Celeb Trivia You Should KnowStars: They're just like us! These are lists of fascinating facts about famous people - who, despite all the glitz and glamour, are well-rounded, full-formed human beings. Mostly.
This list contains information about celebrities who are black belts, loosely ranked by fame and popularity. Several famous actors, athletes, musicians, and politicians are black belts. Some of these celebrities are black belts in karate, while others are black belts in judo. One of the world's most powerful leaders is a 9th degree black belt.
Who is the most famous celebrity who is a black belt? Elvis Presley tops our list. Elvis Presley was a 1st degree black belt in karate. Willie Nelson is a 5th degree black belt in Gong Kwon Yu Sul. Nelson earned his black belt the day before his 81st birthday. “It's just good for you physically. For your lungs. The more you're breathing, exercising, the better you're going to feel,” Nelson said about martial arts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is a 9th degree black belt (the highest of all degrees) in Taekwondo. He also practices judo. In 2008, he released a video entitled “Let's Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin.” Steven Seagal is a 7th degree black belt in Aikido. He is also a black belt in karate, judo, and kendo. Wesley Snipes has a 5th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido.
Are you impressed that so many celebrities are black belts?
