Tom Hardy’s Jiu-Jitsu Coach Explains How The Hollywood Star Fell In Love With BJJ

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Tom Hardy first discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2018 while visiting a boxing gym in West London, according to coach Carlos Santos.

Santos was teaching a grappling class when Hardy noticed students training in gis across the room.
Although the actor had previously starred in the MMA-themed film Warrior, Santos initially hesitated to let him fully train because of concerns surrounding his knee.

Santos instead suggested an introductory class, and Hardy returned the following day to begin training.
Here is what he had to say in an interview with MMA Fighting:

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This is my third gym that I’ve trained at. I wanted to find a gym where I could get more 1-1 time with the head instructor and also where I felt part of the academy.

I knew from the first time speaking with Prof. Nei that I made the right choice. First off, from the minute you meet Nei you feel welcomed. He is smiling, easy to talk to, and genuinely enjoys people. And then you roll with him and you wonder how can this guy be so deadly but also so nice at the same time. Like a big bear. And then you realize that he is just a great professor and a great person.

He spoke about the history of BJJ as a self defense, and the importance of having a strong stand up game. Two things that the other gyms did not focus on. Everyday we practice take downs along with our ground game.

In conclusion, the gym is only as good as the professor and professor Nei is the man. He gives more instruction, direction, and invests more into his students than anyone that I’ve ever met.

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