series that doesn’t focus too much on narrative or action, but creates a balance between the two.

In a genre with many iconic performances, from David Carradine’s groundbreaking role in Kung Fu in 1972, until William Zabka’s dynamic return to the iconic Karate Kid franchise in Cobra Kaithe stars continually provide an authentic and intense portrayal of martial arts. Whether as a kung fu master, a martial arts icon, or someone just at the beginning of their journey, every role plays a crucial element in the series. Actors must rely on their skills, training, and choreography to produce the best, most iconic performances of their careers.

10

Kevin Cheng – Ip Man (2013)

Like Ip Man

Fan Xiaotian Ip Man sees Kevin Cheng take over the role of the legendary grandmaster of Chinese martial arts who taught many students the art of Wing Chun, the most famous being Bruce Lee. The series takes place at the beginning of the 20th century and romanticizes the icon’s life, showing his journey in martial arts and his personal and business struggles.

For a biographical series focused on realism, it should be noted that the real-life Ip Man’s sons, Ip Chun and Ip Ching, were tasked as martial arts consultants for the series, which adds a genuine quality to the action. Cheng gives the performance of his career, with impeccable Wing Chun techniques and a relentless physicality that also defined the combat style of the real Ip Man. Although the show went largely unnoticed, overshadowed by some bigger budget films about Ip ManCheng’s performance alone is enough to watch it.

9

Finn Jones – Iron Fist (2017-2018)

As Danny Rand/Iron Fist

Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and thus continuing the story of other films and series in the franchise, Iron Fist tells the story of Danny Rand (Finn Jones). Rand was presumed dead after disappearing for 15 years, after spending his time as a Buddhist monk, learning martial arts, kung fu and his ability to summon the ‘Iron Fist’a mythical power he can summon. He returns home to New York and discovers that his family’s business has been taken over by Harold Meachum, and he has to choose between family loyalty and his role as Iron Fist.

In his breakout role, Jones had to prepare for a performance like never before, saying he studied kung fu, wushu and tai chi, as well as extensive weight training and meditation practices. It was this attention to detail that helped him perform as skillfully as he did, completing complex fight scenes with close-range kung fu techniques. His character has a complex and layered nature, requiring a unique combination of skills, personality and mysticism that Jones delivers to universal acclaim.

8

Iko Uwais – Wu Assassins (2019)

As Kai Jin

In the American supernatural action series Wu AssassinsIko Uwais stars as Kai Jin, a young chef from San Francisco’s Chinatown who becomes embroiled in the Chinese Triad’s search for ancient and deadly powers. Kai discovers that he is the thousandth and final ‘Wu Assassin’ who have a lifelong duty to kill the five Wu Warlords. He receives a magical amulet that has the skill and power of 1000 monks that helps him enhance his martial arts powers and skills.

Uwais, best known for his roles in The invasion series, brings a unique skill set to his lead role as Kai. In addition to acting, he has credits for stunt work and fight choreography, which helps take your role to new heights with his increased athleticism and understanding of fight scenes from both sides of the camera. It’s this added realism and authenticity that makes his portrayal stand out so much, bringing his character to life with exquisite skills and brutal power.

7

Danny Chan – The Legend of Bruce Lee (2008)

Like Bruce Lee

The legend of Bruce Lee is a Chinese biographical series about the life and times of martial arts cinema’s greatest icon, Bruce Lee. Danny Chan plays the titular character in this 50-episode saga that pays homage to every aspect of the legend’s life and career. Divided into seven distinct partsfollows Lee’s early years in Hong Kong, his training and rise to martial arts master, his transformation into a Hollywood superstar, and his untimely death at just 32 years old.

In addition to developing the skills and mannerisms needed to accurately portray Bruce Lee, it also helps that Chan bears a remarkably striking resemblance to the martial arts icon. It’s clear that Chan worked hard to replicate Bruce Lee’s style so accurately, from legendary moments like his ‘one-inch punch’ and his explosive Hollywood fight scenes, Chan nails every sequence. Their charisma and natural similarities help make this Chan the most confident and acclaimed performance of his career.

6

Wataru Ichinose – Shrine (2023 to present)

As Kiyoshi Oze/Enno

In a slightly different take on the martial arts genre that definitely went unnoticed It’s Japanese drama Sanctuary. It follows the story of Kiyoshi Oze (Wataru Ichinose), an outspoken and volatile young delinquent who, to survive and his family, decides to enter the brutal world of professional sumo wrestling. Ichinose’s performance is incredibly moving as he is a young man struggling with his own demons while trying to play at the highest level in a sport he knows nothing about.

