Tom Hardy reveals how important jiu-jitsu has been in his life

Actor Tom Hardy has revealed just how important jiu-jitsu has been in his life following another tournament victory over the weekend.

The star of films such as Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road won all his matches to claim gold at the Ultimate Martial Arts Championships Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Open, held at Oakgrove school in Milton Keynes.

It comes just a few weeks after the British actor, whose real name is Edward Hardy, surprised audiences by attending and then winning the REORG Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Wolverhampton, a tournament aimed at raising funds for military personnel, veterans and emergency service workers.

REORG, a charity for which Hardy is a trustee, helps teach jiu-jitsu to those with serious injuries, or who are suffering from PTSD and depression.

The 45-year-old has been a long-time student of the sport, and his appearance at the weekend neatly mirrors his role in the 2011 movie Warrior, in which he plays a former US Marine who enters a mixed martial arts tournament that culminates in a fight with his estranged brother.

But while the actor is known predominantly for his tough guy persona on-screen, Danny Appleby, Hardy’s semi-final opponent in Wolverhampton, told local media he was “genuinely a really nice guy”.

Appleby added: “I was shell-shocked.

“I said I couldn't believe it was actually him, he just kind of laughed.

“I’ve done about six tournaments and I’ve been on the podium in every one. But he’s probably the toughest competitor I’ve had – he certainly lived up to his Bane character, that’s for sure.”

Not long after his triumph, Hardy took to social media to express just how impactful jiu-jitsu has been for him.

On Instagram, he wrote: “Addiction is difficult and complex stuff to navigate; as is mental health. Subjects which are both deeply personal for me and extremely close to my heart.

“It is an honour to be able to represent the charity and my team REORG and the great work they do supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans of service, military and first responders through the therapeutic benefits of Jiu Jitsu and fitness training.

“Simple training, for me (as a hobby and a private love) has been fundamentally key to further develop a deeper sense of inner resilience, calm and well being. I can’t stress the importance it has had and the impact on my life and my fellow team mates.”