Martial Arts and John Wick: Chapter 4 (part 2)

.Today is 12. February 2023. Let’s get ready to watch John Wick: Chapter 4!
Release date 24. March 2023.  Only 40 days left!
Let’s continue discussion about the martial arts world, which is a key element of the John Wick movies. Some excerpts from the book Keanu Reeves’ Art & Speed – from the Martial arts chapter -, which will bring us closer to understanding martial arts and the fight scenes in John Wick movies.

John Wick and Jiu-Jitsu

I continue John Wick and Jiu-Jitsu part from the book Keanu Reeves’Art & Speed.
David Leitch producer said: “Keanu went through extensive training, probably four solid months. I don’t mean like an hour every day doing push ups and sit ups. I mean five days a week, eight hours a day: gun training, martial arts training and driving training.” The director, Chad Stahelski, sang his praises: “He was always first man there, last man to leave and when it’s time to hit the gym or hit a specific skill set he’s always there, he’s always been incredibly involved and he wants to be there.” What makes Keanu Reeves and the character of John Wick a little different than other modern action stars is just technique and training. He doesn’t have the biggest muscles nor does he use brute force but his style is much more realistic and indicative of how a highly trained guy would kick ass in real life.

Japanese Jiu Jitsu was the original samurai art. Some call it the ‘mother art’. It incorporated everything that they needed to use on the battlefield when the samurai soldiers were fighting. Obviously certain assumptions come along with that; that you are big and strong, that you are wearing armour and that you’re carrying a samurai sword (a katana). Derived forms of jujutsu include the martial art of judo, developed from several traditional styles of jujutsu. John Wick is fighting in style of ‘Brazilian jiu-jitsu’ (BJJ) as well. BJJ was derived from earlier (pre–World War II) versions of Kodokan judo. BJJ is most strongly differentiated from other martial arts by its greater emphasis on ground fighting. This can be used in self-defence situations, such as in case of John Wick.

John Wick: Chapter 2

The action blockbuster John Wick was followed by the John Wick: Chapter 2, where John Wick goes on the run after a bounty is placed on his head. This action film marks the first collaboration between Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne since appearing together in The Matrix. The movie came out in begin of 2017. The director Chad Stahelski revealed that he took the same approach to making John Wick: Chapter 2 as another highly-regarded sequel, James Cameron’s 1986 sci-fi classic Aliens. Much like the first in the series, the sequel was applauded by audiences and critics alike. In addition, much like the first film, Keanu underwent extensive training for the sequel too which included martial arts as well as shooting and stunt driving training. He learned derived forms of jujutsu such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Japanese jiu-jitsu and even some judo throws which seem to be some of John Wick’s favourite hand to hand techniques in the series.

Footage of Keanu preparing for John Wick series

On YouTube, there is a fantastic footage of Keanu preparing for John Wick series. On a shooting range in Los Angeles, alternating between a rifle, a pistol and a shotgun and using live rounds, he spends a thrilling 37 seconds obliterating every target. “You know, [that footage] is OK,” he said. “The transition between the first one isn’t great [he means his first swap from rifle to handgun]. But guns are fun! The aiming of it is the execution process. I really enjoy it. And it kind of gives a truthful feeling to the film.” Many types of Keanu Reeves preparing can be watched by the YouTube.:

Keanu Reeves’ Tactical training for John Wick 2

Keanu Reeves – John Wick Fight Scene Choreography Training

John Wick 2 Exclusive: Keanu Reeves’ stunt training

To be continued …

Excerpts from the book:
KEANU REEVES’ ART & SPEED
The Matrix’Hero, Wins Over New Dimensions
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