Asian Actresses Who Are Also Accomplished Martial Artists

For years, Asian actresses have been central to the action movie genre, thanks to their impressive martial arts skills. Many started out as athletes or stunt performers, and their ability to perform challenging fight scenes themselves – without relying on doubles – has won them praise from both fans and fellow actors. This is a look at some of the amazing women who have excelled in both combat and acting.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is an Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her expertise in martial arts and dance. She’s famous for doing her own stunts in action movies like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and ‘Police Story 3: Super Cop’. Her training in ballet gave her the grace and accuracy she’s known for in fight scenes. While she first gained global recognition as a Bond girl in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, she cemented her status as a legend with her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi became internationally known after starring in the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. She trained for years in martial arts (Wushu) and dance at the Beijing Dance Academy, which helped her perform convincing fight scenes. Films like ‘House of Flying Daggers’ and ‘Hero’ demonstrate her talent for combining action with heartfelt emotion. She continues to be a major star in Chinese movies, often taking on roles that require intense physical preparation.

Cheng Pei-pei

Cheng Pei-pei is celebrated as a pioneer for women in Hong Kong action films, largely thanks to her memorable performance in ‘Come Drink with Me’. Originally a ballerina, she brought her grace and training to the demanding fight choreography of Wuxia movies, inspiring many actresses who followed. She later gained international recognition playing the formidable Jade Fox in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’.

Moon Lee

Moon Lee rose to fame in the 1980s as a leading action star in Hong Kong’s ‘girls with guns’ films. Skilled in both Wushu and Taekwondo, she was known for her realistic and energetic fight scenes. Her work in the ‘Angel’ movies cemented her reputation as one of the best female martial artists in the genre, and she quickly became a popular favorite among fans of East Asian action cinema.

Yukari Oshima

Yukari Oshima is a Japanese actress and martial artist who became well-known in Hong Kong cinema. She started with Goju-ryu Karate and later added other fighting styles for her movie roles. She often played strong, challenging characters – either villains or tough opponents – in films like ‘Millionaires Express’ and ‘Angel’. Her impressive kicks and realistic fighting skills made her known as one of the most powerful women in the industry.

JeeJa Yanin

JeeJa Yanin is a Thai actress and highly skilled martial artist with a black belt in Taekwondo. She quickly became famous after starring in the action movie ‘Chocolate,’ where her incredible speed and athleticism were on full display. Because of her extensive training, she can perform impressive stunts and fight scenes with very little reliance on special effects. Since then, she’s worked on films around the world, continuing to share her unique talents in action movies.

Zhang Lanxin

Zhang Lanxin was a champion Taekwondo athlete for China and a member of the national team. She was discovered by Jackie Chan and started her acting career in his film ‘Chinese Zodiac’ (also known as ‘CZ12’). Known for her long reach and powerful kicks, she’s become a prominent action star, often playing strong, capable characters in big-budget movies, drawing on her athletic skills.

Miki Mizuno

Miki Mizuno is a Japanese actress known for her work in TV dramas and action films. She’s skilled in various martial arts and frequently performs her own stunts, especially in Japanese productions. Her appearances in the popular ‘Bayside Shakedown’ series showcased her ability to handle both dramatic and physically demanding roles. She remains a well-known and talented actress in Japan.

Rina Takeda

Rina Takeda is a highly skilled martial artist with a black belt in Ryukyu Shōrin-ryū Karate. She became well-known for the movie ‘High Kick Girl,’ where she performed all her fight scenes herself, without any special effects or stand-ins. Her commitment to authentic martial arts action makes her stand out in films. She also regularly performs and competes to stay in top shape and keep her skills sharp.

Chiaki Kuriyama

Chiaki Kuriyama first gained international recognition for her memorable role as Gogo Yubari in ‘Kill Bill Volume 1’. Though she began her career as a model and actress, she dedicated herself to intense martial arts training to get ready for action-packed roles. Her skillful use of a chain weapon in the film became a defining moment in modern action movies. She continues to act in Japanese films and TV shows, frequently choosing roles that demand a lot of physical conditioning.

