Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy, born in 1977, first encountered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2011 while preparing for his role as an MMA fighter in the film "Warrior." This initial exposure ignited his interest, but it was in 2018 that Hardy committed to consistent training. He began at a Roger Gracie Academy and later refined his skills under the guidance of coach Carlos Santos in London. Hardy adopted an intensive training schedule, often attending sessions up to five times per week when not filming. Even while traveling for film projects, he prioritized finding local gyms to maintain his training momentum.

Belt Progression and Influences

Hardy earned his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu around 2020, a testament to his dedication and technical growth. His journey continued with a promotion to purple belt in June 2023 by Tomasz Rydzewski, a Roger Gracie black belt, and then to brown belt in January 2026 by Sonny Weston at SWBJJ Horsham BJJ during a seminar led by Tom DeBlass. Throughout his progression, Hardy sought instruction from elite coaches, including John Danaher, Tom DeBlass, Renzo Gracie, Roger Gracie, and members of the Daisy Fresh team. His training frequency adapts to his acting schedule, ranging from two to three sessions per week during filming to as many as five sessions when off set.

Tournament Success and Technical Approach

Hardy entered the competitive scene at blue belt in 2022, often registering under a pseudonym to avoid media attention. In August 2022, he competed at the 2022 REORG Open Championship Wolverhampton, securing double gold in both gi and no-gi divisions in the masters blue belt category. His performances at the REORG Open and the Milton Keynes Tournament in 2022 gained widespread attention, with viral footage showcasing his legitimate technical ability and composure under pressure.

Mindset and Competitive Philosophy

Hardy approaches competition as a meditative practice, focusing on personal growth and technical refinement rather than victory. He has stated, "Now it’s more of a meditation or relaxing… I have no competitive spirit," and "I don’t need to win, I don’t care… I always get beaten, but that’s okay." Despite this mindset, he continues to test his skills in UK tournaments as a brown belt. Hardy received an offer for a high-profile submission-only match against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan for a Hype FC event scheduled for December 30, 2025, but declined due to filming obligations, emphasizing that his decision was not financially motivated.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Beyond his achievements on the mats, Hardy is a leading advocate for the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He serves as trustee and head ambassador for REORG, a UK-based charity supporting military veterans and first responders through jiu-jitsu. Hardy actively competes in REORG events to raise awareness and is recognized for uplifting teammates and promoting projects within the broader BJJ community.

Personal Growth and Inclusivity

Hardy has spoken candidly about how BJJ has helped him manage personal challenges, including past struggles with addiction and mental health. He credits training with fostering resilience, calm, and well-being. Within the academy, Hardy is known for his humility and inclusivity, volunteering with children’s classes and participating in group sessions without seeking special treatment despite his celebrity status.

Advocacy for Neurodiversity and Holistic Benefits

In November 2025, Hardy expanded his advocacy by collaborating with Tatami Fightwear on an autism-focused collection, using his platform to promote neurodiversity within the BJJ community. He also contributed the foreword to Roger Gracie’s book "Tao of Warrior," highlighting the holistic lifestyle benefits and inclusivity of BJJ. Hardy’s journey and outreach continue to inspire practitioners both on and off the mats.