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28 Famous People Who Are Black Belts

Action heroes are revered by fans as they often perform dangerous daredevil stunts. While many use body doubles, some choose to perform their own stunts; it helps if the actors are no strangers to martial arts. While knowing martial arts may help actors, there are famous people from other profession who have chosen martial arts for different reasons. Here is a list of famous people who are black belts!

1. Willie Nelson

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Willie Nelson
Birthday: 30 April 1933
Born In: Abbott, Texas, United States
Sun Sign: Taurus
Famous As: One of the Most Recognized Artists in Country Music

Willie Nelson is a multitalented artist who has earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a fifth-degree black belt in GongKwon Yusul (a modern Korean martial art). Also, he has claimed that he has developed a unique style of training Taekwondo.

2. Vladimir Putin

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Vladimir Putin
Birthday: 07 October 1952
Born In: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Sun Sign: Libra
Famous As: President of Russia (2000 - 2008, Incumbent Since 2012)
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President and former intelligence officer of the Russian intelligence agency 'KGB,' is an 8th dan black belt in Judo. He has also co-authored books on the martial art titled 'Judo with Vladimir Putin', in Russian, and 'Judo: History, Theory, Practice', in English.

3. Elvis Presley

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Elvis Presley
Birthday: 08 January 1935
Born In: Tupelo, Mississippi, United States
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died On: 16 August 1977
Famous As: One of the Most Significant Cultural Icons of the 20th Century and 'The King of Rock and Roll'
After joining the U.S. Army as a private, Presley was introduced to karate, which became his lifelong interest. Eventually, he became a black belt holder in karate.

4. Ed O’Neill

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Ed O’Neill
Birthday: 12 April 1946
Born In: Youngstown, Ohio, United States
Sun Sign: Aries
Famous As: Actor & Comedian Best Known for His Portrayal of 'Al Bundy' in the Fox Network Sitcom ‘Married...With Children’

Ed O'Neill received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in December 2007. He has trained in the martial art for 22 years.

5. Sarah Michelle Gellar

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Sarah Michelle Gellar
Birthday: 14 April 1977
Born In: Long Island, New York, United States
Sun Sign: Aries
Famous As: Best Known for Her Role of 'Buffy Summers' in the Series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
The beautiful actress, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who slew vampires in the TV series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' is a black belt in Taekwondo.