Maggie Q

Maggie Q started her career in Hong Kong, where Jackie Chan taught her how to perform fight scenes for the screen. She’s skilled in Wushu and other martial arts, which she put to use in the TV show ‘Nikita’. Her experience as a model and athlete helped her easily move into action-packed roles in Hollywood. She’s known for being able to convincingly handle weapons and perform intricate fight choreography, as seen in films like ‘Mission Impossible 3’.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is a talented actress known for her ability to perform her own impressive fight scenes. She’s trained extensively in martial arts like Kali, Eskrima, and Silat, which she used in films such as ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill’. This dedication to physical skill has helped her create some of the most iconic female action characters in movies and on television, and she continues to bring these skills to her diverse roles.

Kelly Hu

Kelly Hu, a former Miss Teen USA, is a highly skilled martial artist with a black belt in Karate and training in many other fighting styles. She’s best known for her role as Lady Deathstrike in ‘X2 X-Men United,’ where she performed challenging stunts and fight choreography. Her martial arts background has been a consistent part of her work, appearing in both live-action and animated roles. She continues to be involved in the action film community and often shares her dedication to fitness and training.

Celina Jade

As a huge cinema fan, I’ve been consistently impressed by Celina Jade. She comes from a background steeped in performing and martial arts, and it really shows on screen. She’s incredibly skilled in Wushu and archery, which was a major factor in her landing the lead role in the blockbuster ‘Wolf Warrior 2’. What I especially admire is that she does her own stunts and fight choreography – it makes her performances so authentic and has made her a really in-demand actress in films both in China and around the world. I also enjoyed seeing her skills showcased in the series ‘Arrow’, where she clearly knew her way around a variety of weapons.

Joyce Godenzi

Joyce Godenzi initially gained fame as Miss Hong Kong, but later became a skilled martial artist, trained by her husband, Sammo Hung. She’s recognized for her expertise in Wushu and her strong performances in movies like ‘Eastern Condors’. Her success in moving from beauty queen to respected action star was notable in Hong Kong cinema. Although she retired from acting while still popular, she continues to be admired in the martial arts community.

Li Bingbing

Li Bingbing is a hugely popular actress in China who has also found success in big-budget Hollywood action movies. She trained extensively in Wushu martial arts for films like ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ and ‘Resident Evil Retribution’. Her skill with complex fight scenes and weapons work has helped her shine in these large-scale productions. She remains a leading actress, known for combining compelling stories with physically demanding roles.

Liu Yifei

Liu Yifei is a well-known Chinese actress who excels in action roles, particularly in Wuxia films. She’s skilled in martial arts and sword fighting, training that was crucial for her role in the live-action ‘Mulan’. Her work in ‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ with celebrated martial artists also proved her talent in the genre. She’s admired for her fluid movements and ability to perform complex and powerful stunts with grace.

Ha Ji-won

Ha Ji-won is a well-known South Korean actress who’s admired for being able to play a wide range of characters and for her dedication to physically demanding roles. She’s trained in martial arts like Kendo and boxing to convincingly portray action scenes in popular dramas and movies such as ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Sector 7’. This commitment to performing her own stunts and fight choreography has made her a leading force in the entertainment industry. She consistently chooses roles that push her physical limits while still connecting with audiences on an emotional level.

Lee Si-young

Lee Si-young stands out in South Korea’s entertainment world because she’s both a popular actress and a former competitive boxer. She initially took up boxing for a role in a TV show, but ended up excelling at the sport, winning multiple amateur titles and even joining a professional team. This real-life combat experience clearly enhances her performances in action-packed series like ‘Sweet Home’. People appreciate her dedication and the genuine intensity she brings to her physical roles.

Pom Klementieff

Pom Klementieff has been working hard to improve her martial arts skills for her roles in movies like those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and ‘Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’. She’s trained in Taekwondo and boxing, which allows her to do many of her own stunts in these big action films. She loves combat sports and often shares her training journey with her fans.

Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick is a British actress with Chinese heritage known for her impressive martial arts skills. She’s become proficient in various weapon and fighting techniques to convincingly play roles requiring combat, including extensive training in Wushu and staff fighting for her part as Colleen Wing in ‘Iron Fist’. She continued honing these skills in films like ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and ‘The Gray Man’, earning praise for her realistic and graceful fight choreography.

