John Wick’s Martial Arts: The Art of Combatives in Action

The action-packed franchise John Wick is a testament to the blend of various martial arts styles that its titular character utilizes. From efficient street-fighting techniques to fluid ground combat, the combination of different martial arts styles contributes to the thrilling and realistic action sequences that fans adore.

The Diverse Tapestry of Fighting Styles

In the John Wick series, John Wick employs a multifaceted approach to combat, seamlessly blending elements from several disciplines. These include:

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

BJJ is prominently featured in John’s grappling techniques, ground control, and submissions. This martial art is ideal for neutralizing opponents from the ground. In the film, his gestures and movements display a mastery of controlling situations, leveraging their weight and positioning to apply effective submissions. Notable techniques include armbars, triangle chokes, and other submission holds.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a practical self-defense system characterized by its efficiency and straightforward methods. The film showcases this through John’s use of practical strikes and efficient movements, often in chaotic street scenarios. His techniques are designed to maximize damage while minimizing the risk of injury to himself.

Judo

John Wick frequently employs judo throws and techniques for controlling and throwing opponents. Judo’s emphasis on leverage and timing is evident in his throws, where he uses the jacket grips and sharp push/pull movements to unbalance adversaries, leading to elegant and realistic dispositions.

Gun Fu

Gun Fu is a unique blend of firearms training and martial arts. The film highlights this distinctive style through Wick’s fluid transitions between hand-to-hand combat and shooting. This blend not only showcases his proficiency with firearms but also his seamless integration of combat techniques. Wick’s use of guns in conjunction with his striking and grappling skills creates a compelling and dynamic action sequence.

Boxing

Elements of boxing are also present in John’s fighting approach, particularly in his striking techniques and footwork. His punches and blocks are well-coordinated, and his movement demonstrates a strong foundation in boxing principles.

The Choreography: A Blend of Styles

The choreography of the fight scenes in John Wick is highly stylized and emphasizes realism. The martial arts displayed are a blend of Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Sambo, with heavy modifications to incorporate handling guns. The depiction of combat techniques is detailed and authentic, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes the series.

Adaptation and Representation

The choreographers for the film have done an excellent job in blending multiple styles. While there are moments where the representation of martial arts techniques may feel modified or exaggerated for cinematic effect, the overall approach is highly realistic. John Wick not only includes elements of Aikido in stand-up exchanges but also judo throws with precise jacket grips and push/pull motions.

There are also BJJ submissions, though they may not always be portrayed in the most authentic manner, as real BJJ techniques can be complex to perform without training. However, the film does an admirable job of representing these techniques.

In addition, the use of Krav Maga strikes and "mean and painful tactics" adds a layer of realism and brutality to the fight scenes, enhancing the overall intensity of the series.

Conclusion

The John Wick series is a masterclass in the blending of various martial arts styles. From the fluidity of Judo and BJJ to the practicality of Krav Maga and the versatility of boxing, the film showcases a diverse and dynamic approach to combat. The choreography and representation of these techniques not only entertain but also offer insights into the intricacies of these martial arts.

Key Takeaways: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo for ground combat Krav Maga for efficient self-defense and practical street fighting Boxing for coordination and footwork Gun Fu for integration of firearms and martial arts

Sometimes, even with a blend of styles, adjustments are made for cinematic effect, but the core principles and techniques remain true to their origins, making the John Wick series a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts and fans of thrilling action sequences.