His portrayal of Kiyoshi Oze is graphic and unflinching as he captures the cruel struggles of a rebellious young man who is trying to find himself. Far from the typical acting role, it is a role for which he had to prepare, both in terms of body composition and structure, as well as learning the intricate and devastating art of sumo. His dedication to the process is evident in every fight scene, as he masters the nuances of the sport, and the show highlights a martial art that is so revered, but also so overlooked in terms of media coverage.

5

Charlie Cox – Daredevil (2015-2018)

As Matt Murdock/Daredevil

Charlie Cox stars as Matt Murdock aka Recklessin this Netflix series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It tells the story of Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights crime in court during the day, but later transforms into a vigilante superhero at night. It should be noted that although he is technically a superhero, he does not possess any extraordinary abilities other than heightened senses that can help him ‘see’ how he is using his martial arts skills to defeat the criminal underworld of Hell’s Kitchen.

Cox had to undergo extensive physical and skills-based training to effectively play the role of Reckless. He trained Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu and also worked on his physical preparation to complete the fight sequences and bring the necessary physicality to the character. The show has a lot of incredible fights, especially the Unique ‘phone booth’ style hallway sequences which became a trademark of the show. Cox’s innate ability to portray a masked vigilante capable of ruthlessly defeating his enemies while also displaying vulnerable moments makes this one of his best performances ever.

4

David Carradine – Kung Fu (1972-1975)

As Kwai Chang Caine

In a series that has, in large part, helped introduce and educate a wide audience about martial arts, David Carradine stars as Kwai Chang Caine. Caine is the orphaned son of an American father and a Chinese mother, who trains at the Shaolin Monastery, where he grows up and becomes a Shaolin priest and martial arts expert. He then travels across the American West to find his half-brother, while also using his martial arts skills to dispense justice and protection when he sees fit.

It cannot be underestimated how influential this program was at the time, and it is possible that some other programs on this list would not have been developed if not for Carradine’s pioneering work. His calm personality and incredible martial arts skill quickly made him an icon in this world. 62-episode drama. Although not as physical as some of the others, Carradine ensured that every move had a purpose, effortlessly displaying his skill on larger opponents, and laid the foundation for more modern martial arts work in Western film and television.

3

Andrew Koji – Warrior (2019-2023)

Like Ah Sahm

Based on an original concept and treatment of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, Warrior is set during the San Francisco Tong Wars of the 1870s and follows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji). Sahm is a Chinese immigrant and martial arts prodigy who is drawn to crime underbelly and brutal gang scene hoping to find his sister, who has been missing since they arrived in the area.

Koji dropped out of university at age 19 to focus full-time on acting and martial arts, studying and competing in various taekwondo tournaments, while also learning Shaolin kung fu at his local Shaolin Temple. It’s this setting that helps Koji perform his incredible fight scenes and stunts. that mix authentic martial arts with street fights. His commitment to his role and the fluidity and genuine skill on display create a masterpiece of martial arts media that has made him one to watch in the future.

2

William Zabka – Cobra Kai (2018-2025)

As Johnny Lawrence

In the series by Robert Mark Kamen, sequel to the original The Karate Kid franchise, William Zabka reprises his role as the iconic bully and star Daniel LaRusso’s antagonist Johnny Lawrence. His portrayal in this latest issue is a fascinating character study, charting his journey from high school bully to absent and depressed father to eventual mentor and sensei to the new Cobra Kai dojo.

Zabka’s portrayal of the adult bully is touching and comical, with many bittersweet moments throughout the series. With six seasons and 55 episodes, your character’s arc and life story can be fully developed, showing growth and maturity throughout the series. The fight and action sequences are all more realistic and polished compared to the film, and Zabka’s performance, as well as the respect and homage paid to the original, is what makes this one of the most popular series of all time.

1

Daniel Wu – In the Outlands (2015-2019)

So sunny

In the arid lands is a post-apocalyptic drama series starring Daniel Wu as Sunny, a highly skilled and trained ‘clipper’ who is a loyal fighter and servant of the most powerful baron in the BadlandsQuinn. The series is set five hundred years in the future, in states between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River that have developed a feudal society where monopolies, divisions, and labor functions are managed to maintain some form of order.

Having developed an interest in martial arts when he first saw Jet Li in The Shaolin TempleWu began training in the martial art wushu at age 11. Wu’s early experience in martial arts gave him the ability to perform the stunts necessary to solidify his portrayal as the Badlands’ most feared assassin. The series has a Action-packed storytelling combined with stylized choreography and beautiful visualswhich helps make it a must-see show, and Wu’s intricate fight scenes and flawless delivery in both acting and martial arts make it the best performance in a martial arts series to date.