Jing Tian

Jing Tian is a Chinese actress known for her roles in big-budget action movies like ‘The Great Wall’ and ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’. She trained extensively in Wushu martial arts to prepare for these physically demanding parts. Her dance experience gave her a strong foundation, allowing her to quickly learn complex fight choreography. She remains a popular actress in international films, often appearing in action-packed blockbusters.

Nana Seino

Nana Seino is a Japanese actress known for her incredible athleticism and impressive stunt work. Skilled in martial arts, she often performs her own fight scenes in movies like ‘Kingdom’, bringing a realistic energy to action sequences. Many consider her a rising star in Japanese action films thanks to her technical abilities and dedication.

Tao Tsuchiya

Tao Tsuchiya is a Japanese actress known for her action roles, which she approaches with a unique blend of dance and athletic training. She gained recognition for her physically demanding role in the series ‘Alice in Borderland,’ demonstrating impressive stamina and fighting ability. Her background in traditional Japanese dance, Nihon Buyo, and other disciplines gives her the balance and coordination necessary for performing challenging stunts. She actively looks for roles that let her show off her physical skills and versatility.

Asami

Asami is a Japanese actress and stunt performer who’s gained a dedicated following for her work in over-the-top action movies. She’s a skilled Karate practitioner, and uses her training to perform incredibly realistic and hard-hitting fight scenes. Her appearances in films like ‘The Machine Girl’ and ‘Gothic and Lolita Psycho’ have made her known as a powerful and convincing fighter on screen. She’s famous for fearlessly performing her own stunts and expertly handling various weapons.

Cynthia Khan

I recently revisited some classic Hong Kong action flicks, and I have to say, Cynthia Khan is seriously impressive. She stepped into the role previously held by Michelle Yeoh in the ‘In the Line of Duty’ series and absolutely owned it. The woman’s a martial arts master – trained in both Taekwondo and Wushu – and it shows in every fight scene. Her speed and those incredible kicks made her a huge action star back in the late 80s and 90s, and honestly, she’s still a major influence on the ‘girls with guns’ genre today. If you’re a fan of fast-paced action, definitely check out her films!

Michiko Nishiwaki

Michiko Nishiwaki is a Japanese actress who first gained recognition as a bodybuilding champion. She then became a popular action star in Hong Kong films like ‘My Lucky Stars,’ known for her impressive physical strength and fighting abilities. Her martial arts training allowed her to work alongside iconic actors such as Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. Later, she expanded her career to Hollywood, working as both a stunt double and an actress, proving her versatility.

Nora Miao

Nora Miao is a famous actress, best remembered for starring in several of Bruce Lee’s most iconic movies. Though primarily trained as a dramatic actress, she also learned Wing Chun and other martial arts styles to convincingly perform in her fight scenes. Her roles in films like ‘The Way of the Dragon’ and ‘Fist of Fury’ launched her to international fame in the 1970s, and she’s still celebrated today as a talented and captivating figure in martial arts cinema.

Jamie Chung

Jamie Chung is an American actress with Korean heritage who is also skilled in martial arts. She trained in Taekwondo for the movie ‘Sucker Punch’ and has continued practicing for other roles, allowing her to confidently perform challenging action sequences. This versatility has helped her succeed in a wide range of film and television projects, and she continues to be a busy and dynamic performer.

Moon Bloodgood

Moon Bloodgood is an actress known for her roles in action movies, and she brings a real physicality to those parts thanks to her athletic background. She’s trained in martial arts like Hapkido and Muay Thai, which helped her prepare for films like ‘Terminator Salvation’. Her dedication to fitness and combat skills makes her convincing as a strong, capable character, and she’s become well-known for playing these types of roles.

Fala Chen

Fala Chen is a Chinese American actress who gained recognition for her action skills in the hit movie ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. She trained hard in different styles of Wushu and Tai Chi to convincingly play a skilled martial artist. Her dance experience proved valuable, helping her learn the graceful and precise movements needed for the fight scenes. She’s now building an international career, seeking out diverse and demanding roles.

Gong Li

Gong Li is a highly acclaimed actress in China, known for her dedication to physically demanding roles. She trained in martial arts, including swordsmanship and Wushu, to convincingly portray the strong-willed witch in the film ‘Mulan’. Her combination of skillful acting and challenging physical performances sets her apart in world cinema. Throughout her career, she consistently embodies both grace and power.

2026-02-07 03:57